Shaqadoon

Shaqodoon Organization is an offshoot of the USAID funded EDC project Somali Youth Livelihood program, (SYLP) /Shaqodoon that provided livelihood skills, training and employment opportunities to Somali Youth; Shaqodoon is a Somali word for Job Seeker. Shaqodoon Organization was started by former EDC senior staff who decided to continue with the important activities of that program which includes: vocational skills training, job placement, entrepreneurship work readiness and financial literacy training using varies methodology effective methodologies including in class, through interactive audio instruction and use of InfoMatch SMS and Voice based mobile system. Shaqodoon Organizations was registered in October, 2011 and during this period it has established its headquarters in Hargeisa and established field office in Mogadishu, Bossaso, Beletewayne and Kismayo. The organization signed MoU's with several government ministries including Ministry of Labor and Ministry of Youth. The organization also signed working agreements with all Somali telecommunications telecoms including Telesom, Nationlink, Golis, Hormuud and Somtel. These groups see Shaqodoon’s effort as valuable fuel to the engine of economic growth. Currently, Shaqodoon is managed by a 40 member staff and governed by 5 board members. The board of directors, with their role of setting policies for the organization is selected from influential business people and civil society and other respected individuals (nationals and foreigners) all having an outstanding image in the community. The Organization is legal registered in Somaliland, Puntland and South Central Somalia and presence in Nairobi, Kenya. Shaqodoon Organization offers youth customized comprehensive training programs including work readiness, entrepreneurship [Build Your Business training- BYB,] vocational training skills, financial literacy that links youth in the opportunities to the world of work with the local business community, financial institutions and above all encourages the youth to inculcate entrepreneurial culture. Shaqodoon also utilizes innovative cell phone and web-based technologies that provide platforms for NGOs, donors, private sector and government to deliver SMS/Voice feedback services to promote accountability, transparency and effective monitoring of programs. This service is accessible to a wide variety of community members including job-matching for jobseekers and employers.  Shaqodoon promotes employment, entrepreneurship and train youth that can plug the needed occupational skills of the businesses community. Shaqodoon organization believes that Small and Medium Enterprises are enormously important, serving as engines of economic growth and sustainable development in all communities across Somaliland. Developing private sector in particular, startups – when successful – can play a positive role in the day-to- day survival of those living at the bottom of the economic pyramid. And when small businesses are able to grow, they can create much needed jobs in the community. Further, Shaqodoon recognizes that many young people seek to support themselves and their families by starting their own business but often don’t have the skills, confidence, or knowledge to be successful. Thus On November 2017, Shaqodoon Organization will host the global international week festival on entrepreneurship.