UNICEF Somalia has been supporting various youth development and participation initiatives reaching Somali Youth.

Over the last three years, UNICEF has supported the promotion of leadership and organizational development (LOD) for Somali youth groups with an objective of enhancing their participation in Community Development activities.

Over the last years, there has been some awakening among Somali youth on the need to “stay in touch” with fellow youth. UNICEF supports the KOOR magazine- a magazine on HIV/AIDS and other topical youth issues which is now very popular among Somali youth.

The need to harness technology resulted in the development of the “Hellosomaliyouth” website. Youth wanted a “trendy” and effective way to communicate and “Stay in touch”- the website provided the most adored option.

As a way of ensuring that youth are at the core of the contents of the website, the youth selected 2 webmaster from each of the three zones that UNICEF works in Somalia. The webmasters are responsible for updating and managing the website.

The webmasters also moderate various online discussions on topics selected by Somali youth.

Hellosomaliyouth is a big step in facilitating the development and networking of Somali youth.

Objectives
The youth website will seek to network Somali youth and youth groups with an aim of enhancing the sharing of knowledge and lessons from activities implemented by young people.

The website will enhance youth participation as young people will be at the core of its development and maintenance. 6 youth webmasters have been selected as focal points for Somali youth.

The website will also enhance the dissemination and discussion of key issues affecting young people. Youth will lead online discussions and post relevant resources for sharing amongst young people.

An online mapping of youth groups will enable Youth and development workers to be able to quickly make contact with youth groups. The youth group mapping pages will feature the profile of the youth groups in each region including the activities they undertake and ways of contacting them.