Case study

1. Author: Abdikadir Issa Farah, 2023
Organization: Formal Education Network for Private Schools (FENPS)
www.fenps.net
Figure 1 Ms.Hafsa with other children in the temporary classroom during learning session
Overcoming Hardships: Hafsa Ahmed's Transition from Drought to Optimism - A Case Study
Explore the educational journey of Hafsa Ahmed, a young girl whose access to schooling was
initially hindered by the challenges of residing in a rural area without educational opportunities.
Born into a pastoralist family, Hafsa Ahmed faced limited access to formal schooling, setting the
stage for a journey marked by resilience and determination.
In 2022, Hafsa Ahmed and her family faced the harsh reality of a severe drought that devastated
their village, compelling them to abandon their livelihoods. This case study delves into the
challenges they encountered and how Hafsa Ahmed's resilience, coupled with external support,
brought a glimmer of hope to their lives.
The severe drought forced Hafsa Ahmed's family, once reliant on livestock and farming, to flee
their village. The arid conditions decimated crops, depleted water sources, and led to the loss of
livestock. With survival at stake, the family became internally displaced persons seeking refuge
from the relentless drought.
The drought not only stripped Hafsa Ahmed's family of their belongings but also shattered their
means of livelihood. The thriving farm and livestock that sustained them became casualties of
the parched landscape, leaving Hafsa Ahmed's family in a vulnerable situation. Hafsa Ahmed
and her family traveled a considerable distance from their village in Burhakaba district in Bay
region to Mogadishu, the capital city of Somalia, in pursuit of a better livelihood.

2. Author: Abdikadir Issa Farah, 2023
Organization: Formal Education Network for Private Schools (FENPS)
www.fenps.net
Figure 2 Ms. Hafsa goes home with other students after end of learning session
Fortunately, FENPS, with UNICEF's support, established a temporary learning space at Koofi
IDP camp in Kahda district in January 2023 where Hafsa Ahmed now resides. Hafsa Ahmed's
experience highlights the impact of FENPS's "Accelerated Basic Education for Drought-Affected
Children in Banadir region" project, addressing not only educational needs but also crucial
aspects of well-being. The project includes temporary learning spaces, teaching and learning
materials, safe drinking water, hygiene promotion, and gender-responsive toilets, contributing to
a holistic learning environment. Hafsa Ahmed's newfound enthusiasm underscores the project's
success in providing essential education and fostering a positive outlook for the future.
Providing Hafsa Ahmed with educational opportunities in the challenging conditions of the
displaced camp in Mogadishu proved difficult for her family. Economic hardships compounded
the challenge of pursuing formal education, making Hafsa Ahmed's dreams seem distant.
Recognizing the plight of families like Hafsa Ahmed's, FENPS intervened to provide assistance.
The Accelerated Basic Education (ABE) initiative, supported by UNICEF, focused on creating
education opportunities, offering immediate relief, protection, and psychosocial support.
Hafsa Ahmed's registration, alongside 7,300 other children who were not attending school, at 26
temporary learning spaces in Deynile and Kahda districts in Mogadishu was a pivotal moment.
The encouraging atmosphere, committed educators, and availability of Accelerated Basic
Education (ABE) resources inspired their ambitions. Education emerged as a source of hope,
providing Hafsa Ahmed and her peers the opportunity to envision a future beyond their current
challenges.

3. Author: Abdikadir Issa Farah, 2023
Organization: Formal Education Network for Private Schools (FENPS)
www.fenps.net
Despite challenges, Hafsa Ahmed exhibited remarkable resilience. Actively engaging in the
education program, she showcased determination to rebuild her life. As the family learned new
skills and adapted to the camp environment, hope emerged from the drought-induced
devastation.
With each day in the temporary learning space, Hafsa Ahmed's aspirations grew. She discovered
a passion for learning, gained confidence, and envisioned a brighter future. Hafsa Ahmed's
success impacted not only her but also the community. Other children were inspired to pursue
education, and parents recognized the transformative power of schooling in breaking the cycle of
poverty.
Hafsa Ahmed, a 13-year-old residing in Koofi IDP camp, expressed gratitude for the opportunity
to learn. She aspires to become a teacher, ensuring vulnerable children in her country have
access to learning. “I'm Hafsa Ahmed, a 13-year-old living in Koofi IDP camp in Kahda district
in Mogadishu with my three younger sisters and parents. We fled small village near Bur hakaba
district in Bay region due to drought, which affected our livestock. In my village, there was no
school, but now, thanks to the temporary school in this IDP camp, I have the opportunity to
learn. I appreciate the generous people providing education without tuition fees since my parents
couldn't afford schooling. This education offers me a chance for future careers, and I aspire to
become a teacher to assist vulnerable children in my country, ensuring they have access to
learning” said Hafsa Ahmed.
Hafsa Ahmed's story highlights the transformative impact of education and resilience in
adversity. FENPS and UNICEF's collaborative efforts, providing schooling and psychosocial
support, have been instrumental in rebuilding lives shattered by drought-induced displacement.
Hafsa Ahmed's journey stands as a beacon of hope, showcasing the importance of sustained
support in fostering resilience after environmental disasters.