Empowering Youth in Dadaab
Mohamed Mataan is a Somali refugee who, after fleeing conflict in his home country, found himself in Kenya's Dadaab refugee camp. This camp, once the sixth-biggest city in Kenya, was home to 250,000 people in 2017. Now, Mataan is paying it forward by helping young refugees like himself to learn digital skills that can lead to a brighter future.
Mataan's story is one of resilience and determination. He overcame numerous challenges growing up in the camp, and now he is giving back to his community by sharing his knowledge and empowering the next generation.
The Power of Digital Skills
Digital literacy and IT skills are incredibly important for young refugees. They provide a foundation for further education and open doors to various career paths. Organizations like Alsama/tech, which teaches digital literacy and IT skills to refugee students, understand the value of these skills. Their project, which started in 2021, now serves 200 students, providing them with weekly lessons and changing their lives.
In Dadaab, initiatives to provide vocational training and digital skills to refugees have faced challenges due to low literacy and numeracy levels among the youth. This prompted the creation of "Sheeko," the first Somali reading app, which includes spelling and letter tracing activities. The app, loaded onto tablets, was distributed to community centers, and its impact was immediate. Not only did attendance in literacy classes increase, but the classes became more active and engaging.
The success of "Sheeko" and similar initiatives highlights the importance of tailoring educational content to the specific needs and contexts of the target audience. By involving the community and incorporating their stories and experiences, these projects become more relatable and effective. This empowers young refugees like Filsan and Sundus, who dream of a future beyond the refugee camp, with the skills and confidence to pursue their aspirations.
Impact and Future Steps
Mohamed Mataan's work in Dadaab highlights the importance of digital skills for young refugees. These skills not only enhance their employability but also empower them to pursue further education and career opportunities. Mataan's initiative contributes to the larger goal of transforming refugee camps into socioeconomic hubs, as envisioned by the Kenyan government's Shirika Plan.
The impact of digital skills on the youth in Dadaab is evident, and similar initiatives can be replicated in other refugee contexts. By tailoring educational content to the specific needs and contexts of the target audience, we can ensure that digital literacy programs are effective and accessible.
The success of projects like Mataan's and "Sheeko" underscores the value of community involvement and the power of storytelling in making learning relatable and engaging. This approach not only improves digital literacy but also boosts overall confidence, opening up a world of possibilities for young refugees.
Further Exploration
To learn more about the Dadaab Refugee Complex and its history, visit the UNHCR Kenya website. You can also refer to the VOA News article to read the story of Mohamed Mataan, the Somali refugee teaching digital skills in Dadaab. Additionally, the National Careers Service offers insights into the importance of digital skills for career development and daily life.