Somalia Celebrates Teachers’ Day with Historic Progress in Expanding the Public Education Workforce

Somalia Celebrates Teachers’ Day with Historic Progress in Expanding the Public Education Workforce

Somalia marked Somali Teachers’ Day on November 21, a moment dedicated to honoring the men and women whose dedication continues to shape the nation’s future. This year’s celebration comes at a transformational time for the country’s education sector, where teachers are playing a central role in national reform.

A Major Step Toward Rebuilding Somalia’s Education System

In the past two years, Somalia has made bold and structured efforts to confront the chronic shortage of qualified teachers across the country. As part of its long-term vision for improving access to education and strengthening learning outcomes, the Ministry of Education, Culture and Higher Education has already recruited and trained 6,000 new public school teachers.

This marks a historic milestone that reflects the government’s commitment to reviving the education workforce and enhancing classroom quality nationwide.

Building on this achievement, the Minister of Education, H.E. Farah Sheikh Abdulkadir, reaffirmed the government’s pledge to recruit an additional 3,000 teachers, bringing Somalia closer to its long-term goal of integrating over 10,000 qualified educators into the public school system.

Expanding Schools and Improving Quality

This nationwide effort is supported by the construction of 300 new public schools, ensuring that both teachers and students have access to safe, structured, and equitable learning environments.

The recruitment process itself has also been strengthened through higher standards and transparent procedures. Applicants must meet strict criteria, including:

• A recognized bachelor’s degree

• Passing the national certification exams

• Meeting health, ethical, and professional requirements

These measures are designed to ensure fairness while elevating the overall quality of education in Somalia's classrooms.

A Path Toward Stability and Long-Term Development

The ongoing expansion of the teaching workforce represents more than an employment initiative—it is a national strategy to rebuild Somalia’s education system from the ground up. With 6,000 teachers already deployed and 3,000 more on their way, Somalia is making significant strides toward reducing educational disparities and preparing the country for a more stable future.

A Fitting Tribute on Somali Teachers’ Day

As Somalia celebrates its teachers, this year’s progress serves as a powerful reminder of the profession’s vital role in national development. From long-serving educators who kept classrooms alive through the hardest years to the thousands of newly trained teachers joining the mission today, the teaching community remains the backbone of Somalia’s future.

To all Somali teachers: thank you. Your dedication continues to build the foundation of the nation.