About Us
Baidoa Youth Hub is a newly established, purpose-built center located in the heart of Baidoa, the interim capital of South-West State (SWS) of Somalia.
Generously funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and implemented in collaboration with UN-Habitat and the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Southwest State (SWS-MoYS), the initiative is part of the ‘Youth and Urban Regeneration in Somalia (YOURS) Project.’
This project aims to contribute to reduced spatial urban inequalities by promoting sustainable youth development, urban regeneration, and re-integration of marginalized communities.
Background
Somalia, like many countries in Africa, is one of the fastest urbanising countries in the world. The rapidly and spontaneously growing urban population is characterized by a disproportionately large share of youth, high rates of unemployment, high dependency on the informal sector for jobs, and an increasing proportion of poor households in informal settlements.
An estimated 46 percent of the Somali population are children (age 0-14), and 27 percent are adolescents and youth (age 15-24). The children and youth make up almost three quarters of the Somali population.1 Unemployment rates have soared, particularly among youth. 67% of Somali youth are unemployed.
In a country where youth (aged between 14–29 years old) comprise 42% of the population, constitutes a significant challenge. Faced with grim prospects for the future, over 60% of Somali youth have intentions to leave the country for better livelihood opportunities. Conflict, poverty, being jobless and voiceless leave youth frustrated, and can fuel conflict escalation and anti-social or violent behaviour – which has significant social costs.
The role of safe spaces for the youth to connect, learn and enhance their skills to create opportunities to participate in meaningful livelihood activities or gainful employment is thus very crucial.
In 2023, the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) finalized the construction of a youth centre in Baidoa, Somalia as part of the Youth and Urban Regeneration Somalia (YOURS) project funded by the Government of Sweden. The youth centre, named Baidoa Youth Hub (BYH), is located in the Isha district at the heart of the city of Baidoa and offers key facilities such as offices, co-working spaces, conference hall, library, computer room, sports ground, cafeteria, open-air theatre and more.
The vision of the BYH is to provide a safe, generative and friendly space where all young people are welcome to learn, play and grow. Thus, BYH will offer a range of trainings, activities and services in employability and livelihoods, democracy and peacebuilding, health and wellbeing, and sports and recreation. These services are crucial to help young people develop their skills and access the labour market, maintain a healthy mind and body and socialize in a safe environment.
Vision
Safe, generative and friendly space where all young people are welcome to learn, play, grow and develop their resilience.
Mission
The new and purpose-built youth centre is designed to incorporate facilities and services that will address the needs of young people in Baidoa such as safe space, sports, upskilling, access to employment and advice and guidance. The youth centre will provide a wide range of bespoke services and training programs in employability & livelihoods, democracy & peacebuilding, health & wellbeing, and sports & recreation.
These services are crucial to help young people upskill and access the labor market, facilitate citizen participation in the democratic process, maintain a healthy mind and body, excel in physical education and sports, and socialize in a conducive environment.
The youth centre will also serve as a social hub where young people of all backgrounds can come together without prejudice to socialize, integrate, network and exchange experiences and ideas over a cup of tea at the cafeteria, during a workshop, or while playing a game of football.
Ultimately, the youth centre will empower young people, especially from vulnerable communities to fulfill their potential through participatory engagements and provide opportunities, skills and resources to access a meaningful employment as well as encouraging active citizen participation.
BYH Values
Baidoa Youth Hub services are accessible to all young people. There will be equality of access regardless of user’s financial capability, origin, gender, or social status.
Encourages substantial level of participation and influence of young people in shaping services.
Provides services to young people that are free at the point of use.
Promotes a healthy working environment. Friendly but professional interaction between management, workers and users.
Actively welcomes disadvantaged groups who are unable to access the centre. For example, people with disabilities and IDPs.
Accommodates dedicated services to women and girls and hosts a safe space for personal and professional development.
Promotes local services for local people and acts as a beacon of hope for young people and local communities.
Our Partners
