4,707 New Books Expand Access to Learning Resources for Trainee Teachers
The book donation event was held at the National Teacher Training Centre (NTTC) in Hargeisa on 3rd June 2026.
Windle Trust International (WTI), in partnership with Book Aid International, has donated 4,707 books to the library at the National Teacher Training College (NTTC) in Hargeisa, expanding access to learning resources for trainee teachers and supporting the college's efforts to build a strong culture of reading and learning.
Libraries play a vital role in education, providing access to knowledge, supporting independent learning and creating opportunities for personal and professional growth.
This month, the WTI Somaliland team celebrated an important milestone in its partnership with Book Aid International and the National Teacher Training College (NTTC) by donating new books to the college library. This event marks a significant investment in the next generation of teachers who will go on to educate thousands of children across Somaliland.
The NTTC librarian with the donated books, ready to be catalogued, labelled, and put on shelves.
For trainee teachers, access to quality reading materials can be transformative. Books support academic study, strengthen literacy skills, and expose readers to new perspectives and possibilities. For many students, a well-resourced library becomes a foundation for lifelong learning long after they complete their studies.
The book donation responds to a need identified by NTTC for additional academic and reading materials. Alongside expanding the library's collection, the WTI Somaliland team is working with the college to strengthen library systems and ensure resources can be effectively managed and accessed by students for years to come. This support included introducing a library cataloguing system, providing essential equipment such as barcode scanners and labels, and working alongside library staff to build skills and strengthen day-to-day management of the book collection. Together, these efforts help ensure that books are not only available but also easy to find, borrow and use.
The books were formally handed over during a ceremony hosted by WTI Programme Coordinator Sahra Hassan (right) and NTTC Director, Rahma Abdirisaq (left), who signed the donation agreement on behalf of their institutions.
The event also marked the launch of WTI's first Reading for Pleasure Book Club at NTTC. Facilitated by WTI English Language Trainers and the college librarian, the club has already attracted strong interest from students eager to explore reading beyond their coursework.
While teacher training is often focused on academic achievement, reading for pleasure can play an important role in developing confidence, critical thinking and communication skills. By creating opportunities for students to engage with books beyond their studies, the Book Club aims to encourage a lasting appreciation of reading that participants can carry into their professional and personal lives.
The impact of this work extends far beyond the walls of the college library. Every student currently training at NTTC will soon take their knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm into classrooms across Somaliland. By improving access to learning resources today, this project is helping to strengthen education for future generations of children.