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In a landmark push to restore learning for children affected by conflict and climate shocks, a new $17 million education grant is being rolled out across Somalia to transform access to inclusive, safe, and quality education. The funding aims to reach hundreds of thousands of children and youth who have long been denied their right to education due to ongoing crises, insecurity, and displacement.
The multi-year investment focuses on rebuilding critical education infrastructure, training teachers, and delivering essential supplies such as books, hygiene kits, and classroom materials. It also introduces a range of student support services, including school feeding programs and psychosocial counseling, to help children stay in school and thrive academically and emotionally.
At the heart of the program is a strong commitment to equity and inclusion. Girls, children with disabilities, and those from displaced communities will be prioritized under the new funding scheme. By targeting the most vulnerable, the initiative seeks not only to rebuild education access but also to empower future generations with the tools they need to shape their own futures.
The grant responds to the urgent needs of children in a country where nearly half of school-age children are currently out of school, with conflict and climate-related disasters repeatedly displacing communities and disrupting education. With this support, classrooms damaged by floods and conflict will be repaired or rebuilt. New facilities that support inclusive education—such as disability-friendly latrines and gender-segregated sanitation—will be introduced, while learning environments will be upgraded to meet the safety and well-being needs of both students and teachers.
Teacher development is another cornerstone of the initiative. The program will support large-scale training to help educators adopt learner-centered, trauma-informed, and inclusive teaching strategies. Professional development will focus on closing learning gaps and improving literacy and numeracy among children who may be returning to school after long periods of absence.
This funding also supports resilience-building measures in education, preparing schools and communities for future emergencies. These include disaster preparedness strategies, early warning systems, and community-based protection plans to ensure schools remain open even during crises. In addition, there will be a push to strengthen community engagement by involving parents, local leaders, and school management committees in every stage of the process.
The grant is designed as a catalytic investment, meant to leverage additional funding from national and international partners. By demonstrating the impact of targeted education aid in emergency settings, it aims to mobilize broader, long-term commitments to rebuild the education system in Somalia sustainably.
Children in Somalia have endured years of instability, environmental disasters, and neglect. This new wave of funding offers a critical opportunity to rewrite their story. With access to safe classrooms, trained teachers, nutritious meals, and mental health support, Somali children can reclaim their right to education and dream of a better future.
Education is more than a basic right—it is a powerful tool for peace, resilience, and economic recovery. By investing in education now, the initiative sends a clear message: no matter the crisis, every child deserves the chance to learn.