Sahro Deeq Shire

From a small classroom in Dolow to dreams of becoming a scientist, Sahro Deeq Shire, 17, is discovering how education, supported by food security, can shape not only her future but Somalia's future.

"Someday, I hope to become a scientist and help rebuild Somalia. Before I started school, we ate once a day. Sometimes breakfast and lunch were together. Sometimes we only had dinner."

On some days, Sahro made plans based on what food was available. This is how she learned to wait, share, and adapt. School was important to her, but she could not always count on it.

The meals Sahro gets from the World Food Programme at school help her attend every day and stay focused in class. The meals also support her family and the wider community. With one daily meal covered, families worry less about providing food at home, can stretch their livelihoods a little further, and are more motivated to keep their children in school.

With over 3 million children out of school in Somalia, school meals become a key driver of education, stimulating local economies through linkages with farmers and contributing to the overall strengthening of local food systems.

Sahro often thinks about other children whose learning has been interrupted.

Sahro chose one of her schoolbooks as her personal symbol of hope. It represents education, her strong will to keep learning, and her dream of becoming a scientist who can help rebuild Somalia.