Job Skills for Peace: Delight and Somali Students

Delight Technical College plays an instrumental role in equipping Somali youth with the skills and knowledge they need to build a peaceful and prosperous future. Given the complex socio-political context in Somalia, education—especially in technical and vocational fields—has become an essential tool for fostering peace, stability, and economic development. Delight is committed to supporting Somali students by offering tailored programs that empower them with job-ready skills, enabling them to contribute positively to their communities and the region.

1. Empowering Somali Youth Through Vocational Skills

Delight’s technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programs focus on developing practical skills that are highly relevant to the job market. For Somali students, acquiring these skills is not just about employment—it’s about creating opportunities for self-reliance, reducing dependency, and promoting community-driven development.

Key skills for Somali students include:

• Construction and Engineering: The need for infrastructure development in Somalia presents a significant opportunity for students trained in construction, civil engineering, and related fields. Delight offers courses in these areas, equipping students with the expertise to contribute to the rebuilding and development of their home country.
• Digital Media and Technology: With the growing importance of technology in modern economies, Somali youth are being trained in digital media, information technology, and cybersecurity. These skills allow students to engage with the global economy and create digital solutions for local challenges.
• Entrepreneurship: Delight emphasizes entrepreneurship, teaching students how to start, manage, and grow their own businesses. Given the entrepreneurial spirit of Somali culture, this training is crucial for fostering self-sufficiency and job creation, helping to stabilize local economies.
• Fashion and Design: Somali students are honing their talents in fashion design and tailoring, tapping into East Africa’s growing fashion industry. This is particularly important for women, providing them with an avenue to financial independence and social empowerment.

2. Promoting Peace and Stability through Education

Delight believes in the transformative power of education to foster peace. For Somali students, gaining technical skills not only improves their livelihoods but also contributes to the broader goal of regional stability. When young people are equipped with marketable skills, they are less likely to be involved in conflict and more likely to become active, positive contributors to society.

• Conflict Resolution and Community Building: Delight integrates peacebuilding principles into its curriculum, especially in areas like leadership and communication. Students are trained to engage in conflict resolution, working as mediators and leaders in their communities.
• Job Creation and Economic Growth: By focusing on employment generation, Delight helps Somali students reduce reliance on humanitarian aid and fosters long-term economic growth. Job skills provide a sense of purpose and financial security, which are critical for creating peaceful, stable societies.

3. Inclusive Programs for Somali Female Students

Delight is particularly focused on empowering Somali women and girls, providing them with equal opportunities to pursue careers in fields that have traditionally been male-dominated. This is vital for fostering gender equality and peace, as women play a crucial role in peacebuilding and community development.

Programs that benefit Somali women include:

• Fashion Design and Tailoring: Delight offers specific programs aimed at providing Somali women with the skills to start their own businesses in the fashion industry, which is a growing sector in East Africa.
• Entrepreneurship and Leadership: Women are equipped with the tools they need to become leaders and entrepreneurs, contributing to the economic and social fabric of their communities.
• Community Engagement and Advocacy: By providing Somali women with the ability to advocate for themselves and their communities, Delight is fostering gender equality and empowering women to take on leadership roles in peacebuilding efforts.

4. Cultural Sensitivity and Support for Somali Students

Delight recognizes the importance of cultural sensitivity and support when working with Somali students. As part of its inclusive environment, Delight ensures that Somali students feel welcomed and valued by providing:

• Language Support: Delight offers English language bridging programs for Somali students whose first language is Somali. This helps students transition smoothly into the English-medium courses offered at the college.
• Cultural Awareness: The college promotes cultural exchange and understanding, allowing Somali students to learn in a diverse, supportive environment. This multicultural environment helps students adapt quickly and feel comfortable in their new surroundings.
• Pastoral and Peer Support: Delight provides a robust support system, including pastoral care and peer mentorship, which ensures that Somali students are supported throughout their academic journey. This emotional and social support helps students cope with the challenges of studying abroad.

5. Pathways to Employment and Regional Integration

Delight offers its students valuable connections with local industries, ensuring that Somali students can gain practical experience and employment opportunities upon graduation. These opportunities include:

• Internships and Job Placements: Delight collaborates with local businesses and organizations to provide students with hands-on experience through internships and job placements. Somali students are encouraged to gain practical skills and build strong professional networks.
• Regional Integration and Collaboration: Through its regional programs and student exchange initiatives, Delight helps Somali students build connections with peers across East Africa, fostering regional integration and collaboration in the context of economic development, peace, and stability.

6. Building a Network of Somali Graduates

As Somali students graduate from Delight, they become part of an extensive alumni network that continues to support them long after they leave the college. This network provides:

• Mentorship: Graduates help guide new students, offering career advice, support, and opportunities.
• Business Opportunities: For entrepreneurs, the alumni network offers collaboration opportunities, partnerships, and access to markets across East Africa.

Conclusion

Delight Technical College is not only providing Somali youth with technical skills but also empowering them to become agents of peace and progress. By focusing on skills development, entrepreneurship, and community-building, Delight is helping Somali students shape a brighter, more peaceful future for themselves and their communities. With the support of inclusive education and a focus on peacebuilding, Delight is contributing to the broader goal of regional stability and sustainable development.