MOGADISHU — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud paid tribute to teachers across the country and abroad as the nation marked Somali Teacher’s Day, calling them “the architects of Somalia’s recovery” and praising their role in shaping future generations.
Somalia has officially observed Teacher’s Day on November 21 since 1974, a date recognised nationally as a moment to honour educators who have played a central role in social development and nation-building. Schools and other learning institutions remained closed on Thursday to allow citizens to reflect on the contributions of teachers.
In a message issued by Villa Somalia, President Mohamud expressed deep gratitude to teachers and highlighted the personal significance the day holds for him. Before entering politics, the president was a long-time educator and academic known for his efforts to revive Somalia’s education sector during the civil war.
At a time when state institutions had collapsed, Mohamud was among a small group of educators who helped rebuild schools, restore curricula and ensure that thousands of Somali children received an education despite insecurity and scarce resources.
“The recovery of our state is inseparable from the strength of our education system,” he said, praising teachers working in both urban centres and remote rural areas, many of whom operate with limited tools. “By nurturing our children, they lay the foundation for a peaceful and prosperous Somalia.”
Somali Teacher’s Day, he added, is not merely symbolic but a reaffirmation of the country’s commitment to place education and knowledge at the centre of its long-term development.
