SOCIAL SERVICES - EDUCATION AND HEALTH

Three decades of conflict nearly destroyed Somalia’s health and education systems, which are characterized by poor quality, insufficient access, and inadequate resources. As a result, nearly 85 percent of children are not enrolled in school. USAID has partnered with federal and state-level education ministries to establish quality education standards and expand access to education for 150,000 out-of-school children and youth. In the health sector, USAID is improving maternal health by supporting midwife training and increasing women's access to services. USAID also supported the integration of COVID-19 vaccines into routine immunization strategies in Somalia, boosting the numbers of children receiving critical childhood vaccinations.

Education and Health Portfolio:

Bar ama Baro (BAB)
Partner: Creative Associates / 2019 - 2024

USAID’s five-year accelerated basic education program Bar ama Baro (meaning “Teach or Learn” in Somali) aims to reintegrate more than 100,000 out-of-school children back into the education system. To help these children catch up,” USAID builds foundational reading and math skills in a shorter time frame, enabling students to re-enter the formal school system. USAID also trains teachers in innovative, student-centered teaching approaches and supports development of high-quality teaching and learning materials. In addition, USAID partners with the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Higher Education and Federal Member States’ Ministries of Education to develop Somalia’s Accelerated Basic Education (ABE) policy and curriculum framework.

Adolescent Girls Education in Somalia (AGES)
Partner: CARE / 2021 – 2024

In Somalia, girls face additional barriers to attending school including security restrictions, financial obstacles, early marriage, and adherence to strict gender roles. Jointly funded by USAID and the UK Foreign Commonwealth Development Office, the AGES project provides education opportunities for over 80,000 girls and young women. With USAID’s contribution, AGES is reaching over 40,000 adolescent girls with a non-formal education course tailored to the needs of older girls who have never attended school, including basic math and reading skills, and financial literacy.

Stabilization Through Education Program (STEP)
Partner: IOM / 2022 – 2023

USAID’s STEP project works with communities and local authorities in areas recovered from violent conflict to rehabilitate or construct over 195 damaged classrooms. This will expand educational access for an additional 10,000 students each year and strengthen the local government’s ability to deliver basic education services. USAID also works with communities to develop and support local education plans by engaging parents and community members in local schools and education activities.

Maternal Health Activity
Partner: UNFPA / 2023 - 2027

In the health sector, USAID is improving maternal health by supporting midwife training and increasing women's access to health services. Through this program, USAID will train and promote employment of 130 midwives, thereby increasing livelihood opportunities while also ensuring safer conditions for mothers and their infants.

Emergency Education Drought Response (EEDR)
Partner: UNICEF / 2022 – 2024

In response to the drought, USAID provides emergency education to school-aged children who have been displaced. This support keeps schools open during the drought and helps integrate displaced children into safe learning environments. USAID also works with the local authorities to build the capacity of the education sector to plan for and respond to natural disasters.

 

Tags
Somalia Education Maternal Health