(5th -10th May 2024)
With the support of the Rwandan government, the World Bank had organized a Knowledge and Experience Exchange Visit, along with a hybrid Implementation Support Mission (ISM) for Somalia Education for Human Capital Development Project in Kigali, Rwanda from May 5 to 10, 2024. Somali National University (SNU) is the academic implementer of component three of the project. Component three of the project, enhanced instruction quality, tasks SNU with the following:
- Teacher training curriculum development.
- Development of teaching and learning materials.
- Training of the teacher trainers (ToTs).
- Supervision and monitoring of training delivery at teacher training centers (TTCs).
- Program monitoring and evaluation.
- Evaluation and certification of trainees.
The objectives of the implementation support mission were to:
- Review the implementation progress under each of the project components and the status of the results framework;
- Review technical, fiduciary, disbursements, and safeguards aspects of the project;
- Discuss and agree on an implementation plan to accelerate activities under the project; and
- Review the implementation of environmental and social risk management instruments for the Project.
The delegation met with representatives from the Rwanda Ministry of Education, Rwanda Basic Education Board, Rwanda National Examination and Inspection Authority and Rwanda University. Rwanda University’s Faculty of Education made an elaborate presentation on the various teacher education programs it offers, admission policy and procedures, teacher professional development, scholarships and incentives and requirements for graduation. The Faculty of Education, SNU had expressed its desire for cooperation and collaboration in the areas of teacher education and teacher training. Professor Florien Nsanganwimana, acting dean of the faculty of education, Rwanda University had reciprocated by offering to come back for a visit and the pursuit of a memorandum of understanding.
The Faculty of Education, Somali National University (SNU) made a presentation detailing the ongoing activities pertaining to the project. The presentation focused on the current teacher training curriculum review which is about to be concluded soon. The Faculty had also made clear the upcoming activities which are expected to be undertaken during this year. These include monitoring and evaluation of teacher training centers (TTCs), training of the trainers on the review curriculum, training of the TTC administrators and finalizing the terms of reference for a partnership with an international institution specializing in teacher education.
The Faculty of Education had also highlighted the challenges it continues to face in terms of skilling personnel, professional development requirements for its current staff and the need for budgetary support. The World Bank and the Project Management Unit (PMU) have both expressed their support to strengthening the teacher training unit at the Faculty.
Way Forward
In principle, the World Bank has agreed to strengthen the teacher training department by filling/employing the following positions:
- Teacher Education Specialist (long term)
- Administration officer (long term)
- Teacher Training consultant (short term)
- Curriculum Specialist (Short term)
- Monitoring and Evaluation specialist (long term)
We strongly urge the SNU leadership to prioritize the Somalia Education for Human Capital Development Project and take note on the opportunities it provides the university in terms of growth and development. The World Bank is ready to host the senior leadership at their offices in Nairobi and explore opportunities for further collaboration.
