The Ministry of Education of the Southwest State of Somalia has established a new office dedicated to issuing education certificates for high school students in the Lower Shabelle region. This initiative aims to alleviate the difficulties faced by students who previously had to travel to Baidoa city to obtain their certificates.
During the official opening ceremony, the Regional Minister of Education, the District Commissioner, and other education officials highlighted the significance of this new office. The Minister of Education emphasized that the office will serve not only Afgooye but the entire Lower Shabelle region, from Baraawe to Wanlaweyn, ensuring that all students have access to their certificates without the need for long-distance travel.
The District Commissioner of Lower Shabelle expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Education for their continuous efforts in promoting education in the region. He stated that this new office is a major achievement, as students previously had to travel even to Mogadishu to obtain their certificates, which was a significant challenge.
The Director-General of the Ministry of Education explained that the ministry has issued a directive requiring all students up to form four (grade 10) to obtain their certificates this year. He urged school administrations to encourage and support students in acquiring their certificates.
Previously, a pilot project was launched in Baidoa, where over 510 certificates were issued. However, with an increasing number of students dropping out of high school due to various challenges, the ministry recognized the need to decentralize services and bring them closer to the communities.
The Director of Examinations and Certificates at the Ministry of Education acknowledged some of the challenges faced during the process, such as inconsistencies in student documentation and data entry errors. He emphasized the importance of proper record-keeping and verification by school administrations to ensure accurate information.
Overall, this initiative by the Southwest State of Somalia aims to improve access to education certificates for high school students, reducing the logistical and financial burdens they previously faced. By bringing these services closer to local communities, the ministry hopes to encourage more students to complete their education and obtain the necessary documentation for future opportunities.
