Somalia’s Class of 2025: A Beacon of Hope After Decades of Darkness
Thursday, June 19, 2025, marked a momentous day for thousands of Somali students as they concluded their national exams, culminating 12 years of dedicated formal education across primary, intermediate, and secondary levels. The air was thick with jubilation, not just in the capital city of Mogadishu but in regional state cities across the nation, as students, still in their uniforms, spilled into the streets, gathering in public parks and around government institutions to celebrate their profound accomplishment.
This wave of celebration is more than just an acknowledgement of individual academic success; it represents a significant turning point for Somalia. For decades, the country has grappled with a “dark image” on the global stage, often associated with conflict, instability, and humanitarian crises. This narrative, while rooted in challenging realities, has overshadowed the resilience and aspirations of its people, particularly its youth.
Looking back at previous years, the very existence of a standardized national examination for such a large cohort of students is a testament to the gradual, yet significant, progress made in re-establishing peace and order. While precise historical data on national exam participation for every year in Somalia can be challenging to centralize due to past disruptions, the ability to conduct such widespread examinations consistently, year after year, signifies a growing stability in governance and educational infrastructure. For instance, in recent years, there has been a concerted effort by the Federal Government of Somalia, often supported by international partners, to rebuild the education system from the ground up. This includes the rehabilitation of schools, training of teachers, and the establishment of a more unified curriculum and examination system.
The scenes witnessed on June 19th stand in stark contrast to the educational landscape just a decade or two ago, where access to schooling was limited, often sporadic, and heavily impacted by conflict. The fact that thousands are now completing their secondary education, ready to embark on higher studies or enter the workforce, is a powerful indicator of a society slowly but surely reclaiming its future.
This graduating class of 2025 represents a new generation of Somali citizens – one that has persevered through adversity, embraced the opportunity for learning, and is now poised to contribute to the rebuilding and development of their nation. Their celebrations are not just personal victories; they are a vibrant, collective declaration that Somalia is moving forward, shedding its old image and embracing a future filled with hope and promise.
