The classrooms constructed by AMISOM, with funds from the Italian government, were handed over on Monday by Dr. Opiyo Ododa, the AMISOM Senior Civil Affairs Officer, at a colourful ceremony also attended by the school leadership.

Other items also handed over included 88 desks, eight wardrobes and blackboards.

Dr. Ododa noted that the project is aimed at boosting the education sector and access to quality education in the region, critical for the development and stability of the country.

"The purpose of this construction is to enhance education in Somalia through our Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) initiatives. The funding for this school was done by the Italian government for which we thank them very much. We are looking forward to this facility enabling Somali people to catch up in their educational system,” explained Dr. Ododa

"We as AMISOM believe that education is an important element in ensuring that peace is built in a country like Somalia and that is why we are making efforts to ensure that educational facilities are put in place,” Dr. Ododa added.

The construction of the classrooms is part of the AMISOM’s Quick Impact Projects (QIPs), aimed at ensuring quick but long lasting impacts, thereby improving service delivery in the education sector to the Somali people.

Learning under trees

Col. Jackson Lesaiyo, the Deputy Commander of AMISOM Sector II reiterated AMISOM’s commitment to reviving the education system, through QIPs in order to improve access to education.

"Initially, the pupils in this school were learning under the trees but now, they will be very happy to be inside a class where they also have desks and a blackboard,” Col. Lesaiyo explained.

He added, "This will go a long way in ensuring that the pupils in Somalia, especially here in Dhobley get proper education in a good environment, which will help them learn like any other kid or pupil in the rest of the world.”

Timely intervention and more support

Siyad Mohamed Hassan, the Administrator of Dhobley town thanked AMISOM and other partners for the timely support, adding that they look forward to more support in future so as to address the needs of the other schools in the region.

"We are grateful for the development projects implemented by AMISOM, it is part of the areas we cooperate- the development of the town and the security. God willing, we expect them [ AMISOM] to cover the needs of the other schools as they can and we as the administration we are involved in this as we report the educational needs of the people to AMISOM and other partners, allocate land for social development projects and strengthen the coordination between the community and AMISOM,” the Administrator said.

Hassan Mohamed Hussein, the head teacher of Wamo Primary and Secondary school asked for more support from AMISOM so as to reduce the number of the students who learn under trees and open air.

"We appreciate the support of all the people who organized this project and we welcome their achievements of constructing four classrooms. They have really addressed some of the needs of the school but we hope they will be able to address the other needs of the school,” Hassan explained.

Besides educational facilities, AMISOM has worked to construct water facilities, schools, and donated sports and medical items in its Area of Responsibility (AoR).