Focus on Somaliland (Part 2): The scramble for education

[Jacaylbaro]

A group of four young ladies converge at a corner of the compound to discuss their next lesson at Gollis University in Hargeisa. They are among the thousands of Somalilanders who attend as many as 15 of these private universities in Somaliland.

 

In a country where the education system was turned upside down after the civil war in 1988, things are now looking better.

 

Rise from the ashes

Dr Said Ahmed Hassan, a PHD holder from the University of Toronto and president of Gollis University, says he came back to contribute to his country’s rise from the ashes.

 

“We started this centre in 2004. We believe in offering programmes that can help the graduates finding jobs with less difficulty. If they don’t find them here, they can go to Kenya, Djibouti or even the Gulf countries.” says Dr Said.

 

Over the years, the institution has helped the Somaliland administration train many police officers and teachers. According to the president, they shape their courses to the need of the people of Somaliland.

 

“We train engineers here who can support and help Somaliland in building low cost housing. Houses in Hargeisa could cost 60,000 dollars. But Somali families are large with an average of seven children. So they can’t afford this kind of housing. That’s where we come in. Our graduates build them houses for six to seven thousand dollars.” says Dr Said Ahmed.

 

Taking into account the meager earnings of most residents of Somaliland, these private universities charge only 200 dollars per semester compared to a thousand dollars in a similar institution in Kenya.

 

Pride

Safari Hotel is a newly built lodge not far from Gollis University. Its vice-manager, Said Mohamed Ahmed graduated from the University of Hargeisa. Ahmed is proud of the achievements his country has made in the education sector and he is considered to be a fruit of it.

 

“There is a big difference in the situation today compared to 1994 when I was at school. There were landmines everywhere and my parents were always worried whether I will get back home safely. Thank God we are so peaceful and educated now.”

 

The government is also helping in the process. Every year, 25 bright students who don’t have the means are sponsored by the government to join the private universities, says Abdirahman Mohamed, Somaliland Director of Education.

 

Abdirahman adds that “after the overthrow of Mohamed Siad Baree, we had to start from scratch. There we no classes, no blackboards and students were sitting under the trees. Then gradually we started the rehabilitation of the schools with the help of our community both in the country and abroad. And today we see that among those who started after 1991, there are doctors, teachers,” says the confident Abdirahman.

 

With such a big demand for higher education, many academics in Somaliland are saying that it is high time to introduce public universities.

 

 

Radio Netherlands