MOGADISHU (SONNA) – The Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Somalia, H.E. Hamza Abdi Barre, on Thursday officially launched the “Rajo Kaaba” (Building Hope) project, a landmark national scholarship program dedicated to Somali women pursuing Master’s degrees.
The initiative, inaugurated at a formal ceremony in Mogadishu, is designed to significantly increase the participation of women in higher education, cultivate advanced professional skills, and strengthen their leadership capabilities across all sectors of society.
Prime Minister Barre described the Rajo Kaaba project as a cornerstone of the “DanQaran” government’s comprehensive plan. He emphasized that this initiative is a practical step toward supporting and advancing the role of women, ensuring they have equal opportunities in education, employment, and leadership positions.
In his keynote address, the Prime Minister spoke passionately about the foundational role of education in national development.
“Education is the key to life in this world and the hereafter; it is the path to achieving progress and a strong state built on a solid foundation,” said Prime Minister Hamza. “A people without education are often torn apart by conflict, drought, disease, and hunger. Therefore, ‘Rajo Kaaba’ is a national project and a clear demonstration of the DanQaran government’s profound focus on cultivating the knowledge and capacity of Somali women and girls.”
The Prime Minister noted that Somali women now have an unprecedented opportunity to help lead the nation forward. He called on them to seize this moment and prepare to take a visible and influential role in the upcoming local government elections, which are scheduled to be held across the country soon.
“The DanQaran government has established a National Transformation Program that prioritizes the enhancement of human capacity,” the Prime Minister stated, placing the scholarship in its wider strategic context. “This has led to a renewed focus on strengthening education and developing the skills necessary to improve our workforce and public services.”
Concluding his remarks, Prime Minister Hamza extended his gratitude to the Ministry of Education, Heritage, and Higher Education, as well as the Somali National University, for their dedicated efforts in advancing and improving the quality of education for the Somali people, ensuring it remains in harmony with the nation’s culture and noble faith.
