Some 18,000 former refugees have poured into the Somali city of Kismayo this year, with most struggling to find adequate shelter, food, health care and jobs.
Abdullahi Mohamed, a former refugee in his 20s, is hoping he can buck the trend. Unlike most other youths, he’s received training with a local mechanic at a Kismayo garage.
“At least here I have got something to learn and do,” he says. “Back in Dadaab camp [in Kenya], I was not able to get an opportunity like this one I have here today.” His training, originally scheduled to end in a month, has been extended through February.
A U.S.-based non-governmental organization, the American Refugee Council, is sponsoring job training for returnees like Mohamed so they can get the skills they need to support themselves and help Somali society.
Just as important, the ARC and local authorities want to keep youngsters away from Islamist militant groups that continue to operate in the still unstable country.