In Laas Caanood, an acute humanitarian crisis is unfolding. The extensive drought together with five months of unceasing conflict has rapidly escalated into a significant humanitarian crisis in Las’anod significantly impacting the lives and livelihoods of the majority population in Las’anod and the broader Sool region. As of March 2023, the escalating conflict had displaced 203,118 people from their homes.
Of particular concern is the conflict’s substantial impact on education. A significant number of students have been displaced, forced to abandon their schools in Las’anod and relocate to various locations within Puntland including Taleex, Xudun, Kalabayr, Tukaraq, and Boocame.
In response to this educational disruption, TASS in collaboration with the Puntland Ministry of Education (MOEHE) and UNICEF conducted a comprehensive assessment of the conflict’s impact on education. This survey identified 1,500 displaced students in desperate need of assistance to maintain their academic progress.
Funded by UNICEF, TASS stepped in to provide crucial aid covering school fees for these displaced students in April and May 2023. Through the collaborative efforts of the regional education officers of MOEHE and TASS staff, students’ examinations were rigorously monitored, with each school’s receipt of allocated funds confirmed. This unified approach yielded several notable impacts. It facilitated the reentry of 1,500 crisis-impacted students into the education system through cash-based interventions. This not only curtailed dropout rates but also bridged the learning gaps accumulated during the challenging academic year of 2022-2023. Furthermore, parents demonstrated renewed commitment to supporting their children’s academic performance an encouraging sign amidst these turbulent times. The education committees also provided schools with essential supervisory support, strengthening the overall educational infrastructure. This timely intervention enabled the students to continue their studies despite their displacement with all the supported students successfully completing their annual school examination at the conclusion of the academic year in June 2023. The conflict in Las’anod remains unresolved and ongoing. If the situation remains unchanged during the summer break, the students supported, and additional ones will require ongoing school fee assistance. TASS advocates for fund mobilization to support schools facing emergency situations in Sool region. The need to protect the education of these students and consequently their futures is a crucial task that needs urgent attention and action.