THT-The President of the Republic of Somaliland, His Excellency Muse Bihi Abdi, was so very proud to attend a ceremony of the first 16 pioneering women graduating w/an Education degree from Barwaqo University in Baliga-Cas, North of the Somaliland capital, Hargeisa.
The President was accompanied by Cabinet Ministers, the Police Chief, the director of national service, the chairman of the energy committee, the director of the water agency, officials and teachers of Barwaqo University and the parents of the graduates attended the ceremony.
Barwaaqo University Class of 2021 graduated today! These young women are the first to graduate from #Somaliland's first all-female residential university. They'll go on to educate, inspire and lead the next generation of Somali youth. We are so proud of all they've accomplished! pic.twitter.com/7Wa0SN3g58
— Abaarso Network (@AbaarsoSchool) August 16, 2021
At the beginning, the newly appointed Principal of the school, Mrs. Joy Isa, and Nimo A Ismail, Abaarso Network graduate & first student sent scholarship to the United States, now among University management spoke the ceremony. Similarly, Rob Kaofman spoke on behalf of the Founder & director of the Abaarso network, Jonathan Starr, and Hayad Carte, the founder of the explorer program, all of whom spoke how Somaliland community enjoyed and benefited from Barwaqo University and the Abaarso School.
President H.E Bihi, on his address to the gathering and said: “Today is one of the happiest days of my life. As this is the first time exclusive female teachers trained to teach only women graduated in their own university.
Wonderful key note speech from Ms Hayat Arteh, co-founder of @SahamiyeFdn congratulated @AbaarsoSchool graduates from #BarwaaqoUniversity in #Somaliland & urged them to continue to stretch & challenge themselves. Thank you! pic.twitter.com/ihrFGENomS
— Robert Kaufman (@KaufmanR) August 16, 2021
This is the first time in my history that I have participated similar event, which is a great achievement for all Somali speaking people and especially for the Somaliland nation, men and women. It is also a bright future started for our country today & Barwaqo University has shaped an Opportunity to half of the populace to possess a university,”
The President continued: “In Somaliland we need to understand some of our problems. Abaarso School and Barwaqo University are always questioned their reputation, many people do not understand or do not understand what is going on or is the enemy Islam spreads rumors that they were not sure, had forced me to personally reach & inspect to Abaarso School, without escorts, and I found out that the school is doing & engaged what our nation needs and what Islam needs.”
The president also said “We need to acquire knowledge, and not be cowards if they argues anyone, afraid to be easily defeated. We should not bully our children into believing that every man they argue, might seduce them.
The President finally awarded certificates to graduated students, and encouraged parents to benefit from education brought into the country and not listen to those who spread propaganda to the school and its University Barwaqo
Barwaaqo University
On 8th August, 2021, Abaarso Network Twitter account published that Admission applications for Barwaaqo University are opening soon! BU grads uphold a high level of professionalism. Check-in with Christian Bowden as she explains what this means for women on our campus.
Today, Barwaaqo’s first #Classof2021 graduated. This cohort consists of the first 16 women to graduate from the a women’s residential university in the country. These women are pioneers of education in Somaliland! pic.twitter.com/J3V9y28Auo
— Barwaaqo University (@barwaaqo_uni) August 16, 2021
Students
Barwaaqo University strives to create great professional leaders, not simply great students. It prides itself on providing a high quality university education that empowers young Somali women to develop their country.
Academics
Barwaaqo is a female-only boarding institution with a 9-month school year that includes roughly 30 hours of class time per week. The goal of Barwaaqo’s School of Education is to prepare graduates to be excellent teachers at the Kindergarten through 6th grade level. In addition to a competent and conceptual grasp of mathematics, the Barwaaqo curriculum also focuses on a complete English education — all classes are conducted in English with additional focus on grammar, writing and reading.
The most important aspect of the Barwaaqo education is developing strong character in graduates, who must view themselves as ethical educators setting an example for their students. Accordingly, curriculum also includes a focus on child and behavioral psychology, youth social work, theories of learning, and health education.
Admission Process
There will be an annual application process for new Barwaaqo students each fall.
Interested students must first fill out an application form and submit proof of their high school diploma.
Candidates must make a 30-second video explaining why they want to study at Barwaaqo University. They can do this on a camera or a smart phone; the candidate must be seen and heard clearly, but will not be assessed on the quality of the sound or picture of their video.
The short video must be sent to info@barwaaqouniversity.org, with the candidate’s name clearly written in the message. Candidates must also take an entrance exam administered by Barwaaqo at dates/times indicated on the Barwaaqo Facebook page.
Based on their application information and entrance exam results, top candidates will be invited for an in-person interview to determine final student selection.
Tuition
The tuition for Barwaaqo is $1,200 per year. A tuition deposit will be due promptly after admission to secure a spot in the class. Barwaaqo will provide a limited amount of financial aid as needed on a case-by-case basis. Interested students should apply even if they need a substantial amount of financial aid.