Youth Advisory Committee
Shaqo Platform’s Youth Advisory Committee is a diverse group of 12 young advisors from our different member organisations. Representing a range of skills, competences, ages, genders, cities, socio-economic backgrounds, these dedicated young leaders bring invaluable perspectives that guide and qualify Shaqo Platform’s strategies, policies and overall programming.
Engaging the youth, who represent more than 70% of the population and are our main beneficiaries, is crucial to our mission. Their insights and involvement ensure that our initiatives are relevant and impactful, driving sustainable change for the future of Somali youth.
We pay all members to demonstrate our commitment and value the contributions of our Youth Advisory Committee. This not only acknowledges their efforts but also underscores the importance we place on their involvement, insights and recommendations.
The Youth Advisory Committee meets several times a year. Meetings include internal learning sessions, joint meetings with Shaqo Platform’s Public Private Boards, and other meetings with relevant stakeholders.
What do the Youth Advisory Committee do?
Participatory programming
Our Youth Advisors are involved in all stages of our programming to ensure that our efforts are relevant and beneficial to the youth.
Strategy and Policy Guidance
Our Youth Advisors help shape Shaqo Platform’s strategies and policies. They ensure our strategy meet the needs of the Somali youth.
Advocacy and Outreach
Our Youth Advisors act as ambassadors that engage with the communities and sectors to promote our mission and raise awareness.
Meet our young advisors
![Shaqo Platform](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.shaqoplatform.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Asma-red-scaled.jpg)
Asma Muuse Yusuf
Asma Muuse Yuusuf, 26, from Hargeisa, was selected and nominated to Shaqo Platform’s Youth Advisory Committee by YEEL. She works at Dahabshiil and runs her own online startup. With a background in software engineering, she effectively represents the youth voice and focuses on empowering women in business and decision-making.
![Shaqo Platform](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.shaqoplatform.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Ridwaan-red-scaled.jpg)
Ridwaan Ali Mohamed
Ridwaan, 25, from Hargeisa, was selected and nominated to Shaqo Platform’s Youth Advisory Committee by YEEL. He is a visionary entrepreneur and owner of Labis Store. He has background in management, sales and marketing. He is dedicated to empowering youth through entrepreneurship and greater involvement in decision-making.
![Shaqo Platform](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.shaqoplatform.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Asma-red-scaled.jpg)
Sundus Esse Adan
Sundus, 23, from Hargeisa, was selected and nominated to Shaqo Platform’s Youth Advisory Committee by YEEL. With a background in veterinary medicine, research, data analysis and communication, she brings valuable expertise and insight that empower Somali youth and ensure their voices are heard and reflected in our work.