Somalia: 'I want to become minister of education so that other girls can learn'

Education on the road to independence

CARE helps families so girls like Hamdi can go to school. Hamdi’s family is supported with schoolbooks and exercise books, writing materials and other supplies that Hamdi needs. “I like to go to school. I want to learn a lot so that I can support myself and my family,” says Hamdi while sitting next to her mother on a pink school bench in her classroom.

Hamdi’s mother Mariam wants her daughter to finish school successfully. “I want her to succeed and have a better future,” Mariam says.

72 percent of women living in rural areas in Somalia have never gone to school. Mariam would like Hamdi to become financially independent in the future.

“I sell meat but due to inflation and the current drought, things are not going well,” Mariam says. “We are also in debt.” She is responsible for the family’s income and takes care of her children mostly alone because her husband has a visual impairment.

“Everything is expensive,” she says.

“Food is expensive. School fees are expensive. I cannot afford it and it is a big burden. My neighbors often ask me what happened; why I suddenly look so old. All these challenges in my life are aging me.”

At the entrance to the classroom, the words ‘Learn today how to teach tomorrow,’ are written in green letters. Hamdi has embraced these words. “I want to go to university one day and later become a minister of education so that other girls can learn,” explains the 14-year-old.