The Puntland administration in Somalia says it is preparing a broad plan to provide free education at government-run primary and middle schools across the region.
The initiative is intended to ease the financial burden of education on parents and relatives of pupils attending schools in Puntland.
Puntland’s Minister of Interior, Abdi Hirsi Ali Qarjab, announced the plan while speaking at a ceremony marking the opening of a session of the Garoowe district council.
Mr Qarjab said the government would implement the free education programme soon, although he did not give a specific date for its introduction.
“The government is currently working on a plan that will be implemented soon to make primary and middle schools free of charge across Puntland,” he said.
The proposed programme would apply to government schools throughout Puntland and is aimed at improving access to education by reducing the costs faced by families.
