Educate a deaf child in Somalia

Project Overview

The Educate a Deaf Child in Somalia project is a targeted initiative designed to provide free, quality education to deaf children, particularly those with limited or no access to basic schooling. Implemented in Puntland, Somalia, specifically within the Garowe district of the Nugal region, the project aims to address the educational exclusion of deaf children by removing financial and logistical barriers to learning.

The project is implemented by Hope and Help Society, in close collaboration with the Puntland Ministry of Education and the Puntland Deaf Care Development Agency.

Key areas of support include:

• Payment of school fees
• Coverage of transportation costs
• Provision of scholastic materials
• Incentives for teachers working with deaf students

A baseline survey, primarily through household assessments, was conducted at the start of the project. It identified financial burdens such as tuition fees, lack of transport, and inadequate school supplies as the main factors preventing deaf children from attending school. By addressing these challenges, the project seeks to empower deaf children and enhance their future opportunities.

Key Achievements During the Reporting Period1. Community Mobilization and Enrollment Campaign

A robust community mobilization and enrollment campaign was launched to identify and enroll out-of-school deaf children. Many of these children had never attended school due to financial hardship and limited awareness among parents about the importance of education for children with hearing impairments.

• As a result of this campaign, 83 deaf students who were previously out of school have been successfully enrolled and are now receiving quality education.

“I never imagined my child could go to school like other children. This project has given my son a future,” – Safiya Yusuf Parent of a newly enrolled student.

Improved Water Access in Schools

The baseline assessment also revealed that the school lacked access to safe drinking water, which posed significant health risks for students, including frequent cases of diarrhea due to unsafe water consumption.

• In response, the project facilitated the construction of a plastic water tank at the school, with generous support from local businessmen who were engaged after the project team presented the findings.
• Before this intervention, students relied on unsafe tap water, but now they have continuous access to safe drinking water.
• The project also ensures the regular refilling of the water tank, supporting sustained access to clean water.

“Before, we had no choice but to drink dirty water, and many students got sick. Now, we have clean water every day,” – Abdi Hersi at the supported school.

Establishment of a Computer Lab and Digital Skills Training

As part of efforts to modernize learning and provide digital inclusion for deaf students, the project purchased computers and established a computer lab within the school. This facility will enable students to learn basic computer skills, with a long-term plan to expand into advanced digital literacy to keep students updated with modern technologies and global trends.

• The lab is a first of its kind for the school, and teachers have been trained to guide students through introductory computer courses.

“Using a computer for the first time made me feel excited and proud. Now I want to learn more and use technology to help others,” – Asha Elmi, Garowe.

4. Distribution of Scholastic Materials and Teacher Incentives

To support effective learning, the project purchased and distributed scholastic materials to all enrolled deaf students. These included exercise books, pens, uniforms, key text books and visual learning aids tailored to the needs of hearing-impaired learners.

In recognition of their crucial role, teachers were provided with financial incentives, ensuring motivation, retention, and enhanced commitment to delivering quality education to deaf students.

5. Recruitment of Additional Teaching Staff

Prior to the project’s intervention, the school faced staff shortages, which affected the teacher-student ratio and the quality of instruction. In response, the project facilitated the recruitment of an additional teacher, easing the workload of existing staff and improving individualized attention for students.

“With the new teacher and resources, we can now give more focused support to each student. The change is already visible in their engagement,” – Zakeria Said , Headteacher, Garowe.