CFPs: Supporting Education, Protection, and Social Services in Banaadir Region (Somalia)

UNICEF invites applications to strengthen child, adolescent, and family wellbeing in Gobolka Banaadir, Somalia, through integrated community-level interventions. The initiative focuses on inclusive education, child protection, gender equality, disability inclusion, and social protection, with implementation planned between 2026 and 2027.

The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) is seeking applications for projects that enhance the rights and wellbeing of children, adolescents, women, and families in Gobolka Banaadir, an urban region facing displacement, inequality, and limited access to social services.

The initiative adopts a cross-sectoral approach, combining education, protection, and social services, with strong emphasis on disability inclusion, gender equality, women’s empowerment, and emergency preparedness.

Objectives of the Initiative

The program aims to:

• Strengthen community resilience to shocks, crises, and disasters

• Expand access to inclusive and equitable education for all children

• Improve child protection services and gender-responsive interventions

• Reinforce social protection systems for vulnerable households

• Support government institutions in evidence-based planning and policy implementation

Priority Areas

Inclusive Education

Education interventions focus on:

• Early childhood development and foundational learning

• General education and improvement of learning outcomes

• Reintegration of out-of-school children

• Strengthening education systems to remain functional and protective in emergencies

Child Protection

Key child protection activities include:

• Access to quality protection services for children and women

• Strengthening case management systems and family reunification

• Addressing gender-based violence and expanding legal assistance

• Enhancing mental health and psychosocial support

• Promoting child-friendly justice systems

• Empowering girls and women to access services and prevent harmful practices

Institutional Strengthening

The initiative supports Somali child protection systems through:

• Implementation of rights-based laws and policies

• Capacity building for human resources in child protection

• Engagement with families and communities to prevent harmful practices

Social Policy and Advocacy

UNICEF will work with government institutions to:

• Use child poverty data and costed sectoral plans for equitable planning

• Strengthen social safety nets

• Expand shock-responsive social protection systems reaching households with children

• Support evidence-based policy and program design at federal, state, and district levels

Expected Outcomes (2026–2027)

The initiative aims to achieve:

• Expanded access to quality education and early learning

• Skills development programs for adolescents

• Strengthened child protection services and institutions

• Increased birth registration coverage

• Improved social protection coverage and responsiveness

Who Is Eligible?

Civil society organizations (CSOs) are encouraged to apply if they:

• Can design and implement integrated, community-responsive interventions

• Demonstrate experience working with children, women, and vulnerable populations

• Can coordinate with local authorities and stakeholders to ensure sustainable impact

How to Apply

Applicants should submit proposals including:

1. Organizational background and experience in education, protection, or social services

2. Detailed project plan with integrated interventions reflecting local priorities

3. Timeline and budget covering 2026–2027 implementation

4. Approach for monitoring, evaluation, and reporting outcomes

5. Strategies for inclusive, gender-responsive, and disability-inclusive programming

Proposals must show how interventions contribute to long-term national goals for children’s rights and wellbeing.

Why This Initiative Matters

This opportunity is critical because it:

• Builds community resilience in complex urban settings

• Protects children and women from violence, exploitation, and neglect

• Promotes inclusive and equitable education

• Strengthens social protection systems to respond to shocks

• Supports evidence-based policy implementation and local capacity building

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Focusing on a single sector without integration across education, protection, and social services

• Neglecting gender, disability, and child protection considerations

• Submitting unrealistic timelines or budgets

• Ignoring community needs and local priorities

• Failing to include clear monitoring and evaluation mechanisms

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who can apply for this initiative?
Civil society organizations with experience in education, child protection, or social services.

Which region is targeted?
Gobolka Banaadir, Somalia, an urban region with high vulnerability.

What is the implementation period?
Between 2026 and 2027.

Which sectors are prioritized?
Inclusive education, child protection, social services, disability inclusion, gender equality, and emergency preparedness.

How are children and women protected?
Through inclusive protection services, case management, mental health support, legal assistance, and prevention of harmful practices.

Are government partnerships required?
Yes, collaboration with federal, state, and district-level authorities is encouraged.

What outcomes are expected?
Expanded education, improved child protection, increased birth registration, skills development for adolescents, and stronger social protection coverage.

Conclusion

UNICEF’s initiative in Gobolka Banaadir offers a strategic opportunity for CSOs to implement integrated interventions that enhance child and family wellbeing, strengthen education and protection systems, and build resilient communities capable of responding to crises. By combining education, protection, and social services, the program ensures long-term impact for Somalia’s most vulnerable populations.