For Immediate Release-December 3, 2007

Contact:
Abdurashid Ali at abdurashid.ali@ussfs.org
Jennie Kratzer at  Jennie.kratzer@ussfs.org

November 29, 2007 marked the official opening of a key Somali Family Services project in Somalia, the (PLRC). The Center will focus on civil society capacity building, establishing itself as an information repository for Somali-related documents and as a safe, quality space for students, and community members to read and conduct research. Another key area of focus will be on encouraging dialogue and an understanding of roles between the civil society sector and the agencies of the Puntland government.

Primary funding for this project was provided by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Diakonia-Sweden, and the Somali Family Services. Primary on site logistical support was provided by the Puntland State University.

Other key partners include Books For Africa, Counterpart International, Minneapolis Community and Technical College, Metropolitan State University, Puntland Authority, and many individual donors. This is the first resource center in the Puntland region of Somalia. The Center will be multi purpose and will offer internet connectivity, a conference hall, library, and a small coffee shop offering tea, snacks, photocopies, and stationary supplies.

The event attended  by traditional leaders, business community, community members, women organizations, student, diaspora, minister of planning and international cooperation, Mayor of Garowe, Governor of Nugaal Province, international organizations such as United Nation Development Programme, and Diakonia-Sweden.

Said "Wayeel" from Kaalo acted as the Master of Ceremonies for the nearly 150 people in attendance. Keynote speaker for the event was Vice President of Puntland Hassan Dahir Mohamed. Other scheduled speakers included Ashe Gelle Diriye, Minister for Women and Family Affairs; Nimo Ahmed Mohamoud, Dean of Puntland State University; Saido Hirsi Egal, Country Representative of Diakonia-Sweden in Puntland; UNDP representative Mohamed Ahmed Yusuf read a statement on behalf of UNDP; Mohamoud Sheikh Hamud, Kaalo Relief and Development and SFS Executive Director Abdurashid Ali and SFS technical consultant Eric Robinson.

Saido Hirsi Egal of Diakonia, Sweden stated, "This is the type of project that has been missing in Puntland? and that ??we will continue to provide support."

Mahmoud Hamud, President of Puntland State University, expressed the importance of ensuring the sustainability of a project like this and encouraged students in the audience to take advantage of the resources when they come fully on line.

UNDP representative Mohamed Ahmed Yusuf read a statement from UNDP Country Director Bruno Lemarquis in which Mr. Lemarquis said? "It is our sincere hope that the centre will collectively benefit the civil society and will facilitate a platform for dialogue with the different authorities with the view of engendering a common understanding and action for shared responsibility between the state and non-state actors."

Somali Family Services (SFS) is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota and satellite offices in Garowe and Hargeisa, Somalia. SFS's International Program is an initiative to promote interaction and an exchange of knowledge, ideas and resources. This initiative is intended to enhance opportunities for all institutions involved to support civil society organizations, educational institutions, government institutions, health institutions, and humanitarian efforts in Somalia.

Puntland Library and Resource Center is first public library and resource center in Puntland and its mission is to provide innovative solutions to reform and strengthen the effectiveness of civil society organizations (CSO) throughout Puntland through technology transfer and capacity building. The center is envisioned to improve the collaboration of civil society organizations and the Puntland public sector (government) to enhance good governance and at the same time provide a top-level environment for workshops and to act as a repository for vital information related to the development of Puntland and Somalia.

Abdurashid Ali
Somali Family Services
310 East 38th Street Suite # CR--I
Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA 55409
Phone: 612-252-2417
Cell:  612-327-9730
abdurashid.ali@ussfs.org
www.ussfs.org