Since 2002, Somali Family Services has partnered with Books for Africa, Counterpart International and UNICEF to deliver 5,278 much-needed books, textbooks and other resources to the Puntland community. These books have reached all eight regions of Puntland, and have been delivered to NGOs and various educational institutions, including Puntland State University, East Africa University, Garowe Teachers’ Education College and Nugaal University.

Furthermore, SFS’s Puntland Library & Resource Center has received over 30,000 books, thanks to the joint efforts of SFS, Books For Africa, Counterpart International, UNICEF and Puntland authorities. The much-needed books will help SFS and its partners work toward their collective goal of increasing and promoting literacy as part of a broader effort to cultivate a community environment that values democracy and human rights.

SFS’s Puntland Library & Resource Center affords all community members with the opportunity to read and borrow the Center’s books. In six months alone, a total of 3,024 citizens—956 women and 2,168 men—accessed the Center. Meanwhile, efforts are underway to encourage more women and girls to utilize the Center’s resources.