As some of you may know, I am involved in development projects in Mandera. Water wells, irrigation schemes and education. I have put a lot of efforts in the education of girls in particular. Digging wells for nomads has also been high on my agenda.
For instance this school. (see the somali traditional dances; 14 20; the batar which many think is confined to only one area of carli soomaali). Somalis have a lot in common
That was in June 2015.
The past two years have been very difficult for the NFD; Al-sheydhaan attacks on non-somalis have resulted in many teachers and doctors fleeing the area. When this happened, many somalis took local initiatives; Students from upper classes were asked to teach their juniours. Many who worked in other professions e.g. doctors, politicians, businessmen started teaching. The good news is that Mandera county schools – Wajir and Garissa also- did well last year. The KPCE results released last week showed profound improvements!!!.
Local solutions to national problems!
My plan for 2016: I will create a fund for education- invest it wisely and the yield will go to education. I will also try to raise some money from friends. My goal is to build a primary and secondary school entirely funded through this initiative. The school will enrol performing students with underprivileged background and even others who will pay a hefty fee. We shall recruit talents (somalis) from other parts of Kenya and overseas graduate who will teach a semester or so. This latter group will also be asked to sponsor a child (500 dollars/year).
The following subjects will be prioritised; Maths and the sciences. Somali language will also be taught.
For the sake of sustainability, diaspora Somalis will also be given the opportunity to send their kids to this school. One condition though; for every child they send, they have to sponsor two others.
I am taking a sabbatical from my job in the summer and start the project. I will be the headmaster, the financial officer, the administrator and everything else to ensure that everything is run in accordance with good governance. It is time for me to give back to my community.
If this initiative is successful, my goal is to start similar schools in Wajir and Garissa.
The secondary school graduates of this school will be studying in overseas universities. Canada, Australia, the UK and the USA. Funds for this part of the project will be secured from diaspora somalis/ funds. I believe that I can find 50-100 Somalis who are willing to sponsor the kids.
I have 6 months now to work hard and raise enough start capital for this project (securing a plot, dormitories and classrooms will probably cost $$$$$).
Marka soo duceeya!
Waa inoo markaan is aragno: Sannad wanaagsan
Sanaad wanagsaan inaa adeer! Thank you for giving yourself to helping others. Mashalaah. Jazak-Allaah! 
PM me the school info.
