Somali Family Services SFS

03/07/2026

Somali Family Services (SFS), in partnership with Diakonia, successfully concluded a four-day training about Market Linkages for Women-Led Cooperatives and Entrepreneurs in Garowe aimed at strengthening the economic empowerment of women-led cooperatives, women entrepreneurs, and young graduates.
Throughout the training, participants enhanced their knowledge of entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, business development, and practical approaches to accessing financial services. The sessions equipped participants with the skills needed to improve financial management, strengthen their businesses, and identify opportunities for sustainable growth and employment.
The initiative concluded with a vibrant multi-stakeholder market linkage forum that brought together representatives from financial institutions, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Garowe Local Government, women-led cooperatives, women entrepreneurs, and young graduates.
During the forum, participating financial institutions introduced a range of financial products and services designed to support women-owned businesses and youth enterprises. They highlighted opportunities for business financing, savings schemes, and other financial solutions that can help entrepreneurs expand and sustain their businesses.
The interactive discussions provided participants with the opportunity to engage directly with bank representatives, ask questions about loan requirements, business financing, startup support, and banking services, and receive practical guidance on how to access these opportunities.
The active participation of government institutions and financial service providers demonstrated a strong commitment to fostering collaboration between the public sector, private sector, and local communities to promote inclusive economic growth and create sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Through initiatives such as these, Somali Family Services (SFS) remains committed to building strong market linkages that connect communities with financial institutions and government stakeholders, promoting financial inclusion, entrepreneurship, and economic resilience for women and young people across Garowe.

28/06/2026

Today, Somali Family Services (SFS), in collaboration with SSF, Luuq District Administration and the ISA Working Group luuq, officially inaugurated the newly rehabilitated Youth Centre Hall in Luuq District.
The comprehensive rehabilitation has transformed the facility into a safe, functional, and inclusive space where young people and community members can gather for learning, dialogue, leadership development, civic engagement, and community-driven initiatives. The rehabilitation reflects the collective commitment of local stakeholders to investing in youth empowerment and strengthening community infrastructure.
The inauguration ceremony brought together representatives from the Luuq District Administration, members of the ISA Working Group, community representatives, and the SFS team, who celebrated the successful completion of the rehabilitation and reaffirmed their shared commitment to promoting sustainable local development and community ownership.
SFS extends its sincere appreciation to the Luuq District Administration, the ISA Working Group, community members, and all partners whose collaboration and dedication made this achievement possible. Through strong partnerships and locally led initiatives, we continue to create opportunities that empower communities and contribute to lasting, positive change.
"Together, we are building stronger communities and creating brighter opportunities for the youth of Luuq".

19/06/2026

On 15 June 2026, Somali Family Services (SFS), in partnership with DIAKONIA through the POWER Project, successfully concluded a five-day training for Community-Based Savings and Livelihood Groups in Dangoroyo District.

The training strengthened participants’ skills in savings and loan management, financial literacy, income-generating activities, and livelihood diversification, equipping communities with practical tools to enhance economic resilience and sustainable livelihoods.

This initiative reflects our continued commitment to promoting self-reliance, economic inclusion, and sustainable community development across Somalia.

14/06/2026

14/06/2026

On 14 June 2026, the implementation of a key action identified through the Inclusive Social Accountability (ISA) process officially commenced in Dhobley District. The intervention focuses on the rehabilitation of roads that were severely damaged by recent flooding, which disrupted transportation, limited access to essential services, affected local economic activities, and created significant challenges for community members.
The road rehabilitation initiative is being implemented jointly by SFS and the ISA Working Group in Dhobley, in close collaboration with the District Local Government and community representatives. Following extensive consultations and prioritization through the ISA process, road rehabilitation was identified as a critical intervention to address the impacts of flooding and improve community access and mobility.
The rehabilitation works include repairing damaged road sections, filling potholes, clearing debris, and unblocking drainage channels to improve stormwater flow and reduce the risk of future flood-related damage. These efforts will help restore safe and reliable transportation, improve access to markets and public services, strengthen connectivity between communities, and support local economic recovery.
The official launch was attended by the District Mayor, Deputy Mayor, members of the ISA Working Group, and community representatives, demonstrating a shared commitment to addressing priority community needs through collaborative planning and action.
This milestone reflects the strength of community-driven development and the importance of inclusive social accountability in delivering tangible improvements that enhance resilience, accessibility, and sustainable local development in Dhobley District.

03/03/2026

From 28 February – 2 March 2026, Somali Family Services (SFS), in
partnership with the Jubaland Ministry of Youth and Sports, successfully facilitated a three-day Youth Policy Review Consultation in Afmadow under the Democratic Local Governance and Accountability (DLGA – Dowlad Wanaag) programme, supported by the Somali Stability Fund (SSF III). The consultation marked a significant milestone in institutionalizing youth participation in governance processes in Jubaland. Unlike traditional workshops that recruit participants for one-time consultations, this review was led by the formally established Youth Caucus and Women’s Caucus created and strengthened by SFS under the DLGA programme.
These platforms were developed to ensure structured, representative, and sustained youth engagement in public decision-making.
SFS formally advised that the established caucuses lead the policy review process rather than mobilizing new participants. The Jubaland Ministry of Youth and Sports positively accommodated this approach, recognizing the legitimacy and preparedness of the caucuses as representative governance actors.
During the consultation, the Ministry’s technical team presented the existing Youth Policy framework, outlining its pillars and implementation gaps. The Youth and Women’s Caucuses conducted structured policy analysis, identified priority issues
affecting young people, and consolidated recommendations for integration into the revised policy.
By the conclusion of the consultation:
• Five key youth priority areas were formally identified and documented.
• Gender equity considerations were reinforced within youth programming provisions.
• Consolidated caucus recommendations were submitted to the Ministry for integration.
• Direct institutional dialogue strengthened trust and accountability between youth representatives and regional leadership.
This consultation demonstrates the operationalization of inclusive governance structures established under DLGA. The Youth and Women’s Caucuses have transitioned from civic dialogue platforms to recognized contributors in state-level policy reform processes.
SFS appreciates the leadership and openness of the Jubaland Ministry of Youth and Sports in accommodating and formally recognizing the caucuses within the review process. This collaboration reinforces a shared commitment to accountable, youth-centered governance in Jubaland.
The Afmadow consultation represents an important step toward ensuring that youth are not passive recipients of policy decisions, but active contributors shaping their future.

18/02/2026

Somali Family Services (SFS) wishes you and your families a blessed Ramadhan.

During this holy month, we encourage everyone to remember and support those who are less advantaged in our communities. Let us extend compassion, generosity, and solidarity to those in need.

Ramadhan Mubarak.

15/02/2026

Welcome to Somali Family Services (SFS).

Since 2003, SFS has worked alongside communities across Somalia to strengthen families, protect vulnerable populations, and advance inclusive development.

Through integrated programmes in education, child protection, governance, livelihoods, and peacebuilding, we are committed to accountable service delivery and sustainable impact in fragile and climate-affected contexts.

📍 Headquartered in Garowe, Operating in Puntland, Jubaland & South West Somalia.
Strengthening systems. Empowering communities.

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