In the Dikhil region of southern Djibouti, 100 young people, including 70 girls and 30 boys, have begun a voluntary training program aimed at integrating them into the workforce. The program, part of the SEFA project, targets youth aged 16-24 who have dropped out of school. The initiative, launched on Thursday, seeks to provide them with practical skills and experience.
The SEFA project, implemented by UNICEF with financial support from the French Development Agency (AFD), has been ongoing in the Dikhil region since 2024. The program focuses on providing necessary support to out-of-school youth through a comprehensive pathway that combines vocational training and life skills development. This approach aims to enhance their chances of integrating into the workforce.
Before starting the voluntary training, the 100 participants underwent a vocational training program at the Dikhil Industrial and Commercial High School (LIC). The program covered technical specialties in areas such as electricity, solar energy, mechanics, and plumbing, with both theoretical and practical lessons. Additionally, they received training in life skills, supervised by the OKAR-AID association.
The life skills training, provided by OKAR-AID, covered topics related to personality development, including self-esteem, autonomy, and a sense of responsibility. Several entities have contributed to the implementation of different stages of the program, with the Dikhil Regional Council playing a key role in local supervision. The Ministry of National Education and Vocational Training provided educational support and infrastructure.
The voluntary training program involves distributing participants across various institutions and structures in the region, according to their specialties and available reception capacities. This allows them to gain practical experience in a real professional environment. Participating institutions include Djibouti Electricity, the National Water and Sanitation Service, and the Road Agency.
The program provides beneficiaries with an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during their training and directly experience the requirements of professional life. They are expected to adhere to scheduled attendance, work regularly, respect instructions, and take on assigned responsibilities. According to the data presented during the launch event, 85% of beneficiaries have been assigned to voluntary training within public and quasi-public structures in the region.
Officials from the host institutions and supervisors responsible for monitoring will accompany the youth throughout the training period, working to create suitable conditions for learning and acquiring field experience. The SEFA project aims to support education and empowerment of young people in Djibouti, particularly girls, through vocational training and life skills development.
Key points
- The SEFA project targets out-of-school youth aged 16-24 in the Dikhil region of Djibouti.
- The program combines vocational training with life skills development to enhance employability.
- 85% of beneficiaries have been assigned to voluntary training within public and quasi-public structures in the region.
