Press Release
EU reopens two schools five months after bomb blast in Mogadishu
Mogadishu, 6 February 2019-Today, over 930 children in Mogadishu are back in school thanks to the re-opening of their bomb-damaged schools. This re-opening follows rehabilitation works financed by the European Union.
On 2 September 2018, the two schools; Hassan Qariindi and Hawlwadaag collapsed after the bomb blast left half a dozen children injured. In addition to the restoration of the schools, the EU will further support the schools through the provision of scholastic materials, scholarships for girls and training of teachers.
Today’s official reopening ceremony was graced by the EU Charge Affairs to Somalia, Mr.Fulgencio Garrido Ruiz, the Federal Minister of Education, Culture and Higher Education Mr. Abdullahi Godah as well representatives from the Benadir Administration, Implementing Partners and the local community.
“Every child has the right to an education without fear of violence or attack. The European Union commits to continue engaging stakeholders in Somalia as partners in the search for solutions to the challenges facing education sector in Somalia,” said Mr Fulgencio Garrido Ruiz, the EU Charge D’Affairs to Somalia.
During the reopening ceremony, the Federal Minister of Education, Culture and Higher Education Mr. Abdullahi Godah added, “Ensuring the safety and resilience of children and their access to sustained quality education remains a cornerstone of the Ministry of Education.”
ADRA Somalia’s country Director, Mr. Luiz Camargo welcomed the investment from the EU extended to primary school children who were previously out of school in the district.
“Rehabilitation of these schools ensures that hundreds of learners are able to continue with their primary education, and will eventually transit to other life opportunities upon completion of the cycle of education,” said Mr Luiz Camargo.
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Background
Support to the two schools is under auspices of the EU funded education project implemented by ADRA led consortium. The project, which is in its third phase, is supporting the Federal Government of Somalia re-establish public education system ravaged by many years of conflict. Over the years, it has financed the construction and rehabilitation of 25 schools.
Contacts: Abdikadir ABDI & Mohamed SABUL
Email: [email protected]
