Turkish Maarif Foundation Revitalizes Former Gülen Schools in Somalia
Revitalizing Education in Somalia: A New Era with the Maarif Foundation
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Mogadishu (AX) — Once enmeshed in controversy due to their initial management by a Turkish cleric accused of orchestrating a failed coup, schools in Somalia have successfully transitioned under new stewardship. Now, the Maarif Foundation is steering these institutions towards a brighter horizon, offering an internationally accredited education to more than 1,200 eager minds.
The pivotal change took place in 2018 when the Somali government handed over the reins of these former Gülen-affiliated schools to the Maarif Foundation. This decision followed a diplomatic request from Turkey, stemming from the tumultuous backdrop of the July 15, 2016, coup attempt. The Turkish government categorically identifies the U.S.-based cleric Fethullah Gülen as the mastermind behind this upheaval, classifying his movement as the Fethullahist Terrorist Organization, more commonly known as FETÖ.
In many ways, Somalia’s shift marked a milestone. It placed the country among the first in Africa to revoke the licenses of FETÖ-linked institutions and transition them to the Maarif Foundation, Turkey’s official educational arm responsible for managing international educational endeavors.
Strategically situated near the bustling KM4 junction in Mogadishu, one of the Maarif schools has made history as the first in Somalia to offer the esteemed International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) curriculum, accredited by none other than Oxford University itself. It’s a testament to the ambition the Maarif Foundation holds for the future of education in Somalia.
“We train students not only to succeed in Somalia but to thrive globally,” a Maarif official remarked, encapsulating the foundational philosophy driving this transformation. It’s an idea that resonates deeply — one that extends beyond mere academics to cultivate a sense of global citizenship.
The curriculum is impressively comprehensive, covering instruction in essential languages such as English, Arabic, Somali, and Turkish. Moreover, it emphasizes critical subjects like science, mathematics, and critical thinking. This multifaceted approach aims to equip Somali youth with the essential skills needed to compete on a global stage. But how does one define success in education? Is it merely the grades one attains, or is it also the character, confidence, and compassion fostered along the way?
For students and alumni, the transformation has unveiled life-changing opportunities. Abdishakur Abullarhi, a former student, shared, “Maarif gave me the foundation I needed to study abroad. Now I’m back, working to give something back to my country.” This sentiment echoes a fundamental truth: education doesn’t simply fill minds with information; it empowers individuals to enact positive change within their communities.
Consider Abdallah Nurdin Mohamed, who was born in Norway. His experience reflects another facet of the Maarif schools’ impact. “When I arrived, I didn’t speak Arabic and barely knew English,” he recounted. “Maarif helped me learn both, and I even picked up Turkish.” It’s stories like these that paint a more nuanced picture of what education can achieve in the face of adversity. Is learning a language solely about grasping vocabulary, or is it also about integrating into a culture and connecting with others?
The Maarif Foundation operates three schools across Somalia, providing a precious lifeline to families displaced by conflict or grappling with financial difficulties. For many, access to formal education feels like an unreachable dream. “I was displaced from Bakool and couldn’t afford school fees,” shared one mother, her voice tinged with emotion. “Without Maarif, my son would still be at home like so many other children.” Such stories challenge us to reflect: What is the cost of inaccessibility to education, not just for an individual but for an entire community?
The Maarif Foundation was established by the Turkish government in 2016 as part of a broader initiative to seize control of schools associated with the Gülen network. By the close of 2017, Turkey had extended its influence, having secured control over at least 32 such institutions across Africa. This swift expansion underscores not just a shift in educational management, but also a steadfast commitment to societal transformation through knowledge.
In conclusion, the Maarif Foundation’s journey in Somalia illustrates a broader narrative—one that emphasizes resilience, hope, and the transformative power of education. As they cultivate a generation of young leaders, one can only ponder: What will the future of Somalia look like when equipped with such empowered minds? Perhaps the seeds of change, once sown, can yield a flourishing landscape of possibilities.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International—Monitoring