The Rajo Kaaba Program is a World Bank–funded initiative aimed at empowering Somali girls from vulnerable and displaced communities by providing access to diploma-level education in nursing, midwifery, and education. A total of 2,278 girls have received scholarships under this initiative.
Implemented in collaboration with Somalia’s Ministry of Education, Culture, and Higher Education, the program supports students from marginalized areas including Benadir, Hirshabelle, Galmudug, South West, and Jubbaland. It offers comprehensive academic and psychosocial support, enabling girls to access accredited higher education institutions.
In displacement-affected areas such as Ceelasha Biyaha, access to formal education has historically been limited. Many children in such informal settlements face barriers to learning due to early marriage, economic hardship, or lack of infrastructure. The program addresses these gaps by offering scholarships that cover tuition, stipends, and learning resources.
The scholarship program has enabled recipients to pursue studies in fields with strong societal demand. Enrolled students learn subjects such as teaching methodologies and child psychology. These courses prepare them to respond effectively to the unique challenges faced by children in underserved communities.
Beyond individual educational achievement, the program’s broader aim is to build a cohort of educators equipped to serve marginalized populations. This includes developing inclusive and practical curricula that reflect the lived realities of displaced learners and ensure equitable learning opportunities.
By expanding access to quality education for girls in post-crisis regions, the Rajo Kaaba Program contributes to Somalia’s long-term recovery and resilience. It promotes equity, helps close gender gaps in education, and creates a pipeline of trained professionals committed to national development.
