Akhristayaal ku soo dhawaada maanso kooban oo ka hadlaysa mareegtani Horusocod. Maansadu waxa ay tilmaan kooban ka bixinaysaa waxa ay uu bogani u taagan yahay.
Mareegtani horusocod
Waa bar hodan ahoo
Dadku u soo hilooboo
Hiirtaa aroornimo
Cid waliba hubisoo
Hawaalaha aduunyada
Ama heerka noloshaba
Hawlaheeda dunidani
Hab aad u saareeyoo
Hufnaan iyo aadaaba leh
Lagu hafiyo weeyaan
********************
Horusocod waa mareeg
tiraabo wada hodan ahoo
Hormuudkii dalkeeniyo
Horusocodkii bulshadu
Maskaxdooda ka habeen
Lagu habeeyey weeyaan
*******************
Horusocod waa mareeg
Himilo aad u fog lahoo
Wadanka horumarkisiyo
Kobcinta hodanimidiyo
Haqabtirka gaajadiyo
Hoos u dhiga jahligiyo
Horumarinta aqoontyo
Hog ku ridida qabiilkiyo
Dhiirigalinta halabuurkiyo
Horseedka samaantiyo
Astaan lagu hirtaayoo
Intaas oo ahdaaf ahba
U heegan ah weeyaan
******************
Horusocod waa mareeg
Barbaar wada hanunsano
Hadafkoogu cadyahayoo
Hiraal iyo yool lahoo
Ujeedo horeysa iyo
Himilo danbaysaba
Haabkooda galisiyo
Halabuur aqooniyo
Hufnaan iyo daacadnimo
Intaaba lagu hubaa
Hogaanka u haysa oo
Waqtigooda u hurayoo
Himilooyinkiisana
Inay hirgaliyaan
Mar hore gudoonsaday
Abdirahman Adan
Afeef: Ma ihi gabayaa, waxaanse isku dayay inaan si kooban ujeedoyinka mareegtan qaab suugaaneed ugu sooro akhristayaasha qiimaha badan
THE ORIGIN OF SOMALI BEAUTY
(Tomorrow message of Wiseman’s Wisdom)
It was leap time, the people were very happy and sound, Diaspora and Djiboutian were full of the town of Borama, the house where Hodden lives was sited appropriate place, just corner of south west of Borama near Awlay mountain. Between the house and the mountain, there were a big garden, trees and plants of wondrous beauty grown their, whose stem are so light, that they are waved to and fro by the slightest motion of the earth, all most as if they were living being. The birds were signing with different beautiful voices and just fly about among our trees, you could see their, the bushes that the rays of the sun falling on the flourishing green grass washed by the rain. There was a big house and it was the most beautiful house in the town at that time, beside the house there was a garden full of pure green and shady yellow trees, the fruits were glittered like gold and whose Sand resembled a bright, burning sun, strangely beautiful green was spread over the whole so that one might have fancied over raised very high in the air with the sky. There was a wonderful girl living that area named Hoddan.
Hodden was a slight girl, very sweet & insubstantial, she was a beautiful girl, aged less then twenty years old, her emergence and age of maturity was extremely well, her stander of life was classic, Hodden indeed was a girl whom Allah endowed prettiness, apparently she was tall with long black plaited hair, square faced, straight nose and black sparkling eyes. However beautiful is in the eye of the beholder, different people found different things beautiful.
Nevertheless Memory meant life: remembering the humanity extinguished by the death camps and hoping to survive to tell what had been endured and experienced through human lives, from now memories are very important to the couples, friends, families, co-workers, staffs and intimate friends for that reason, I evoked my long term memory to bring into being a live a true story to my friends, because this is an experience. For the time being I have seen Hodden many times, since we have been attending in the same class In our early childhood, and have seen several occasions in our adulthood age, therefore I decided her to take as an example to compare her and her colleagues as one side and those who come up with modeling as another part, in addition to that she was one of the best Somali ladies who found guilty and avoided of using showcasing and coloring, and therefore she kept away from it.
In contrast I would like to point out here the (beauty of color), they used to say in America that every body wants to look like the girl next door, but the neighborhoods have changed, so the girl next door can be any body now, when young girls look at these photo, I want them to think, she's just like me Iman says, (in her last Book of Beauty of Color), I want them to know she's like you and look at who she's became I want them to find what makes them unique, at one time, the modeling industry fact was as dark as any woman might be but that is changing with holly showcasing women of coloring.
