Bridging the Gap: Why We Started Unlock Tuition

For many second-generation Somalis, speaking our mother tongue fluently is a struggle. We grow up hearing Somali at home, maybe even responding in bits and pieces, but as we get older, something shifts. English takes over, and suddenly, we find ourselves in awkward moments at family gatherings, struggling to hold a full conversation with our elders. We understand just enough to get by, but deep down, we know something’s missing.

This isn’t just an individual problem—it’s a wider issue across our community. While many other cultures pass their language down effortlessly, Somali kids, teenagers, and even adults are left with fragmented knowledge of their own heritage. Whether it’s because of growing up in an English-speaking environment, a lack of access to proper resources, or simply feeling too shy to make mistakes, the result is the same: a generation slowly losing its connection to its roots.

That’s exactly why Unlock Tuition was created. We wanted to change that narrative and provide a real opportunity for people to reconnect with the Somali language in a way that’s structured, accessible, and—most importantly—engaging.

At Unlock Tuition, we don’t believe language learning should be overwhelming or feel like a chore. We’ve designed our courses to be interactive, supportive, and flexible, so whether you’re a complete beginner or someone looking to refine your skills, there’s a space for you here. The goal is to make learning Somali simple and stress-free, without struggling through scattered online resources or feeling too self-conscious to practise. We want to help people speak Somali with confidence, whether it’s with family, friends, or even in professional settings. More than anything, we want to create a welcoming space for learners of all levels, because it’s never too late to learn or improve.

We launched our first introductory class on 1st February, and the response was beyond what we expected. Over 25 students joined us from across the UK, the USA, and even as far as Egypt. Some were Somali, eager to strengthen their connection to their heritage, while others had no Somali background at all but were just as keen to learn. That told us something important—this isn’t just about language; it’s about identity, culture, and community. The feedback was incredible. People were excited, motivated, and already asking for more. And that’s exactly what we’re working on now.

This is just the beginning, and there’s so much more to come. Over the next few months, we’ll be expanding our courses to cater to learners of all backgrounds, whether they are complete beginners or those who grew up understanding Somali but never had the chance to speak it fluently. We’re also focusing on creating a more structured youth programme, giving younger generations a strong foundation in the language so they can carry it forward with pride. To make sure everyone feels comfortable and confident in their learning journey, we will also be introducing a female instructor for women’s classes.

As Unlock Tuition grows, we want to ensure that learning Somali is as accessible as possible. That’s why we are working towards providing one-to-one lessons for those who want a more private, tailored learning experience. On top of that, we’re in talks with local councils and organisations to bring Somali language learning to even more people.

This is a journey, and we are so excited to see where it takes us. If you’ve ever wanted to learn Somali, improve your skills, or simply reconnect with the language in a meaningful way, now is the time. Unlock Tuition is here to help make that happen.

Ready to start? Sign up for our next class today and take the first step towards unlocking your Somali language skills.