Transforming Education for Sustainable Futures: Somalia/Somaliland Background Paper
A comprehensive TESF background paper analysing how weak, unequal, and underfunded education systems in Somalia/Somaliland constrain sustainable development—and what systemic transformation would require.
Introduction
This country background paper examines the issues of sustainable development and education with regards to the current situation in Somalia/Somaliland. It expands on the TESF Somalia/Somaliland Briefing Note, which sets out the need for education systems in Somalia and Somaliland to be transformed and provides valuable context to aid understanding, analysis of and action on education and United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This need is urgent, for as a participant in one of Transparency Solutions’ (2020b) TESF engagement events stated, the education systems in Somalia and Somaliland “are not even delivering the fundamentals.” However, there is reason for optimism about the future as there are numerous stakeholders including governments, donors, and education professionals who are invested in improving education in Somalia. As one education professional stated, “Through our commitment, we can make and develop quality education in Somalia” (quoted in Transparency Solutions, 2020c). Of course, there are major challenges to be overcome such as limited resources and political and social conflicts.
As stated in the Transforming Education for Sustainable Futures (TESF) Foundations paper, “a key goal of TESF is to develop impactful research that can assist in transforming education systems so that they can contribute to SD [sustainable development]” (Tikly et al., 2020a, p. 22). This paper gives an overview of existing literature, policy, and activities to provide the foundation for future research, analysis, and action, and in particular to help inform the invited call for proposals related to this TESF project; to lay the basis for a Country Synthesis Paper at the end of the project; to feed into comparisons with the other TESF hub countries; and to shape the overall thematic analysis.
Keywords
- Somalia/Somaliland; sustainable development; quality education; economic growth; cities and communities; climate action