Garowe, Puntland – On June 6, 2024, the new book “Saacadihii Badbaadadda – Read and Think” will be launched at AJJ Hotel, marking an inspiring event. Abdijabaar, a young writer, motivator and activist, will unveil his first book on reading. This event is not merely a book release but a celebration of a man dedicated to transforming the culture of books, reading, writing, and literacy in Garowe and Puntland at large.
Abdijabaar has always been a visionary, recognizing early on the transformative power of reading. Growing up in a society where the culture of reading and books was weak and not prioritized, he witnessed first-hand the limitations this imposed on his peers. Determined to change this narrative, he and his colleagues founded the NUGAAL Book Fair, creating a space for young people to discover the joys of reading and books.
But Abdijabaar’s contributions go far beyond organizing book fairs. He has initiated some projects to promote literacy among the most marginalized groups in Garowe. One of his most impactfull efforts is providing books to prisoners, offering them a chance for self-improvement, emotional and intellectual growth.
His most touching and impactful project, however, involves teaching literacy and numeracy to young shoe shiners from IDP communities. These boys, working tirelessly to support their families, were unable to read or write. Their illiteracy often led to them being cheated out of their earnings because they could not read mobile money transaction messages.
Seeing this injustice, Abdijabaar took action. He started small classes to teach these boys how to read and write, focusing on both literacy and numeracy. Thanks to his efforts, these young workers can now understand their financial transactions, protecting themselves from being cheated and gaining newfound confidence.
As Abdijabaar prepares to launch his book, his story shines as a beacon of hope and transformation. His book on the importance of reading is a reflection of his commitment to fostering a culture of reading and books in his society. It serves as a reminder that reading is a powerful tool for personal growth, community development and empowerment.
The global literacy statistics reveal that the literacy rate for adults is 86%, and the youth literacy rate is 91%. In Africa, the adult literacy rate is 65%, while the youth literacy rate is 75%. In contrast, Somalia’s literacy rates are significantly lower, with an adult literacy rate of 37.8% and a youth literacy rate of 46.7%. These figures highlight the critical need for initiatives like Abdijabaar’s, particularly in Somalia. His efforts are a vital contribution to bridging the literacy gap and empowering communities through education.
The book launch at AJJ Hotel is not just about celebrating Abdijabaar’s book release; it is a celebration of Abdijabaar’s tireless efforts to improve his society. His work highlights the crucia role that reading and education play in personal and societal development.
Join Abdijabaar on 6 of June/2024 to celebrate this milestone and support his mission to foster a culture of reading and learning in Puntland.
Together, we can help build a society that values books and reading.
Ahmed Shire.
Read, Learn, and Succeed