Iftin Foundation

Mogadishu, Somalia – April 21, 2025.

Iftin Foundation, in partnership with the Education for All Somalia (EFASOM) Coalition, has successfully concluded a two-day training workshop on Policies Influencing Transparency in the Education Sector of Somalia, held from April 20–21, 2025, in Mogadishu.

The workshop brought together 35 active participants, including members of the EFASOM Coalition, civil society organizations (CSOs), government agencies, and other education stakeholders. The event aimed to strengthen participants’ understanding of key education policies and foster greater transparency and accountability within Somalia’s education system.

Over the course of the two days, participants engaged in fruitful group work and interactive discussions, exploring critical topics such as education policy development, transparency in education financing, community involvement, and the role of CSOs in monitoring and advocacy. Group sessions encouraged collaboration and experience sharing, resulting in practical recommendations to enhance policy transparency and implementation.

On the final day, Iftin Foundation officially concluded the training by recognizing participants' active engagement and contributions. Each attendee was awarded a certificate of participation in appreciation of their commitment to advancing transparent and inclusive education policies in Somalia, to empower local actors and strengthen education governance across the country.

Training on Policies Influencing Transparency in Somalia’s Education Sector

Mogadishu, Somalia, April 20, 2025.

Iftin Foundation, in collaboration with the Education for All Somalia (EFASOM) Coalition, successfully organized a two-day capacity-building workshop from April 20–21, 2025, focusing on Policies Influencing Transparency in the Education Sector of Somalia.

The training brought together 35 active participants representing EFASOM Coalition members, civil society organizations (CSOs), government agencies, and other education stakeholders. The sessions aimed to enhance understanding and advocacy around transparency and accountability within Somalia’s education policy landscape.

Over the course of the workshop, participants engaged in in-depth discussions on key issues including policy gaps, the role of CSOs in promoting transparency, education financing, and inclusive governance in the education sector. The training created a platform for stakeholders to exchange insights, experiences, and recommendations on how to improve policy implementation and promote greater transparency and community participation.

In his opening remarks, a representative from Iftin Foundation emphasized the importance of collective efforts in strengthening education governance and building a more inclusive and transparent education system in Somalia and the need for continued collaboration among civil society actors, government institutions, and education partners to address challenges and ensure education policies truly serve the needs of all Somali children.

Participants appreciated the interactive nature of the training and expressed their commitment to taking forward the lessons learned to improve transparency, accountability, and community engagement in the education sector.

Commemoration on World Youth Skills Day.

Introduction.

Iftin Foundation has been a pillar of empowerment for Somali youth for over 12 years, dedicated to equipping young people with the essential skills and tools they need to become leaders, entrepreneurs, and change makers. By fostering strong partnerships, advocating for inclusive education, and expanding opportunities for skills development, Iftin Foundation has made significant strides in transforming the lives of Somali youth. The Iftin Foundation's commitment to life skills training, entrepreneurship development, and community capacity building has prepared over 10,000 young individuals to navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and contribute meaningfully to society. Through innovative approaches and collaborative efforts with government bodies, NGOs, and the private sector, Iftin Foundation continues to drive sustainable development and inclusive economic growth across the regions in Somalia and beyond.

World Youth Skills Day is a reminder of the immense potential of young people and the crucial role of skills development in unlocking that potential and we as Iftin Foundation can ensure that every young person has the chance to fulfill their potential and contribute meaningfully to society and transform the lives of Somali youth and drive sustainable development and inclusive economic growth across the regions in Somalia.

Iftin Foundation calls on stakeholders and partners to join hands and invest in equipping youth with the skills and tools they need to thrive and create change for a more prosperous, peaceful, and sustainable future. This day is celebrated by youth, educational institutions, employers, policymakers, and development partners to underscore the importance of developing skills for young people’s engagement, employment, and empowerment towards sustainable development.

The Significance of World Youth Skills Day.

World Youth Skills Day is a pivotal moment to highlight the crucial role of skills development in preparing young people for their future and serves as a platform to:

Promote Awareness in highlighting the importance of equipping youth with the necessary skills for life, work, and citizenship.
Encourage Investment in mobilizing investments from governments, private sector, and development partners to support youth skills development
Foster Collaboration in Encourage partnerships among stakeholders to create sustainable and inclusive learning and employment opportunities.
Celebrate Achievements in recognizing and celebrate the achievements of young people who have successfully gained and utilized new skills.

Iftin Foundation's Impact Over 12 Years in Skills Development.

