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Nasir M. Ali and Mohamed Isak presented findings from the field study that was based on qualitative interviews with political leaders, academics, respected elders of clans and Somali scholars who were working in the field of education.
Questions
The following questions were explored through this study:
- What does peace mean in Somali Community?
- How is education linked with peace building?
- What contextual knowledge is required to understand peace building in Somaliland, Puntland and South Central Somalia?
- What approach/ pedagogy is contextually relevant?
- What knowledge and skills do educators and professionals need to know to contribute to peace building in Somalia?
Findings
The findings were thematically presented and discussed among the workshop participants. The study found that:
- Somalilanders value peace and articulate its significance in their cultural representations. For example: "Nabad baa Naas la luugo leh" "Ninraga Gogoshii Waa Nabad", literally meaning, peace has breast to be milked; Xayd, Abwan Guure, Suldaan Dhawal (peace is the mat for men) respectively.
- Somali traditional values and principles with Islamic religious beliefs were integral part of peace, democracy and stability in Somaliland. The oral culture of Somali and political aspirations of the 'Republic of Somaliland' played a key role in unity and stability, while economic development through widening educational opportunities to Somali youth and skill transfer to Somaliland gave the hope for a better future.
- The study found that learning and teaching about peace, national pride and importance of Somaliland's role in the global space was something that higher education could promote, in addition to training people to provide with employable skills.