Education
Somali Family Services (SFS) recognizes that educating Somalis of all ages, clans and income levels is one of the best strategies to bring peace, security and democracy to Somalia. Through education, Somalis find their voice and are able to make positive contributions to the development of their country. By providing educational opportunities and skills trainings to Puntlanders, SFS is not only helping individuals build sustainable livelihoods, but also providing them with essential tools for actively participating in their communities.
SFS aims to target Puntland’s youth in many of its educational programs, recognizing that education and related job opportunities serve as important alternatives to the criminal activities that normally target young people for recruitment, including piracy and extremism. SFS also strives for gender parity in its educational programs as part of its endeavor to empower women and girls, and to combat the disparity in educational attainment and livelihood opportunities experienced between women and men.
Currently, SFS is developing several educational programs, including one to provide educational opportunities for nomadic children and youth. In the past, it has enhanced education for Somalis through various projects:
Skills Training for Young Puntlanders
Puntland Library & Resource Center
Health Education
SFS fully recognizes that when citizens’ minimum health standards are left unmet, they are less able to actively participate in their communities and state-building efforts. Therefore, SFS has conducted campaigns to raise awareness about healthy lifestyle practices, targeting vulnerable groups such as mothers, children and youth.