Over the past 12 years, Iftin Foundation has been a beacon of hope and empowerment for youth in Somalia and across Eastern and Southern Africa. The foundation has:

Provided life skills training to over 10,000 young Somali males and females, preparing them to navigate challenges and seize opportunities.
Delivered comprehensive entrepreneurship training, enabling young people to start and sustain their businesses.
Strengthened community capacity by fostering social cohesion, economic empowerment, and self-reliance through various initiatives.

Key Achievements.

Trained over 10,000 youth in professional and entrepreneurship skills.
Ensured equal participation, with 50% of beneficiaries being girls and young women as gender inclusivity.
Integrated innovative methodologies for entrepreneurship and social innovation.
Worked closely with government bodies, NGOs, and the private sector to maximize impact.

Call to Action for Somali Partners and Stakeholders.

Iftin Foundation urges Somali partners and stakeholders to:

Allocate resources and investments to support skill development programs for youth.
Provide platforms for internships, apprenticeships, and mentorship programs to bridge the gap between education and employment.
Ensure that all youth, including those from marginalized communities, have access to learning and employment opportunities.
Strengthen partnerships among government, private sector, and civil society to create a cohesive and supportive environment for youth development.
Utilize technological advancements to create flexible and innovative learning pathways for youth.

Iftin Foundation ayaa ka qaybgashay kulanka shirwaynaha sanadlaha ah ee Isu-tagga Jaamacadaha Dalka (ASU).

Iftin waxay shirwaynaha la wadaagtay xogta qalinjebiyayaasha dalka oo ay si joogta ah u soo saarto sanad walba.

Kulanka ASU oo ay xubno ka yihiin 46 jaamacadood ayaa si wayn u la dhacay xogta Iftin Foundation.

Iftin Foundation waxaa ka go'an in xogta qalinjebiyayaasha dalka laga aruuriyo dhammaan jaamacadaha dalka isla markaasna laga dhigo oo loo diyaariyo xog u diyaarsan in lugu go'aan qaato wax waynna ka taraysa horumarinta waxbarasahda dalka.

The Iftin Foundation successfully concluded the two-day training workshop, centering on education financing observatory techniques with a particular emphasis on the crucial role of transparency in education funding. The workshop concentrated into the significance of transparency as a key component for influencing policy decisions in the realm of education financing. Participants gained insights into how transparency directly impacts the effectiveness and accountability of education financing, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the intricate dynamics involved.

Furthermore, the workshop shed light on the pivotal role that civil society organizations play in enhancing transparency within education financing. By contributing actively to the discourse, these organizations serve as catalysts for positive change, ensuring that policies align with the best interests of the community. The discussions also provided an opportunity to assess the current status of education financing transparency in Somalia, offering valuable insights into areas that require attention and improvement. Overall, the event served as a platform for fostering collaboration and understanding among stakeholders dedicated to advancing transparent education financing practices in Somalia.

Participants have discussed and presented challenges and opportunities ahead of observing Somalia education financing process.

The second day of the Iftin Foundation's training workshop delved deeper into education financing observatory techniques, honing in on the critical impact of such funding on transparency within the education sector. Participants were equipped with essential skills to navigate the intricate web of financial mechanisms, fostering a nuanced understanding of how resources directly influence educational outcomes. The discussions underscored the pivotal role of civil society organizations in enhancing transparency, emphasizing their capacity to contribute meaningfully to the discourse by advocating for accountability and engaging in data-driven initiatives that shed light on the dynamics of education financing.

As the workshop unfolded, particular attention was given to the unique context of Somalia's education financing transparency. The status of Somalia's educational funding landscape was thoroughly examined, identifying areas for improvement and potential avenues for increased accountability. Participants engaged in constructive dialogues, sharing insights on the challenges and opportunities specific to Somalia. This focused exploration not only empowered attendees with practical skills but also fostered a collaborative environment, encouraging the exchange of ideas and strategies to elevate the transparency and effectiveness of education financing in Somalia.

Doodo iyo aragti is-dhaafsi ka dib, munaasabaddu waxay gaartay gabangabadii.

Waxaa ka soo bixi doona xog muhim u ah horumarinta waxbarashada dalka.

Iftin Foundation oo kaashanaysa EFASOM ayaa furtay tababar lamaba maalin socondoona oo ku saabsan isu diyaarinta korjoogtaynta Bajadka Waxbarashada Qaranka (
Education Financing Observatory).

The Iftin Foundation is successfully conducting a comprehensive two-day training session on the Education Financing Observatory for members of the EFASOM Coalition on January 30-31, 2024.
The event proved highly effective, facilitating the exchange of valuable insights and fostering collaborative efforts among participants.
U.S. Embassy Mogadishu
Global Partnership for Education
Efasom Somalia