AMISOM HANDS OVER LEARNING MATERIALS TO GHERILLE PRIMARY SCHOOL

GHERILLE, 02nd August 2021 – The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) has handed over learning materials to the local administration and school management officials of Gherille Primary School to help improve the standards of education in the region. The items donated included desks, plastic chairs, office tables, wooden blackboards, office filing cabinets and stationeries.

The learning materials were provided by AMISOM in conjunction with the Italian government, were handed over by the Deputy Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (DSRCC) Hon Simon Mulongo at a colourful ceremony attended by the school leadership and parents.

While handing over the materials, the DSRCC Hon Mulongo said that AMISOM undertook the project in order to boost the education sector and improve access to quality education in the region, which is critical for the development and stability of the country.

“Education is an important element in achieving peace and stability in any part of the world. AMISOM therefore is making efforts to ensure that education facilities are put up and are well equipped in order to ensure Somali children have access to education,” said Hon Mulongo.

The AMISOM Deputy Force Commander in-charge of Operations and Plans Major General William Kitsao Shume stated the AMISOM’s commitment to supporting the education system in Somalia, through Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) in order to improve access to education.

“The pupils in this school had limited learning materials that are meant to make their learning easier and better, but now they will be very happy to be inside a classroom with enough desks and blackboards. Provision of these materials ensure that the pupils have a good learning environment like any other pupils in other parts of the world,’’ said Major General Shume.

Gherille District Commissioner Mohammed Warsame thanked AMISOM and its partners for the timely support, adding that they look forward to more support in other sectors.

“We are grateful for the development projects implemented by AMISOM in our areas which are critical in promoting peace, security and development. We look forward to more cooperation in all sectors other than education so as to address the various shortcomings we are facing as a community,” said Warsame.

Adan Noor, the Head teacher Gherille Primary School, also thanked AMISOM for the support stating that the improvements being made to the learning institutions in the area are critical in averting the pupils from indulging in drug abuse, joining terror groups and early pregnancies among school girls.

Among those who attended the event were AMISOM Sector II Deputy Commander Colonel Pascal Kitiro, AMISOM’s Chief of Civil Affairs Dr Opiyo Ododa, AMISOM’s Chief CIMIC Officer Colonel Herman Kabwita and AMISOM Sector II CIMIC Officer Captain Kenneth Lotuai among others.