In Somalia, unemployment is widespread and seriously impacts the youth. My son, Abdelfattah Mire is 31 and recently completed his master’s degree in education. Despite his academic qualifications, he was unemployed for a while. When he finished his 1st degree (bachelor’s degree) in education, he tried hard to find jobs but was unsuccessful. After months of searching and disappointment, he took out loans and used his savings to pursue his master’s degree in education abroad.
He was away for two years and returned to the country after finishing his Master’s. He applied for several jobs. Some he was successful, with others not so successful. As his mother, I would encourage him often, saying, “My son, I am praying for you; don’t give up and trust God. You will find the job you deserve”.
He continued with his life and applied for jobs. He was often accepted and finally rejected with the opportunities given to those from the same clan and kinships as the employers. He was distraught because of the various rejections he received. He was depressed and started to use drugs. I was distraught and kept yelling at him for a while, and finally, when I asked him why he was using these things, he said: “Mom, I’m using them to ease the pain I’m feeling.” As a result of being unemployed, my son has suffered a lot of mental pain and despair.
Unemployment is not new in our country; it is a widespread problem in the city. Jobs are given based on family links or clans, discouraging the many educated youths.