WTI Launch Event in Somaliland
On the 28th May 2025, Windle Trust International held its formal launch event in Somaliland today at Damal Hotel, Hargeisa, marking a significant milestone in the organisation’s work to expand access to quality education across the Horn of Africa.
The event brought together educators, government representatives, community leaders and WTI staff to celebrate the beginning of WTI’s programme delivery in Somaliland. Though WTI’s presence in the region was first announced in October 2024, today’s event formally marked the start of operations and the organisation’s long-term commitment to strengthening education in the region.
To learn more about what WTI is doing in Somaliland and why this work matters, watch our short introductory video outlining our programmes and purpose in the region.
A Milestone for Education
In his remarks, Mohamed Yusuf Ibrahim, State Minister for Education, welcomed WTI’s presence in Somaliland and expressed confidence in the impact of the programmes:
“I am confident that WTI will develop the English-language capacity of the public school teachers. We are thankful that Somaliland has been chosen for this programme, and for the Somaliland citizens who guided them here.”
The launch event highlighted the importance of English language education as a strategic tool for Somaliland’s development. While Somali remains the first language and Arabic plays an important role, English has become increasingly essential for access to higher education, international employment, and global engagement.
The launch event highlighted the importance of English language education as a strategic tool for Somaliland’s development. While Somali remains the first language and Arabic plays an important role, English has become increasingly essential for access to higher education, international employment, and global engagement.
Voices from the Classroom
Two local primary school teachers, Sahra Haybe and Abdillahi Ali Muhumed, shared moving testimonies about their experiences in WTI’s early training sessions. Sahra spoke of the confidence she gained from seeing female trainers leading sessions in English:
“Speaking English in public has always been a struggle, but when I saw so many female trainers at WTI, I felt inspired. They pushed me to start speaking and writing in English.”
Abdillahi shared his determination to attend the training sessions despite distance:
“My house is 8 kilometres away from where the training is taking place, and I come all the way there to develop myself and my students.”
A Long-Term Commitment
WTI’s first programmes in Somaliland focus on building English language proficiency among teachers and students, with training sessions already underway in Hargeisa. The organisation is working alongside local education institutions to support teachers with practical, in-service training and curriculum-aligned methodologies designed to strengthen classroom outcomes.
Director General of the Ministry of Education, Abdirahman Hussein Haji Hirsi, spoke about the long-term value of language learning:
“English is the key to knowledge. If someone can speak it well, they can help the next generation in Somaliland.”
Looking Ahead
WTI’s expansion into Somaliland reflects a strategic and regionally grounded commitment to education in areas affected by conflict, displacement and marginalisation. With a focus on teacher training, language development, and community-based learning, the organisation seeks to unlock long-term potential across the country’s education sector.
This launch event signals the beginning of that work — and the start of a new chapter for learners and educators in Somaliland.