Somalilandsun: The 2020-2021 Somaliland School year Calender has been adjusted thus changes in examination and holiday timeframes.
According to the ministry of Education and Science changes and subsequent adaptation to the new school year Calender have been necessitated by two factors namely drought and Covid-19.
“The negative impact drought has led to the closure of large numbers of rural schools in the eastern regions, with those in the forested areas between the mountains and the Somaliland-Ethiopia border that are on the verge of closing” says the education ministry adding that
“The spread of COVID19 is neglected, and its spread could increase during the coming spring rainy season”
Below full excerpts of the ministry of Education and science circular addressed
To: School Principals Board of Education Departmental Directors and CCed
- Cc: District Committees
- Director General
- Deputy Minister
- Pancreatic Pain Committee
- Drought Committee and
- President, Republic of Somaliland
Ref: Calendar changes for the 2020/21 school year
Based on reports and data on the state of education in the country that are regularly reported by the regional and district education commissioners; and in-depth consultations and discussions with senior officials and departmental directors of the Ministry of Education and Science, it is clear that there are two factors that, jointly and indirectly, will have a negative impact on the well-being of students and educators and the smooth running of education.
- The negative impact of the drought that has led to the closure of large numbers of rural schools in the eastern regions, and those in the forested areas between the mountains and the Somaliland-Ethiopia border that are on the verge of closing.
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The spread of COVID19 is neglected, and its spread could increase during the coming spring rainy season.
Therefore, the Ministry of Education and Science has issued the following decisions to change the calendar for the 2020/2021 school year.
- The big holiday for the 2020/2021 school year has already been set and will start on Saturday, 3/4/2021; and will return to school on Saturday, 12/6/2021; God willing, no different order is issued.
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Classes for April and May 2021 will be completed between Saturday, 12/6/2021 and Wednesday 11/8/2021.
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The 2nd term exam for the 2020/2021 school year begins on Saturday 14/8/2021; The test results will be released by Saturday 28/8/2021, insha Allah.
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The school year 2021/2022 starts on Saturday 5/9/2021, insha Allah.
The purpose of the amendment is
- Reducing the Negative Impact of Drought on Rural Education
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Stopping the spread of COVID19 in the current season and the upcoming rainy season and
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School administrators, teachers and students will have more time to prepare for the implementation of COVID19, which is currently undergoing major efforts.
Finally, the Ministry of Education and Science will consult with education stakeholders on how to plan school holidays at the most appropriate time for the country and its people, with a choice to be made in the coming seasons.
- A prosperous spring rainy season that is suitable for both students and tourists. And
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During the winter drought, students are allowed to recover from the closure of rural schools
The ministry Education and science is yet to make public the contents of this document for consumption by Somaliland citizens
About the Ministry
The Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Somaliland is a national executive authority responsible for the state policy development and normative and legal regulation in the sphere of education, research, scientific, technological and innovation activities, nanotechnology, intellectual property, as well as in the sphere of nurturing, social support and social protection of students and pupils of educational institutions.
The work of the Ministry of Education and Science of Somaliland is governed by the Constitution of the Republic of Somaliland, National Education Act, National Constitutional Laws, and Decrees by the President of the Republic of Somaliland.
The Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Somaliland worked in cooperation with other national executive bodies, executive bodies of the subjects of the Republic of Somaliland, local authorities, public associations and other institutions. The current minister is Ahmed Mohamed Diriye.
