YEEL

YEEL is a Hargeisa-based NGO established in 2011 to reduce youth unemployment and foster sustainable livelihoods across the Somali Peninsula. Based in Somaliland, YEEL focuses on marginalised youth aged 15–35, including IDPs, women, and minority groups, equipping them with the skills, mindset and opportunities to secure meaningful jobs or create their own. YEEL's holistic programming combines literacy, numeracy, entrepreneurship, vocational training, life skills, mentoring and mental health support. By linking skills training with actual employment pathways, YEEL bridges the gap between learning and livelihoods. The organisation also supports and strengthens local civil society structures (CSOs, youth groups, women-led organisations), enabling long-term civic engagement and community-led development. YEEL has trained over 4,450 youth, facilitated 2,750 jobs, supported 380 new businesses, and distributed over $500,000 in seed funding. Its governance structure includes a professional board, executive committee, and dedicated secretariat with departments for programmes, finance, partnerships, advocacy and M&E. YEEL’s growing team of 13 full-time staff and expert consultants operate transparently with systems aligned to international donor standards. YEEL is co-founder of the Shaqo Platform, a cross-regional youth employment initiative active in 14 Somali regions. The organisation is a trusted partner of several international donors, including the Dutch and Danish ministries of foreign affairs, the World Bank, and UN-Habitat. YEEL’s long-term vision is a Somali peninsula where all youth can thrive, free from poverty, inequality, and marginalisation—achieved by creating inclusive systems, resilient communities and decent livelihoods.