In 2001, I embarked on a life-changing journey at Mohamed Mooge Primary School, a memory that remains dear to my heart. I vividly recall my first day, accompanied by my mother, Samda Ahmed Jama, and my aunt, Foosiya Hirsi Guiled. Before enrollment, I spent my days playing football with friends near our village, oblivious to the intricacies of formal education.
To prepare me for what was to come, my mother had bought me a school uniform and some sweets. Prior to my enrollment, my understanding of school was limited to what I had heard from conversations with fellow students at the Madrasa, who mentioned being enrolled in ‘uulo,’ equivalent to grade one.
Enrollment day arrived, and I felt a mix of excitement and trepidation. I woke up early, brushed my teeth, had breakfast, and put on my uniform, feeling like a grown-up. My mom and I went to Aunty Foosiya’s house, where we met her daughter Deka, and together, we headed to school, Mohamed Mooge Primary School, Hargeisa.
At school, we met the kind and energetic principal, Nasir. However, our excitement was short-lived; the classes were full, and registration was closed. My mother’s disappointment was palpable; she had worked tirelessly to secure my spot. I was the first in our family to pursue education, and this setback felt like a significant hurdle.
Fortune smiled upon us when my aunt’s acquaintance, Mubarik Buur, an Islamic studies teacher, intervened. The principal made an exception, and I was allowed to join a class that started lessons after break time. I was part of the fifth batch of students, many of whom came from areas affected by the Somaliland civil war in 1994, such as Camp Abokor, Rabaso, and Daroor. Despite the challenges, we formed lasting bonds, sharing laughter, meals, and a thirst for knowledge.
The school’s extracurricular activities left an indelible mark on my memory. We revelled in watching and playing football, volleyball, and participating in painting and running competitions. Ahmed Dhaadhare stood out as a talented student, creating artwork that promoted good behaviour among students. Our dedicated teachers, including Saleban Timojilic, Amal Abdi, Mohamed Aw Gabta, Khadra Dahir (RIP), Mubarik, Khadra Aided, and the headmaster Abdinasir, played a significant role in shaping our early education.
Despite the school’s limitations – no fence and scarce classrooms – the community’s support was instrumental in its success. A student and parent committee worked tirelessly to improve the school, which eventually became one of the best schools in Hargeisa. Today, it has produced numerous professionals, including engineers, medical doctors, agriculture experts, academics, accountants, lawyers, teachers, and health science specialists, who serve in various fields across Somaliland, and beyond.
Twenty-two years later, I returned to my primary school and sat in the same chair I used in grade two. The nostalgia was overwhelming, and I was transported back to a carefree childhood. The school has undergone a remarkable transformation, with more buildings and a beautiful campus. It is now well-equipped with ample textbooks, and its teachers are university graduates, many of whom are former students. Mohamed Mooge Primary School, one of nine schools renovated by the Hargeisa local government, now offers a conducive learning environment that every student can enjoy.
This journey has taught me that education is a treasure that can overcome even the most daunting challenges. Mohamed Mooge Primary School will always hold a special place in my heart, a testament to the power of community, dedication, and the human spirit.
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