Unusual circumstances and resources that Are truly limited continues.

By Ibrahim Adam Ghalib

The new institution established by the professionals of Somaliland in cooperation with the Minister of planning is a step in the right direction. Utilizing the sufficient quantity of adequately skilled people in the local labor force was long overlooked. There are sufficient skilled and highly trained manpower in the country specially those who worked in post independence of Somalia. It is unfortunate that the donor agencies in the country hire foreign labor while this can be found in the local market. It is better now not to look back to our past shortcomings but to learn from our mistakes how to determine the actions that need to be taken to accomplish them, gather and commit the resources needed.

Planning is an essential ingredient for this project to be successful. This can help find omissions and flaws by allowing and selecting the right people with diverse trade skills to run the institution. We should not get caught up in the excitement and emotions of the process. It is true that decisions based purely on these lines are often not the best long term choice.

Because of the long conflict and destruction of the educational institutions of the country the young generation was not lucky to get the required skill training. Secondly there were a brain drain in Somaliland and almost all the educated and trained people left the country in the seventies. Now many of this skilled manpower returned to the country and if this institution becomes a viable one Somaliland will benefit from their expertise in every field if properly handled.

Training refers to methods to give the employees the skills they need to perform their jobs and in return this will improve production levels of the country This do not need high degrees but those people who have reasonable education and skills can do the job.

This organization must have a well thought out program, a sound financial base, effective staff, a board of directors and good community relations. This new institution or organization should design and build an efficient structure and set up a workable procedures and policies for handling its business.

Any organization or institution performance is reflected by its board of directors. The board should not be selected on random. They must be selected on their skills that they can contribute to the institution. A diverse representation of back grounds and skills are a pre-requisite for the board selection. A fair representation of the regions is also required. Diversity can provide creative problem solving ideas. Trained women should also be included in the board.

If we avoid rapacious business methods, this institution can enhance the ability of our work force and bring about a rapprochement between the people of Somaliland.

Ibrahim Adam Ghalib
Borama, Awdal
Email: kaalib33@hotmail.com