Every child deserves the joy of discovering a book they love.
Qalin Works partners with schools to bring welcoming children's libraries to Somalia, starting in Galkacyo — spaces where students explore stories and build confidence in reading.
Every school has its own story. We begin by listening to the people who know it best — teachers, families, and students.
Together, we explore which books children love, how the library can support teachers, and what makes it feel welcoming. These conversations shape the books we choose and the activities we offer.
Beginning in Galkacyo, we hope to build lasting partnerships that bring more children across Somalia the joy of reading.
Our first library is planned for Aayatiin ECCD Center, building on the care and learning already underway there.
Working alongside the Aayatiin team, we aim to create a space where children settle in with a book, gather for a story, and explore something new — a natural, much-loved part of their school day.
We create welcoming spaces and activities that give children freedom to explore, enjoy stories, and discover books they love.
We celebrate Somali language, poetry, and storytelling, helping children connect with their heritage while discovering the wider world.
We put children's safety, dignity, and well-being at the center of our spaces, our teams, and our programs.
We listen to children, teachers, and school partners, tracking participation to understand what works and improve what we offer.
We build lasting school partnerships and plan for each library's ongoing care, growing thoughtfully as we learn what we can sustain.
We're looking for school partners who believe books belong in every child's life — together, we identify what students need and build a library that fits their community.
We also welcome supporters who help bring these spaces to life through funding, books, resources, and expertise.