Return to HOME page

Galkayo Education Center for Peace and Development (GECPD)

Who We Are

Although for several years a fragile peace and security has existed in the northeast region of Somalia (Puntland) , the town of Galkayo lacked educational opportunities for girls and women. In late 1999, Hawa Aden, an educator and activist, organized community and international GECPD photo resources to rebuild the Adult Education Center in Galkayo to provide primary education for girls and awareness, literacy and skills for women. The rebuilt center was named the Galkayo Education Center for Peace and Development (GECPD). GECPD photo

What We Do

GECPD currently has over 400 girls in their primary education classes. Over 3,000 women are attending an innovative literacy and awareness learning circles based on participatory action research related to issues such as family relations, health, education for girls and women, womenıs work load, and natural resources management. GECPD has a community library and skills center, where women learn nutritional skills as well as income generation through tie dying and tailoring. GECPD is a center for womenıs and girls human rights including awareness and advocacy against the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM). GECPD photo GECPD has been one of the leaders of the peace and reconciliation movement in Galkayo which has insured that Galkayo is ONE (Galkayo waa mid) town and has not allowed it to be redivided along clan lines.

What We Believe

GECPDıs Mandate
To strengthen women's capacity to seek, defend and advocate for their fundamental rights in all spheres of life To promote education for girls, women, youth and community at large for social reconstruction and peaceful rebuilding of Somalia. GECPD photo

GECPD Objectives

1) strengthening women's capacity to seek, defend and promote their access to
. basic education and health services
. increased economic resources
. political participation
in order to protect their physical, psychological and social well being

2) promoting peace and reconciliation among communities.

Legal Status

Galkayo Education Center for Peace and Development is a non-profit, non- governmental organization registered with the Galkayo Regional Court and recognized by Puntland President's Decree number 74 dated 24/01/2000. GECPD enjoys tax-exempt status. It has a Board of Directors and 262 members. For more information contact: Hawa Aden, GECPD, Galkayo, Puntland, Somalia,
Tel: +2525 854004, +2525 795220 (Golis), +2525 46457 (STG)
Email: gecpd2004@yahoo.com
P.O.Box 3885 Nairobi, Kenya

How YOU can help build peace in Somalia

Click on this link for information about how you can help GECPD and other groups build peace in Puntland and throughout Somalia.

Contribute to Peace in Somalia

Return to HOME page