International Day of Peace Commemoration in Garowe by Talobeeg Foundation and CEFA

Garowe, Puntland – 21 September 2025 – The International Day of Peace was commemorated in Garowe with an Art Exhibition under the global theme “Act Now for a Peaceful World.” The event, jointly organized by CEFA and the Talobeeg Foundation brought together diverse groups of the community to creatively celebrate peace.

The exhibition provided an inclusive platform for youth, women, and university students to express their perspectives on peace through painting, drawing, and other artistic forms. Their works reflected hopes for unity, reconciliation, and resilience in Puntland and Somalia at large.

The commemoration attracted a wide range of stakeholders, including members of parliament, media representatives, government branches, and local civil society organizations. Their participation underscored the importance of collective engagement in building and sustaining peace.

In his closing remarks, the Director General of the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (MOLSA), joined by other government officials, commended the initiative as a valuable contribution to ongoing peacebuilding and social cohesion efforts. He emphasized the importance of engaging young people and women in shaping peaceful societies, noting that creativity can bridge divides and foster dialogue across communities.

Speaking on behalf of the organizers, representatives from CEFA and Talobeeg Foundation highlighted the event’s role in transforming the theme into practice, ensuring that peace is not just an abstract ideal, but a lived reality built through inclusive community participation.

The commemoration reaffirmed that art is a powerful medium for dialogue, empathy, and healing, and that lasting peace requires the voices and talents of all citizens, especially the younger generation and women.

Empowering School Health: Talobeeg Foundation Launches First Aid Response Training in Galkaio

Galkaio, Puntland — May 31, 2025
With the enthusiastic support of young professionals in Galkaio, Talobeeg Foundation successfully launched a pioneering First Aid Response Training for Puntland Schools, marking a significant step toward improving school health and safety across the region.

The opening ceremony was graced by Hon. Said Jama Qoorsheel, Minister of Health of Puntland, whose presence underscored the government’s growing commitment to youth-led health initiatives. Also in attendance were the Vice Minister of Public Works and Reconstruction, Members of the Puntland Parliament, the Deputy Governor of Mudug region, and the Regional Education Officer, among other key stakeholders.

This initiative responds to a pressing need: the lack of functional school clinics and trained emergency responders in Puntland’s educational institutions. Many schools remain ill-equipped to handle common medical emergencies or provide basic first aid to students and staff.

A Pilot Initiative with Scalable Impact

As part of this pilot phase, five schools in Galkaio will receive support to establish or strengthen basic school clinics. The program includes:

• Training school-based first aid responders, including teachers and student volunteers

• Supplying essential drugs and medical equipment

• Rolling out continuous health education and awareness campaigns

The pilot aims not only to address immediate needs but also to lay the groundwork for a sustainable model that can be scaled to other regions.

“Today’s launch is a testament to what we can achieve through collaboration and community engagement. School health is a vital part of education, and this is a step in the right direction,” said Hon. Said Jama Qoorsheel during his opening remarks.

A Shared Commitment to Health and Education

Talobeeg Foundation expresses deep appreciation to the Ministry of Health and all partners who contributed to the success of this event. The Foundation remains steadfast in its mission to work alongside youth, students, teachers, community leaders, and government institutions to promote safe, healthy, and inclusive learning environments across Puntland.

Second Press Release: The Deteriorating Humanitarian Situation in Puntland Due to USAID Suspension: Impact on Health, Nutrition, and Essential Services

The recent suspension of USAID-funded projects in Somalia, including critical health, nutrition, and humanitarian programs, has had a profound impact on the country’s vulnerable regions, particularly Puntland. This decision has disrupted essential services that communities across Somalia, including those in Puntland, rely on for survival and development.

Talobeeg Foundation has put together this informative press release to update the stakeholders about the urgent needs of communities and calls for action.

 

Please see the full document below.

Press Release: Addressing the Impact of US Government Aid Cuts on Somalia and Recommendations for Sustained Support

Dear Stakeholders, Partners, and Members of the International Community,

Talobeeg Foundation expresses deep concern regarding the recent funding freezes and significant aid cuts by the United States government. As a nation facing persistent and multifaceted challenges, Somalia remains heavily reliant on international aid for lifesaving interventions, critical development projects, and resilience-building efforts. These financial reductions threaten the very survival of vulnerable populations and hinder progress toward sustainable peace and development. See our analysis in the link.

Students Speak of Skills Training Progress

Empowering Creativity – Graphic and Web Design Training in Galkaio

As part of the Kaabe Youth Empowerment Project in Galkaio, Talobeeg Foundation, in collaboration with Galkaio International University, provided training in graphic and web design to the third cohort of TVET students. These students are currently enrolled in ICT, Electronics, and PV Solar Systems courses, and this additional training aims to enhance their skill sets, bridging gaps and preparing them for the demands of the job market.

The training on graphic design and website development was specifically tailored to meet market needs, aligning with our strategy to equip students with diverse and in-demand skills. Previous courses, such as entrepreneurship training, have been designed to support students in pursuing fulfilling lives after graduation, including starting small businesses as self-employed professionals.

During the training sessions, ICT students also demonstrated their growing expertise in areas like computer maintenance and solar system installation, showcasing the practical application of their learning.

Talobeeg Foundation extends heartfelt appreciation to the teachers and management of the TVET Center for their innovation and unwavering support in fostering a culture of learning and continuous transformation.

Awarding Ceremony to Recognize and Appreciate the Achievements of Participants

An awarding ceremony was held at Baardheere’s Gedo Stadium to honor the participants of the sports tournament. The event was graced by several dignitaries, including the Commissioner of Baardheere district for Social Affairs, the chairman of the football association, and other local leaders.

The Commissioner for Social Affairs of Baardheere district, known for his unwavering support of youth and sports initiatives, graced the occasion as the chief guest. His presence was a testament to the importance the district places on fostering talent and encouraging healthy competition among its youth that had united the community over weeks of fierce competition.

The Commissioner began his speech by commending the participants for their dedication, teamwork, and passion. He spoke of the importance of sports in building character, unity, and resilience, qualities that are essential not just on the field but in all aspects of life. His words resonated with the young athletes, who listened with rapt attention, their faces glowing with pride. One by one, the both the winners and second ranking team were called to the stage recognizing their efforts and participation. First, the medals were presented—each one a symbol of the hard work, perseverance, and countless hours of training that had led to this moment. The Commissioner personally draped the medals around the necks of the athletes, congratulating each of them with a warm handshake and words of encouragement.

Finally, the Commissioner held up the cup, shining brightly under the stadium lights, and handed it to the captain of the winning team. The tournament cup was awarded to Al Hikma football team The crowd erupted in applause as the champions raised the cup high, their smiles wide with the joy of victory.

 

The ceremony concluded with a group photo, the Commissioner standing proudly among the winners, the medals and cup gleaming as a reminder of what had been achieved. The event was not just a celebration of victory, but also a celebration of the community’s spirit and the bright future that lies ahead for the youth of Baardheere district.