School life
In a Somalia classroom
Local school customs vary. The best way to learn about a class's day is to ask them directly.
All country briefings
Africa · Country briefing
Somalia
A child-friendly mission briefing for 20 November - capital, climate, school day, languages, fun facts, native animals, and five questions to ask the class on the other side of the world.
- CapitalMogadishu
- Population~20 million
- Time zoneAfrica/Nairobi (UTC +3)
- CurrencySomali shilling (SOS)
Somalia, with Mogadishu marked
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Climate in November: Dry season in many regions; warm.
The capital
Mogadishu
Photo · Wikimedia Commons
Fun facts
What makes Somalia a bit special.
Africa's Longest Coastline
Over 3,000 km of beaches, bays and blue ocean
Open lesson
Laas Geel Cave Paintings
Ancient art up to 10,000 years old - among the oldest in Africa
Open lesson
Cal Madow Mountains
Mist-covered peaks with plants found nowhere else on Earth
Open lesson
Frankincense & Myrrh
Somalia is the original home of the world's most famous tree resins
Open lesson
Somali Poetry
A nation where poetry is the highest art form
Open lesson
Tap any card to open a class-ready mini-lesson - for the teacher to walk through, or an older child to read aloud.
Native animals
Wildlife your partner class might know best.
- 🦌
Dik-dik
A tiny antelope no taller than a house cat
Open lesson
- 🐢
Hawksbill Turtle
A beautiful ancient sea turtle that nests on Somalia's beaches
Open lesson
- 🐊
Dugong
A gentle sea mammal that may have inspired mermaid stories
Open lesson
Tap any animal to open a class-ready lesson about it.
Greetings to learn
Say hello like a local
- Hello!Arabic
Five questions to ask
Conversation starters
- 01What does your school day look like?
- 02What do you eat at lunch?
- 03What games do you play at break?
- 04What's the weather like today?
- 05What do you wish more children around the world knew about your country?
What not to assume
Friendly cautions
- ℹSomalia has many regions and communities - there is no single experience.
- ℹClimate, food, and traditions can vary widely from one part of the country to another.
Culture
Food, music, sport, festivals.
Food
Music
Tap any chip to open a class-ready lesson - what it is, why it matters, fun facts.
Reflection prompts
- “What's something you'd love to share about your school day?”
- “What's the most surprising thing you'd love to ask the other class?”
Could your class meet Somalia?
Choose Somaliawhen you register - we’ll show you the time-zone feasibility.