By Mohamed Abdi - Reporter
Jigjiga, 5 September 2026 Ethiopia's Somali Region is preparing to introduce 23 vocational subjects in secondary schools to equip students with practical skills and improve employment prospects.
The program will be offered to Grade 11 and Grade 12 students, who will select a vocational subject as part of their four-semester studies, Ugaas Fu'aad Ugaas Aafi, director of curriculum development, research and evaluation at the Somali Regional State Education Bureau, said Friday.
Twelve skill-based subjects were prepared last year, while 11 additional subjects were developed this year, bringing the total to 23, Aafi said.
The vocational subjects include woodwork technology, finishing construction works, web design and development, computer maintenance and networking, animal production, natural resource management, community health care, journalism, psychosocial caregiving, accounting and finance, marketing and sales management, and vocal performance.
The additional skill-based subjects include metalwork technology, automotive technology, garment technology, building electrical installation, plumbing installation, software development, crop production, health caregiving, hotel operation services, hairdressing and beautification, and food preparation.
The curriculum and teaching hours have been prepared and are being incorporated into Grade 11 and Grade 12 schedules, Aafi said.
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The program is expected to be implemented in schools this year. Seventeen schools have so far received equipment, while others are expected to receive equipment as funding becomes available.
The region also plans to strengthen links between secondary schools and technical and vocational colleges, allowing students to gain practical experience and observe how different skills are applied in workplaces.
Aafi said stronger links between schools and businesses would be important for students studying areas such as metalwork, electrical installation, plumbing, hairdressing and other practical skills.
Students could visit workplaces to observe production processes, equipment and working practices and gain hands-on experience, he said.
The initiative is intended to strengthen the connection between education and the labour market, enabling students to use their skills to seek employment or establish their own businesses.
Aafi said the 23 vocational subjects were developed in response to demand for skills in the region and that additional subjects could be introduced in the future as needs emerge.