OUR HISTORY
Odweina high school
Our History
Over the Years
1959
Founded
Odweina Intermediate School was built in 1959/1960 and became fully operational in 1961, with a capacity of 160 students. It was noted a top-rated boarding School and a richly diverse community with students from all over the country. It consisted of four classrooms, four dormitories, cafeteria, science laboratory, library, storage and 5 villas for housing the teachers.
1961
As a project based on education approach, students could elevate their knowledge into a life-long pursuit of learning. Since its inception in 1961 to 1988, Odweina Intermediate School had prepared over 1,200 students for the best high and technical schools, such as Sheikh Secondary School, Amoud Secondary School and Burao Technical School. Consequently, most of them became professionals and leaders of the nation.
1988
War turned the school into a permanent military base
Unfortunately, In 1988, General Siyad turned the school into a permanent military base, housed military personnel in the domitaries, stored military equipment in the classrooms, and parked their vehicles in the school yard. In reality, the occupation of the schools by armed forces has deprived students from a safe learning environment and the right to education.
1991
Odweina Intermediate school ended its learning operations forever.
Although, Siyad’ strong military junta was totally defeated by the Somali National Movement (SNM), in 1991, the Odweina Intermediate school ended its learning operations forever.
2003
August 3, 2003, patriotic members who graduated from the Odweina Intermediate school came up with an idea of rehabilitating and renovating the school. They discussed the issue with the former Somaliland President for help and the request did not go anywhere.
2004
Finally, the committees from various countries raised $53,240 within a short period of time. With the involvement of the Somaliland Ministry of Education, the funds were spent for rehabilitation and for salaries.
2022
On May 5, 2022, a writer had paid a visit to the Odweina High School from which he graduated in 1970, and saw it disturbing and distasteful in the extreme. Two of the four Dormitories have been abandoned due to the leaking roofs, lack of doors and windows, and water stains were everywhere. There was nothing in the science laboratory and was filthy. The library was empty. There were neither tables nor chairs in the kitchen. Everywhere in the school appeared depressing and frightening.
In reality, the problem-plagued schools, like Odweina High School, students are less likely to go and their high absenteeism result in lower test scores where well-maintained buildings are necessary for student success.