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  • 24 January 2025

A class of hope: the young teacher transforming lives in Somalia

Teacher Umulkheir Moallim is in class at Yaqshid school in the Dinsor district.
Teacher Umulkheir Moallim is in class at Yaqshid school in the Dinsor district
© NRC (photographer: Abdulkadir Mohamed)

The air shimmers with dust around Yaqshid School, a cluster of temporary buildings in a corner of this displacement camp. Inside one of the rooms, 20-year-old teacher Umulkheir Moallim commands the attention of 25 young students with hopeful eyes. Her gentle smile and quiet authority embody the enduring spirit of Somalia’s uprooted communities.

Just 2 years ago, Umulkheir and her family were forced to flee their rural home in the Bay region, driven by the relentless grip of drought that wiped out their livestock and livelihood. They arrived in Dinsor, joining a growing number of families fleeing the dual crises of climate change and conflict.

“Losing everything was devastating,” Umulkheir confides, her voice soft but firm. “But it also opened my eyes to the struggles of others. I knew I had to do something to help.”

View of the classroom seen from the back, girls sitting at desks and the teacher in front of a blackboard.
Empowering young minds: teacher Umulkheir engages with her students during class.
© NRC (photographer: Abdulkadir Mohamed)

That 'something' turned out to be teaching.  In the heart of this makeshift camp, she found her calling, providing basic education to children who had never stepped foot in a classroom.

“They come from families that have lost everything. Knowing that I can give them a chance to dream again fills me with hope and purpose.”

Yaqshid School, built by the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) with support from the European Union humanitarian aid, is far more than a learning space. It’s a lifeline, a sanctuary providing stability in a world thrown into chaos. Here, 25 students, part of 320 students in total – 150 girls and 170 boys supported by NRC across the Dinsor district find not just education but a sense of normalcy and hope.

Umulkheir holding a hand on a paper on a desk in front of one of the students.
Guiding every step: teacher Umulkheir ensures students’ progress
© NRC (photographer: Abdulkadir Mohamed)

During break times, the schoolyard pulses with laughter and joy as children chase footballs and skip rope. For a few precious hours, the crushing weight of their reality fades, replaced by the carefree innocence of childhood.

“This place is their escape,” says Umulkheir, watching her students play. “Here, they can just be kids again.” The school’s impact isn’t confined to its walls. Many parents who denied an education themselves now see learning as a pathway to a brighter future for their children.”

“Education is everything,” says Fatuma, a mother whose 2 children attend Yaqshid. “It gives them a chance for a life beyond this camp, a chance we never had.”

3 students at a desk, holding a book.
Displaced children accessing basic education at Yaqshid school, constructed by NRC with support from the European Union Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid
© NRC (photographer: Abdulkadir Mohamed)

Her journey is a strong testament to the power of education. Through her work, she not only changes the lives of her students but also inspires others to see the potential in every child, regardless of their background.

“This is not just about building schools, it’s about building futures,” Umulkheir says with determination. Her story is a powerful reminder that with the proper support and resources, even the most vulnerable communities can rise above their challenges.

Having lived through the pain of displacement, Umulkheir is resolute in her mission to ensure these children achieve what once seemed impossible for them.

Aerial view of the playground, children playing football, in the back the school building.
Students enjoy a football game at the school’s playground after class hours
© NRC (photographer: Abdulkadir Mohamed)

As the sun dips below the horizon and long shadows stretch across the schoolyard, Umulkheir secures her classroom for the night. Her day of teaching may be over, but her work continues. Each passing day in the camp presents fresh challenges, yet she meets them with unwavering determination. 

“I want to see more schools like Yaqshid across Somalia,” she says. “Every child, no matter their circumstances, deserves a chance to learn and grow.”

Like a flower pushing through cracked earth, Umulkheir Moallim blossoms with resilience. She is a symbol of hope, nurturing the seeds of knowledge in the most challenging circumstances. 

An aerial view of Yaqshid school for displaced children in Dinsor district, Bay region.
An aerial view of Yaqshid school for displaced children in Dinsor district, Bay region
© NRC (photographer: Abdulkadir Mohamed)
  • Logo of the Norwegian Refugee Council

    Story and photos by Abdulkadir Mohamed, Communications Manager, NRC Somalia.

    Publication date: 24/01/2025