Students in Lower Shabelle
Thousands of students graduate every year in Somalia, despite decades of anarchy that has overwhelmed the country since 1991.
Somalia Report has explored the education system in Mogadishu, and investigated the extent to which the overwhelming violence has affected Somalia's schools and universities. Mogadishu has a population of approximately 2.5 million, and it is estimated that despite the ongoing insecurity, thousands of students are working hard to maintain some semblance of learning.
Khalid Nuur is among dozens of students who goes every day to Banadir University in Mogadishu. He told radio Kulmiye that even in the face of Somalia's violence, he will not shy away from his dream to graduate from university.
“We love being educated and we are here to learn, but it is becoming more and more difficult in Mogadishu. People fear whether they will return home safely from their classes. Sometimes I think I should give up, but I see it as a responsibility to complete. I have two more years and I am going to do my best to complete it.
Students who spoke with Somalia Report are angry and disappointed. Al-Shabaab's animosity towards education is increasing, and their suicide bombs have deliberately targeted students in the past. The additional threats from landmines and crossfire increase the stress experienced by students who continue to overcome adversity in order to better their futures.
16 year-old Faisa Abdullah is in secondary school in Mamuur School, Waaberi district in central Mogadishu. She has a positive attitude that demonstrates the self reliance of everyday Somalia.
"Everything one achieves depends on hard work. We have to be tolerant, and do our best to work for a better future for ourselves."
Hussein Sheikh Gare, involved in conflict resolution, says that student efforts are inspiring younger generations to view education as a fundamental human right.
“I meant this is amazing, the students who persevere are seen as heros to children who are still praying for a better future. Even in the face of targeted suicide bombings and daily casualties, many students push through to get their diplomas.
The education ministry of Somalia’s Transitional Federal Government (TFG) has stated its intention to rebuild schools shattered by conflict between al-Shabaab and African Union (AU) and TFG forces in Mogadishu. Musah Farahm a director of the education ministry told Somalia Report that the ministry is committed to improving education. He pointed that efforts to improve the security of schools and universities had demonstrated some success.
As part of international efforts to maintain the country’s education system, some students receive scholarships to study overseas in countries such as Sudan, Egypt, Turkey and Pakistan.
Recently, Turkey paid for hundreds of Somalis to continue their education in Istanbul universities.
