Kaabe Schools

A scaling system of K-12 schools for Somaliland

Our story

Kaabe Schools were founded in 2019 to bring student-centered education to Somaliland, delivered by homegrown talent. Too often, student-centered approaches to education are reserved for the most affluent societies and families, but we believe all children deserve access to this type of learning.

In many ways, Kaabe is the culmination of Abaarso Network’s education ecosystem as it is staffed with teachers who graduate from Barwaaqo University and managed by Abaarso alumni who return after graduating from universities abroad.

Smiling girl wearing a red headscarf and white T-shirt with a palm tree design, holding a pink water bottle, outdoors in front of a light-colored wall.

Our Mission

Pioneering student centered, community oriented, inclusive education for Somaliland by Somalilanders.

Our approach

A smiling girl in a floral dress and blue hijab playing outside with children on a playground made of tires painted in different colors, under a clear blue sky.

Student-centered

Kaabe Schools believe in a student-centric approach where the school is designed for the students, rather than the teachers. All students are known and treated as individuals, challenged appropriately, and given the opportunity to explore their interests. They can advance through the curriculum at their own pace.

A young boy student lying on a floor playing with a Montessori fish-shaped puzzle in a classroom setting.

Montessori education

In our primary schools, Kaabe employs a Montessori education approach with physical classroom materials that the students can use on their own. Teachers act more as facilitators in the classrooms, helping students drive their own learning.

Group of young students in white and green school uniforms, standing outdoors in front of a wall with a sign that reads 'KAABE SCHOOLS', and a chalkboard with a quote about returning to school.

Data-driven progress

Kaabe Schools collect a wealth of data on student learning progress using Transparent Classroom software. Teachers input student learning on a weekly basis and parents have access to live updates and receive quarterly reports.

A woman and a boy sitting on the floor, looking at a children's book with pictures of socks and a cat.

Homegrown talent

The vast majority of Kaabe Schools teachers are local Somaliland women who have been trained at Barwaaqo University. They work alongside experienced teachers from outside the country including from the USA, UK, Romania, India, Kenya, and Nigeria. 

Our impact

A graphic with text ‘300+ students served’ at Kaabe Schools.
Purple abstract shape with bold black text reading "1st" and "in primary matriculation to Abaaro School."
Orange blob with black text stating '1st' and 'Montessori schools in Somaliland'
Speech bubble graphic with the text '100+' and the phrase 'teaching careers create' inside.

Prospective students

Kaabe Schools are currently serving students in classrooms with 3-6 year olds, 6-9 year olds, and 9-12 year olds. Kaabe has schools in the following neighborhoods in Hargeisa: New Hargeisa, Jigjiga Yar, Masalaha. In addition to Hargeisa, Kaabe has a campus in the port city of Berbera in partnership with DP World.

Coming soon to Burco!

For other questions or inquiries, please contact kaabe.info@abaarsoschool.org.

School leadership

A woman smiling, wearing glasses, a gray shirt, and a red headscarf with blue trim, standing against a beige wall.

MEG MEINERS
Head of Kaabe Schools

Smiling young woman wearing a navy headscarf and an orange floral top against a plain background.

WARSAN MOHAMED
Deputy Head of Kaabe Schools
(Abaarso School Alumni ‘14)

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