It is the birth-place of Somalia's former anthem, Soomaaliyeey toosoo, which was composed by the teachers of Sheikh Secondary School.

[3][4] In September 2002, Dick and Enid Eyeington moved to Somaliland to take on the restoration and running of this derelict boarding school.

Following years of closure, the SOS Sheikh Secondary School reopened in January 2003 to its first 53 pupils, 45 boys and 8 girls.

Sheikh School offered free tuition based on a British curriculum to the limited number of students admitted to the establishment solely on merit.

[2] As a result, the privately funded school attracted the highest male achievers in Somaliland who would go on to become the future leaders of the country.