Somalia and Africa as a whole most women changed their color, in order to be very attractive, while man are looking/seeking for an eye-catching women, therefore using skin bleaching is increasing now days in to our society, its harmful thing, women get several sickness including cancer, skin disease and other infection, women are not be able to stay for a while in the kitchen because her skin will not resist the fire, also if her skin got wounded it take too long to recover the injured or it might not be recovered
Causes of Skin Bleaching
Man is the major cause of women’s skin bleaching, most of Somali women who uses skin bleaching found unattractive themselves, because men looks for an attractive white women, let me clarify to this point, as man looks for white women the more increase of using coloring, although there is no general definition that states beauty, and depends on the desire/choose of the person, hence there is a general agreement that man like with white women, tall, with long black hair.
Culture is one more major cause of skin bleaching because, In Somali culture, most people believes that (casaan qurux kama qatana) as values, because they believe white as a beauty, for instances man at the first sight with two women, one black and the other one white will give high priority to the white one. As a wise man proverb says (Doqon iyo Habeen baa madow)
Illiteracy is an additional nucleus factor that handle skin peroxide, As we are all familiar, 27% of Somali people are educated/literate while the rest, which is 73%, are uneducated in the last statistics carried out in Somalia at the end of 1990s, there fore in this situation we can understand, that Somali women might not be able to read the attached label of the chemical mixture, or might not have at least common knowledge to deal and respond the current unpredictable situations.
Finally Imitation and advertisement is another core major problems of skin bleaching, to come up with your counterpart, you need to follow your generation, and your rank, because if your next door buys a satellite, you must also buy the same, in order to start with, or to follow some one as a model, for that reason women feels guilty as man looks for an attractive women, hence they want what makes them unique, on the other side advertisement is also another core issues which increases the consumption of skin bleaching.
Conversely Hodden was one of the few ladies who didn't change her color she was as dark as any women might be (Marin dhalal xiga, mas ciideed) and mysterious girls, and of course she was proud of it, most people used to call her the gorgeous like the male ostrich, she still be dressed in the fine clothes she was the leader of custom, ritual and tradition every one knows.
Effect of Skin Bleaching
First and for most, skin bleaching has both negative and positive impact, the unenthusiastic impact including Health problem and financial crises are two features of central and corner stone of family destruction. On the other hand, positive impact is the commercial or Business booming, in which supermarkets, Busharo’s and shops get profits and increased their income
Mohamed Sheikh Farah
Hargeisa, Somaliland
Mohamed Farah a BBA from Amoud University; currently he works with International Organizations at program level in Education Projects sub-sector. He has been working with SCD, (child focused organization) of rights and welfare of children programs for the last two years.
All Mouth Talks and no Trousers
(Today's Message of Wiseman's Wisdom)
Marriage is the best way of life, that human being can live together as a couple, the most excellent approach to stay for while is to fulfill their promises, resolve their tribulations, understand their differences and celebrate the sameness. It’s familiar that the family thinks and worries about their children to have good hope, opportunity, prospect, and potential outlook future.
But the question is can some one of meager (small in quantity and poor in quality) finances try to create the appearance of wealth? The answer is no because we know well and we understand the circumstances around us, and we don’t like to waste our time.
In this article I would like to throw in three essential aspects, as we think of life as containing these three levels including: - Being ness, Doing ness and Having ness. Being ness is the basic experience of being a live and conscious, it is the experience we have in deep mediation, the experience of being totally complete and at rest within oneself, in this context Allah creates us as the best way, to worship of him, we can not misrepresent of what we are being alive that is one factor.
Doing ness is a movement and activity; it stems from the natural creative energy that Allah gave us, that flows through every living thing and is the source of our vitality. These activities include to make movement to get a job, to work very hard, to think and make it use our intelligence, to post articles to the media, for that reason I always try hard enough to articulate and address to throw in the media articles with well documented, thoughtful meaning, and at the same time representing and reflecting my knowledge, experience, and my personality, dignity, Institution that I am from, and my scope as well, because the readers/audience are reading our words, they are reading our minds, our brains and our personality, however qualified teachers simplified knowledge and the media of instruction, we get the opportunity to educate our selves from Amoud University.
More over if I take a soft/elastic and put in to a water and then squash, the out put will be the same as water, again if you take a soft and put in an oil and then squashed, the out put will be the same as an oil, so like human being, the more you read the more you write, the more you gain the better you understand.
Conversely, bar one’s heart (or soul), because some people recently reveal their innermost secrets, personal and private feelings which is very disgusting to put on the screen, it was better to make changes for room for fresh new ideas or blow the cobwebs away. There fore I am no longer be able to start conversation with an unprofessional and unfamiliar person because I will break the ice, but I will call spade a spade (to speak ones opinion frankly).
