HARGEISA, 12 August 2017 –HAVOYOCO on Saturday honored 12 young talented Somalilanders in a well-organized and beautifully-branded event held at Mansor Hotel, to mark the World Youth Day.

The event was attended by Ministers of Youth and Fisheries, and Oxfam Deputy Country Director Harrie Oostingh.  It also attracted many young Somalilanders to witness and recognize the Somaliland role models who have been contributing hugely to their communities.

“Our future depends on you [Youth]. We will pay every price to invest you and make sure that you achieve more,” Abdirashid Ibrahim Kahin, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, said at the award ceremony.

“…To better equip you with skills and knowledge for the workforce, our government has dedicated to stand with you at this trying time,” said Minister Abdirashid.

“72% of people in Somaliland are youth. This generation will take our country into a better future,” said Mubarak Ismail, Director of Planning Department of the Ministry of Planning.

Speaking on the behalf of HAVOYOCO, Abdilahi Hassan, Country Representative, said, “The future of Somaliland is bright if this generation dare to dream big. I have faith in you that you will learn a lot from these role mole models,”

“HAVOYOCO acknowledges every Somaliland youth who shows his unique talent to the world. And therefore, this endeavor is meant to inspire you and appreciate your success stories,” Abdilahi said.

Finally, the event was closed with PechaKucha presentations from the young Somaliland role models who narrated their success stories in their unique ways.

Awardees include young leaders and influencers including:

• Khadija Abduliah Walaley, Social Enterpernuer
• Mohamed Omer, Motivation Speaker
• Isak Abdi Amin, Nature Photographer
• Huda Ali Banfas, Landscape Photographer
• Nada Yusuf Omer,
• Asma Omer Ku Joog, Social Activist
• Hassan Abdi Shire, Civil Society Activist
• Fatuma Bihi Koshin, a disabled Human-right Activist
• Abdifatah Saeed, Videographer
• Mohamed Haldoor, a disabled Journalist
• Khalid Bakayle, Journalist