Somaliland
Press Statement: Abaarso Tech Asks for Ministry of Education Apology and a Way Forward
August 15, 2012 · 30 Comments
This Press Statement from Abaarso Tech management:
The evidence clearly shows that Abaarso Tech had the Ministry of Education’s approval to give its entry exam before the results of the Somaliland national exam. Accordingly, our attempt to hold an exam in Burco did not break any rules or go against the government in any way. We want to be completely clear that we are not attacking the government at all; we are simply defending ourselves against the accusation that we did not follow the rules.
Abaarso Tech came to this country to help education and has always tried to work with the government. We asked to give the entry examination early so we could match our school year better with American schools who offered to fly some of our students to America for summer programs. This past year we could not send those students because our school year was not yet finished when the American summer programs were beginning. The earlier exam was therefore just to benefit our students; not to gain an advantage against other schools.
Still, we absolutely would not have gone to Burco had the Ministry of Education not approved our exam. We went to Burco with clear written and verbal approval to hold it. It is upsetting to us that the Ministry of Education does not just admit their mistake and apologize for accusing us of any wrongdoing. It is difficult for us to want to keep spending our time and money assisting Somaliland education if we are going to be so unfairly attacked.
Abaarso Tech also wants to clarify that we have never said that the police acted with any force or brutality in Burco. In fact, we have said that no one, including the police, made any violent actions at all. The Burco exam was peaceful in all ways, including Abaarso Tech stopping the exam as soon as we were told not to move forward with it. It is a credit to the students who were involved that they behaved so well.
August 15, 2012
Follow @somalilandpressBy goth Mohamed
Tags: exam, higher learning, Somaliland education
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The gangster behaviour of the Ministry of Education is unacceptable and president Silaanyo must interfere and sack those responsible for this fiasco.
Indeed the president must act and sort out the rotten MOE
The education minister wanted to enlist relatives and members of her clan for Abaarso and was trying to block Abaarso from conducting a fair exam open to all Somalis regardless of tribe and region.
It is rather a disgrace that Zamzam behaved in this fashion when she came from a Western country that did not overlook her ethnic background and instead awarded her citizenship.
The MoE is just a good example of what Silanyo has became and created and don't think he created this in the two years——-it is something he has been nurturing and brewing for all his political life.
Abaarso thanks for what you have done for those kids, we are always on your side.
MOE can't win this misunderstanding, in part because we can all read from the attachment on AT website that the MOE gave them the permission to hold their exam at their own time.AT management are people who respect and support the education of Somaliland youth. It is sad and shame for the government NOT to help and make smooth for all the affairs of people who are helping the new generations.The AT staff are one of only a handful westerners who have sacrifice their time to educate the Somaliland children.
As a Somali living and educated in the west I'm sorry to see that outsiders who want to help still have to jump through idiotic bureaucracy to deliver their message. Most recently I met a family in Northern Virginia suburb who have sent their daughter for boarding school in AT. I'm afraid if the government continues its present course, the result may well be closure of sanctuary for our kids in the homeland.
Whatever people's opinion on this issue is, the fact remains: the government should be encourging the progress of Abaarso Tech, which it isn't, Due to tribe affliations and clan politics, Somalilanders are missing out on the oppurtunity to get an education on par with the rest of the world. Those who have to fortune of studying there, are the most unfortunate victims of this all.
To all those who were sceptical about the guys at Abaarso and their claims, check these two links: http://abaarsotech.com/ https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=414903385….
What would Abaarso Tech say to the accusation that Jonathan verbally abused and even threatened the deputy vice chancellor of Burao University? Furthermore, how do they account for the actions of the students destroying plants, trees etc at the University after being encouraged to protest by staff of AS?
As an employee of Abaarso Tech and an eyewitness to the events that took place on August 6, this is what Abaarso Tech would say:
Jonathan did not verbally abuse or threaten the Vice Chancellor. There was an argument between the two of them which began when the Vice Chancellor confronted Jonathan in front of 60 students and yelled at him to get everyone out. After asking for further explanation, Jonathan was told to "go to Hell" by the Vice Chancellor. Naturally, an argument ensued.
In response to your second accusation, there was absolutely no destruction of any trees, plants, or any other property on the University of Burco campus. As AT staff, we certainly did not encourage any kind of violent or destructive demonstration of any kind. In fact, considering that there were 280 confused, hungry, and dehydrated students waiting to take the exam, it's quite remarkable that nothing like that took place. The students displayed an astonishing level of maturity in their handling of this unfair situation. If you would like further proof, feel free to call the Burco police and ask them how the students and AT staff behaved. You would imagine that if your accusations were true, then arrests would have been made. None were.
