
Tuesday December 10, 2024

Mogadishu (HOL) — Efforts to boost education in Somalia have yielded a sharp increase in school enrollment, with government initiatives and international partners like UNICEF spearheading programs to provide free education to displaced communities. Yet, the challenge of extending these services to areas reclaimed from armed groups continues to test Somalia's capacity to rebuild.
In Dolow District, located in southern Somalia, one school has seen its enrollment double to 990 students, largely due to support from government and international partners. Free meals, educational materials, and incentives for teachers have attracted families desperate for stability and opportunity. The headteacher noted the increase in female enrollment as particularly encouraging, adding, "Most of our students are girls, and the majority of our teachers are women. This has created an environment where girls feel welcome and supported."
Kabasa Primary School, another key institution in the region, serves children from families uprooted by drought and conflict. For over a decade, it has also addressed the educational needs of the local host community. A parent with six children enrolled described the school as a lifeline: "Two of my children have graduated to high school, and the others are still here. The free meals provided by the World Food Program and access to professional teachers have made all the difference."
Education reform has become a pillar of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's administration. He has pledged to recruit more than 10,000 teachers to bolster public education. "So far, 6,000 teachers have been hired," the president said. "While this number is insufficient, it is a critical first step toward making public schools fully operational across Somalia."
Somalia received over 26,500 applications for 3,000 teaching positions this year.
This year, Parliament passed the National Higher Education Bill, setting a framework to improve higher education standards and address skill gaps in the workforce. Education Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed lauded the move, emphasizing its importance in producing a generation capable of driving Somalia's development.
The recruitment efforts are bolstered by a fourfold increase in the national education budget, which now stands at $34 million. The funds are earmarked for hiring educators, improving infrastructure, and expanding resources for public schools. These
Despite these gains, delivering educational services in areas recently liberated from Al-Shabaab remains fraught with difficulty. The militant group retains a foothold in parts of southern and central Somalia, complicating efforts to restore public infrastructure and safety. The militant group has targeted schools and teachers and, in some cases, imposed their own curricula. The persistent insecurity spotlights Somalia's challenges in rebuilding after years of conflict and instability.
While the government is focused on transforming the education landscape, challenges remain formidable. Approximately 3 million Somali children remain out of school, according to UNICEF. Many reside in areas still controlled or influenced by Al-Shabaab, where insecurity and a lack of infrastructure hinder access to education.