Breaking the Cycle of Illiteracy in Kelafo

In Kelafo, Somali Region, where 99% of women lack formal education, household chores, farming, and childcare have long prevented them from accessing learning opportunities. Without basic literacy and numeracy skills, many women struggle to manage their finances, participate in decision-making, or advocate for themselves, leaving them vulnerable to economic and social inequalities. Education 4 Change is addressing this challenge by providing literacy and life skills training to women in six villages: Helobat, Dunqason, Kalaman, Goble, Dariko, and Adis Control. Since its launch, Education 4 Change has provided education to over 2,500 adults, with 600 currently enrolled and 111 having successfully graduated.

Education 4 Change’s initiative has gone beyond literacy—it has fostered confidence, self-reliance, and social change among participants. Women who previously signed documents without understanding their content can now read contracts and verify their earnings, ensuring they receive fair compensation for their work. Many small business owners who once struggled to track their profits now confidently manage transactions, maintain records, and sustain their businesses.

For many families, the impact extends beyond financial empowerment. Rahma Shadai Anas is one of the participant and she shared how the program has transformed her household dynamics: “Before, I never engaged in discussions with my husband about our family’s future. But after gaining literacy skills, I now actively participate in decision-making and help plan our children’s education and well-being.”

The picture below shows recent graduates of the literacy program in Kelafo proudly displaying their certificates.