30 Graduates Light the Path to Peace in Somalia

Baidoa, Somalia – February 11, 2025 – Under the bright skies of Baidoa, a room buzzed with laughter, tears, and the palpable energy of dreams taking flight. Thirty young Somalis, once vulnerable to the shadows of conflict, stood tall in their graduation gowns. They had just completed intensive vocational training in Sewing, Solar Energy Repair, and Plumbing—a transformative initiative by Somali Youth Vision (SYV) and ANPPCAN-SOM, funded by GCERF under the PROSPER-SOCO project.

A Ceremony of Resilience
The graduation was more than a celebration; it was a testament to the unyielding spirit of Somalia’s youth. As certificates were handed out, one graduate, Fatima*, shared, “This training didn’t just teach me to sew clothes—it taught me to stitch my community back together.” Her words echoed the heart of PROSPER-SOCO: empowerment fuels peace.

Why Vocational Training Matters
In a region where youth face risks of radicalization and unemployment, these skills are lifelines. Solar technicians now bring light to homes; plumbers ensure clean water; tailors clothe families. Each skill strengthens socio-economic ties and undermines the roots of violence. As Ahmed*, a solar repair graduate, put it: “I’m not just fixing panels—I’m powering my community’s future.”

Collaboration for Lasting Change
This milestone reflects the power of partnership. SYV’s grassroots reach, ANPPCAN-SOM’s peacebuilding expertise, and GCERF’s support have created a ripple effect. Local authorities, elders, and women’s groups joined the ceremony, reaffirming their commitment to sustaining this progress.

The Road Ahead
The graduates now enter a network of entrepreneurs and changemakers, equipped to uplift their communities. But this is just the beginning. PROSPER-SOCO continues to bridge divides through peace committees, women’s empowerment, and government collaboration—because lasting peace starts with opportunity.