How we opened new school for 350 children in Somalia

As a Global Youth Ambassador, it really makes me feel upset that 58 million children are out of school at the moment. A World at School is magnifying the efforts of all organisations working to get all children into school and learning around the world.

Fortunately, with the support of Fathu Al-Rahman (a local NGO based in Somalia), we managed to open a school in Mogadishu and 150 boys and 200 girls went to school last week. We must ensure every child’s basic right to go to school is realised.

According to UNICEF, enrolment rates in Somalia are among the lowest in the world. Only four or five out of every 10 children are in school at the moment. 

Many children start primary school much later than the recommended school-entry age of six and many more drop out early. Secondary school education enrolments are even weaker.

Girls are particularly badly affected, with only a third enrolled in school in South Central Somalia and many dropping out before completing their primary education.

Education is the key to the future of Somalia. Despite the fact that we have already lost at least two generations, I still believe that an educated youth is one of the best contributions to maintaining peace and security in Somalia. In fact, a good number of Somali parents recognise this – and I believe that the international community does as well.

However, my priority is to mobilise and organise other young people to stand up for education in Mogadishu and other cities in the country. In addition, I will make my voice heard in the Somali community in Nairobi, Kenya, by organising events and participating in campaigns that will help the children to go back to school as soon as possible.

Last but not least, all our children must come first. We all need to come together and help educate our children. Everyone must play their part – government, parents, teachers and the community as a whole. Education is our future; the efforts we put in today will be rewarded tomorrow.