Somalia
Adolescent-focused interventions to promote learning, empowerment, and wellbeing in both humanitarian and development contexts
More than 70 per cent of Somalia’s population is under the age of 30, with adolescents representing a significant proportion of this youthful demographic. Recognizing the immense potential of this group, UNICEF and partners have prioritized adolescent-focused interventions to promote learning, empowerment, and wellbeing in both humanitarian and development contexts.
“This tool have showed me my potential, and I am ready to make my life and the lives of those who are around me better.”
In 2021, UNICEF Somalia piloted the Adolescent Kit for Expression and Innovation through the training of Trainers of Trainers (ToTs) for partner organizations implementing the Children on the Move programme. The successful pilot paved the way for a full rollout in July 2023, when the Adolescent Kit was formally introduced to implementing partners and key stakeholders engaged in adolescent and youth programmes across Somalia. A total of 25 ToTs were trained, inspiring broader adoption and integration of the Adolescent Kit into various adolescent-focused initiatives.
“It showed me that even as a young girl, my voice has power and meaning.”
Today, the Adolescent Kit is embedded across all programmes targeting adolescents, including UPSHIFT, Adolescent Protection, youth for climate action and Power for Girls. The Power4Girls programme is UNICEF's flagship initiative to empower adolescent girls through multi-sectoral programming in 30 countries, including Somalia. In Somalia, Power4Girls empowers adolescent girls to overcome the multiple deprivations and risks they face especially during puberty: early marriage, FGM, early pregnancy, and limited access to education. These barriers are compounded by conflict, displacement, and poverty, limiting girls’ potential to contribute to development. The programme builds girls’ agencies, voice, and leadership groups, seeing them as agents of change, not beneficiaries.
“Before, I was shy to speak — now, I proudly share my ideas with others.”
The Adolescent Kit's flexible and participatory approach enables adolescents in Somalia to explore their creativity, express their emotions, and strengthen their social and problem-solving skills while fostering inclusion and resilience in diverse contexts. Since its inception, UNICEF has used the Adolescent Kit with more than 1,000 adolescents in Somalia, equipping them with essential tools, skills, and confidence to navigate challenging circumstances. The Kit has supported safe spaces for adolescents healing from trauma, where it supports their positive self-expression, and empowers young people to become active, resilient, and hopeful about their future.
