HARGEISA, Somaliland (HornPost) — Somaliland’s Ministry of Religious Affairs and Endowments has launched a free education program for children of members of the national armed forces, with the first phase expected to benefit 1,000 students.
The initiative aims to support military families by improving access to education and providing children with opportunities to study religious subjects free of charge.
The launch ceremony brought together government ministers, ministry officials and representatives of Quranic schools and religious education institutions.
Ministry Explains Purpose of Education Initiative
The ministry’s Director General, Abdalle Mohamed Yusuf, opened the ceremony by explaining the purpose of the program and its importance to the country.
He highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting the children of military personnel. He also stressed the need to recognize the role armed forces members play in protecting the country.
The program seeks to ensure that children of military families receive educational opportunities and support for their future.
Minister Says Program Supports Military Families
Minister of Religious Affairs and Endowments Sheikh Abdilahi Dahir Jama (Bashe) described the initiative as part of the government’s policy to support members of the national armed forces.
He said the program aims to recognize the service and sacrifices of military personnel. He also stressed that the government has a responsibility to consider the future, education and welfare of their children.
“According to the Director General, the purpose of this program is to show support and equality to the National Forces of the Republic of Somaliland in their various divisions. The soldier has children, and it is our responsibility to stand with them. Soldiers stand guard day and night for our safety. Some are injured, while others lose their lives. We must also think about their children’s future, their education and their health, so they can enjoy a good life like other children,” the minister said.
Bashe said the initiative follows a policy adopted by the new administration. He linked the program to President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Irro)’s commitment to supporting members of the armed forces.
He also referred to the president’s earlier decision to increase military salaries. The minister said the education initiative represents another step toward improving support for military families.
“This issue is a policy adopted by the new government. It is based on the promise made by the President of the Republic of Somaliland to support our national forces and stand alongside them. The president has taken the first step by increasing the salaries of the national forces. He has now decided to support their children and provide them with education. The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Endowments is responsible for overseeing religious education,” Bashe said.
First Phase to Cover 1,000 Military Children
The minister announced that the first phase of the program would provide free religious education to 1,000 children of national armed forces personnel.
He said the ministry had reached an agreement with relevant Quranic schools and educational authorities to deliver the program.
“In our role, we have decided and agreed with the Quranic schools and relevant authorities that, in the first phase, 1,000 children of the National Army will receive free education,” Bashe said.
The first phase will focus on expanding access to religious education for children from military families.
The ministry presented the initiative as part of broader efforts to improve educational opportunities for the families of service members.
Quranic Schools Welcome the Initiative
Representatives of Quranic schools also addressed the launch ceremony.
They welcomed the government’s decision and pledged to play their part in implementing the program.
Their participation will be important in providing the educational services planned under the initiative. The ministry is expected to work with these institutions to support the first group of students.
Defense Minister Welcomes Government Initiative
Somaliland Defense Minister Mohamed Yusuf also welcomed the program during the ceremony.
He praised the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Endowments for introducing an initiative aimed at supporting the children of military personnel.
The defense minister highlighted the role of the national armed forces in protecting the country and serving its people.
He described the education program as a necessary and timely step. He also said his ministry would work with the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Endowments to help ensure the initiative achieves its objectives.
The launch marks a government effort to extend support to military families through education. Its first phase is expected to reach 1,000 students, with free religious education provided through participating institutions.
HornPost Staff Reporter
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