Who we are
YEEL is an NGO that has been fighting extreme youth unemployment across the Somali peninsula since 2011.
YEEL was founded in Burao as a voluntary organization supporting internally displaced persons (IDPs). In 2017, YEEL relocated its headquarters to Hargeisa, where it has since expanded its reach and impact.
We believe that with the right opportunities and support, everyone can improve their lives and make meaningful contributions to their communities.
Our approach addresses the many challenges Somali youth face by providing the right skills, tools and resources needed to succeed as entrepreneurs or employees.
Over the years, we have supported thousands of youth to build better lives.
Majority
of our beneficiaries are women
We focus on youth unemployment,
because it is the biggest challenge for young people, who represent 70% of the population.
Our guiding principles
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A Somali peninsula where every youth can achieve their potential and help build a prosperous society free from poverty, clannism, inequality, injustice, khat abuse and extremism!
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To address youth unemployment by providing young Somalis with the skills, resources and support that build their agency and self-reliance, enabling them to secure meaningful jobs or establish viable businesses.
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Empathy: We strive to understand and share the feelings of our youth, ensuring our programming meets their needs and aspirations.
Integrity: We act with honesty and strong moral principles in all our work and interactions.
Transparency: We maintain open and clear communication with our stakeholders and the communities we serve.
YEEL is part of Shaqo Platform, a locally-led initiative across the Somali Peninsula that harnesses cross-regional synergy to end extreme youth unemployment.
Our Youth Advisory Committee is made up of young people who guide our work to ensure it meets real needs. They bring valuable perspectives from their own experiences, helping shape our activities to be as impactful and relevant as possible.
The committee provides feedback, suggests improvements and contributes with fresh ideas, making sure our decisions reflect the true challenges and goals of the youth we serve. By involving youth directly, we ensure our work genuinely benefits the youth.
The young people practice the principles of youth inclusion in decision-making, experiencing how their input contributes to actions tangible outcomes.
Our Public–Private Board brings together committed leaders from government, the private sector, academia, and civil society to collectively address youth employment in Somalia.
Drawing on their diverse expertise, members provide strategic advice, open networks, and align efforts across sectors to strengthen YEEL’s work in knowledge sharing, skills development, policy input, and sustainable job creation.
The Board helps shape, test, and refine YEEL’s programmes, ensuring that our interventions are relevant, high-quality, and create meaningful employment opportunities for Somali youth.
Leadership
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Nasir Ali
Managing Director
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Yoonis Farah
Deputy managing director
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Abdirashid Hirsi
Operations Manager
Staff and consultants
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Cibaado Saeed
Office Manager Hargeisa
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Abdirisaq Jama
Skills Development Manager
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Dr. Zakaria Abdi Bade
M&E, Research and Learning Manager
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Mohamed Ali
Finance Manager
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Adan Dirir
Finance officer
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Bilan Cumar
Skills Development Officer
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Hoodo Mohamoud
Officer manager Burao
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Abdirisaq Ahmed
Skills development officer
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Ahmed Khaliif
Procurement and Logistics Officer
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Farhiya Hussein
Bookkeeper
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Fahad Abdi
Communications Officer
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Mawliid Abdi
Security & Office Maintenance Officer
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Cismaan Xuseen
Security & Office Maintenance Officer
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Calfiya Ahmed
Office Support Assistant
See how we are organised here.
Governance
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The General Assembly is the highest decision-making authority within YEEL, bringing together members to guide the organisation’s strategic direction and uphold its mission. It is entrusted with key responsibilities, including approving policies, reviewing organisational performance, and ensuring accountability to stakeholders.
Meeting every third year, the General Assembly evaluates progress, endorses annual plans and budgets, and ensures that YEEL’s operations align with its goals and values. This body also plays a critical role in fostering transparency, maintaining ethical standards, resolving conflict and safeguarding the organisation’s long-term sustainability.
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The Executive Board guides and oversees YEEL’s mission and activities, providing strategic direction and ensuring alignment with our vision to empower young people and local communities.
With diverse expertise and a shared commitment to sustainable development, the board ensures accountability, transparency, and the responsible allocation of resources. Their leadership drives YEEL’s growth as a trusted organization creating opportunities and building a brighter future.
Our board includes members with unique experience and expertise dedicated to advancing positive change.
Chairperson Hamsa Abdullahi
Policy advisor and governance expertVice Chairperson Farduus Mahamed Dheere
Founder of Siraad Initiative and advocate for women’s empowerment and gender equalitySecretary Ahmed Farah
International development consultant.Treasurer Amina Warsame
Entrepreneur and financial advisorBoard Member Mohamed Saleeban
Project manager specialising in public-private partnerships and community development.
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Our Advisory Board supports YEEL’s long-term development and strategic direction, ensuring the effectiveness of our organisation and programming.
Comprising highly accomplished professionals from diverse sectors, the board provides expert insights, fosters partnerships, and offers oversight to advance our mission and maximise impact.
We are privileged to have three distinguished members on our Advisory Board:
A successful CEO, bringing private sector insight and business acumen.
A respected university professor, contributing academic expertise and thought leadership.
A senior public sector professional with extensive international development experience, offering strategic insights into advocacy, governance and policy.
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YEEL is committed to the highest standards of transparency, accountability and financial integrity. To ensure our work aligns with international best practices, our finances and operations are regularly audited by an independent external auditor.
These audits are conducted in accordance with globally recognised standards, providing an impartial assessment of our financial management and compliance. This process ensures that our resources are used responsibly and effectively, reflecting our dedication to delivering maximum impact for the communities we serve.
By maintaining rigorous financial oversight, we uphold the trust of our stakeholders and reinforce our commitment to excellence in all aspects of our work.
