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April 2007
Getting To Know
Ahmed Haybe Abdille, Somali Translator/Interpreter
 Ahmed Abdille
With a vision to improve the lives of children in his native Somali Ethiopia, Ahmed Haybe embarked on a quest to turn dirt floors into suitable classrooms and dreams of a high school education into reality for thousands of under-served Somali students. The March 30, 2005 issue of Staff Bulletin introduced Ahmed’s work as co-founder of the Kabridahare District Education Program in the Somali region of Ogaden, eastern Ethiopia. Founded in 2004, the program has successfully provided desks, chairs, books and other educational materials to five local schools, now serving 8,600 students in grades 1-12.

Here at SDUSD, Ahmed spends his days translating documents and interpreting school site meetings for Somali-speaking families. His tireless efforts have been recognized with awards from the English Learner Support Teachers, Parent Involvement Department and Somali Family Service of San Diego. At home, using the worldwide web, Ahmed continues his efforts as Chairperson for the recently renamed Qorahey Education Foundation (pronounced ko-re-HEEY). In 2006, he and other supporters from around the world mobilized enough private funding to hire 12 qualified, credentialed teachers at the high school and college preparatory levels. These efforts have already yielded dramatic results with 152 students passing the national high school exit exam in 2006, as compared to one student passing in 2005 and two students passing in 2004. Future goals for the foundation include easing classroom overcrowding, securing non-profit status and gaining support to establish the Qorahey University in Kabridahare by the year 2012.

“I am learning a great deal as well, including how to organize groups, be a good educator, and even boost morale among supporters and families,” says Ahmed. “Nothing is too difficult or impossible, if you put in the time.”

To learn more about Kabridahare Schools, call (619) 288-0711 or e-mail haybe2000@yahoo.com.