Even those graduating from universities emerged without the necessary skills to work in fields related to their degrees.

This has impacted many generations, raising concerns about the quality of education and the type of curricula students are exposed to.

However, recently, some educational institutions have begun to reform their curricula to produce students who are better prepared for today’s global society, especially one shaped by technology.

Al-Nawawi School in Garowe, which caters to primary, secondary, and high school levels, has introduced computer labs and computer programming courses where students learn various software applications.

Electricity engineering, CCTV security cameras installation, and graphic designing, including image editing, are among the subjects students are taught there.

Muniiro Abdinur Osmaan, a student currently in Form 3, shared that more and more girls are now part of the cohort learning computer skills.

“I am being trained as a graphic designer. I hope to achieve a lot. It is often said that boys excel in these skills, but I encourage the girls,” she said.

‘Girls Can Reach the Highest Levels’

Umaya Mohamed Ibrahim, another Form 3 student, explained that the modern global environment has influenced students’ direction, pushing them to focus on learning computer skills.

“Initially, we knew very little. Now, we have learned many things. We can print documents, and we have learned different software,” she said.

She also stated that girls can surpass boys if they are properly trained in skills and given equal opportunities.

Mohamud Abdullahi, a teacher at the Al-Nawawi High School, explained that the school decided to introduce computer skills when it became clear how essential these skills were for students’ futures, especially in the face of the challenges Somali students face today.

“As we all know, students have demonstrated success in skills such as electrical wiring, CCTV operation, and working with various software. This is due to the global job market’s current demand and the need for students to improve both their experience and economic situations,” Maxamuud told Kaab TV.

While this initiative has started in just one school, with others possibly following suit, there are still challenges ahead.

The quality of education in Somalia faces significant challenges that hinder students’ ability to acquire essential skills.

Schools operate in overcrowded classrooms, with few skilled teachers capable of teaching the necessary subjects.

Educational resources such as books and equipment, like computers, are often not available to all students.

Girls account for only 17% of those who receive primary education in Somalia, indicating that many girls still lack access to education and remain confined to their homes.

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Statistics show that girls often face systemic disadvantages in education. According to data from 2022, only 28% of students enrolled in Somali schools were girls, leaving the majority, 72%, as boys.

Furthermore, literacy rates for adult women stood at less than 22%, compared to 54% for men.

Despite these challenges, the Gedo, a region marred by conflict, has recently shown progress in increasing girls’ enrollment in schools.

Girls now make up more than 40% of students in educational institutions in the region, a notable improvement.

In Balad Hawo district alone, over 12,000 students were enrolled in schools during the last academic year.

Of these, more than 5,500 were girls, accounting for 45% of the total enrollment, according to the Ministry of Education’s records.

Local Communities Push for Change

Some communities in Gedo are beginning to recognize the importance of educating girls. In Balad Amiin, a pastoral village about seven kilometers from the Kenyan border, a local primary and secondary school has seen a significant increase in female enrollment.

“Girls enrollment this year reached 367 out of 722 students,” said Ibrahim Kalil Ibrahim, deputy principal of the school. “This shows significant progress in girls’ education as the community has increasingly recognized its importance.”

Similar trends are evident in Balad Hawo Secondary School, the first government-run high school in the area.

The Balad Amiin school principal, Abdulna’em, noted a rise in the number of girls attending higher grades.

“In the past, girls were mostly in primary school classes, but now there’s a notable change,” he said.

However, he highlighted that financial barriers remain a challenge.

“When it comes to tuition fees, parents often prioritize boys, leaving many girls out of school even after they’ve started their education,” he added.

While progress is being made, educators report that cultural and economic challenges continue to hinder girls’ education in Somalia.

“Numerous challenges still hinder girls’ education, starting from the schools themselves,” said Abdiaziz Mubarak, head of research at Gedo University.

“In rural areas, when girls finish primary school, they cannot access secondary schools in towns because parents prioritize boys. Economic difficulties, cultural pressures, forced marriages, and traditional beliefs are also barriers,” Abdiaziz remarked.

Abdiaziz emphasized the importance of changing these perceptions.

“Some believe a girl who can read and write doesn’t need further education because her role is to marry and become a housewife. This mindset must change,” he added.

Advocates argue that ensuring equal access to education is essential for Somalia’s development.

They believe that educating girls is critical to rebuilding the nation after decades of conflict and instability.

“An educated mother is the cornerstone of an educated nation,” Abdiaziz said, underlining the importance of addressing these challenges to achieve societal progress.

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