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Somalia

UNDP Supported Training Transforms the Life of an Ex-Militia

Cibaar Hassan Ghedi, an unemployed, ex-militia living in Mogadishu, was not interested in becoming a fisherman. Nevertheless, he decided to attend a training session supported by the UNDP’s Employment Generation for Early Recovery (EGER) Project.

During the training, which targeted ex-militia, Internally Displaced Persons, and host communities in Mogadishu, Cibaar learned the basics of fishing and was given practical lessons out at sea.

Inspired by what he learned, Cibaar, along with some friends who also attended the training, bought a fishing boat and rented fishing equipment by pooling the $60 they each initially received through the UNDP Program.

Today, Cibaar and his partners are successful businessmen, supporting themselves and their families by selling their catch to local retail traders. Apart from sharing proceeds among members, the group also plows savings back into their business to upgrade their fishing equipment.

“I see no reason to go back to the militia,” Cibaar said. “It is a risky exercise. I make enough money from fishing to take care of my family. In fact, I have decided to remain a fisherman for the rest of my life. My life is completely transformed.”

The training was implemented through a local NGO, Humanitarian Action for Relief and Development Organization (HARDO).

Employment Generation for Early Recovery

Running from 2008 to 2011

The Employment Generation for Early Recovery (EGER) project was designed to respond to the high unemployment rates in Somalia, build the capacity of people to improve their living conditions, and rehabilitate and upgrade social, basic and productive infrastructure. EGER seeks to generate employment opportunities and income for vulnerable populations in Somalia, particularly women, marginalized groups and youth. The project has employed 52,952 beneficiaries, 43 percent of them being women, through labour-intensive and social infrastructure rehabilitation initiatives across South Central Somalia.

The selection criteria for both projects and beneficiaries are based, but not limited to, vulnerability, accessibility, population structure, priority needs and their impact on improving livelihoods and contributing to stability, disaster and conflict risks, level of women participation, and willingness to sustain and maintain the end product.

The project had a budget of US $11,402,019.80 to implement its activities between 2008 and December 2010. Financial support came from Norway, Denmark, DFID, Italian Cooperation, the Government of Japan, OCHA and UNDP.