Research:
Conducting interdisciplinary and culturally grounded studies on family dynamics, mental health, social change, parenting, indigenous knowledge system, child and youth development, community wellbeing to inform policy and practice
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“Qoys Waa Qaran Yar”
The Center for Family Studies at Hanuun University is a multidisciplinary center dedicated to advancing family wellbeing, mental health, and community wellbeing in Somaliland through research, training, awareness, psychosocial support services, Policy, Innovation, and Advocacy.
The Center was established in recognition of the vital role families play in shaping emotional, social, and psychological wellbeing. The Center aims to serve as a platform for generating knowledge, strengthening professional capacity, and promoting culturally relevant and evidence-based approaches to family and mental health challenges within the Somali context.
The Center also works to strengthen collaboration between academia, government institutions, NGOs, religious leaders, and the wider community to address emerging social and psychological challenges facing Somali families today.
The establishment of the Center for Family Studies is justified by the growing social, psychological, and family-related challenges affecting Somaliland and the wider Somali community. Families are the foundation of society and contribute significantly to emotional wellbeing, identity, behavior, and social stability. However, rapid social change, conflict, displacement, unemployment, migration, substance use, parenting challenges, and limited mental health awareness are increasingly affecting family functioning and community wellbeing.
Despite the importance of families in Somali society, there remains limited institutional focus on family studies, mental health research, family support services, and evidence-based interventions within the Somali context.
The Center seeks to address this gap by promoting research, professional training, public awareness, counseling services, and community engagement related to family wellbeing and mental health. It also aims to strengthen collaboration between academia, communities, government institutions, NGOs, and religious leaders in responding to emerging social and psychological challenges.
Through these efforts, the Center contributes to strengthening families as the foundation of a more stable, productive, and prosperous society, in line with the belief that “Qoys Waa Qaran Yar” — the family is a small nation.
To build a prosperous society through inclusive, culturally grounded, and innovative approaches to have strong and healthy families.
To advance family wellbeing and mental health through research, training, awareness, counseling, community engagement, and evidence-based engagement with policy and community practice
Promoting healthy, supportive, and stable family systems as the foundation of society.
Upholding honesty, ethics, accountability, and professionalism in all activities.
Approaching individuals and families with empathy, care, and respect.
Respecting Somali culture, family values, and religious principles in research and practice.
Promoting research-informed approaches in training, counseling, and community programs.
Working closely with families, communities, institutions, and stakeholders to create meaningful impact.
Conducting interdisciplinary and culturally grounded studies on family dynamics, mental health, social change, parenting, indigenous knowledge system, child and youth development, community wellbeing to inform policy and practice
Providing professional development programs, workshops, community education, and short courses for students, practitioners, caregivers/parents, and community members. Additionally, in the near future, we intend to introduce degree and diploma programs in Family Studies.
Promoting cultural grounded understanding of mental health and family wellbeing through campaigns, seminars, and community engagement activities.
Supporting individuals, children, youth, and families through accessible counseling, psychosocial and community based mental health services
Transform research into practical solutions through policy dialogue, social innovations, partnership building, and evidence-based advocacy for families and communities
The CFS will have the following main strategic objectives
• Strengthen evidence-based understanding of family systems and mental health
• Build capacity of professionals and communities in family support
• Improve access to psychosocial and counseling services
• Promote culturally grounded and inclusive family practices
• Influence policy and practice through research and innovation
From this program, the following target groups will be benefited.
• Children
• Parents and caregivers
• Youth and adolescents
• Families in vulnerable situations
• Teachers and education professionals
• Mental health and social work practitioners
• Community and religious leaders
• Policymakers and NGOs