The Somali central government fell to opposition clan factions in January 1991. In the wake of that event, and the inability of the various political factions and clan leaders to compromise to set up a new interim administration, the country again fell into anarchy. Everything of any value was looted - right down to the electrical wiring in buildings. In that milieu, all existing government infrastructure was hit very hard - and virtually all education infrastructure was destroyed or looted.

SAACID began its education programming in 1996, when it became obvious that no local political compromise was going to eventuate and that the international community had indeed largely walked away from Somalia.

Since that time SAACID has developed a network of primary, secondary and vocational schools in the Benadir (Greater Mogadishu) and Middle Shabelle Regions of Somalia, as well as a teacher training institute for women.

SAACID utilises the old Somali government curriculum in English. English is utilised because of indiginous demand for "the language of business" (Somali culture displays a strong mercantile affinity).

SAACID's work in education extends into other sectors, such as Emergency Relief - see IDP Emergency Education - and Livelihoods and Development where livelihoods programmes include agricultural outreach training, literacy, numeracy and vocational skills training components.