Turkish aid agency supports Somalia’s development with educational, child-focused initiatives

The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) is playing a key role in Somalia’s development through initiatives including a Turkish language classroom at an orphanage, a newly established laboratory at Mogadishu University and support for a center for children with special needs.

Ilyas Abdulkadir Mohamed, a teacher at the Sehit Omer Halisdemir classroom established with TIKA’s support and a staff member at the Yunus Emre Institute in Mogadishu, told Anadolu that he completed his high school, university and graduate education in Türkiye and now works to introduce Turkish language, culture and values to Somalis.

He said children of fallen security personnel receive primary, secondary and high school education in the classroom, which was renovated with the support of TIKA at an orphanage run by the Somali Police Force.

“TIKA built this classroom. The Yunus Emre Institute covers its educational expenses, and TURKSOM also provides support. That’s why several institutions regularly visit here,” he said.

Mohamed said the classroom helps orphaned students keep up with their peers and ensures they receive equal educational opportunities.

- Hopeful outlook for Somalia

Describing his return to Somalia from Türkiye as a moral responsibility, Mohamed said: “I went to Türkiye and benefited from a scholarship provided by the Turkish state. That’s why I see this as a duty to my homeland. Coming back and contributing here is a moral obligation for me.”

“Today, fewer Somalis are facing hardships, both in terms of food and security. That’s why we believe a brighter future awaits not only us but also the generations to come,” he said.

Urging Turkish businesspeople to invest in Somalia, Mohamed said: “Somalia holds strategic importance in East Africa. There are tremendous opportunities in both agriculture and the maritime sectors. The country’s natural resources remain largely untapped, which is why I strongly encourage investment.”

- Somalia's only center supporting children with developmental disorders

Abdirizak Elmi Mohamud, director of the Mustaqbal Center for Children with Special Needs, told Anadolu that their goal is to support and develop children with developmental disorders.

Mohamud underlined that the center is the only institution in the country providing support to children with autism, Down syndrome and other neurodevelopmental and developmental disorders.

“TIKA is currently the only institution providing us with support in education, equipment and all infrastructure needs,” he said.

Mohamud highlighted that supporting the center is crucial to helping these children, ensuring their integration into society and providing them access to all services.

- TIKA-backed lab offers hands-on experience and industry support

Abdullahi Abdi Mahamoud, a technician at the laboratory established by TIKA at Mogadishu University, told Anadolu that the facility consists of three main sections, including concrete, asphalt and soil, and water quality.

He explained that the main objective is to help students learn the technical requirements of laboratory work and gain hands-on experience with the support of technicians, adding that many students have benefited from the facility.

Mahamoud noted that external companies also come to the lab for testing, conducting experiments in areas such as soil, concrete and steel.

Expressing gratitude to TIKA for establishing the lab, he also praised the Turkish government's cooperation.