Galkayo Education and Development Center

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Our Work

GECPD is committed to empowering women, girls, and marginalized communities across Somalia through targeted programs in education, economic empowerment, human rights, and humanitarian response. Our work is grounded in community engagement, resilience-building, and rights-based development.

Promoting Girls’ Education

At GECPD, we believe that education is the foundation of empowerment and societal progress. Our education development programs focus on three key areas:

1. Enhancing Girls’ Enrollment and Retention in Formal Education

  • We operate dedicated girls’ schools that provide a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.

  • Our programs tackle barriers such as early marriage, gender stereotypes, cultural taboos, and issues related to puberty and menstruation management.

  • Community engagement initiatives advocate for the importance of girls’ education and address harmful social norms.

2. Expanding Access to Non-Formal Education

  • We offer second-chance education opportunities for women and girls who missed formal schooling.

  • Our adult literacy programs equip women with functional literacy, numeracy, and life skills.

  • Courses are designed with flexible schedules to accommodate the responsibilities and challenges faced by adult learners.

3. Early Childhood Education (ECE)

  • We have established ECE centers to provide a strong developmental foundation for young children.

  • Our curriculum supports holistic growth—cognitive, emotional, and social.

  • We train local women to become ECE educators, simultaneously fostering early education and employment.

Through these initiatives, we aim to close the education gap and promote a more equitable future for Somalia.

Economic Self-Reliance

GECPD’s economic empowerment programs seek to break cycles of poverty by equipping women and youth with marketable skills and resources to build sustainable livelihoods.

1. Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET)

  • We offer demand-driven vocational training in areas such as tailoring, hairdressing, hospitality, carpentry, welding, and electrical installation.

  • Courses include modules on entrepreneurship and business management to support self-employment.

2. Employment Facilitation

  • We collaborate with local businesses to offer internships and job placements for graduates.

  • Career counselling and market assessments guide trainees toward high-demand professions.

  • Training content is regularly updated based on labor market trends to ensure employability.

3. Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA)

  • We train communities in sustainable agricultural techniques that enhance food security and resilience.

  • CSA demonstration plots showcase water conservation methods, drought-resistant crops, and soil management.

4. Access to Business Capital

  • We facilitate access to grants and investment capital for women and youth entrepreneurs through strategic partnerships.

  • Business incubation services provide mentorship and support in business planning and implementation.

Together, these initiatives are building a stronger, more inclusive economy for Somalia.

Human Rights and Social Justice

We advocate for a just society where the rights of all individuals—especially women and marginalized groups—are recognized and upheld.

1. Social Protection

  • Awareness campaigns highlight the dangers of gender-based violence (GBV) and harmful practices like Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

  • Our safe shelters offer refuge, legal aid, and psychosocial support for survivors.

  • Counselling services support recovery and empowerment.

2. Civic and Human Rights Advocacy

  • We work at both local and national levels to influence policies that protect women’s rights.

  • Programs encourage women’s participation in governance and decision-making.

  • Community education initiatives focus on human rights, particularly those of women and children.

3. Capacity Building

  • We train authorities, community leaders, and organizations in gender-sensitive and rights-based approaches.

  • Support is provided to strengthen grassroots women and youth organizations to effectively advocate for change.

4. Youth Empowerment

  • Leadership programs help young women and men become change-makers in their communities.

  • Youth centers offer training, mentorship, and recreational activities.

  • We support youth-led initiatives that tackle social challenges and drive innovation.

Our human rights work is paving the way toward a more equitable and respectful Somali society.

Humanitarian Response

In a region vulnerable to natural disasters and conflict, GECPD plays a vital role in emergency relief and long-term resilience.

1. Disaster Preparedness

  • We conduct community-based risk assessments and establish local emergency response plans.

  • Training covers first aid, evacuation protocols, and early warning systems.

2. Emergency Assistance

  • During crises such as droughts or floods, we provide critical aid including food, water, shelter, and healthcare.

  • Our mobile health teams deliver immediate medical support in hard-hit areas.

3. Climate Change Awareness

  • Educational programs raise awareness of climate change causes, impacts, and mitigation strategies.

  • Environmental initiatives include tree planting and community waste management.

4. Rebuilding and Recovery

  • Post-crisis, we assist communities in rebuilding homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods.

  • Psychosocial support programs help individuals heal from trauma and regain stability.

Our humanitarian work aims not only to save lives but also to empower communities to recover and rebuild with resilience.

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