Reflect Back to Your

School
Former Students Of
Schools In Jigjiga
Dear Esteemed Alumni,
As part of the ongoing development of Reflect Back to Your School (Caawi oo Xasuuso
Dugsigaagii)), we have drafted the tentative structure, objectives, and strategies for the
association. These are designed to align with our shared vision of improving schools in Jigjiga
and fostering stronger connections between alumni and their alma maters.
We kindly request your valuable feedback on the following:
1. Organizational Structure: Does the proposed structure meet the needs of our mission? Are
there any roles or committees you believe should be added or modified?
2. Objectives: Are the outlined objectives comprehensive enough to address the challenges faced
by schools in Jigjiga? Do you have suggestions for additional focus areas?
3. Strategies: Are the implementation strategies practical and effective? What other approaches
would you recommend?
Your input is essential to ensure this initiative reflects the collective aspirations of all alumni and
achieves maximum impact.

How to Contribute:
• Please review the tentative structure, objectives, and strategies shared in this document.
• Share your comments, additions, or recommendations before January 2025.
• Submit your feedback through the following:
• Email: admin@geedkanabada.com
• WhatsApp Group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/BnZCU1WYbYeCnhIGD6uERr
• Feedback Form: https://forms.gle/PschYfZqQBpy69DbA

We look forward to hearing your thoughts and working together to make Reflect Back to Your
School a successful platform for change.

Warm regards,

Guled Asowe
On behalf of the Reflect Back to Your School Steering Committee
 Organizational Structure, Objectives,
and Member Roles
1. Introduction
Reflect Back to Your School is a voluntary organization established to reconnect former students
of schools in Jigjiga with their alma maters, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to the
development and growth of these schools. This initiative is the brainchild of the current Mayor of
Jigjiga, Mr. Shafi Ahmed, who envisioned a platform that leverages the collective resources and
expertise of alumni to improve educational standards and infrastructure in the city.

Inspired by the belief that education is the cornerstone of societal progress, Mr. Shafi Ahmed
recognized the potential of alumni to play a pivotal role in addressing challenges such as limited
resources, outdated infrastructure, and the need for enhanced teacher and student support. Reflect
Back to Your School provides a collaborative space for former students to honor their
educational roots and invest in the future of Jigjiga’s schools.

This initiative was inspired by the belief that education is the cornerstone of societal progress,
and those who benefited from it in the past have a responsibility to give back. By fostering a
strong network of former students, Reflect Back to Your School seeks to bridge gaps in
education by addressing challenges such as limited resources, outdated infrastructure, and
insufficient support for students and teachers.

The organization recognizes the transformative role alumni can play in improving the quality of
education and infrastructure by sharing their time, resources, and expertise.

The organization operates as a platform for collaboration among alumni, schools, and the
community, with the shared vision of creating better learning environments and opportunities for
current and future generations of students. Whether through financial support, mentorship, or
project participation, Reflect Back to Your School provides an avenue for all alumni to make a
lasting impact.

Mission Statement:

 To empower schools in Jigjiga by mobilizing former students to contribute resources,

skills, and time, creating a lasting legacy of educational excellence.

Vision:

 To build thriving schools in Jigjiga that inspire success and ensure quality education for
every student.
 Reflect Back to Your School is not just an organization—it is a movement that calls upon
alumni to honor their educational roots and invest in the future of their communities.
 2. Objectives
Reflect Back to Your School aims to achieve the following objectives:

1. Enhance Educational Infrastructure:

• Renovate and modernize classrooms, laboratories, libraries, and recreational facilities.
2. Provide Learning Resources:
• Supply textbooks, digital tools, and other educational materials.
3. Support Teachers and Staff:
• Facilitate professional development workshops and provide incentives.
4. Empower Current Students:
• Offer scholarships, mentorship programs, and career guidance sessions.
5. Foster Alumni Contribution:
• Build strong networks of former students to provide financial and non-financial support.
6. Promote Community Involvement:
• Collaborate with local stakeholders to improve the schools’ overall environment.
3. Detailed Objectives
3.1 Improve School Infrastructure

• Renovate and modernize existing facilities such as classrooms, libraries, science

labs, and recreational areas to create conducive learning environments.

