At least 3.6 million Somali children are out of school
Nearly half of adults (46%) are illiterate
56.4% of adults with no education live in poverty
Why education matters
Education is more than learning — it’s the foundation for stability, dignity and hope.
In Somalia, access to high-quality education remains a major challenge due to conflict, poverty, lack of infrastructure, and instability. Through our Education programme, Zamzam Foundation aims to break the cycle of disadvantage and give children the opportunity to build a better future.
Why our work is crucial
- High school-dropout rates: Many children, especially in vulnerable or displaced communities, are unable to attend or complete school because of financial hardship, instability, or responsibilities at home.
- Lack of facilities and resources: Schools in many areas lack basic infrastructure — classrooms, desks, books, uniforms — making learning difficult or impossible.
- Conflict and displacement: Ongoing conflict, drought, and displacement disrupt schooling and force many children out of education for extended periods.
- Poverty and economic pressures: Families may struggle to pay fees, buy supplies, or afford uniforms. Many children are forced to skip school to support their families.
- Limited opportunities for orphans and vulnerable children: Without parental support, orphans and children in vulnerable households are among the most likely to miss out on education entirely.
Because of these challenges, many young people are deprived of the chance to learn, grow, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Our education programmes
Zamzam’s Education programme addresses these challenges directly — providing access, support, and opportunities for children and youth across Somalia.
- School sponsorship and fees — Supporting children, especially from vulnerable families, so they can attend school without financial burden.
- Provision of books, uniforms and supplies — Ensuring students have the necessary learning materials, uniforms, and resources to study effectively.
- Building and supporting schools — Establishing or rehabilitating school infrastructure so communities have access to safe, functioning learning environments.
- Support for orphans and vulnerable children — Through sponsorship, grants, and support schemes to ensure orphans and disadvantaged children are not left behind.
- Special education and catch-up classes — For children who missed school due to conflict, displacement or crisis, helping them return to education and catch up.
- Supporting teachers and educational staff — Training, resources, and support for teachers to improve quality of education and ensure sustainability.
150+
Schools built since 1992
At least 50%
of our school places go to girls
A donation to our education fund helps us build and run schools, provide training for young people, and enable children from poor families to get a first-rate education
Success story
For a fortunate few who excel at school in Somalia, we have supported or co-funded numerous students to continue their studies abroad.
Mowlid Hasan Elmi is a beneficiary of this scholarship programme, striving for success at a school in Türkiye after showing huge promise at the Al Fajr School we helped to establish in Banadir region.
“I lived in Hiran region before I came to Banadir,” the bright 16-year-old says. “The main reason I moved to Banadir was because I wanted to learn, and my family were not able to pay for my education. Now I am enjoying further education in Türkiye, thanks to a scholarship made possible by Al Fajr School and Zamzam Foundation.”
