In Somaliland, a new partnership between Windle Trust International (WTI) and the University of Hargeisa is helping make further study more accessible by adapting a teacher training programme to the realities of teachers' lives.
The University's new Diploma to Degree programme is supporting 16 learners to build on their existing qualifications and work towards a Bachelor's degree in Primary Education over two years. The first cohort includes eight public school teachers and eight graduates of the National Teacher Training College (NTTC).
For teachers balancing full-time work with family and other responsibilities, returning to education can be difficult. Through conversations with learners and close collaboration with the university, WTI has helped ensure the programme responds to these challenges, finding practical ways to make further study possible.
Listening and adapting to learners' needs
Making the programme accessible has been a collaborative process. Through conversations with learners and working closely with the University, WTI has helped identify practical changes that would make it easier for teachers to take part.
One adjustment was to host classes at weekends. This was introduced to allow teachers who are working full-time to attend classes alongside their regular teaching schedules, without having to give up their jobs or put their professional development on hold.
The university also agreed to waive some qualification requirements for primary teachers who had lost their diploma certificates over the years or were unable to retrieve their documents from their former institutions. Rather than relying solely on academic certificates or documentary proof, the university gave greater weight to teachers' professional experience when considering their eligibility.
WTI’s Somaliland Programme Coordinator, Sahra Hassan, says:
“I remember one teacher said they felt relieved about the programme transitioning from weekdays to weekend classes. The flexibility of the top-up program allows teachers to develop their skills without having to choose between professional development and earning a living. It recognises that both are equally important and makes room for them to pursue both.”
Building support beyond the university
The University's support has also extended to the schools where the teachers work. The University’s Director of Education contacted school principals to inform them of the teachers' enrolment and request flexibility in their teaching schedules to accommodate their studies.
Following this request, teachers have received greater support from their headteachers, helping them balance their work responsibilities with attending classes.
These changes have come about through listening to learners, understanding the practical challenges they face and working with the university to find solutions. Rather than expecting teachers to fit around a fixed programme, the partnership has helped make the programme work around their circumstances.
Investing in teachers and education
The Diploma to Degree programme is part of WTI's wider investment in teacher training across Sudan, South Sudan and Somaliland. 75 scholars are currently undertaking teacher training or further qualifications across the three countries, supported through a combination of funds raised through WTI's 2025 Big Give campaign and the All Saints Educational Trust.
Supporting teachers to gain further qualifications is not only an investment in their individual careers. It also helps strengthen the skills and knowledge within local education systems, supporting teachers to provide quality learning for the children and communities they serve.
WTI hopes the Diploma to Degree pilot will provide a model that can be extended to other institutions in Somaliland, creating more opportunities for teachers to build on their experience, progress their qualifications and contribute to the quality of education across the country.
This year, we’re building on this support through the 2026 Big Give campaign, which will run from 1st to 8th December. The campaign will help create further opportunities to access teacher training and build their careers in education across Sudan, South Sudan, and Somaliland.
Bookmark the Big Give link for the 1st December 2026.