Youthmakers Hub on the ground: Strengthening academia and youth engagement in Somalia

From May 11th to 18th, Youthmakers Hub, along with representatives from the University of Girona and Kenyatta University carried out a significant field mission in Puntland, Somalia, visiting our partners at Puntland State University, in the context of the 3is project. This visit marked a step in deepening our footprint in East Africa and reaffirmed our commitment to inclusive education, strategic collaboration, and youth empowerment in underserved regions. 

Over the course of the mission, our team worked closely with academic leaders, civil society actors, government representatives, and young people to foster dialogue and explore practical avenues for cooperation. This engagement underscored the value of context-driven partnerships and sustainable knowledge exchange.

A key moment of the visit was our strategic engagement with Puntland State University (PSU), where we held discussions on academic cooperation, Erasmus+ mobility, and institutional development. Alongside the University of Girona, we facilitated hands-on capacity-building workshops for PSU faculty, introducing tools and strategies for EU-funded project development and partnership management.

The mission also featured a vibrant youth session led by Youthmakers Hub, introducing students and graduates to a wide array of international mobility programs, including Erasmus+, the AU-EU Youth Lab, and additional global opportunities. With live Somali interpretation and the powerful personal testimony of a 3is team member, the session offered inspiration, guidance, and access to life-changing opportunities.

Beyond the university setting, our visit included field engagements with key local organizations such as KAALO Aid & Development, PDRC, and Amal Village, each offering insight into community resilience, peacebuilding, and development in Puntland.

The MoU between PSU and the University of Girona, along with greater awareness of international programs among Somali youth, highlights Youthmakers Hub’s locally grounded, growth-focused approach. By building genuine partnerships and empowering youth, we continue to bridge regions and promote sustainable development across Africa and Europe.