Bashir Hassan Aden is a 15 year old from Abaarso, a small village located in Somaliland. This year, he’s entering the eighth grade at Abaarso School of Science and Technology. Bashir has four brothers and a sister. His mother works as a cleaner, and his father sells food. In his free time, he enjoys playing football. Although he did not speak much English when he arrived at the school, he did not feel overwhelmed. Instead, he was determined to become a better student. His favorite subject is science, and in the future, he wants to be a scientist. He hopes to continue his education, and to eventually help his family better their livelihood.

Farhan comes from a nomadic family, which includes his mother, two grandmothers, two grandfathers, five sisters, and nine brothers. Being from a nomadic family, Farhan is especially excited to have earned a scholarship to study at our school and have the opportunity to improve his and his family’s future. Farhan’s biggest accomplishment is learning English and continuing to improve his language abilities. When he first arrived at school, he had trouble understanding English, but he now feels comfortable learning in English. Now that he is comfortable with English, he enjoys helping his peers who are having trouble learn English so that they can do better in school. In the future, Farhan hopes to be a School Headmaster so that he can help other students learn.

Hamse has three sisters and two brothers.Hamse is glad to have earned a scholarship to attend Abaarso School and for this reason, Hamse is very dedicated to his studies. He enjoys learning and spends his time studying or playing soccer outside of class. His favorite classes are his math courses. With an interest in math, Hamse hopes to be an engineer in the future.

Fernando was born in Sofala province. He is a very humble boy, does not have many friends and spends more time at home when he is not at school. His favorite hobby is listening to music at home. In 2012, the parents separated due to social problems. In 2013 his father died. He used to be a carpenter. After his father's death, Fernando’s mother abandoned him. His grandmother took care of him and then he moved to live with his aunty. The aunt has 2 children and does not make any activity that generates income to sustain the family. Her husband does little jobs in the construction field to help the family survive. When the uncle does not get a job, they may spend a day without a meal.

Khadar has four sisters and three brothers. Khadar is very glad to have earned a scholarship to come to our school. He feels lucky to be able to attend school and have the opportunity to earn an education. For this reason, Khadar enjoys studying and doing well in his classes. His favorite subjects are math, science, and English. He enjoys reading history books and playing football outside of class. In the future, Khadar hopes to be able to travel and see more of his country. Going to the Abaarso School, Khadar has learned a lot about their community’s diversity and more about his country. It is this new knowledge that has inspired him to want to travel throughout his home country to see and learn more about it.

Elton was born in Sofala province. He is a nice and intelligent child, and likes to play marbles with friends of his age. Elton’s father died in 2005. He used to be a guard. After his father's death, his mother remarried. Her husband would like to help but the business of selling second hand clothes is not of great sustainability, and the income is just enough to pay the rent and a minimum for the family to survive. Without help, his dream to follow up his studies may fall apart.

Ibtisam's siblings include six sisters and three brothers. Ibtisam is most proud of her family and hopes to make them happy by doing well in school. She feels most accomplished about being in school. Her favorite class is Geometry. In her free time, Ibtisam enjoys drawing and hiking. With her interest in drawing, Ibtisam hopes to be a fashion designer in the future.

Nasriin is 14 years old, and beginning her first year at Abaarso School of Science and Technology in Somaliland. She is from Abaarso village, and owes her ability to attend Abaarso to the student tutors from the school who taught her for several years. As a result, she wants to be a teacher, so she can help people. She hopes to go to the United States to continue her education after Abaarso, so that she can do this. She likes to run because it's good exercise, and she enjoys spending her free time with her friends.