(ERGO) – After four years of studying under a tree, pupils in a village in Mudug region are now feeling the privilege of sitting in a properly constructed classroom, thanks to an initiative of residents.
The desire for education among the pupils and the parents’ quest for a better future for their children spurred the idea of building a school.
Those who used to walk long distances to the nearest schools in Galkayo now have a better option.
Hussein Abdi Mohamed, the village chief, told Radio Ergo that their education initiative began in 2014, with 20 children from the village being taught in the open air. As they were learning, the support of business people and diaspora from the village enabled the community to build four permanent classrooms, with latrines and a water tank.
“In the first two years, we constructed two classrooms, which made learning easier for us. The move encouraged many parents to increase their support,” Hussein told Radio Ergo. The parents, who are mainly pastoralists, contributed towards the construction.
The school has so far enrolled 150 pupils, including 85 girls, and employs four teachers paid by the local community.
“The school has classes up to standard six with two shifts, morning and afternoon. Every month, the villagers contribute to the salaries of the four teachers. Two teachers from the village each earn $150, while the other two from outside are given $300 each,” he explained.
This term, the school took in 56 new pupils, the highest number since it opened.
Shames Ismail enrolled her seven children last year after learning that the school was free.
“Initially, the children used to look after the livestock, but when drought hit the area only a few animals survived. I can manage the few animals alone, so I decided to send the children to school. I highly appreciate the efforts of the villagers and the local authority,” she said.
Another parent, Fatuma Mohamed Jama, has 10 children in the school.
“The demand for education was high. Before this opened, I used to send my children to Galkayo town for education. But now our problems have been solved,” said Fatuma, who lives in Gadod village, 30km east of Galkayo.
