Mogadishu, Somalia — Economic Inclusion (Dhaqaalaha loo dhanyahay)

When Naima Awil Ali Moalim first heard about the Baxnaano Economic Inclusion Program, she couldn’t have imagined how much it would change her life. A young woman from Mogadishu with a natural eye for color and creativity, Naima had always dreamed of becoming a graphic designer. Yet, for years, that dream felt out of reach, limited by a lack of resources, training, and opportunity.

A Chance That Changed Everything

Everything shifted when Naima joined the graphic design course at Buruuj Technical School, part of the Economic Inclusion component of the Baxnaano Program. Implemented by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (MoLSA) in partnership with the Hormuud Salaam Foundation and funded by the World Bank, the initiative is opening new doors for Somali youth, especially women and persons with disabilities.

The Economic Inclusion (EI) component is a pilot program designed to empower 1,000 Somali youth through practical training, entrepreneurship guidance, and stipends that help reduce barriers to education. Its goal: to strengthen employability, encourage self-employment, and build resilience for lasting livelihoods.

“At first, I was nervous because everything felt new,” Naima recalled with a smile. “But after the first few classes, I realized this is exactly what I always wanted to learn.”

Learning to Design and to Dream

During her time at Buruuj, Naima mastered industry-standard design software and explored the principles of color theory, composition, and visual communication. But the most valuable lessons weren’t just technical — they were personal.

She developed confidence, teamwork, and time management skills that reshaped how she saw herself.

“Graphic design isn’t just about beauty,” she explained. “It’s about telling stories and solving problems through visuals.”

Turning Skills into Opportunity

The Buruuj instructors encouraged students to think beyond the classroom. Through entrepreneurship sessions, Naima learned how to price her services, communicate with clients, and manage small projects.

Before long, she was applying what she’d learned designing posters and logos for local shops in her neighborhood. Her creativity began to earn recognition and small commissions.

“When people liked my work and asked who created it, I knew this could really be my future,” she said proudly.

Empowerment in Action

For Naima, Baxnaano became more than just a training program. It became a source of direction, dignity, and confidence.

“Before, I didn’t know where to start,” she said. “Now I have a clear goal and a skill that I love.”

Her ambition now goes far beyond personal success. As she nears graduation, Naima dreams of opening a small graphic design studio in Mogadishu — a space where creativity meets opportunity. More importantly, she hopes to train other young women who share her passion for design and self-expression.

“Baxnaano gave me the key,” she said. “Now it’s my turn to open the door.”

The Bigger Picture: Building a Self-Reliant Generation

Naima’s story captures the true spirit of the Baxnaano Economic Inclusion initiative, helping young Somalis turn potential into purpose.

By equipping youth with relevant skills, real-world experience, and entrepreneurial know-how, the program promotes economic independence and community resilience. It’s a model of empowerment that ripples outward, creating a generation of skilled, confident, and self-reliant Somali youth.

A Collective Effort

This success is made possible through strong collaboration between MoLSA, the Hormuud Salaam Foundation, and the World Bank, working hand-in-hand to implement the Economic Inclusion component across Somalia. Together, they are demonstrating that when opportunity meets determination, transformation follows.

Naima’s journey is one of many. Across Somalia, young people like her are discovering their potential, redefining their futures, and shaping a new chapter of progress — one skill, one dream, and one design at a time.

This story was collected under the Economic Inclusion component of the Baxnaano Program, implemented by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (MoLSA) in partnership with the Hormuud Salaam Foundation and funded by the World Bank.