– Where Youth Voices Become Media Leaders

Media development is one of the key pillars of an empowered digital society, as the media inform, educate, and connect people, especially youth, to new opportunities. Recognizing this vital role, Ubah Media Lab has made media development a central part of its mission, focusing on empowering youth in the Horn of Africa through improved media and digital literacy.

As part of this focus, we are currently partnering with the University of Bossaso – Garowe campus. The University is hosting our first Media Accelerator Programme, which is an intensive, youth-centered digital media training initiative designed to equip young people in the Horn of Africa with practical skills, creative confidence, and professional opportunities in the digital world. The programme blends hands-on learning with coaching, mentorship, and real-world media production experiences. Participants will learn content creation, social media strategy, and digital storytelling through collaborative projects and workshops led by industry professionals.

The programme focuses on building essential skills in storytelling, multimedia production, digital literacy, graphic design, journalism, podcasting, social content creation, digital marketing, and leadership.

Each competency is designed to unlock real-world opportunities: for instance, digital marketing equips participants to promote community initiatives online and reach wider audiences, while graphic design and multimedia production enable them to craft engaging campaigns that resonate with local communities. Journalism and podcasting offer pathways to spotlight local stories—such as producing podcast segments that highlight entrepreneurs in Somalia or creating podcasts that amplify youth perspectives on social issues. By learning to use media as a tool for social impact, participants gain the ability to launch awareness campaigns on pressing local challenges, support economic empowerment through content creation, and lead community conversations that inspire change and foster civic engagement.

Last month, we welcomed our first cohort of 30 participants to join the Media Accelerator Programme. The participants were an inspiring group of young people from diverse backgrounds in Puntland and Somalia, each bringing hopes, dreams, and a strong belief in the transformative power of storytelling. Their collective energy was palpable: they were a new generation determined to learn, create, and lead real change.

Participants included 16 female students and 14 male students. Ubah Media Lab’s Strategic Communication Team sit with the participants to learn about their inspiration. Sundus who was among the participants revealed that she  “Joined Ubah Media because I want to learn everything it offers and become someone who influences my community positively.” These youth are eager to develop practical skills—like podcast journalism, to spotlight local entrepreneurs  or to address pressing social issues . Their journeys illustrate how the programme is more than a classroom, it’s a launching pad for voices that aspire to empower, inform, and uplift their communities.

Abdullahi  who grew up in Garowe joined the programme because, as he says, “I want to learn media so I can improve myself and give back to my community.” Similarly, Kawsar describes herself as someone who cares deeply about “education, youth empowerment, and hope,” and joined to become “a strong voice for my community.”

For participants like Yacquub, who has multimedia skills but is seeking direction, the programme is a stepping stone to the future he imagines “a respected position in society.” Bishaaro echoes a similar passion, explaining, “I love photography and videography because these skills can raise awareness in society,” and she joined to learn graphic design, editing, and storytelling.

Others, like Sundus see Media Accelerator Programme as a space of possibility: “I joined the programme because I want to learn everything it offers and become someone who influences my community positively.”

Simlilarly, Said was  driven by a clear purpos where he wants “to become a social content creator so I can uplift the community I come from.”

The programme also offers opportunities to build skills such critical thinking, analytical thinking, collaboration and decicion and many of the programme participants share their dreams of leadership. Aisho says, “I joined because I want to gain digital marketing and leadership skills. My dream is to become a CEO and digital marketing expert.” Meanwhile, Abdullaahi, spoke about the struggles facing Somali youth: “The future of young people is shaped by unemployment and a lack of opportunities. I want to become a skilled, prepared professional who can make a difference.”

Many participants joined for personal growth and community service. Hodan believes that she cares “about community awareness and media content that helps people. I want to learn storytelling and become a skilled media professional.” Ikraam adds, “I want to use media to support my community. My dream is to become a professional social worker.”

Creativity and innovation are also central themes. Nasteeha says, “I love storytelling, video graphics, and marketing. I joined to learn real skills and become a professional storyteller and video editor.” Moktar shares a similar sentiment: “It has always been my dream to learn media, and now I want to use it to benefit my community.”

For some, the programme supports formal study and work. Iqra explains, “I love photography, and I want to reach a high level in media so I can give back to my community.”

Others are dreaming of using their voice to influence society. Idil joined because, as she puts it, “I want to learn media and become a podcaster who contributes to my community.” Maria  sees media as a bridge to global representation: “I am passionate about history and human rights. I want to become an international relations expert who represents my people.”

Some participants want careers that blend media with other fields. Iqra says, “I joined  the programme because I want a skill I can work with and use to benefit my community.”

Together, these voices form a story—a collective of young people who share a desire to learn, create, and lead. They believe that media is more than a skill; it is a tool for empowerment, awareness, opportunity, and transformation.

The Ubah Media Accelerator Programme is where their journeys begin. It is a space where talent grows, dreams take shape, and youth are empowered to tell the stories that will shape the future of Somali society.