Joining this course turned out to be a great decision. Learning with people who shared similar dreams and interests made the classes more enjoyable and smoother.
Sundus* is a 25-year-old aspiring artist living in Garowe. She had to leave school in eighth grade due to financial hardships her family was dealing with. Despite this setback, Sundus* has always known she had a natural talent for beautiful designs and a passion for henna and make-up. While she sometimes wished she could have completed her studies like her classmates, she firmly believed that her dreams didn't have to align with societal norms in terms of the educational system.
Throughout her life, Sundus* has been drawn to the artistic aspects of henna and make-up. In the past few years, she refined her skills by watching YouTube videos and self-teaching herself henna, steadily improving her craft. However, she soon realized that to turn her passion into a viable career, she needed formal training and a supportive community of like-minded individuals.
Last year, some of her friends who had completed a similar course recommended a six-month free course aimed for youth. Interested, Sundus* researched further and decided to register for the program. In mid-October, she joined around forty other students eager to learn and grow in the world of beauty industry. The course was predominantly practical, with a focus on teaching the trainees in a practical manner as well as theory classes that focus on customer care and quality products. The company among the students made the classes enjoyable and inspired everyone to excel.
While Sundus* was aware of the growing number of make-up and henna artists in the city, she remains determined to forge her own path and establish her name in the industry. During the second month of training, she started working with various salons to practice her skills on real customers, seeking constructive feedback to enhance her techniques.
By the fourth month, Sundus* had made significant progress. She began redecorating a room in her home and equipped it with chairs, mirrors, and other essentials, creating her own salon. Though it wasn't extravagant, it was her creative sanctuary and a place for customers to easily find her.
Her hard work paid off when she received her first client just two weeks after opening. A neighbour trusted her to be the henna and make-up artist for her small wedding. This opportunity filled Sundus* with happiness and gratitude, solidifying her belief in herself and her talent.
Even though Sundus* is yet to obtain her certificate, she continues to work with various salons on different days while still running her own place. On special occasions like the last two Eid celebrations, she earned around 100 US dollars per day, making her feel happy and excited and on regular days, she brings in around 20 to 10 US dollars and occasionally nothing when there are no clients at all.
In the foreseeable future, Sundus* has no intention of returning to school to finish her studies. She has found her passion, and her focus is on building her skills, reputation, and loyal customer base. She dreams of improving her salon's setting to create a more salon-like experience, although financial constraints stand in her way. Still, Sundus* remains hopeful that things would eventually work out and with each stroke of henna and brush of make-up, she inches closer to her dreams, carving her own path in the world of henna and make-up artistry.
Sundus's story
‘‘My name is Sundus*, and I'm a 25-year-old living in Garowe. I had to leave school in eighth grade due to financial hardships my family faced at that time. Despite not completing my studies like most of my classmates, I've always seen myself as more of an artist. I realized that what I wanted didn't have to align with what everyone else pursued.
From a young age, I had an eye for designs and enjoyed helping people choose colours and henna designs that suited them. My passion was to learn henna and makeup as I found these skills artistic and fascinating. I tried self-teaching henna through YouTube videos, which improved my skills, but I soon realized that I needed guidance to turn this passion into a primary source of income. Learning on my own had limitations, and I wanted to have a supportive community of like-minded individuals with similar interests and hobbies.
Fortunately, last year, some friends who had completed a similar course recommended it to me. Interested, I researched further and registered for the course at a local center. The classes started in mid-October, and there were around forty students. The course primarily focused on practical training, with about 75 percent of the classes dedicated to hands-on learning. The remaining sessions covered theory topics, such as customer care and the use of quality products.
Joining this course turned out to be a great decision. Learning with people who shared similar dreams and interests made the classes more enjoyable and smoother. I appreciated the chance to observe different approaches and techniques from my fellow students during the practical sessions.
Knowing that there was a growing number of makeup and henna artists in the city didn't discourage me. I believed that my destiny would bring me what I deserved, and my aim was to build my own name and reputation in this field.
During the second month of training, I began practicing with various salons in the city. I offered my services for free to gain experience working with actual customers outside of my family and friends. Constructive feedback was important to my growth, and I persistently practiced what I learned in both theory and practical sessions.
By the fourth month, I started redecorating a room in my home and investing in chairs, banners, and other equipment from my savings to open my own salon. Though it wasn't big, it was my own space where people could easily find and visit me.
I was thrilled when, two weeks after opening, I received my first full client, providing henna and makeup services for a neighbour’s wedding. Their trust in me was deeply rewarding.
Currently, I continue to work with several salons on different days while managing my own place. During the last two Eid celebrations, I earned around 100 US dollars per day, which felt incredibly fulfilling. On regular days, my income varies, some days earning about 20 to 10 US dollars a day, and occasionally nothing at all.
In the coming four to five years, my plan is to focus on improving my skills and achieving the dream I've held for so long, I don't plan to return to school or complete my formal studies. I want to establish a strong reputation and build a loyal customer base. While financial constraints prevent me from improving my salon immediately, I am hoping that things will fall into place over time.’’
projecr information
Save the Children is implementing the Economic and Social Empowerment of Youth in Somalia Project (EASEY) across multiple regions in Somalia, namely Puntland, Banadir, and Jubbaland. This project is designed to span over several years and is funded by the Germany Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The primary objective of EASEY is to equip 3,920 young individuals with technical and vocational skills, thereby enhancing their potential for generating income and promoting social inclusion.
Through EASEY, Save the Children aims to address the socioeconomic challenges faced by youth in Somalia by offering them targeted training and support. By providing technical and vocational skills, the project seeks to empower young people to access better income-generating opportunities. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of social inclusion, aiming to create an enabling environment where young individuals can actively participate in society and contribute to their communities. Overall, EASEY serves as a platform for capacity building and youth empowerment, with a focus on enhancing economic prospects and fostering social integration for the targeted beneficiaries.
