(ERGO) – For eight months after returning home to Somalia from a disastrous migration journey to Libya, Aweys Sadiq Mayow, jobless, faced the shame of begging in the streets to support his family.
As a carpenter, however, he had good skills to offer. He and 24 other former migrants are now running a successful furniture business in the city of Baidoa, after joining hands and resources.
Aweys, 37, was repatriated by the Somali government in 2023. The business has given him renewed energy and hope that he can turn failure into fortune.
“I average earnings of $350 and when the market is good it can be up to $400 a month. During low periods like now it’s around $180-$200. My family and I are happy because things are much better than they used to be,” Aweys said.
He borrowed $200 from a relative and partnered with the others in the group, opening a new chapter for him as a provider for his family.
“As young people, we decided to pool our skills. Some could make beds, others sofas, cabinets, while some can cut mirrors. We asked our families for financial support and started the business with $5,000. Now we have paid off our debts. Personally, I plan to open my own workshop soon,” Aweys told Radio Ergo.
He has enrolled his two children in primary school, paying $25 per month in fees. He also supports his parents, who sold their land in Baidoa to pay $3,000 ransom money to smugglers who were holding him in Libya.
Aweys admits that his poor decision to travel overseas cost his family a fortune and he is committed to helping the family recover.
His wife and five children lived with his parents for a year while he was stranded in Libya. Reflecting on his poor decisions, Aweys warns others against taking such a dangerous path.
“Only those who have experienced migration themselves know the reality. I tried it once and will never try it again. For those considering migration, I advise using that money to start a business like we have now,” he said.
Another partner in the business, Sakariye Mohamed Ali, is making $250 to $300 a month that covers his family’s food, education, and other essentials.
“This job, which I worked hard to establish, has transformed my life. Before, I couldn’t provide for my children daily. Now, by Allah’s grace, I can provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner, pay for electricity and water, and support my family,” said Sakariye, who has eight children.
He reflected on his failed migration attempt to Yemen in 2021, after paying $500 for a boat trip from the Bari coast in northern Puntland. Stranded in Yemen without work or legal status, he struggled for two years before the Somali government facilitated his return home.
He recounted how his family had to depend on neighbours in his absence and often went hungry. He has already paid back his sister who lent him the $200 he needed to join the group furniture business.
The group’s leader, Ibrahim Ahmed Hussein, explained that although the government repatriated them, it offered no additional support. They decided to turn their hardships into an opportunity, as many of them had acquired skills abroad working in workshops albeit making a pittance as illegal migrant workers.
Their $5,000 start-up capital came from pooling $200 contributions from each member.
“We decided to start this business to overcome the hardships of migration and the challenges we faced on returning. Our goal was to turn the skills we learned abroad into a livelihood. Now we are self-sufficient and plan to expand our investment,” said Ibrahim, 41, and a father of three.
Their locally made products are more affordable than imported items, making them popular among customers in Baidoa and hopeful of continued success.
