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.

Khadar is from Hargeisa, and grew up living in the same house as many siblings and cousins. He is one of three members of this family to attend Abaarso, and has sisters in grades 9 and 7. He and his sister first heard of Abaarso because one of their neighbors is an alum. When they saw the school's graduation on Somaliland television, their mother told Khadar and his sister that they should attend Abaarso. Khadar had a very successful 7th grade year at Abaarso, excelling in all subjects but showing particular talent in math. He looks forward to using his talents to one day make it easier for people like him to attend school.

Fadumo lives with her mother, father, grandmother, grandfather, and six brothers. Fadumo is most proud of her family and wants to make them happy by doing well in school. She enjoys spending time with her family when not in school. At school, Fadumo’s favorite class is geometry. With her interest in geometry and math, Fadumo hopes to be an engineer in the future. Outside of class, Fadumo enjoys spending times with her friends who are all very supportive of each other. Her favorite books are The Book Thief, Things Fall Apart, and Malala.

Nuura's family includes her grandmother, two grandfathers, two sisters, and four brothers. Nuura has grown up without her parents. Her experience has developed a sense of compassion for others from difficult backgrounds. With this sense of compassion, Nuura’s hope for the future is to provide services for orphans and the poor in her country. Through this work, her dream is that Somalis will be able to live together united. At the present moment, Nuura’s favorite classes are Social Studies and Science. Outside of class, she enjoys being with her friends and making each other laugh. Her favorite books are A Long Walk to Water, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Count Down, and The Blue Ghost.

Hani is 12 years old, and beginning her first year at Abaarso School of Science and Technology in Somaliland. She hopes one day to go to America and continue her education, so she can be a doctor. She enjoys reading, playing games, and basketball. The best part about her first week was making new friends, and meeting her new teachers.

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.

Nafisa has fourteen sisters and fifteen brothers. Nafisa’s greatest accomplishment is earning her highest GPA yet of 2.97, and which is close to her goal of 3.00. Her favorite subject is English, and she is pleased that she is able to continue improving her English skills. Outside of school, Nafisa enjoys being with her friends and telling jokes, as well as reading anime books. In the future, Nafisa hopes to be a doctor.

Munir comes from a family of two sisters and two brothers. Munir’s biggest accomplishment is being in school. He enjoys learning and hopes to use his desire for learning to improve the lives of others in his country. There are many people who do not feel that education is important to them. Munir hopes to change that by providing education for others in the future and showing how important education is to them.

Ferdous has three sisters and four brothers. Ferdous is most proud of attending our school and learning English. Over the years, Ferdous has improved her English abilities, as well as her math skills. With her improved English skills, she has read The Outsiders and The Alchemist, which are her favorite books. Her favorite classes are Geometry and History. In the future, Ferdous hopes to be able to help those in her country who cannot afford to go to school attend so that they can receive an education, which Ferdous believes to be important for the development of her country.