The US government will provide an additional support worth $50 million to support educational efforts in Somalia. This follows the $65 million that it already injected into the country’s education sector.
According to the Somali Embassy in Somalia, the funding ‘seeks to ensure that the country’s children are able to access quality education while supporting accelerated learning for children and youth who are either out of school or remain further behind than the rest.’
Donald Yamamoto, the ambassador of U.S. to Somalia, said, “the funds are instrumental in giving vulnerable children access to quality education.”
“The investment by the U.S. government will ensure that vulnerable Somali students receive all the vital skills they need to make meaningful contributions in their society. Through the program, the quality of teaching and learning will improve massively. It will also invoke the spirit of similarly successful Somali-led literacy campaigns.”
With this announcement, USAID’s ongoing education investments in the country now amount to $65 million. Currently, USAID supports a $10 million project that UNICEF implemented. It also lends its support to a $5 million contribution forwarded to the Girls’ Education Challenge program that the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development manages.
The five year programme dubbed Bar Ama Baro (“Teach or Learn” in Somali) will target Somali out-of-school children and youth between approximately 8-15 years old. The program aims to increase student enrollment in schools; create safe spaces to learn; improve students’ literacy, numeracy and socio-emotional skills; and enhance the Federal Government of Somalia’s capacity to support these school, a statement from embassy read in part.
According to a statement released by the U.S. Embassy, “The five-year program, nicknamed Bar Ama Baro, which is Somali for “Teach or Learn,” targets Somali children who are out of school. It is also for the country’s youth, especially those aged 8-15 years. Its goals include increasing student enrollment in schools; creation of safe learning spaces; improved student literacy as well as numeracy and socio-emotional skills; and, the enhancement of the Federal Government’s capacity for supporting the schools.”
Abdullahi “Godah” Barre, the country’s Minister of Education, extended his gratitude to the government of the U.S. for supporting a program that boosts disadvantaged children in Somali.
“I welcome the decision by USAID to launch the new project. I also appreciate the overall support that the People of the United States have extended to our country over the years. Specifically, I’m grateful to USAID for working tirelessly to support the education of our children, especially those who are disadvantaged. It’s my trust and hope that the intervention will positively impact the country’s education system by improving access, quality, and governance.”