Parents and children in Hamarweyne district of the Somali capital, Mogadishu, are excited about the opportunities offered to low income families by a new free school that opened in their area in September.
Muna Haji, has enrolled all her five children in the new Gurmad primary school, having struggled to pay the $46 monthly fees at their previous school.
As a single mother, the $90 she makes doing cleaning jobs is barely enough to meet their basic food needs every month, let alone pay for education which had become a luxury they couldn’t afford.
“My happiness is beyond words because many schools exist, but we couldn’t access them. Now, we have a school here. I am very happy, and I hope the education continues for my children,” she said.
Muna’s children, aged 8 to 13, are in the second and third grades taking classes including maths, Somali, Arabic, and science. Being less that a kilometre from their house, it is easy now for her to feel engaged in their education.
“Our previous school was far, and it was difficult to check on the children and to follow up on how they were doing. But now this school is easy to access and we can track their education. The teachers are also supportive,” she explained.
With a three-room building that accommodates students in two shifts during the day, the school offers hope for local families facing financial challenges.
Another parent, Marliya Ali Jeylani, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity her children now have. Two of them, ages 7 and 9, have begun first grade at Gurmad primary school. They were previously taking Koranic classes at school that charged $30 in fees.
“Thank God, I’m very happy! This is the first time I’m sending my children to a regular school. Previously, they only attended Koranic schools, but now they are going to a formal school. I am so grateful they are receiving free education,” she told Radio Ergo.
Marliya’s family depends on her husband’s irregular income of four dollars a day from labour jobs.
“The school provides books and stationery for free, and my children are doing very well. They are so excited about their studies, and their enthusiasm is high as they are new to education,” she added.
Built by Gurmad Community Organisation, the school is supported by local and diaspora members from the district and aims to provide education for children who might otherwise miss out. There are already 300 children aged 7-14 enrolled.
Amina Siyad Mohamed, a member of the school administration, said there are currently four teachers whose salaries are paid by the community organisation.
“The school is open to orphans and those from underprivileged families who can’t afford to pay for education. An orphan, a child whose father has passed away, or a child whose mother is struggling and doesn’t have access to education should not be left behind. Every child has the right to an education just like other children,” she stated.
The school plans to expand to secondary as well as primary education. Located near the city shoreline, this would be welcomed by the local community.
“The school follows the government curriculum. The textbooks and teaching materials are approved by the Ministry of Education. We do not deviate from the government curriculum, and all subjects taught align with the government guidelines,” Amina said.
