The Unheard Voices: A Journey of Resilience in Somalia’s Education Landscape
A distant memory merges with the present in Garowe, Somalia, where the relentless echo of a past struggle meets future hope. Zakaria Said Yusuf, education activist and advocate for persons with disabilities, embodies this narrative. In a country still recovering from the shadows of civil unrest, Zakaria offers a testament to how local initiatives can bridge the gap between international conventions and real-world impact.
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A Path Forged in Silence
Born in 1973 amidst the vibrant yet tumultuous streets of Mogadishu, Zakaria’s childhood was abruptly altered at the tender age of three. A head injury cost him his hearing, plunging him into a world that often lacked the resources to communicate with him.
“This changed my life forever,” Zakaria recollects, his voice reflecting a mosaic of resilience and nostalgia. His parents, despite their efforts, couldn’t alter the course of his impairment. “Sadly, it never happened,” he recalls, capturing the struggle of seeking normalcy in a world not yet ready to accommodate differences.
In Somalia, the civil war acted as a dividing line for many families. For Zakaria, his family’s move to the relative safety of Puntland was a turning point. Here, driven by his father’s determination, Zakaria began a journey not defined by barriers but by the tenacity to overcome them.
Education Against the Odds
Educational opportunities for children with disabilities in Somalia have always been scarce, often left to the discretion of family and community support. Zakaria was fortunate to have a father who refused to accept rejections. His father’s resolve saw Zakaria learning from a private tutor, gaining fundamental skills when traditional schools denied him.
“Without my family’s support, my education would have been unimaginable,” Zakaria reflects. This familial encouragement planted the seeds of his educational mission, motivating him to advocate for those facing similar challenges.
The Birth of PDCDA
Fast forward to 2016, Zakaria became the driving force behind the creation of the Puntland Deaf Care and Development Agency (PDCDA). It was, and remains, the only formal educational body in Puntland dedicated solely to children with hearing impairments.
“Our efforts finally paid off,” Zakaria recalls, pride resonating in his voice. Initially operating from two cramped rented rooms, the school’s impact was nothing short of transformative. Today, it’s a beacon for around 50 students, though its capacity and reach continue to be limited by financial constraints.
Challenges, such as securing funds and addressing societal misconceptions about disability, persist. Zakaria explains, “Low enrolment stems from financial hardship. Many cannot afford even the minimal fees we charge.”
Beyond financial barriers lies a deeper societal issue. “There is a belief that children with disabilities cannot excel academically,” he remarks, highlighting an ongoing battle against ignorance that prevents children from accessing education.
A National and Global Context
This initiative is part of a broader national effort: the ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the establishment of the National Disability Agency. These are significant strides towards systemic change, promising a future where inclusion isn’t an exception but a norm.
Kirsten Young from the UNTMIS’ Human Rights and Protection Group praises these legislative advances while stressing the critical contributions of individuals like Zakaria. “Their grassroots efforts complement national policies, bringing tangible change,” she notes.
A Call to Action
As Somalia continues its path towards recovery and development, questions arise for the global community: How can we support such grassroots initiatives? What tangible steps can international organizations take to align legislative triumphs with on-the-ground realities?
In Zakaria’s work lies an answer: persistent advocacy and community-driven efforts are paramount. They remind us that legislative frameworks are only as effective as the individuals who champion them.
In a classroom in Garowe, the silent world Zakaria once navigated finds its voice. Each student is a testament to a future where hearing impairments don’t silence potential, but instead amplify it. His story is not just a narrative of personal resilience; it is a call for collective responsibility—to listen to unheard voices and ensure that they are never silenced again.
By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring.
