People in Somalia are celebrating the opening of the first public library for 16 years, thanks to generous donations from Leicestershire.

People in Somalia are celebrating the opening of the first public library for 16 years, thanks to generous donations from Leicestershire.

A total of 40,000 books have been donated to the library in the capital, Mogadishu, thanks to the Zaylai Foundation.

The foundation is a charity set up by Somali volunteers in Leicester, with support from the Co-operative and Social Enterprise Development Agency (CaSE-da).

Co-founder Abdulahi Hassan came to England from Somalia 13 years ago and has been instrumental in co-ordinating the collection of books and 15 computers for the new library.

On June 19, 300 people attended the grand opening of the library in Mogadishu. The library is open seven days a week.

Abdulahi said: "We need to build on this success and create more partnerships and collaborations. Zaylai also has to raise funds to ensure the library stays open and get a steady supply of academic books.''

In the 1980s Somalia had about 1,400 primary schools. During the civil war, 90 per cent of these schools are reported to have been destroyed or seriously damaged.

Leicester and Loughborough universities and Leicestershire Libraries have contributed to the appeal for books .

Loughborough University Library constantly revises its stock to reflect research and teaching needs.

Jeff Brown, library support services manager, said: "The Somali library project provided us with a wonderful opportunity to donate these books to a worthy cause. It is a privilege for Loughborough University Library to have been of help.''

To offer help or make a donation, call 07950 516225, or e-mail:

mailto:a.hassan@zaylaifoundation.org