NEWSLETTER
SEPTEMBER 2021
Letter from the executive director
I was looking forward to sharing with you, our loyal friends and supporters, stories of celebration. After all, there is much to celebrate. The new school year has begun at all three of our school systems, Abaarso, Kaabe, and Barwaaqo. We have an exceptional mix of smart and mission-driving teaching teams that include returning staff and new hires and dedicated, expert School Leaders. The Abaarso Network board approved our budget and structure for the coming fiscal year, which will ensure stability, growth, and the highest quality education programs.
Twenty-five students graduated from Abaarso School in July and sixteen women graduated from our inaugural class at Barwaaqo University this summer, many with jobs waiting for them! We will triple the number of Kaabe Schools this year and reach nearly 700 students across the Network. Indeed, there is a lot to feel good about. Unfortunately, as some of you may have seen, our success and publicity have also reignited a dangerous backlash.
After President Muse Bihi’s historic speech at Barwaaqo University, where he gave emphatic support to both women’s education and the Abaarso Network, those who wish to destabilize Somaliland and hurt Abaarso began to threaten us with renewed vigor. Our enemies were fueled by YouTube posts of Joy Isa, President of Barwaaqo University, preaching at a church in Nigeria. The crisis was fueled even further by a tweet from a volunteer in Joy’s church that was published in early July but only noticed in Somaliland after the Barwaaqo graduation, who incorrectly said that Joy was going to Somaliland for missionary work.
All staff at Abaarso Network are required to sign a contract and a Code of Conduct that forbids them from discussing their personal beliefs or religion in Somaliland. Everyone knows that failure to comply with this policy will result in immediate termination. We are confident that Joy has not violated her contract or the Code of Conduct. She is with us only to help Somaliland students access a wonderful education and to contribute to the development of the country in a way that is culturally appropriate.
We search the globe for the best educators in the world to build our schools and support local talent. Joy is a superior educator who has taught students and managed teachers for 27 years. Joy is in Somaliland for the right reasons and we support her.
Over the last couple of weeks, we have sought the advice of many people to determine the appropriate next step. Our supporters have come out in full force. The government of Somaliland, our local boards, alumni, students, and their families have made public statements of support. While threats and risks may continue, we remain steadfast in our commitment to Somaliland, the parents, and the students to whom we are dedicated. With your support, we will overcome this challenge and be better for it, just as we have done in the past.
Thank you,
Rob
The Barwaaqo University Class of 2021 makes history!
The Class of 2021 will go down in history as the first class to graduate from the only all-female residential university in Somaliland. Barwaaqo University’s campus came alive in preparation for the graduation of the inaugural class. Green and white graduation banners were hung and a tent large enough to host the 200 plus attendees was raised within the pristine campus’s newly painted walls. Those in attendance included graduates from Abaarso and Barwaaqo, their families, staff from across the Network, key partners, and an exceptional group of high-level guest speakers, including Somaliland president, His Excellency President Muse Bihi Abdi.
Adorned in bright green caps and gowns with smiles spanning from ear to ear, the sixteen graduates received their diplomas in front of their exceedingly proud parents and the numerous individuals who have supported these young women through the years. Bahja Abdirahman Abdilahi was recognized as the Class’s valedictorian for her outstanding academic achievement while Hoodo Mohamed Hussein was awarded the first-ever Ava Ramberg Award for her tenacity and support of others.
Kaabe Primary Schools open two new locations in Hargeisa, Somaliland
Abaarso Network just officially opened its second and third Kaabe Schools sites in Hargeisa, on the west and south sides of the city. The three Kaabe Schools now employ 20 alumni in total from Abaarso and Barwaaqo, including 16 in classroom teaching positions. The schools will be able to serve 240 students this year across the three facilities. Kaabe is now using a hybrid rental-buildout model where the team is establishing new school sites in rented facilities for the youngest children while building out permanent campuses for when the schools grow to accommodate older students. This approach minimizes commutes for the youngest children and provides more opportunities for the administration to partner with and serve the families by embedding the schools in existing neighborhoods. Kaabe plans to continue spreading into new neighborhoods across the country to provide access to as many families as possible.
oh the places they’ll go…
Congratulations and well wishes are in order for Abaarso School alumni in Somaliland and around the world as they commence their university journeys this fall. We are so proud of all of them!
Abdihalim Ali – TCU
Abdisalam Mohamed – TCU
Adnan Warsame – Haverford College
Amiin Muse – Northwestern University
Amiira Aden – Lafayette College
Basma Qalib – USIU Kenya
Hajira Hussein – Cornell University
Hamda Hussein – Bowdoin College
Hani Arab – BINUS University
Hamse Hashi – Whitman College
Hodo Abubakar – Middlebury College
Mohammed Hashi – Ashoka University in India
Muhiim Ali – Brown University
Mukhtar Mohamed – Trinity College
Naema Abdi – Carleton College
Naima Abdirahman – Wellesley College
Najma Abdullahi – Emory University
Nimco Jama – Bates College
Waleed Ahmed – University of Stirling, Scotland
Yamna Abdi Jama – Northwestern University Qatar
Zakeiya Yusuf – Smith College
