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
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).
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 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 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