Yahye and Mohamed, two young friends from Gabiley, Somaliland, grew up facing financial hardships. Their families struggled to make ends meet, and due to financial constraints, they were unable to attend university. Despite relentless efforts to find employment, they spent three years searching for opportunities without success. Each morning, they woke up hopeful, only to face another day of fruitless job hunting. Without a source of income, they felt like a burden rather than a support system, and their self-confidence began to erode.
With no formal education and limited job prospects, they often questioned their self-worth and wondered if they would ever escape the cycle of hardship. While others their age pursued higher education or secured stable jobs, Yahye and Mohamed remained stuck in uncertainty, unable to carve out a clear path to financial independence.
What troubled them even more was the heavy reliance on imported fruits and vegetables. Despite the vast, fertile land, most produce came from abroad. They frequently saw trucks loaded with fresh fruits and vegetables arriving from abroad, knowing that these crops could be grown locally if young people had access to resources and training. This frustration sparked a realization: there was potential for self-sufficiency in food production. If others weren’t stepping up to change this reality, why couldn’t they?
UPSHIFT, developed by UNICEF, is an initiative designed to equip marginalized youth with entrepreneurial skills, problem-solving abilities, and leadership training to establish sustainable businesses. Recognizing the challenges faced by young people, especially those with limited access to education, employment, and economic opportunities, UNICEF created this program to provide them with the necessary tools to break the cycle of poverty and become self-sufficient. Thanks to the UNICEF Spain National Committee for supporting this program.
Beyond financial assistance, UPSHIFT fosters a mindset shift, encouraging young people to see obstacles as opportunities rather than barriers. Through hands-on training, mentorship, and business development experience, participants gain confidence and skills to create innovative solutions to local challenges.
Motivated by this opportunity, Yahye and Mohamed applied and were accepted into the program by UNICEF parner Women Action for Advocacy and Progress Organization (WAAPO). The training proved life-changing. They gained knowledge in business development, financial management, market research, sustainability practices, and decision-making. More importantly, it changed their mindset from survival to innovation and opportunity.
Inspired by their newfound knowledge, Yahye and Mohamed saw an opportunity in the agricultural sector. Determined to fill the gap, they launched a greenhouse farm to produce fresh vegetables and fruits locally, reducing reliance on imported goods.
With a 2,000 USD investment, they established their first greenhouse in Gabiley, where the soil was fertile but underutilized. Their first harvest was a breakthrough. The fresh produce from their greenhouse was high quality and more affordable than imported vegetables, making it popular among local customers.
Within a year, their business expanded. They built a second greenhouse, and today, each of them owns and manages their own farm. Their success allowed them to hire and train local staff, creating employment opportunities within their community. They also incorporated biodegradable products into their farming process, reducing waste and promoting sustainable agriculture.
Their greenhouses now serve hundreds of customers across Gabiley and beyond, providing fresh, locally grown vegetables that support food security and economic growth. Their business generates steady income, allowing them to support their families, reinvest in operations, and plan for further expansion.
"Before UPSHIFT, we didn’t have the resources or belief in ourselves to start a business. Now, we have financial stability and are proud to contribute to self-sufficiency. This opportunity has completely changed our lives and our families,” said Yahye.
