Democracy and Governance

Building Sustainable Institutions and Strengthening Capacity

By empowering citizens and strengthening community networks, SFS plays a pivotal role in fostering a responsive government and an engaged society in Somalia and Puntland.

Somali Family Services (SFS) is dedicated to fostering sustainable institutions and mechanisms for democratic participation and education in Puntland. Our mission focuses on strengthening the capacity of the Puntland government, civil society organizations (CSOs), and local religious and secular leaders. Through targeted efforts, we aim to empower citizens and ensure the government is responsive and accountable to the needs of local communities.

Training and Capacity Building for Government Officials

To achieve these goals, SFS has conducted numerous training sessions, workshops, and forums. A notable achievement includes providing computer training to half of Puntland’s Members of Parliament, equipping them with the skills necessary to draft legislation, make informed decisions, and better serve their constituents. These initiatives have significantly strengthened relationships between SFS and local, regional, and Puntland governments, creating opportunities for open dialogue on critical issues among citizens, civil society, and government officials.

Empowering Civil Society for Active Citizenship

Recognizing the importance of an informed and active citizenry, SFS enhances the capacities of CSOs to represent citizens’ interests effectively. Through workshops and forums, we bring together CSOs and government officials to engage in meaningful discussions about governance, human rights, and democratization.
One of our key initiatives is the Neighborhood Colleges, a leadership and civic development program designed to educate citizens about local government, democratic processes, and their rights and responsibilities. These sessions foster direct communication between government officials and citizens, promoting accountability and mutual understanding.

Strengthening Community Networks

To further empower Somali citizens, SFS has divided Garowe, the capital city of Puntland, into seven neighborhoods and established committees for each. These neighborhood committees act as vital links between communities and local authorities. Their accomplishments include organizing security patrols, conducting poverty censuses, and coordinating food collection and distribution for those in need.
By empowering citizens and strengthening community networks, SFS plays a pivotal role in fostering a responsive government and an engaged society in Puntland.

Achievements and Programmes

key features of the achievements under Somali Family Services (SFS)’s democratization and education programs:

Capacity Building for Government Officials

Provided computer training for half of Puntland’s Members of Parliament, enabling them to write legislation, make informed decisions, and improve constituent services.

Neighborhood Colleges

Established a civic leadership program to educate citizens about democratic processes, rights, and responsibilities while fostering dialogue between government officials and civil society.

Neighborhood Committees

Created community committees in Garowe to serve as liaisons between residents and local authorities, organizing initiatives like poverty censuses, food distribution, and security patrols.

Bridging Government and Civil Society

Facilitated workshops and forums that bring together CSOs, citizens, and government officials to discuss critical issues such as human rights and democratization.

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