• Construct new facilities where needed, such as additional classrooms,

multipurpose halls, IT centers, and sanitation units.
• Provide essential utilities, including clean water, electricity, and internet access, to
enhance the functionality of schools.

3.3 Enhance Access to Educational Resources

• Supply textbooks, reference materials, and other learning tools to reduce resource
gaps for students and teachers.
• Introduce and support digital learning platforms by providing computers, tablets,
and projectors.
• Establish well-equipped libraries to promote reading culture and research skills
among students.
3.3 Support Teachers and School Staff

• Organize regular training sessions and workshops to upgrade teaching

methodologies and subject knowledge.
• Provide incentives such as awards, recognition, and grants to motivate teachers
and staff.
 • Facilitate peer-to-peer learning and collaboration by connecting teachers with
alumni educators and professionals.
3.4 Empower Students Academically and Socially
• Create scholarship programs to support talented students, especially those from
underprivileged backgrounds.
• Introduce mentorship programs where alumni guide students in career planning,
personal development, and leadership skills.
• Organize extracurricular activities, such as debates, coding classes, and science
fairs, to nurture diverse talents.
3.5 Foster a Strong Alumni Community

• Establish a robust alumni network to facilitate collaboration and resource sharing.

• Encourage alumni to contribute financially and non-financially, such as through
mentorship, volunteering, or material donations.
• Build a sense of responsibility and pride among alumni to give back to their
schools and communities.
3.6 Collaborate with Stakeholders

• Partner with local government agencies to align initiatives with broader

educational goals in Jigjiga.
• Work with NGOs, private organizations, and community leaders to pool resources
and expertise.
• Engage parents and local communities to create a supportive environment for
schools and students.

3.7 Promote Equity and Inclusion

• Ensure all initiatives prioritize equal access for girls, students with disabilities,
and those from marginalized communities.
• Raise awareness about the importance of inclusive education among stakeholders
and implement programs addressing specific challenges faced by disadvantaged
groups.

3.8 Develop Sustainable and Scalable Programs

• Design projects that can be sustained long-term with minimal dependency on

external resources.
• Pilot programs in selected schools and scale successful initiatives to other schools
across Jigjiga.
• Incorporate environmentally friendly practices in infrastructure and resource
development.
3.9 Increase Awareness and Advocacy

• Organize campaigns to educate the community about the importance of education

and the role alumni can play in supporting schools.
 • Use social media, newsletters, and community forums to highlight success stories
and inspire more involvement.
• Advocate for policy changes to address systemic challenges in education in
collaboration with local authorities.

3.10 Monitor Progress and Impact

• Regularly evaluate the impact of initiatives on school performance, student

outcomes, and overall school development.
• Adjust strategies based on feedback and lessons learned to improve the
effectiveness of programs.
• Publish annual impact reports to maintain transparency and motivate continued
support from stakeholders.
By focusing on these detailed objectives, Reflect Back to Your School aims to make a
transformative and sustainable impact on schools in Jigjiga.

4. Strategies
To effectively achieve its objectives, Reflect Back to Your School employs the following
strategies: By adopting these strategies, Reflect Back to Your School ensures a sustainable and
impactful approach to achieving its mission of transforming schools in Jigjiga through alumni-
driven initiatives.

