I am starting this petition because I have seen first-hand how the lack of an IELTS test centre in Somalia and Somaliland is blocking the future of our young people.

As an educator and mentor working with more than 100,000 students, I know their dreams: to win scholarships, to study abroad, to gain skills, and to come back home and build stronger communities. But for many of them, this dream ends before it begins—because without IELTS they cannot even apply.

Families are forced to spend huge amounts of money to send their aspiring students to neighboring countries like Ethiopia and Kenya. This journey comes at great cost, not only financially but also in terms of safety and emotional stress. The lack of a local IELTS testing facility means that only those well-off families can afford the travel and associated expenses, leaving behind many talented young people who have the potential to contribute significantly to society.

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a vital tool for educational and professional advancement globally. The absence of an accessible test centre in Somalia and Somaliland severely limits the opportunities for our young individuals. By having a local testing center, the barriers would diminish; it would provide more equitable chances for everyone, regardless of socio-economic status.

We urge the British Council, IDP Education, and the British Embassy in Hargeisa and in Mogadisho to collaborate and prioritize the establishment of an official IELTS Test Centre. Such a centre would not only ease financial burdens and logistical challenges but would empower our youth to pursue their ambitions without needing to overcome unnecessary obstacles.

This is a call to action for our community and those in positions of power to recognize and bridge this critical gap in our educational infrastructure. Please join us in signing this petition to make IELTS accessible to all in our region.