The President of Somaliland, His Excellency Dahir Rayale Kahin, visited the SOS Hermann Gmeiner Sheikh Secondary School on 1 June, his first ever visit to the school. The delegation accompanying him included the Minister of Education, the Minister for Agriculture, the Minister of the Interior and the Minister of Livestock, along with other distinguished guests. As the large convoy approached the checkpoint to Sheikh the school students lined up to welcome it.
First visit: the Terranova Veterinary School
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| Girls and boys from the Sheikh school try to get a good view of the Somaliland President during his visit - Photo: SOS Archives |
The town of Sheikh not only contains the SOS Hermann Gmeiner School, but also a leading veterinary school. Vets are extremely important to the Somaliland people because they are traditional pastoralists who keep camels and goats, the trade in which contributes to the economy.
After speeches from the President, in which he appreciated SOS Children’s Villages for the constructive contribution it has made to the country, and other dignitaries, the school head teacher, Adam Musa, was also given a chance to present the ongoing work by the SOS Children’s Villages organisation and SOS Hermann Gmeiner Sheikh Secondary School in particular.
The Minister of Education, in his speech, appreciated the school for its good work and the help that it gives to the community school. The Minister of Interior also mentioned the excellent work of the school in producing “the cream” of the nation adding that the students from this school are selected for high positions throughout Somaliland. Mr Musa, meanwhile, requested the government to assist with scholarships to the school for high achievers.
The President moves on to the SOS Sheikh School
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| The President of Somaliland, Dahir Riyale Kahin (left), talks to the principal of the SOS School - Photo: SOS Archives |
The SOS students gave the delegation a warm welcome lining up from the entrance of the school right up to the office. The school principal, George Sobban and Mr Musa were also in line to welcome the presidential delegation, which was given a warm welcome with repeated applause from the students.
After visiting the office and the staff room and signing the visitor’s book, the President toured the whole school taking more than his scheduled time and allowing students and staff to take photos of, and with him. All in all it was a great day for the SOS Hermann Gmeiner Sheikh Secondary School and one that the students and staff will remember for a long time to come.