Well mike I have spoken to at least 15 local witnesses who will disagree with your version. I'm sad you have to tell lies because you know what happened. If any of you visitors to this site are not sure who to believe please call or visit the University of Burao. They were caught in the middle of a battle between AS and MOE but were extremely disappointed to see the total disrespect from AS leadership to the University. This included threats from Jonathan to Deputy Vice Chancellor even if Mr Mike denies it.
Anyone in the country knows that the noise out of Burco is hugely anti-MOE, and other witness have posted here about the Deputy Vice Chancellor's behavior. The MOE is saying anything to distract from the reality that Burco knows what happened, they didn't like the Minister before, and they certainly don't like her now.
I'll leave my name out so as not to get added to the MOE's already extensive hit list.
I am really disappointed to see people who didn't witness to just accuse and tell lies. Its extremely tragic that you Muslims will be telling lie just because some one gave you money. Mike is a witness and have seen every really step of what happen. While you only gathered biased information from biased people, You are hiding yourself from the truth and denying it. Feel sad and sorry for yourself young man.
Mohamed, it's interesting that you spoke to 15 people who claim they were witnesses, since the majority of the argument took place in front of only two other people (myself and one other person) in an office behind closed doors. If you were there, you'd know that. I don't appreciate being called a liar.
You are all so quick to jump on the pro-AS, anti-Government bandwagon. Just because you are all English speaking and the Government responds in Somali.
Yes, Abaarso has done a lot for our country. And it looks like the Government made a mistake here. However, no one is above the law and if the Government changed their mind after analysing the facts then that is fine. Actually what I heard happened is that the Deputy approved it but the Minister was not aware.
Bottom line, respect the country you are in – including the local people, the Government and the physical institutions.
I am glad that you know that Abaarso Tech has done A LOT for this country, but as you said no one is above the law. which means the government has no right to change their mind after they already signed the paper. We are ALL equal in front of the law. Samsam or whoever is in charge doesn't have more right than us just because she is the ministry.
YES, the deputy approved the paper and afterwards he said, " i wasn't aware" but isn't that a shame for our country. they make an excuse for their mistakes by saying, i wasn't aware of what i was signing. That is not a way to escape from your mistake, that is a way to show that you are NOT a leader.
Don't you dare to say that Abaarso Tech teachers and managers should respect the law. AT has done everything to respect this country, its people, its culture, etc. they do everything even if it is sacrificing their own rights. But we as somalis never appreciate what was done for us.
First, no one said Abaarso Tech is above the law, even though we know that many people in Somaliland act like it. Their is no justice if AT stuff dont get their apology because the government will then be above the law.
Secondly, respect goes on both ways. To gain respect you should also respect and in this case the ministry of education didnt respect at all.
This kind of incident is reminds me of life in the defunct Somali Republic under the dreadful Barre regime. It is exactly like that. Knowing Jonathan, he will never in a million years insult anyone, especially an elder. Cronyism is alive and well in Somaliland, which is a pity. I had hoped that we have grown up. Every Somalilander, irrespective of community affiliation deserves a fair playing field. If the child, he or she, is smart, what the heck does it matter which community they come from. I would rather a thousand smart strangers than a thousand dumb cousins.
I have never commented on this site before though occasionally do read it. It makes my blood boil to read of this sad incident. Apparently, the secretary for education has experience of western countries but it would appear she hasn't a clue how private schools operate.
You will find independent/private schools the world over hold their own entrance exams before national exam results. What nonsense is going on with the MoE in Somaliland? Clearly the lady is not qualified for the job and must for the good of future generations and the future of the country resign before she does too much damage. One can only hope.
Although I know nobody currently at AT, it is my sincere wish to establish a family scholarship (my family's) to fund one or two kids at the school – Insha'Allah.
Asha, in UK
Indeed, most independent schools hold their entrance exams well before prospective students are due to sit their national exams, let alone wait for the results. Example: in UK, if you want your kid to attend grammar school after primary school, then said kid must sit the 11+ exams a whole academic year earlier than sats (govt year six exams).
If Somaliland secretary for education is not familiar/does not appreciate the different exam schedules necessary for different educational models then you can gurantee the quality of education in Somaliland will not improve at all. Something needs to be done. Urgently.
