TEACHING AND LEARNING MATERIALS CAN REVITALIZE SCHOOLS

18.12.2019

Salama IDP Primary school is one of the eight IDP schools in Puntland supported by the EU funded Durable Solution for IDPs and Returnees in Somalia (DSIRS) project. CARE through the DSIRS project has provided the school with Teaching and Learning Materials (TLMs), teacher incentives, school rehabilitation, teacher training and Community Education Committees (CEC) capacity building for two years. The primary school is located in Galkacyo North and currently has a total of 216 students (124 boys and 92 girls).

“Our biggest issue was relying on parents to provide teaching and learning materials for their children when they could not even afford to buy food. As a result our enrolment numbers increased the moment the community heard that this cost will be covered.” Shares Jibril Mohamed, headmaster of Salama IDP

The provision of teaching and learning materials such as prescribed curriculum specific textbooks and other scholastic essentials, such as exercise books, flip charts, stationaries, teaching aide materials, class registers, etc. are fundamental to quality classroom instruction. “Teachers got useful tools through the provision of TLM like rulers and registers for daily use and to support better record keeping practices. The most important thing that helped the students learn was the different chalk colours for drawing and writing different illustrations. Before the program began we had 189 students (105 Male and 84 female) currently, 216 (124 male and 92 girls) are enrolled. ” Jibril adds.

“We have been working with CARE for almost two years and our main challenge now is to retain students in class and make sure they do not drop out. CARE’s support solved our previous challenges of enrolment rates and performance which was due to the fact that parents could not afford TLM for their children resulting in a decrease in students’ regular attendance, lowering their understanding, which will eventually, lower their performance. In addition, if teachers are not trained and paid well, then all efforts will diminish.”

“CARE provided and addressed most of our needs and I am impressed with the level of support from both CARE staff and this project for the last academic year. Constructing a school fence is our priority now and I would also like more TLM during this time as students still have the same need on exercise books.” Says Jibril.

The EU funded Durable Solution for IDPs and Returnees in Somalia (DSIRS) project contributes to the sustainable integration of Internally Displaced People, Somali returnees and refugees in Somalia by improving access to quality education for primary school learners which serves to create livelihood opportunities for at risk youth.