Partnering for Education in Emergencies: New Ways Organization, NRC, and ECW Launch Critical Support for Flood and Drought-Affected Children in Hobyo and Caabudwaaq
“In every crisis, drought or floods, we stand with children’s education as we have over time.” — Abdullahi Ali, New Ways Executive Director
Founded in the early days of the Somali civil war, New Ways Organization (NWO) has spent over three decades delivering critical humanitarian aid across the southern side of Somalia. NWO’s deep-rooted presence in the Galmudug State specifically across the Mudug and Galgaduud regions has positioned the organization on the frontline of Education in Emergencies (EiE), ensuring continuous learning during severe climate emergencies and severe displacement. Through established initiatives like the Joint Resilience Programme (JRP) and localized emergency education interventions, NWO has consistently delivered flexible learning spaces, teacher support, socio-emotional learning, and essential WASH facilities to safeguard vulnerable, crisis-affected children.
Currently, Somalia faces a severe, overlapping humanitarian context where climate shocks namely prolonged drought spells followed by projected heavy flash flooding jeopardize the lives and futures of young learners. In districts like Caabudwaaq and Hobyo in Galmudug, over 4,249 children are out of school, and 17 schools have been forced to close due to acute water scarcity, displacement, and severe service gaps. Without proactive early response, thousands of vulnerable girls and boys risk irreversible learning loss and permanent dropout.
To address these urgent gaps, NWO is excited to partner with the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) East and Southern Africa and Education Cannot Wait (ECW) on a vital project that will support the 10,000-learner EiE and Anticipatory Action project running through June 2027. The project targets school-aged children – 60% of whom are girls alongside children with disabilities, teachers, and caregivers in Hobyo and Caabudwaaq, the intervention will deliver rapid learning continuity, protection-responsive services, dignified WASH access, and trigger-based anticipatory actions to build long-term education resilience.
NWO stands ready to leverage its frontline expertise and local operational network to protect every child’s right to learn during emerging crises. We look forward to this vital collaboration with NRC East and Southern Africa and ECW, who remain global education champions committed to delivering safe, dignified, and uninterrupted learning for all.
