Hussein Kahin Educational Foundation-Lighting the PathThrough Education
Lighting the Path Through Education
Aqoon La’aan Waa Iftiin La’aan
The Hussein Kahin Educational Foundation (HKEF) is an independent, registered local nonprofit educational organization based in Burao, Togdheer Region, Somaliland. Established in memory of the late Prof. Hussein Kahin, the Foundation supports a practical purpose: helping vulnerable children attend school, remain in school and learn with dignity.
We welcome former students, families, educators, community members and friends of education to this new section of the Horn of Africa Strategic Review website. Here, we will share the Foundation’s work, educational priorities, opportunities to participate and updates on the support entrusted to us. The Foundation’s registration number is L43-1280TG.2026 under Somaliland NGO Law No. 43/2010.
A teacher’s legacy
Prof. Hussein Kahin devoted his life to teaching and public education. His students went on to serve their communities as educators, professionals, business people and public figures. The Foundation carries his name to continue that service through educational opportunities for another generation.
A 1975 UNESCO report lists Hussein Kahin Deria as Secretary-General of the National Commission for UNESCO under the Ministry of Higher Education and Culture. The report also acknowledges his help in arranging the visiting mission’s programme. This record forms part of the educational and public-service history that the Foundation honors.
For more than a decade, family members, former students, friends and individual donors sustained modest assistance associated with the Hussein Kahin educational legacy. Their contributions helped children from low-income families obtain uniforms and basic school supplies. Formal registration now provides a basis for developing that goodwill into an institution with clear responsibilities, documented activities and accountable management.
Our vision and mission
Our vision is a society in which every child has a fair opportunity to receive quality, inclusive and dignified education. Our mission is to support vulnerable learners, strengthen school communities and bring people and institutions together to improve access, attendance and learning in Burao and the wider Togdheer Region.
Our motto expresses the purpose behind this work: “Lighting the Path Through Education — Aqoon La’aan Waa Iftiin La’aan.” We believe that a child’s opportunity to learn should not be determined by whether a family can afford a uniform, school fees, exercise books or other basic classroom necessities.
Where our work begins
The Foundation’s initial focus is vulnerable learners connected to Hussein Kahin Primary and Intermediate School in Burao. The school is administered by the Somaliland Ministry of Education and Science through its regional education structure. HKEF is a separate support organization and will coordinate proposed activities with the relevant education authorities, school leadership, teachers and families.
That relationship gives us a clear starting point. We intend to identify needs with the school community, mobilize supplementary assistance and document what each activity achieves. Support will be based on verified educational need and the resources available.
Our first priorities
* Essential school materials. Help vulnerable learners obtain uniforms, school bags, exercise books, stationery and other learning materials, according to assessed needs.
* Attendance and school retention. Work with teachers and families to identify children at risk of repeated absence or leaving school, then organize appropriate support.
* Girls’ education and inclusion. Give attention to girls, children with disabilities and other underserved learners who face additional barriers to participation.
* Better learning conditions. Mobilize assistance for teaching materials, desks, basic furniture and appropriate minor improvements agreed with school authorities.
* Learning and teacher support. Gradually develop reading, numeracy and remedial activities, alongside practical teacher development, when qualified people and sufficient resources are available.
These priorities will guide a small initial programme. Its size and timetable will depend on verified needs, funds raised and the Foundation’s ability to deliver responsibly.
Building carefully and reporting honestly
Our 2026–2029 Master Plan sets a measured course. The first phase concentrates on strengthening governance, consulting the school community, assessing needs and delivering a manageable student-support pilot. Later activities will build on the results, with wider work in Togdheer considered as resources and experience grow.
HKEF is consolidating its governance, safeguarding, financial and reporting arrangements. Our commitments include documenting contributions and expenditure, selecting beneficiaries fairly, protecting children’s information and reporting on activities and results. Families and supporters should be able to understand how assistance is used and what it has achieved.
We will seek cooperation with local organizations, universities, teacher-training institutions and international education bodies. Useful cooperation may begin with professional advice, learning materials, volunteer expertise or a small jointly designed activity. Formal partnerships will be announced when they have been mutually agreed.
The founder
The Foundation’s Founder and Executive Director is Prof. Nassir Hussein Kahin, son of the late Prof. Hussein Kahin. An educator, researcher, journalist and editor, he brings experience in university English teaching, academic writing, research and report writing, alongside his work as Founder and Managing Editor of the Horn of Africa Strategic Review. Prof. Kahin is also currently teaching an Academic Writing Course at the Civil Service Institute in Burao, Somaliland. Through HKEF, he is working to turn the family’s educational legacy into a lasting community institution.
An invitation to take part
Former students of Prof. Hussein Kahin and their families have a special place in this effort. We invite them to reconnect, share memories of his teaching and help extend educational opportunities to children who need support today. Local businesses, diaspora communities, educators and prospective institutional partners are also welcome.
Participation can take many forms: contributing suitable school materials, offering professional skills, volunteering time, introducing an education partner or discussing financial support for an agreed activity. Please contact the Foundation to learn about current needs and approved ways to contribute.
This HKEF section of HOASR will carry foundation news, programme updates and opportunities for cooperation. We begin in Burao with a clear responsibility to the children, families and supporters whose trust will sustain the work.
Contact the Foundation
Hussein Kahin Educational Foundation (HKEF)
Founder and Executive Director: Prof. Nassir Hussein Kahin
Burao, Togdheer Region, Somaliland
Registration No. L43-1280TG.2026
Telephone: +252 63 826 4586
Email: bridgingsomaliland@gmail.com
Website: husseinkahineducationalfoundation.org
Prof. Nassir Hussein Kahin is a researcher, educator, journalist, and geopolitical analyst specializing in the Horn of Africa, the Red Sea, international law, diplomacy, and strategic affairs. To read Full Bio click on this link: ABOUT THE AUTHORProf. Nassir Hussein Kahin