EU and the Somalia Federal Ministry of Education handover a new school to the South West State of Somalia authorities.
Baidoa, 21 March 2018: Today, the European Union (EU) and its partners, the Federal Ministry of Education and ADRA, handed over the new Baidoa Model Primary School to the authorities of the South West State of Somalia. Today's launch is part of the federal and state level government efforts to restore public education in Somalia.
The school which was completely destroyed during the civil war was restored with financial support from the EU. Utilizing innovative designs, the school has now 8 new classrooms, 4 toilets, ICT center, a school library, an office block and a source of clean energy. Support package also covers incentives for teachers, scholarships for children from poor families, specific support for girls, school supplies and capacity development of local school management committee and education officials.
The school opened its doors to the learners in mid-September and has so far realized an enrolment of 1,127 learners, of which 466 are girls. To match the learning spaces with the increased demand, the Ministry of Education of the South West added temporary learning spaces in the school.
Support to this school and 9 other model schools across the new Federal Members States was provided within the framework of the EU funded ELENA project that terminated in August 2017. The follow-up project, Strengthening Education and Training (SETS) worth EUR 9 million was launched on 8 March 2018 in Mogadishu. It aims to improve and expand primary and secondary education as well as vocational training opportunities for children and youth in target areas. In addition, it aims to enhance quality education through training of teachers and improvement of learning environment.
“The conflict and long abandonment of public education has left school buildings in disrepair and unequipped. It has allowed teachers to fall behind in their skills, and children to fall behind in their educational progress. The aspirations of the European Union for what this school will achieve for the country, and above all for its students, and their parents in the years ahead tare perhaps the most important dimension of our being here today. It is a moment of change in Somalia, and we are convinced that there is no greater form of preparation for change than education”, said the EU Ambassador to Somalia, Ms. Veronique Lorenzo.
The EU remains the largest donor to the education sector in Somalia. With contributions of 85 million EUR (2008-2013) and 60 million EUR (2014-2020) for education, the EU is substantially involved in the positive education trends that have emerged in Somalia over the recent years.
“The Federal Ministry of Education has improved its capacity to plan, manage and regulate education provision over the years. The priority now is implementation of the national curriculum to attain common standards and values. The EU is in the forefront in the endeavors to rebuild the education system in Somalia and are grateful for is longstanding support, said the Federal Minister of Education, Culture and Higher Education Mr. Abdi Dahir Osman.
“The school we are handing over today together with the planned construction of secondary school in the same location will definitely give children and youth in Baidoa the opportunity to access good quality education. It is important to note this particular initiative expands education opportunities for a very marginalized group, the returnees from Dadaab, observed ADRA Somalia’s Country Director Mr. Luiz Camargo, further adding that this and subsequent programs will ensure that equal education opportunities will be provided to all relevant age-groups in Somalia.