Turning Risk into Opportunity: A Young Technician’s Path to Peace

At 22, Mohamed from Baidoa embodies resilience, transformation, and hope. After dropping out of school in Grade 8, Mohamed came close to being drawn into an extremist group at 17. Witnessing the arrest of close friends, he courageously chose a different path. Fearing for his safety, he briefly relocated to Mogadishu before returning home, determined to rebuild his life.

With encouragement from his mother, an active member of a local women’s group, and support from the District Youth Chairperson, Mohamed enrolled in the Mobile Phone Repair course at the Somali Youth Vision (SYV) TVET Centre. Despite having no prior technical experience, he embraced the training, mastering phone diagnostics, hardware and software repair, and customer service skills.

Today, Mohamed confidently repairs mobile devices for family and neighbours and has built valuable connections at the Abdull-Shideeye Mobile Repair Market, where he plans to establish his own business. His goal is to become a fully equipped mobile service provider, create employment for other young people, and contribute to Baidoa’s local economy.

Mohamed’s transformation from a young man vulnerable to extremist recruitment into a skilled, self-reliant technician highlights the power of vocational training as a tool for preventing violent extremism (PVE). By providing economic opportunities, mentorship, and practical skills, targeted youth empowerment programmes offer alternatives to violence and strengthen community resilience.

Through his dedication and hard work, Mohamed has become an inspiration to other young people in Baidoa, showing that with support and opportunity, it is possible to overcome adversity and build a meaningful, peaceful future. His story demonstrates the lasting impact of GCERF and its local partners’ investment in youth as agents of peace and progress in Southwest State.