Another thing, my folks are originally from Burco and am shamed by the behaviour of the VC of Burco Uni. I will probably protest to the funders and management of the university.
As a student at Abaarso Tech, i truly think that AT teachers deserve an apology from MOE.
AT has done everything to make this country a better place. And from my experiences of being an AT student for two years. the teachers always amazed me with their dedication for the work and how they left their countries and lives to make this country a better one by education their kids. They always respected our culture, religion, and people.
They could have go to another countries and make change there, but they chose to stay in Somaliland to educate somali kids.
"volunteering" is not in our dictionary, but Abaarso Tech teachers came and volunteered to help us.
All they ask for return was support and to let them do their job. they asked to have legal and clean, not corrupt government to work with. they didn't ask money or anything else.
We as somalilanders couldn't give them that. how are we ready to be a recognized country if our government isn't reading before they sign or the foreigner in our country are threatened to be kicked out even though all they did was helping us??!!
Abaarso Tech should not waste its time and money on a place embedded with tribalism, hate, division and corruption at the highest level.
The only reason MOE is acting this way is because you did not give them the "blessing US dollar" aka "keen ducaadi"—furthermore the Minister wants an Abaarso full of her relatives and tribe even though they cant put A and B together.
Ever since visiting the region, I discovered its all each to his own, tribe comes after me and there is no such thing as common interest or bettering the people. In the West, engineers build things to better their society, scientists lose sleep to find cure for their people—in Somaliland its all about bringing him/her down.
I am surprised that Jonathan and the other Westerners can stay there for that long and be committed for that long. I could not even last a week.
This is why I admire you and support you 110%. Those students are innocent and deserve the world, I truly respect them and I even tried to visit your school. It is the best thing that happened to north Somalia.
MoE has lost all respect and as Somalis, we apologize to all AT staff on behave of the useless tribal ministry–I am not sure even if its worth calling it a "ministry".
Over all these failures fall directly on the weak Silaanyo who failed to oversee his administration which is run by Hersi Ali Haji Hassan, so called minister of presidency. He is clueless and uneducated not to mention former al Shabaab fighter…he was just a regular Dahabshiil employee who Silaanyo employed and created the fake portfolio for him on tribal grounds.
Please continue operating and ignore the unrecognized ministry; all you need is a letter from Mogadishu's proper ministry, local students' support and US state department's blessing.
Rest are just irrelevant.
there are always good and bad leaders in any country. however, that does not mean Somaliland will not get good leaders.
no one said somaliland will not get good leaders, but we said that somaliland doesn't have good leaders now. And they are not letting the future leaders to be educated.
I hope Mr Starr and the teachers at AT are aware that the tyrants at the MoE do not represent Somaliland and its future but are self-serving leeches who would not last another four years God willing. My advice to you guys is to take part in the struggle for democracy and good governance in Somaliland and resist the tyrannical tactics of the mafia in government. I am sure victory will be yours and the gangsters will be history when Somalilanders see their true colours.
It is strange how people respect none somalis. this guy called "Jonathan Starr" is being portrayed as if he goes to where ever come from the whole somaliland educational system will fall apart. somaliland eduction will be there always we will not miss him. please go and go home.
Well said Mr Muuse, these Naive people are really Lost and they will support non Somalis unconditionally, without having any facts to support it. it Saddens me to see how majority of our people have this inferio attitude, and DO NOT have any confidence in their ability and capacity. They also have this mindset that Caddaan person would always have our interest at heart, which is NEVER the case (unless ofcourse he sees his interest in it). lets just make dua for our people, insh
What could I say to if you dont have a mind at all. You know nothing and still talking.
If Mr Starr goes can you replace him? The simple is NO, so shut the f*ck up.
Since people seem interested in this Vice Chancellor situation, I will explain what happened. This is the full truth of it including mistakes I made.
FIrst, a little history. 15 months ago UoB people came to see us to discuss a partnership. They talked me into traveling to Burco for a few days which I agreed to because they seemed so serious. They paid for expenses, which I appreciated, and in turn I gave them a few days of serious work plus follow-up after to move forward this potential partnership. Once returning to Abaarso I never got a single response from those people or heard from them again. Their leader with this VC.
