Water for Growth Transforming Education and Agriculture in Puntland

Water for Growth: Transforming Education and Agriculture in Puntland

Dry, hot and arid landscape characterises the vast Bari region of Puntland state in Somalia. Scarcity of water is common here and residents are used to walking for long distances in search of the critical commodity. 

However, at the heart of Puntland’s Buur-Salah town, an extraordinary transformation is taking place. The Rajo School—aptly named Hope in Somali—has become a beacon of change for students, their families, and the surrounding community, all thanks to a life-changing initiative by Sadar Development Institute, funded by IFAD under the Response Initiative for Somalia Emergencies (RISE)

For years, students at Rajo School struggled with one basic yet fundamental problem—lack of water. They often had to abandon their lessons to search for water, a daily reality that put their education and well-being at risk. “Before this project, we had no access to sufficient water,” recalls Saadiq Mohamud Yussuf, the school’s headteacher. “During breaks, students would sometimes leave school to fetch water from nearby neighbourhoods, and some would even miss classes because there was no water to drink, wash their hands, or use in the latrines.”

This situation changed when the school received a solar-powered water system, a newly dug well, and a thriving school garden. These investments have revolutionized the learning environment, ensuring a steady and reliable water supply for drinking, sanitation, and agricultural use.

“Now, every student has enough water for drinking, washing, and even showering when needed,” says the headteacher. “This project has provided more than just water; it has given these children dignity, comfort, and security.”

For Maido Abdulfatah Hanshi, a student in grade 8, the change is life-altering. “Alhamdulillah, today we have enough water,” she says with a smile. “Before, we sometimes had to leave class to fetch water, which meant missing lessons. Sometimes children would even fall into waterholes while trying to collect water. Now, we have water at school for everything—we drink, we wash, and it is even used to cook our meals.”

The availability of water has also extended beyond the school, benefiting the surrounding community. Households that once struggled with water shortages now have access to clean piped water, easing the daily burden of fetching water from faraway sources.

A Garden of Growth and Nourishment

Perhaps one of the most inspiring aspects of the transformation at Rajo School is the flourishing school garden. Once barren land, the school compound now boasts rows of fresh vegetables and fruit trees—onions, tomatoes, peppers, cabbage, mangoes, limes, and more.

“The garden has changed everything,” says the headteacher. “It not only improves the school’s environment but also directly supports our feeding program. Before, students sometimes went hungry because there wasn’t enough food. Now, they receive nutritious meals supplemented with fresh produce from our own garden.”

For students, the garden is more than just a source of food—it is a classroom. Abdullahi Saaid Aden, a 16-year-old student, explains how it has impacted their learning experience. “The garden has beautified our school. Before, we had no shade and had to study in the scorching sun, but now we have trees where we can sit and prepare for exams in comfort. We have also learned about farming and how to grow different crops.”

The garden not only feeds the students but has also become a source of income for the school. Excess produce is sold in the market, and the revenue generated contributes to teachers’ salaries and school maintenance. “This garden is more than just plants; it is a long-term investment in our school’s future,” the headteacher proudly states.

A Ripple Effect of Change

Since the water and garden projects were implemented, Rajo School has experienced a surge in enrolment. “Before, we had only about 50 students,” says Saadiq Mohamud Yussuf. “Now, we have 193 students. The news of the water and feeding program spread quickly, and many parents who couldn’t previously afford to send their children to school have now enrolled them here.”

The project has become a model for other schools and communities in the region. The students, once forced to choose between education and survival, now thrive in an environment that nurtures both. “This school is a lifeline for many of us,” says Maido, reflecting on how her education has been secured. “We no longer have to miss class or put ourselves in danger looking for water. We have everything we need here—water, food, and education.”

With the success of the water and garden project, the community now hopes for further investments—particularly in healthcare. “We are incredibly grateful for this initiative,” says the headteacher. “But the people in this settlement still lack basic health services. Since water and food security have improved, the next priority should be a healthcare facility.”

This story of transformation at Rajo School is a testament to the power of sustainable solutions in changing lives. It demonstrates how access to water, combined with smart agricultural practices, can uplift entire communities, improve education, and create lasting hope for the future.

As the school’s name suggests, Rajo is more than just a name—it is a promise of a brighter tomorrow.