1. Building Strong Alumni Networks

1.1. Database Creation: Develop a comprehensive database of former students,
including contact information, areas of expertise, and willingness to contribute.
1.2. Networking Events: Host reunions, seminars, and workshops to strengthen
connections among alumni.
1.3. Online Platforms: Establish social media groups, a website, and a mobile app for
continuous communication and updates.
2. Resource Mobilization
2.1. Fundraising Campaigns: Organize events such as alumni dinners, charity runs, and
online crowdfunding campaigns to gather financial resources.
2.2. Partnerships and Sponsorships: Collaborate with businesses, NGOs, and
government entities to secure funding, materials, and technical support.
2.3. In-Kind Contributions: Encourage donations of books, technology, and other
educational tools from alumni and stakeholders.
3. School Needs Assessment
3.1. Baseline Surveys: Conduct surveys in schools to identify pressing needs in
infrastructure, learning materials, and teacher support.
3.2. Stakeholder Consultations: Engage with school administrators, teachers, and
students to align projects with their priorities.
3.3. Data-Driven Planning: Use collected data to prioritize projects and allocate
resources efficiently.
4. Enhancing School Infrastructure
 4.1. Renovation Projects: Fund and oversee the renovation of classrooms, libraries, and
laboratories.
4.2. New Facilities: Construct new buildings, including science labs, IT centers, and
recreational areas.
4.3. Sustainability Measures: Incorporate eco-friendly designs and long-term
maintenance plans.
5. Supporting Teachers and Staff
5.1. Capacity-Building Programs: Organize workshops and training sessions to
enhance teachers’ skills and knowledge.
5.2. Incentive Programs: Provide performance-based rewards and recognition to
motivate teachers and staff.
5.3. Peer Learning Opportunities: Connect local teachers with experienced alumni in
the education sector for mentorship and knowledge-sharing.
6. Student Empowerment Programs
6.1. Scholarships: Establish a scholarship fund for deserving students, especially those
from disadvantaged backgrounds.
6.2. Mentorship Initiatives: Pair current students with alumni mentors for career
guidance and personal development.
6.3. Skill Development: Offer training in critical areas such as IT, communication, and
entrepreneurship.
7. Promoting Community Involvement
7.1. Engagement Sessions: Host community forums to raise awareness about the
organization’s goals and activities.
7.2. Volunteer Programs: Involve community members in specific projects, such as
infrastructure upgrades or mentorship.
7.3. Cultural and Sports Events: Organize events that bring the community together
while raising funds and awareness.
8. Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)
8.1. Progress Tracking: Implement a robust monitoring system to measure the impact of
projects and identify areas for improvement.
8.2. Feedback Mechanisms: Collect feedback from schools, students, and stakeholders
to ensure alignment with their needs.
8.3. Impact Reports: Publish annual reports highlighting achievements and future plans
to maintain transparency and accountability.

5. Organizational Structure
Reflect Back to Your School will have a well-defined structure to ensure efficient coordination
and achievement of its goals. The proposed structure includes:

5.1 Governing Body

 Board of Directors (BoD): Provides overall strategic direction, policy-making, and

oversight.

 Advisory Council: Composed of respected alumni and education experts offering

guidance.
5.2. Operational Units

 Executive Committee: Responsible for the day-to-day running of the organization, led
by a President or Chairperson.
 Sub-Committees:
o Resource Mobilization Committee: Focuses on fundraising and resource
allocation.
o School Development Committee: Develops plans for improving school facilities
and infrastructure.
o Alumni Engagement Committee: Facilitates networking among former students
and fosters collaboration.
o Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Committee: Tracks progress and ensures
objectives are met.
5.3. Members
o General Members: All former students who wish to contribute to the
organization’s mission.
o Volunteers: Non-alumni members passionate about education and development.

6. Admin’s Roles
A. Board of Directors (BoD):
• Develop long-term strategies and approve major projects.
• Oversee financial decisions and ensure compliance with the organization’s goals.
B. President/Chairperson:
• Represent the organization publicly and lead its vision.
• Coordinate with the Executive Committee to implement plans effectively.

C. Vice President:
• Assist the President and take charge in their absence.
• Focus on specific projects or operational challenges.
D. Secretary:
• Maintain records of meetings and documentation.
• Communicate updates and decisions to members.
E. Treasurer:
• Oversee the organization’s financial health, budgets, and fundraising efforts.
• Ensure transparency in the use of funds.
 F. Sub-Committees:
1. Resource Mobilization Committee:
• Organize fundraising events and reach out to sponsors.
• Build partnerships with businesses, NGOs, and government agencies.
2. School Development Committee:
• Conduct assessments to identify schools’ needs.
• Oversee projects related to infrastructure improvement.
3. Alumni Engagement Committee:
• Host reunions, workshops, and networking events for alumni.
• Manage a database of alumni contributions and involvement.
4. Monitoring and Evaluation Committee:
• Assess the impact of projects and report progress to stakeholders.
• Ensure activities align with the organization’s objectives.
G. General Members:
• Participate in decision-making and support organizational activities.
• Provide mentorship and resources based on their expertise.

This structure ensures Reflect Back to Your School achieves its mission to significantly improve
the schools in Jigjiga by leveraging the skills, resources, and dedication of former students and
community members.