Mogadishu (AX) – With the backing of the European Union and International Organization for Migration (IOM), the Environmental Journalists for Somalia (EJS) held a two-day workshop on waste reduction for 50 internally displaced individuals in Mogadishu’s Deyniile district between June 25-26, 2024.
The workshop boasted hands-on activities and interactive segments aimed at promoting waste reduction and upcycling in IDP camps, pushing for a mindset of environmental stewardship. Trainers imparted basic income-generating skills to participants.
This effort aligned with the 2024 EU Green Week, the European Union’s annual environmental event. This year’s focus was “Towards a Water Resilient Europe.”
Workshop instructor Abdilatif Hussein Omar stressed the practical nature of the training, highlighting the hands-on methods used to teach IDPs waste reduction and upcycling techniques.
“We’ve boosted awareness and taught ways to identify upcyclable materials and monetize them. For instance, participants learned to craft brooms from old sacks and grow flowers in repurposed bottles or cans to sell. They also discovered how to create decorative items from cardboard. It’s a chance to earn,” he stated.
Adan Hassan Noor, a displaced farmer from the Lower Shabelle region, conveyed, “Previously, I discarded single-use items because I was unaware of how to upcycle them. This workshop has been enlightening, and I aim to share what I’ve learned with those who couldn’t attend. My thanks go to the EJS and the EU.”
Noor recommended expanding training for displaced persons to enhance their capabilities.
Rahma Ali Adan, a 17-year-old participant, emphasized the workshop’s value in acquiring upcycling skills to support her family. “I got what I expected from the workshop. The hands-on activities were enlightening. We thank the EU for this support,” she mentioned with excitement.
Rahma Ali Adan, along with the 50 other participants, benefitted greatly from the workshop by gaining valuable knowledge and skills in upcycling and environmental care within Mogadishu’s IDP camp.
Climate change poses a stark reality in Somalia. The past five seasons have seen continuous failed rains, and last October, El Nino exacerbated the situation by flooding one-third of Somalia.
Despite contributing a mere 0.03% to global greenhouse gas emissions, Somalis are among the hardest hit by the climate disaster.
