The Building Nation Project

Somaliland/Somalia
The Unity For Sisters Inc team believes education builds a nation. People need knowledge to benefit not only themselves but benefit the entire community. Decades of civil war have decimated civil infrastructure within the towns and cities of this region, including schools. Building a high quality school will encourage investment from other countries, and help build Somaliland/Somalia. However the most important thing a school can give is hope into the heart of a child.
Save the Children foundation states regarding education in 3rd world and war torn countries:
More than 43 million of these children are living in countries affected by armed conflict, where little is being done to help.
Millions more living in conflict-affected countries are receiving a substandard education.
These out-of-school children - like all children - have the right to an education. They, more than most, need the benefits education can bring:
· protection,
· stability,
· and the potential to build a peaceful and prosperous society.
UNESCO the education wing of the United Nations states regarding education:
Millions of children around the world are deprived of the right to education. The result: One out of three children never see the inside of a classroom.
Starting with a school in Hergeisa, Somaliland, Unity For Sisters Inc aims to begin educating the next generation of Somalis with the skills to build their nation, inshallah.

Why did we choose Hergeisa, Somaliland?
The reasons are as follows:
There were many areas of concern that needed to be addressed when choosing a location for the ‘Maryam Bint Kamal International School.’
· The location has had relative stability for the past 10 years.
· Support of local government
· Knowledge of culture and people of that region
· Several Unity For Sisters Inc’s representatives have travelled to Hergeisa and have established firm connections with relevant people.
· There is minimal corruption.
· The level of infrastructure in Hergeisa will allow the ‘Maryam Bint Kamal International School’ to able to fulfil any needs it may have.

What type of education will the students receive:
· Our aim is for Somali children to be educated at a high standard.
· The school will have a comprehensive Islamic Studies, Quran Memorisation & Arabic Program.
· Secular education (English, Math, Science, Sport, Health ect) will be taught in English using Australian curriculum.
· Wherever possible Australian educated teachers will be employed.
· Unity For Sisters Inc will also be training local teachers in Somalia to take up positions within the school.
What happens to any financial profits of the school?
Our schools will be community schools and NOT a private business enterprises. All employees will earn a wage including the directors.
ALL PROFITS WILL GO BACK INTO THE SCHOOL TO SUPPORT THE EDUCATION OF ORPHANS AND THE NEEDY OR TOWARD COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT.

How many students will the school cater for?
The ‘Maryam Bint Kamal International School’ when completed will be able to educate up to 500 students inshallah.
How does the school intend to educate orphans and the needy for free?
Unity For Sisters Inc aims for the Maryam Bint Kamal International School to be self funding after the initial set up phase. The aim is to have 40 students per class with a ratio of 30% to be orphaned or needy children.
The orphaned and needy children will be able to attend the school at no cost to themselves or their families. The school intends funding the education of these students through the profits of the school, inshaAllah.
“Education can bring a
nation out of poverty.”

Unity For Sisters Inc Aims For Quality Education.
The Maryam Bint Kamal International School will be committed to a high standard of education. This will be achieved by implementing a quality Australian curriculum, coupled with qualified & experienced Educators/ Administrators overseeing the school.
Who will be Principal of the ‘Maryam Bint Kamal International School’?
The Principal and project coordinator of the ‘Maryam Bint Kamal International School’ project is a Somali born, Australian qualified educator named Mr. Kamal Sheikh-Omar. Mr. Sheikh-Omar has an extensive education including 8 years full-time University in Australia resulting in a Bachelor of Engineering and a Post Graduate Bachelor of Education majoring in Math & Physics. Although he earns excellent money and lives well in Australia with so much ease in regards to food, education and medicines he believes it is a must for him to give back to the country that made him the person he is today. Mr Sheikh-Omar will relocate with his family to complete his aim is educating Somali children and believes this will be a lifelong project.
How much money does this project need & how will your donations be spent?
We are looking at raising $100,000 which will cover the cost of buying land, building a school, building a library, kitchen, an office and prayer room. Also it will cover the cost of transporting all curriculum from Australia and employing teachers in the initial stages of the school.
For more information please visit our website:

http://www.unity4sisters.org/charity/projects.html
Within Australia call: 0401 413 727
International: 61 401 413 727
Email: info@unity4sisters.org