Ilhan Ali Abdullahi grew up in Ceelguula, a town in Somalia’s Galmudug state affected by conflict and poverty. Lacking basic health services, her community struggled during emergencies. Motivated by these experiences, Ilhan decided to pursue nursing to help those around her. “My community needs someone who can care for them, someone who understands their pain,” she said. “I wanted to be that person.”
Ilhan is among 3,000 Somali girls who have received scholarships through the Somalia Empowering Women through Education and Skills (‘Rajo Kaaba’) Project. This initiative is funded by the World Bank and implemented by Somalia’s Ministry of Education, Culture and Higher Education. The scholarships are designed for young women studying nursing, midwifery, and education at 25 universities across several Somali states and the Banadir Region.
The Rajo Kaaba project not only expands access to higher education but also aims to provide over 40,000 women, girls, and youths in Somalia with technical and vocational skills. By focusing on education, practical training, and leadership opportunities, the program seeks to empower women and improve employment prospects nationwide.
Before receiving the scholarship, Ilhan’s daily life involved caring for her siblings and helping her mother run their household. School attendance was inconsistent due to financial difficulties and insecurity. She explained that university seemed out of reach: “I honestly thought it wasn’t possible,” she said. “I kept my dream alive quietly, hoping something would change.”
Her opportunity arrived when a teacher informed her about the Rajo Kaaba scholarship application process. Despite its competitiveness, Ilhan applied with determination: “I stayed up all night preparing my documents,” she recalled. When she learned of her acceptance, she described feeling relieved: “It felt like the entire weight of my future had just lifted off my shoulders. This wasn’t just for me; it was for my family and for every girl in my neighborhood who thinks she can’t make it.”
The scholarship covered tuition fees, provided learning materials, and offered mentorship support. For Ilhan, this marked a turning point as she joined a network of peers striving toward similar goals.
At Modern University in Galkayo, Ilhan now studies maternal health as part of her nursing program. She hopes to address challenges faced by mothers giving birth without proper care: “My favorite subject so far is maternal health,” she said. “I want to help mothers deliver safely, to reduce the fear so many women feel when giving birth without proper care.” Despite obstacles such as power outages or unreliable internet access, Ilhan remains committed: “Nursing is not just a profession; it’s a responsibility. We’re trained not just to treat but to listen, comfort, and give hope.”
Looking ahead, Ilhan plans to open a women-led health outreach center in Ceelguula offering maternal and child health services—especially for rural or displaced communities often overlooked by healthcare providers.
Reflecting on her journey so far—and those of other recipients—Ilhan stated: “I’m not done dreaming,” she said with quiet confidence. “This is just the start. Somali girls are stepping forward to lead, to heal, to build. And we’re not turning back.”
The experiences of Ilhan and others highlight how programs like Rajo Kaaba aim to foster resilience and inclusive growth by empowering young Somali women through education.