Monday August 26, 2024
Somalia's Education Minister, Farah Sheikh Abdulqadir, oversees the national teacher recruitment exam in Mogadishu, where over 13,000 candidates competed for 3,000 teaching positions, reflecting the government's commitment to improving education standards across the country. SONNA
Mogadishu (HOL) — More than 13,000 candidates across Somalia sat for a crucial exam on Monday, competing for 3,000 teaching positions in the National Teachers Corps. The exam in Mogadishu and other cities will determine who will be among the 3,000 new teachers selected.
The Ministry of Education reported that out of 26,570 initial applicants, 13,250 were selected to take the exam. The candidates include 9,546 men and 3,124 women, with the government targeting that at least 30% of the new hires will be female.
Those who pass the written exam will proceed to an oral examination to ensure the selection of the most qualified individuals.
"We have launched the 2024 teacher recruitment exam, with 13,250 candidates sitting today in 45 locations across the country, including 19 districts in federal member states and 14 locations in the Banadir region," Education Minister Farah Sheikh Abdulqadir stated.
The Minister stressed the Ministry's efforts to ensure fairness in the recruitment process. Those initially excluded were allowed to file complaints, and valid complaints were addressed, allowing those individuals to participate in the exam.
"Everyone who was excluded had the chance to appeal, and those whose appeals were valid were permitted to take the exam," Minister Farah Sheikh Abdulqadir added.
The Minister also noted that candidates who pass the written exam will undergo an additional oral exam, with the final selection focusing on the 3,000 teachers needed. Special consideration will be given to female candidates.
The recruitment drive is supported by a significant budget increase, with the education budget quadrupling to $34 million in 2023. Despite this massive improvement, critics argue that funding is still inadequate to meet the country's educational needs, where UNICEF estimates that 3 million children remain out of school due to poverty, insecurity, and lack of resources.