Kigali, Rwanda – Representatives from Somalia’s Ministry of Education, Culture and Higher Education joined education leaders from across the continent this week in Rwanda for the Gender and Inclusive Education Exchange — an initiative aimed at strengthening equitable access to learning.
The Somali delegation’s mission centered on understanding how Rwanda has built a strong foundation for gender equity in education, particularly in ensuring that girls from rural and marginalized communities stay in school. The visit also offered Somali officials an opportunity to explore practical models that could be adapted to Somalia’s context, where conflict, poverty, and social norms still present barriers to inclusive learning.
During the exchange, participants visited schools, teacher training centers, and community-led education programs. Rwanda’s holistic approach — combining policy reforms, strong community engagement, and investment in girls’ education — was highlighted as a model of progress in Africa.
For Somalia, the visit comes at a critical time. The government has been working to expand access to education, with special attention to girls, internally displaced children, and learners with disabilities. The Ministry’s participation in the exchange signals a renewed commitment to breaking the gender gap in classrooms and building a more inclusive system for all Somali learners.
Education experts say that lessons from Rwanda could help Somalia accelerate reforms already underway — such as teacher training programs with a gender lens, curriculum updates promoting equality, and efforts to make schools safer and more welcoming for girls.
As the delegation concluded its visit, officials emphasized that Somalia’s path to inclusive education will require not only policy shifts but also the sustained engagement of communities, teachers, and parents.
The Rwanda exchange offered more than just inspiration — it provided Somalia with a roadmap for translating ambition into action, ensuring that every child, regardless of gender or background, has a fair chance to learn and thrive.