The school founded by the Türkiye Diyanet Foundation in Somalia 14 years ago has graduated 700 students to date

A school established 14 years ago in Somalia by the Türkiye Diyanet Foundation (TDV), with the support of donors, has graduated 700 students to date.

The Sheikh Sufi Imam Hatip High School, opened in 2012 in the Hawlwadag Sayidka district of the capital, Mogadishu, continues to prepare students for the future. In addition to religious studies, the school offers academic courses and Turkish language instruction. So far, 700 students have graduated, while 320 students are currently continuing their education.

At the school, where the majority of students reside in dormitories, three daily meals are provided and all basic needs are met.

Omer Faruk Arslan, Religious Services Counselor at the Embassy of Türkiye in Mogadishu, stated that the school has been serving in the capital since 2012 and that, with Türkiye’s support, children have been able to realize their educational aspirations.

Arslan noted that students who receive education at the middle and high school levels can pursue higher education in Türkiye through scholarships offered by the Presidency of Religious Affairs and the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB), or through private means.

He added, “We also support students pursuing university education in Somalia. After completing their studies, these students contribute to the country’s development in both the public and private sectors. In this respect, our graduates stand out as a significant symbol of the brotherhood between Somalia and Türkiye. With the support of our generous donors, TDV continues to provide fully funded education at this school without charging any fees.”

“Our school provides education in accordance with the Somali curriculum”

School principal Abdurrahman Muhammed Abdurrahman stated that 24 teachers are currently employed at the institution.

Abdurrahman said, “Our school provides education in accordance with the Somali curriculum. In addition, there are supplementary courses introduced by TDV. Students also receive instruction in subjects such as Turkish, as well as Islamic thought and philosophy. After graduation, our students make significant contributions to the development of our country.”

One of the school’s graduates, Muhammed Abdulvahit, noted that after graduating in 2016, he pursued his studies at the Faculty of Theology at Bursa Uludağ University in Türkiye.

Abdulvahit stated that he later returned to his country to serve and began working at the school from which he graduated.

“I am now serving our students here. I would like to express my endless gratitude to Türkiye. God willing, with the support of TDV and the Turkish people, I will contribute to my country in the best possible way and help educate our students to the highest standard,” he said.

Students receiving education expressed their appreciation to Türkiye

Students at the school say the opportunities provided have had a profound impact on their lives.

Abdurrahman Ali Omar noted that the institution’s facilities have greatly enhanced their education, adding that he hopes to become a doctor after graduation.

Abdullah Abdurrezzak described daily life at the school, where students stay in dormitories, receive three meals a day, and benefit from both academic and religious instruction. “I am very happy to study here,” he said, expressing his desire to contribute to his country in the future.

Another student, Abdurrahman Kasim Muhammed, expressed deep gratitude to Türkiye for its continued support. “They help us greatly. Our prayers are with them,” he said.