This study investigates the current state of education in Somalia since the collapse of the central authority in 1991. Since all educational systems and infrastructure have been destroyed by the civil war, the study seeks to explore the educational institutions and systems that have emerged throughout the crisis. Similarly, the study looks into the various actors that have contributed and are contributing to the revival of education after the destruction of the old system. Investigating the education that has emerged during the conflict, the study seeks to examine the coping capacity of various local communities living through such conflicts with regard to education. It also explores the role that education can play as a tool of protection and educational institutions that are used as part of the coping mechanism.
This study employs qualitative methods of inquiry and is basically a case-study. Therefore, its findings are not intended to be generalized and replicated to other cases (Bogdan & Biklen, 1992). However, this does not preclude important lessons to be learned from the case study as methodology and policy implications. Nevertheless, this study is limited to probing the current educational experiences in Somalia in the absence of the central state.
As a theoretical framework, this study utilizes the concept of social capital in the sense of informal social networks, trust and connections among community members (Clark, 2006; Coleman, 1988; Mundy & Murphy, 2001; Putnam, 1995). The study also draws on the capability approach which is “a set of basic human entitlements” for all people, outlining what people are “able to do and be” (Nussbaum, 2003, p.3; Robeyns, 2005, p.94; Sen, 2005; Unterhalter, 2003).
The findings of the study suggest that the Somali people have adapted rather well, under the circumstances, to the absence of the state, despite continuing insecurity and lawlessness prevailing in the country. The study documented that educational institutions that have emerged since the destruction of the old system are still in their nascent stage and need to be supported for them to yield the desired results.