Project Overview
In a country where over 70% of the population is under the age of 30, youth unemployment in Somalia presents both a significant challenge and an opportunity for transformative change. This project focused on assessing the impact of PHASE’S vocational training programs on youth employment. As the lead data analyst, I was tasked with guiding this comprehensive analysis, from the initial data collection phase through to the final reporting and recommendations.
Project Objectives
The primary objective of this project was to evaluate how vocational training programs have influenced the employment rates among Somali youth. We aimed to:
- Measure the employment outcomes of participants before and after the training.
- Identify the key factors contributing to successful employment after completing vocational training.
- Provide actionable insights to improve the design and implementation of future training programs.
Methodology
1. Data Collection:
- Hiring and Training Enumerators: To ensure accurate and reliable data collection, I hired and trained a team of enumerators. These individuals were selected based on their familiarity with the local context and their ability to engage effectively with the communities involved.
- Survey Design: I developed a detailed survey that included questions about participants’ employment status before and after the vocational training, the skills they acquired, and their satisfaction with the program. Additionally, I designed focus group discussion (FGD) protocols to gather qualitative insights.
- Fieldwork: The enumerators conducted surveys and FGDs across multiple regions, targeting both urban and rural areas. This ensured a representative sample that reflected the diverse experiences of Somali youth.
2. Data Analysis:
- Quantitative Analysis: Using Python and Excel, I performed a series of statistical analyses, including paired t-tests to compare employment rates before and after the training. I also conducted regression analysis to identify the factors that most strongly predicted successful employment outcomes.
- Qualitative Analysis: The qualitative data from FGDs were thematically analyzed to uncover common themes and insights. This analysis helped contextualize the quantitative findings and provided a deeper understanding of the participants’ experiences.
3. Data Cleaning:
- Error Checking: I meticulously reviewed the collected data to identify and correct any inconsistencies, missing values, or outliers. This process involved cross-referencing survey responses and validating the data with enumerators when necessary.
- Data Structuring: The cleaned data was then structured into a comprehensive database that allowed for seamless analysis and reporting.
Key Findings
1. Employment Outcomes:
The analysis revealed a substantial increase in employment rates among participants after completing the vocational training programs. On average, trainee employment rose by 45%, with the highest gains observed around the training camp.
2. Factors Influencing Employment Success:
The regression analysis identified that the alignment of vocational training with local market demands was the strongest predictor of successful employment. Additionally, programs that offered hands-on experience like the henna training, the electrical engineer training and the sewing lot through internships or apprenticeships were more likely to lead to sustainable employment
Participant Satisfaction:
The qualitative analysis supported these findings, with participants frequently mentioning the practical skills they acquired as crucial to their job success. The satisfaction levels were notably higher among those who felt the training directly prepared them for available job opportunities in their regions.
Conclusion and Recommendations
The vocational training programs in Somalia have had a significant positive impact on youth employment, particularly when the training is aligned with local market needs and includes practical, hands-on experience. However, there is still room for improvement. Future programs should:
- Continue to tailor training content to the specific demands of the local job market.
- Increase opportunities for practical experience, such as internships and apprenticeships.
- Expand outreach to rural areas, where employment gains, although present, were less pronounced than in urban centers.
Through this project, I have reaffirmed my commitment to using data to drive meaningful change. By carefully analyzing and interpreting the data collected, I have been able to provide actionable insights that will help shape future vocational training initiatives in Somalia, ultimately contributing to a more prosperous and empowered youth population.