This foundational curriculum framework, issued by the Ministry of Education, Culture & Higher Learning of Somalia, lays out the official national structure of the Somali education system. It reintroduces a unified curriculum after decades of fragmentation, aiming to rebuild a strong, inclusive, and modern education foundation rooted in Somali identity and Islamic values.
| Section | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Introduces a coherent national curriculum after over 26 years of fragmented systems, ensuring alignment with 21st-century education and Somali socio-cultural needs. |
| Philosophy | Based on a blend of Islamic faith (Muslimnimo) and national identity (Soomaalinnimo) — nurturing learners with strong ethical, spiritual, and civic foundations. |
| Education Levels | Structured into: Pre-school (2 years), Primary (8 years split into lower & upper), and Secondary (4 years), with pathways for general and special education. |
| Core Components | Emphasizes values-based, competency-focused learning: moral upbringing, peace education, technology adaptation, inclusive access, and nation-building. |
| Subjects | Covers Somali, Arabic, English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Islamic Studies, ICT, Life Skills, and Technical/Vocational topics across levels. |
| Skills Development | Integrates 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, creativity, research, collaboration, and emotional intelligence. |
| Special Needs | Includes strategies for educating children with disabilities through inclusive and specialized approaches. |
| Language Policy | Promotes trilingual fluency: Somali as the primary language, with strong emphasis on Arabic and English for global literacy. |
| Islamic Foundation | Islamic Studies is a core pillar across all levels, reinforcing spiritual, ethical, and community values. |
| Implementation Plan | Curriculum roll-out began in the 2017/2018 academic year with guidance from curriculum experts and stakeholder consultations. |