Improving Education Quality through Teacher Training in ABE

Hibaaq*, a 23-year-old teacher with a bachelor’s degree in education, started her teaching career three years ago at Garwonet Primary School, where she teaches Somali Language.

Starting out, Hibaaq* faced challenges as a young teacher. Despite her strong educational background, she struggled with managing her students peacefully. Without prior training in Alternative Basic Education (ABE), she felt unsure about effectively engaging her diverse classroom.

However, everything changed when Hibaaq* joined a specialized training program for ABE teachers. This program, conducted over several days, aimed to equip educators with skills to support marginalized or underserved populations, including out-of-school youth and children from disadvantaged backgrounds. It emphasized community engagement, empowering teachers to collaborate closely with families and communities for holistic student development.

Through this training, Hibaaq* learned valuable teaching techniques focused on kindness and inclusivity. She discovered how to engage each student with, regardless of their background or abilities. This transformation in her approach created a nurturing environment where every student felt valued. 

In addition to the training, Hibaaq*'s school received educational materials and resources that greatly assisted teachers in delivering their lessons.

The impact of Hibaaq*'s trains was evident in her classroom dynamics. Students responded positively to her approach, showing increased respect and kindness towards her. This shift in behavior mirrored Hibaaq*'s own demeanor, highlighting the ripple effect of her compassionate teaching style.

Motivated by her passion for education and the desire to make a lasting impact, Hibaaq* envisions a future where she continues to inspire young minds with kindness and empathy and promote inclusivity and equity within education systems, ensuring that all learners have access to quality education regardless of their backgrounds. She dreams of nurturing a generation of students who not only excel academically but also embody the values of compassion and inclusivity that she holds dear.

Hibaaq's story

"My name is Hibaaq*, and I am 23 years old. I live in Qardho and hold a bachelor’s degree in education. 

Teaching has always been my dream since I was a child, especially helping young students learn the Somali language.

I began my teaching career three years ago at Garwonet Primary School in Qardho, where I teach Somali Language. 

However, my initial experience as a teacher was quite challenging. Despite my educational background, I struggled to manage my classroom effectively. 

Without prior training in Alternative Basic Education (ABE), I found it difficult to engage with the diverse group of students attending our school.

Fortunately, I was given the opportunity to join a training program for ABE teachers. This program was designed to equip educators with the skills needed to support marginalized or underserved populations, including out-of-school youth and children from disadvantaged backgrounds. 

The training emphasized community engagement, teaching me how to collaborate closely with families and local organizations for holistic student development. 

Additionally, the school received essential educational materials, such as books, which greatly enhanced our teaching resources.

Through this training, I learned the importance of treating children with kindness and understanding instead of punishment. 

The program taught me how to deliver lessons effectively and manage my classroom with empathy and respect for each student's unique background and needs.

The impact of this training was profound. I noticed a significant positive change in my students, their engagement has improved, and moreover they began to respect me more and show greater kindness. 

This shift in behavior mirrored my own teaching style. The training not only improved my teaching methods but also fostered a nurturing environment where every student felt valued. 

The new educational materials further supported this transformation, providing students with better learning opportunities and resources.

Teaching is my passion, and it has been a dream of mine since childhood. I am motivated by the progress I've seen in my students and the positive changes in my classroom dynamics. 

In the future, I hope to continue my work as a teacher, inspiring young students with kindness and empathy, and promoting inclusivity and equity in education."

project information

Save the Children (SC) in partnership with CARE, is implementing the Waxbarashadu Waa Iftiin Phase IV (Education is Light IV) project, funded by the European Union from June 13, 2022, to June 30, 2023. This initiative aims to enhance educational access and quality in Puntland, Somalia, focusing on constructing and rehabilitating schools, teacher training, and distributing educational materials. By May 2023, the project had supported 42 primary schools across multiple regions, benefiting 13,241 children, including a significant number of girls. The primary objective is to improve educational attainment and employability through inclusive, equitable quality education and vocational training linked to employment opportunities.