In a move aimed at stemming down cases of radicalization in Somalia’s sector 2 under AU-Kenyan troops, the contingent in a corporate social responsibility handed over three new built classrooms in Jubaland, one of Somalia’s regions persistently embroiled in Al-Shabaab menace.
The move is aimed at making sure more children are enrolled in schools as opposed for them being lured into Al-Shabaab’s fold for brainwashing and being taught their twisted brutal ideologies.
Kenya Defense Forces KDF battling Al-Shabaab under the banner of African Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) handed over the classes to local administration in Hosingow, with prefectures of one their Forward Operating Base FOB within the Lower Jubba region in Somalia. This is the second time in as many months KDF is handing over classes to the local administration.
According to AMISOM commander sector 2, Brig Paul Njema, the construction and renovations of the classes are part of Quick Impact Projects (QIPs)which are geared towards ensuring quick but long-lasting impacts, thereby improving service delivery in the education sector to the Somali people.
The colorful handing over ceremony was attended by teachers, students, parents, and AMISOM top officials who praised KDF contingent for their selfless contribution to their locality. Songs and traditional dances were on display by locals to showcase their appreciation.
The Hosingow town administrator, Abdulkadir Omar Shire, lauded KDF troops for their timely support saying that they are looking forward to more support to help establish a secondary school in the area. The administrator also expressed optimism that the town will get a secondary school soon.
The KDF boss expressed optimism that the support and the continued collaboration between the community and AMISOM, will ultimately strengthen peace and security in the area, noting that AMISOM is implementing QIPs in other parts of the country.
The projects come at a time Al-Shabaab in various regions and central and southern Somalia has engaged youth and under age either forcibly into their schools where they are taught Al-Shabaab’s radical curriculum.
AMISOM’s renovation of the classrooms and implementation of several projects in other areas of the Somalia, is part of AMISOM’s Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) in Somalia, intended at strengthening relations with the local communities amid militancy challenge.
