Trained men find work through casual labor/File Photo/
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Securing employment at a new factory in Harfo, situated in Somalia’s Mudug region, has profoundly altered the life of Ahmed Abdikhayr Jama. This pivotal opportunity has allowed him to provide for his family of eight, leading him to relinquish the daunting option of migrating overseas in search of better prospects.
Ahmed is part of a remarkable group—over 300 men and women from vulnerable backgrounds—who have been trained and employed at this very factory, which commenced operations in December 2024. The factory specializes in producing disposable plastic containers, furniture, and various electrical items, effectively tapping into a market ripe with potential.
Starting work in the plastic production section on January 5, Ahmed now earns $300 a month. “The biggest gain for me is that I am no longer begging others for help,” he shared in an interview with Radio Ergo. “I have a regular income. I pay for my children’s education, manage rent, and handle bills.”
Reflecting on his previous hardships, Ahmed recalls the days when meeting his family’s basic needs felt like an insurmountable challenge. Meals were sparse, often cooked just once a day, dependent on the erratic support of relatives in Galkayo. The newfound stability in his life is palpable. Monthly, he allocates $30 for the education of three of his children—something he was unable to afford before. He candidly recalls the painful moments of having to seek financial help from relatives or facing the grim prospect of having his children sent home from school due to unpaid fees.
“I’ve paid off a $240 debt for rent and school fees,” Ahmed proudly states. Having spent nearly two years without stable employment after losing his job in construction due to large companies hiring local labor, he finds solace in this new chapter. At one point, in desperation, the thought of risking everything for illegal migration crossed his mind. “This job first and foremost saved me from that,” he admits. “There’s a huge difference. When unemployed, you may find yourself begging on the streets or – in the worst case – resorting to theft or crime.”
Now that he has settled his debts and stabilized his household income, Ahmed looks to the future with hope. His experiences have taught him the value of skill-building; he is now trained in machine operation and understands the intricacies of mixing raw materials for plastic production and following essential safety protocols.
Before embarking on this urban journey, Ahmed was a dedicated pastoralist, living in the rural areas of Mudug. The devastating drought in 2022 cost him his last 38 goats, forcing him to seek employment in the city. A tragic twist of fate, perhaps, but it also served as a catalyst for change.
Among the factory’s dedicated workforce is Sadio Abdirahman Hasan, a determined 21-year-old who stepped into the furniture production department on January 24—just after completing high school. With her mother, a widow, too ill to continue her goat slaughtering business, Sadio took on the mantle of responsibility as the eldest child. “My family relies entirely on me now,” she states with a mix of pride and solemnity. “I’ve become the one whose work is dependable and productive.” With a monthly salary of $200, Sadio supports not just her immediate family but also two extended families, totaling 15 people.
Sadio’s contributions are vital. She regularly sends money to her mother in Galkayo while ensuring her grandmother, who resides with her in Harfo, has everything she needs. Thanks to Sadio’s steady income, their family now enjoys the luxury of cooking twice daily. She manages to pay $15 each month for the schooling of three younger siblings and covers $40 for rent in their modest two-room home. Recently, she cleared a daunting $170 debt that her mother had accrued in her goat slaughtering enterprise, a significant burden lifted.
Having lost her father at a young age, Sadio harbors dreams that extend beyond mere survival. “My dream is to open a business that can provide income and contribute to the development of the area,” she expresses passionately. “I want to work hard and save money toward that goal.” Here’s a young woman, already grappling with heavy responsibilities, yet looking ahead, fueled by hope.
Nur Mohamed Farah, the manager of Rasmi factory in Harfo, recognizes the profound impact of these employment initiatives. “We understood the need for jobs and saw untapped opportunities in the local economy,” he remarked. “These employees are now trained technicians, not just workers. With the right support, they can deliver immense benefits to the community.”
What emerges from these shared stories is a potent reminder of resilience and transformation. Families are no longer defined by the limitations of their circumstances but are empowered by newfound skills and opportunities. As they invest in their future, one might ask: What else could be possible if communities and businesses continued to collaborate? Therein lies the potential for real change, driven not just by economic needs but by the human spirit to thrive against all odds.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring.