On exam day the students were baking in the sun, and then once let in, were wandering around campus. We had assigned seats for everyone based on their exam number so we were moving them into the seats to keep them under control. At this point the VC approached me in front of a room full of students and started yelling at me to move them out. One of our Abaarso students, a girl who knew what was going on and had helped with student translation, started to explain how our plan would help the situation. She hadn't spoken 3 words before the VC yelled at her in an incredibly rude and superior way that essentially said, "who are you to speak to me?" Truly, it was in such poor tastes that it left me feeling disgusted with him. Right after this the VC turned to me and grabbed my arm. I am very used to this after 3 years in Somaliland though it is certainly not something I grew up with. Ordinarily, I don't mind letting a Somali grab my arm because it makes them comfortable and doesn't make much difference to me. However, in this case I was so upset by the way he just treated our student that I instead told him to remove his hand from my arm. In hindsight, this was a mistake as it made him completely furious, which was not at all my intention. I simply didn't want to be touched in a friendly way by someone who had just acted that way towards our student. The conversation then moved outside where the VC said, "do you want me on your side or not?" I responded that, "I don't want you on my side, I don't want you on their side, I want you to do what is right." Somehow this appeal to his morality really infuriated the VC as he then declared, "I don't care if the Ministry orders me to let you give this exam, I will not let it happen." At that point I told students there that he wasn't going to let them take the exam, and, in front of many students he yelled for me to "go to hell." The students were shocked by this as the man was dressed religiously and even I know that only Allah can make such decisions. Later we were in a room with only a few people and the argument continued without much more coming out.
I certainly can't remember any threats as there's nothing I can even think of to threaten that VC about and I knew all along that this situation with the exam was not in his control. The MOE loves to accuse me of "threatening" them but they define things as "threats" which very few people would. For example, I'm "threatening" not to send another $100,000 of my own money to AT if the MOE acts poorly. I'm "threatening" not to keep volunteering all my time to Somaliland if I things are not done fairly. These aren't threats; they are reasonable conditions. A restaurant isn't "threatening" you when they say that you'll have to pay if you want food.
As for the rest of these claims, I'm sure I did walk around barefoot for awhile but it absolutely was not done as a protest; I walk barefoot all the time. You could ask students of mine and they'd tell you that sometimes I even teach barefoot. This is not meant to be insulting or protesting, it is just a reality that wearing sandals all day becomes uncomfortable for me, and certainly no one has ever explained to me that walking barefoot can be viewed as a protest. To read ones own culture 100% into someone from a different culture's actions is ignorant.
As for the destroying of plants and trees, this is nothing short of a VC/MOE fabrication to distract from the fact that they intentionally blocked our exam despite knowing we had permission. There's absolutely no evidence to support this destruction as it didn't happen. The fact that 2 weeks have now gone by without them sending a picture of ripped up trees speaks for itself. Nothing violent happened of any sort. It is worth noting that the MOE's statements about Burco students rioting on our command, and Burco leaders turning against them because we tell them to, are just the type of comments that probably upsets Burco students and leaders. These people have brains and can think for themselves.
In hindsight there are certainly a couple things I wish I did different. Mostly, it really never occurred to me that the VC would take my not wanting him to grab my arm so offensively.
That's the truth of the situation and I'm pretty sure all our students there would back up this story. There weren't 15 non-students at that exam day, and only a couple of the non-students can speak English. This leaves no way that the MOE could actually have 15 legit witnesses like someone claimed here. I've now explained, Mike has explained, and some students have explained. Lets get back to the real issue which is why they approved an exam both orally and in writing only to block it and accuse us of wrongdoing?
Mr Starr thank you very much for deciding to stick it out – I know how difficult it must be to be pilloried and bullied and suspectded by the people you are trying to help. But that is the lives of the pioneers for you. The moro.nic ministers of the non-government may not appreciate you but the kids you teach and inspire do. As long as you can teach them you are winning. The fight just sometimes gets harder than usual that is all. If you want to help people who actually wish to be helped and will be gracious bowing and smiley niceness go to Asia. But that will be no challenge will it?
Besides all the Slanders are crazy, ignorant, arrogant, unbalanced(Khat does that to them) and incompetent, but they really do have a heart of gold deep down. the shouting and screeching is just superfical heat of the moment thing. You will find out what I mean someday. I know other races where people will smile for you but hold million year grudges.
"Knowing Jonathan, he will never in a million years insult anyone, especially an elder."
This is not true. Jonathan insults people often. Including elders. I have seen it.
It is clear that there are problems at the MoE but we should also see that Jonathan has a colonialist attitude towards our people.
Do not be fooled into thinking that Jonathan is only "volunteering" because of his good will. He gets a benefit from the school, even if it is not money. He wants the reputation of being another white person who went to a "strange foreign country" and "saved" the locals.