Celebrating Teachers’ Day: The Unseen Struggles and Triumphs of Somali Educators

Today, on Teachers’ Day in Somalia, we honour the invaluable contributions of our educators and reflect on their challenges and the evolving educational landscape. Somali teachers have long played a crucial role in shaping the nation, with many of today’s politicians having been former teachers. Yet, the path of an educator is fraught with challenges.

Historically, many teachers have been instructing students using curricula not rooted in the Somali language or culture, relying heavily on English and Arabic materials. With the government introducing a new curriculum for primary and secondary schools, there is a significant shift towards materials that better reflect Somali heritage. This shift offers hope for a more cohesive national identity but comes with its hurdles.

The transition presents a complex issue: students who are educated under Somali curricula often encounter language barriers when they advance to higher education, where instruction is mainly conducted in Arabic or English. This discrepancy between the language used in their earlier schooling and that of university education creates significant challenges for students.

Adding to the pressures are the recent tensions with the Ministry of Education. In particular, the imposition of an examination for all active teachers has sparked demonstrations and debate. Many seasoned educators, some with decades of service, felt the exam undermined their professional contributions and years of experience. They argued that a one-size-fits-all approach to teacher qualifications does not account for the diverse backgrounds of educators, especially those from systems run by aid organizations or other non-governmental entities.

This situation raises important questions: Should all teachers be required to pass a standardized exam, or should there be alternative methods to validate and integrate experienced educators? Potential solutions could involve tailored assessments or professional development programs that respect the contributions of long-serving teachers while upholding educational standards.

As Somalia continues to rebuild its education system, balancing standardization with inclusivity remains a challenge. The recent demonstrations underline the importance of dialogue and collaboration between policymakers and educators. By working together, Somalia can create an education system that honours the expertise of its teachers while preparing students for a brighter future.

On this Teachers’ Day, we celebrate the dedication and resilience of Somali teachers. Their contributions have shaped not only classrooms but the nation itself.

Let us commit to supporting their efforts, acknowledging their challenges, and working towards an education system that values and utilizes their expertise.