Over 11,000 Girls and Young Women Graduate From US, UK Funded Literacy Programme in Somalia
GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Over 11000 female students graduated today from the AGES programme which aims to empower young girls in Somalia to acquire basic literacy and financial skills.
In a ceremony presided by Deputy Prime Minister Salah Jama, 11,176 adolescent girls and young women graduated after completed an 11-month non-formal education course focus ok strengthening literacy, numeracy and life skills.
Another 1,597 students are the first ever to complete a USAID accelerated basic education programme dubbed Bar ama Baro (teach or learn) which condenses eight years of primary education into four years.
The graduates include girls and boys living with disabilities who have emerged as influential role models and ambassadors, championing school enrollment and active participation within their communities and among their peers.
Access to education remains a significant challenge in Somalia, particularly for girls and young women, with only 25 percent of primary school-aged girls attending formal schools.
Various obstacles, such as early marriage, domestic responsibilities, and gender biases further hinder girls’ access to education.
Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister noted that education is crucial for Somalia’s development and for enabling people participate in all aspects of life by fostering critical thinking and empowering individual communities.
“Educating girls and women, in particular, drives economic growth and has a profound impact on health care, nutrition, early marriage, and family planning. Education is the cornerstone of Somalia’s progress, fostering critical thinking and empowering women for economic development. Thanks to USAID and UK Government, these young learners are equipped with vital skills, setting the foundation for a brighter future where informed, educated young people contribute significantly to health, nutrition, and societal well-being,” the Deputy PM said.
U.S. Ambassador to Somalia Richard Riley said Somalia’s literacy advances in the 1970s were once the envy of Africa and that as Somalia goes through its revival phase, it is time to rekindle that same commitment and work together to increase access to education for the nearly four million out-of-school children in Somalia.
“The success of programs like Bar ama Baro and AGES, which have provided accelerated basic education to over 100,000 out-of-school children and youth and empowered 90,000 adolescent girls and young women with foundational skills in literacy, numeracy, financial literacy, and leadership, exemplifies the impact of our collaborative efforts. By investing in education, we are not only empowering individuals but also securing a prosperous and peaceful future for Somalia,” Riley said.
UK Deputy Ambassador Sam Thomas on his part noted that through the Adolescent Girls’ Education in Somalia (AGES) program, jointly funded by the UK and USAID, his country is proud to have empowered 90,000 Somali girls and young women with essential skills and opportunities for a brighter future.
“The success of AGES reflects our commitment to inclusive education and gender equity, vital for Somalia’s sustainable development. We remain steadfast in our partnership with the Somali government and international partners to continue advancing education and empowering marginalized communities across Somalia.”
The completion of the Adolescent Girls’ Education in Somalia (AGES) initiative, alongside the Bar ama Baro (BAB) project, marks a pivotal moment in the federal government of Somalia’s commitment to empower ultramarginalized girls, boys, and young women through education.
The Education, Culture, and Higher Education ministry says the transformative programs have enrolled over 90,000 vulnerable out-of-school girls in AGES and over 100,000 young boys and girls in BAB, providing them with essential skills in literacy, numeracy, and life readiness.