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Tailored learning is reshaping education for displaced children in Somalia, with personalized instruction helping students like 13-year-old Ifrah Mohamed excel in mathematics. Living in the Al Camar camp for internally displaced people, Ifrah struggled with basic numeracy before joining Al Camaar School in Baidoa, where she was introduced to the Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) approach.
The initiative, supported by UNICEF and implemented by the Bay Regional Education Committee (BREC), groups students based on their actual skill levels rather than age or grade. This method has proven effective in bridging foundational learning gaps, particularly for children affected by conflict and displacement. Ifrah, once shy and behind in her studies, now confidently solves math problems and mentors her classmates.
Since its launch in Somalia during the 2023–2024 academic year, the TaRL program has reached over 23,000 students, including 10,270 girls and 527 children with disabilities, across five regions. In Baidoa alone, 13 schools have adopted the model, benefiting more than 2,200 displaced children. Teachers report significant improvements in student engagement and academic performance, with math emerging as a favorite subject among many learners.
Teacher Abdi, who leads Ifrah’s class, highlighted her remarkable progress. “She started out very quiet and unsure, but once she was learning at her own level in small groups, she began to thrive. Now, she’s one of the strongest math students in class,” he said.
The program is funded by the Governments of Finland and Japan, as well as the German Federal Foreign Office, and focuses on children aged 8 to 17. It incorporates interactive learning tools such as counting sticks and group exercises to reinforce core concepts. Educators emphasize that the approach not only improves academic outcomes but also builds confidence and classroom participation.
For Ifrah, school has become a place of possibility. “I love coming to school. Math is my favorite subject. I’ve gotten really good at it, and I help my classmates when they need support,” she said. Inspired by her teachers, she dreams of becoming an educator herself, hoping to guide future students the way she was supported.
As Somalia continues to address educational challenges for displaced children, tailored learning models like TaRL offer a promising solution. By focusing on individual skill levels and fostering interactive engagement, the initiative is transforming lives and ensuring that students like Ifrah have the opportunity to succeed.