Support to the MBF is part of USAID’s investments in the education sector in Somalia. This year’s theme was ‘Foundations of Reading’, and the MBF welcomed more than 2,000 participants, including writers from 15 countries and reading enthusiasts from across Somalia. The MBF offers Somalis an opportunity to reflect on their past  to shape the future of the country. This year’s event was filled with poetry recitals, film screenings, book launches, keynote lectures, writing workshops, discussion panels, photography exhibitions, children’s storytelling, and traditional dance performances.

In Somalia, USAID support will enable 150,000 more children to access education and 40,000 young girls and women to access basic numeracy and literacy skills, financial literacy and life skills. USAID also partners with the Somali government in policy and curriculum development, training of teachers, construction and rehabilitation of schools and campaigns to advance girls education across the country. USAID recognizes that investments in education will provide Somali youth the skills to lay a strong foundation for the country’s growth and stability.