Somalia has been without central government since 1991. The humanitarian situation remained pathetic and horrible and in particular the youth were most troubled. Noting this horrible situation, INTERSOS looked means for intervention to response the youth at risk and this prompted the idea of opening vocational training center in Jowhar. The center is aimed to restore the minds of the most vulnerable youth for self-reliance and improved livelihoods through skills training that can help them generate self-employment. The center locates the worst areas in the south of central of Somalia where the vulnerability of youth is the highest.

The VTC in Jowhar was constructed in 2008 and officially started its operation in February 2009. A total of 787 trainees of 455 boys and 332 girls graduated since its inception. The center provides vocational training courses such as; carpentry, tailoring, computer skills, and literacy skills.

On September 19th, 2011, INTERSOS provided toolkits to 132 graduates (85 boys and 47 girls) who graduated in August 2011 on tailoring and carpentry.

The school management organized a toolkit distribution ceremony which was attended by the representatives from the community and many other relevant local actors. The graduate trainees thanked the dire support they received from INTERSOS. Aisha, a graduate student is quoted saying “I am very happy today because I have finished the training and going to start work. The skills, I gained are instrumental for my life and future. I thank for my teachers and INTERSOS for the valuable skills and support they gave me”.Generally, the impression of graduate students who benefited from this toolkit distribution was unimaginable showing smiling faces and great ambition to start up their self employment the soonest they go out.  Finally, the graduates were hailed with a message to work hard, utilize the skills obtained and use the toolkits given to start up self-employment by stakeholders who witnessed the event

INTERSOS supported 787 graduates with 723 toolkits in last three years. The graduates got absorbed into the market in the region (Middle Shebelle). The VTC center has publicity in the region and thus attracting more students from other nearby regions despite of its small capacity and resource limitation. The VTC is active and it has changed the life of many youth who had lot misfortunes such as unemployment, lack skills, and many other odds.