Qatar Charity (QC) has signed an agreement with Somalia’s Ministry of Education, Culture, and Higher Education, aiming to enhance public libraries’ performance in Somalia.

The agreement was signed by Dr Mohamed Ahmed Sheil, Director of the Somali National Library, and Mr. Abdulfatah Adam, director of Qatar Charity’s Somalia Branch. The signing ceremony was attended by HE Dr. Abdullah bin Salem Al Nuaimi, Ambassador of Qatar to Somalia, and HE Nura Mustafa Mukhtar, State Minister of the Somali Ministry of Education, Culture, and Higher Education, in addition to many dignitaries.

The agreement aims to develop the infrastructure of public libraries in Somalia, provide them with scientific, literary, and cultural books, and train their staff. It will also contribute to promoting a culture of reading and education in the Somali society.

Mr. Abdulfatah Adam, director of Qatar Charity’s Somalia Branch expressed Qatar Charity's commitment to supporting the education sector of the country, as a tool to combat poverty and hunger and promote stability and security.

He said that Qatar Charity has implemented various educational programs in Somalia, including the sponsorship program aimed at giving orphaned children the opportunity to attend schools, in addition to building primary schools and educational centers and providing scholarships to students.

He added that Qatar Charity signed an agreement last year with the United Nations-affiliated university, in coordination with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, to provide 40 Somali students, both male and female, the opportunity to obtain doctorates in various specializations.

He indicated that the working agreement signed by Qatar Charity with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education is part of the organization’s strategy to support the education and culture sector in Somalia. Under this agreement, textbooks and reading materials will be provided to the Somali National Library, in addition to contributing to its rehabilitation.

He emphasized that Qatar Charity always seeks to contribute to achieving the goals of the Ministry of Education in developing education and culture in Somali society.

HE Nura Mustafa Mukhtar, State Minister of the Somali Ministry of Education, Culture, and Higher Education, praised the efforts of Qatar in supporting the education sector in Somalia.

The minister expressed her gratitude to the State of Qatar and Qatar Charity for their support to the education sector in Somalia. She stated that they provided "invaluable support in the field of education in Somalia, helping improve access to education for Somali children."

 Mr. Jassim Ahmed Al-Buainain, Director of the Libraries Department at the Ministry of Culture, stated that the agreement represents a significant step in supporting the efforts of the Somali government in the field of public libraries, and promoting the culture of reading and education in Somali society.

Mr. Ali Ibrahem AlGreeb, Manager of the Resource Development Department at Qatar Charity, emphasized that the agreement is Qatar Charity’s ongoing efforts to support education in Somalia.

Mr. Ali Ibrahim Al-Ghareeb stated that Qatar Charity believes education is a fundamental right for all individuals, and public libraries play a crucial role in providing educational opportunities for everyone, especially those in need. He indicated that that Qatar Charity collaborates with the Somali government in various fields.