What:
Somalia's poor literacy rate was long beset by the civil war taking its toll on the Somali citizens for over 2 decades. Now that there is a stable and functioning Federal Government, we need to tackle the literacy rate by providing young children, adolescents and even adults with the skill to read and write.
My colleague and I want to do this by establishing a public library in Mogadishu, the Somali capital city. The library will provide the populace with access to different types of books, DVD's, and other educational material. There will be morning and afternoon classes for library members to be taught how to read and write in both Somali and English. Members will also be allowed to free access to computers and internet use (fiber optic broadband service).
Therefore, we're requesting the help of our brothers and sisters of the Somali diaspora and international community. Founding a library is not easy, but it will truly have a miraculous and positive impact on the community.
Who?
My name is Abdikarim Hussein Abdi. I live in Mogadishu, Somalia. I'm not your average teenager 'cos I spent the first 16 years of my life living in 3 continents - Europe, Asia and Africa. When I came to Somalia last July, I was anxious to start a project that will be beneficial to communities in Mogadishu's Benadir region. And I'm turning to my friends and family abroad to help make that happen.
What We Need
Here's a breakdown:
- We're trying to raise up to $9,500 USD to kick-start the initiative (I put down 10,000 because of the cut Indiegogo will take). Roughly $1,500 will be used to pay the rental fee for the first 3-4 months. A further $2,000 will be used for construction purposes - lights, tiles, toilets, shelves, cupboards. $4,000 will be used to purchase equipment and furniture such as chairs, tables, sofas, computers, speakers, printers, photocopier, scanner, etc. $2,000 will be used to buy books (Languages: Somali, English, Arabic and Italian) .
- Unfortunately, if we're not able to raise the funds within 60 days, we're going to withdraw the money and approach the Somali Federal Government to donate the remainder of the goal.
The Impact
Some of the services "The Mogadishu Public Library" will offer to the community include:
- Free computer use and internet access
- Access to virtual services (Dictionaries, encyclopedia, genealogy, health, heritage, newspapers)
- Reading groups, storytime sessions
- Morning and afternoon language classes (English and Somali)
- Culture and creativity lessons
- Advice and counselling for students
"The Mogadishu Public Library" will also be a place where citizens in the Benadir region can drop of their complaints or advice for the regional administration, and the library management will surely pass the messages on to the Mayor's administration.
Other Ways You Can Help
If you just can’t contribute, it doesn’t mean that you can’t help. We would very much appreciate if you donate books, magazines, newspapers, furniture or equipment too!
- Another thing we're requesting is sharing the campaign! Please share the project on social media, for instance Facebook and Twitter. Give them the link to campaign website!
- If you don't have a credit card, it doesn't mean you can't help. You can use international transfer to my bank account:
Account Name: ABDIKARIM HUSSEIN ABDI
Account Number: 104101973
Bank Name: DAHABSHIL BANK INTERNATIONAL
Bank HQ Address: PLACE DU 27 JUIN, DJIBOUTI.P.O.BOX 2022 DJIBOUTI
.TEL +253 311919/311900.
SWIFT Code: DBISDJJ2
If you would like to donate in the form of remittances/money transfer service:
Name: ABDIKARIM HUSSEIN ABDI
Number: +252616969111
Location: MOGADISHU, SOMALIA
Please tell me which money transfer service you used to send the donation, thank you.
And that’s all there is to it. Oh, and any inquires, please email me at: abdikarim98@gmail.com