Finally, Having ness is the state of being in relationship with other people and things in the universe, it is the ability to allow and accept things and people into our lives, to comfortably occupy the same space with them, no further explanation of relationship because in details even the children will not be able to pay a prize for this
To come back the core of this article, these three level of Being ness, Doing ness and Having ness are like a triangle each side support the other one, often people attempt to live their lives, backwards they try to have things or more money, in order to do more of what they want, so that they will be happier, like some people posted, but things are different since the way every thing work in this situation is the reverse:
Marriage is the best way of life, that human being can live together as a couple, the most excellent approach to stay for while is to fulfill their promises, resolve their tribulations, understand their differences and celebrate the sameness. It’s familiar that the family thinks and worries about their children to have good hope, opportunity, prospect, and potential outlook future.
But the question is can some one of meager (small in quantity and poor in quality) finances try to create the appearance of wealth? The answer is no because we know well and we understand the circumstances around us, and we don’t like to waste our time.
In this article I would like to throw in three essential aspects, as we think of life as containing these three levels including: - Being ness, Doing ness and Having ness. Being ness is the basic experience of being a live and conscious, it is the experience we have in deep mediation, the experience of being totally complete and at rest within oneself, in this context Allah creates us as the best way, to worship of him, we can not misrepresent of what we are being alive that is one factor.
Doing ness is a movement and activity; it stems from the natural creative energy that Allah gave us, that flows through every living thing and is the source of our vitality. These activities include to make movement to get a job, to work very hard, to think and make it use our intelligence, to post articles to the media, for that reason I always try hard enough to articulate and address to throw in the media articles with well documented, thoughtful meaning, and at the same time representing and reflecting my knowledge, experience, and my personality, dignity, Institution that I am from, and my scope as well, because the readers/audience are reading our words, they are reading our minds, our brains and our personality, however qualified teachers simplified knowledge and the media of instruction, we get the opportunity to educate our selves from Amoud University.
More over if I take a soft/elastic and put in to a water and then squash, the out put will be the same as water, again if you take a soft and put in an oil and then squashed, the out put will be the same as an oil, so like human being, the more you read the more you write, the more you gain the better you understand.
Conversely, bar one’s heart (or soul), because some people recently reveal their innermost secrets, personal and private feelings which is very disgusting to put on the screen, it was better to make changes for room for fresh new ideas or blow the cobwebs away. There fore I am no longer be able to start conversation with an unprofessional and unfamiliar person because I will break the ice, but I will call spade a spade (to speak ones opinion frankly).
Finally, Having ness is the state of being in relationship with other people and things in the universe, it is the ability to allow and accept things and people into our lives, to comfortably occupy the same space with them, no further explanation of relationship because in details even the children will not be able to pay a prize for this
To come back the core of this article, these three level of Being ness, Doing ness and Having ness are like a triangle each side support the other one, often people attempt to live their lives, backwards they try to have things or more money, in order to do more of what they want, so that they will be happier, like some people posted, but things are different since the way every thing work in this situation is the reverse:
You must first be who you want to be [Being ness]
Then do what you need to do [Doing ness]
In order to have what you want [Having ness]
To make my long story diminutive, I want to you to think twice, and understand twice for the following wisdom, it needs double vision: -
What kills a love? Many water cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it, what then kills love? Only this neglect: -
Not to see you when you stand before me
Not to make the roads wide for you
The table spread for you
To choose you out of habit
Not desire to pass the flower seller without thought
To leave the dishes unwashed, the bed unmade
To ignore you in the mornings
And make use of you at nights
Mohamed Sheikh Farah
Hargeisa, Somaliland
NB: Mohamed Farah, BBA, from Amoud University; currentlye works with International Organizations at program level in Education Projects sub-sector. He has been working with SCD, (child focused organization) of rights and welfare of children programs for the last two years.
Being With Your Family
It is natural phenomena that all human beings need to have a mate. In all things Allah created in pairs. Human beings are couples: men and women. Each one of them needs the other one. Men can not live without women and women can not survive without men. Therefore, Allah legalized that men and women marry each other in order to satisfy their needs.
Mostly, men start rendezvous and dating that precedes the marriage. This facilitates that the pairs understand each other. The courting women then informs her family that a man is going to engage her. The family of the girl accepts the offer of their daughter and meet with the family of the boy. The two families agree with each other to build this house. In this way men and women get married, and become wife and husband. This is how the Muslim families are built.
Islam is a complete way of life. It considers the family the corner stone of Islamic society. It bases the atmosphere in the family on sacrifice, love, loyalty, and obedience. Islam encourages friendship with families, good relations with families. When we say family we mean the husband, wife and children.
It may be asked here: how does a person be friend with his family? To answer this we have to concentrate on: husband wife relationship and parent children relationship.
Islam is complete in every side. Husband and wife are the corner stone of the family. If one of them is not there the other one can not stand alone. Therefore, Islam motivates husband and the wife to have strong relationship.
Before we verify what does it mean strong relationship among the mates and their children let us glance at the way Somali people get married.
Most of Somali people are breeders of livestock, their live depends on livestock. Thus, they move from one place to other. They settle down wherever they can get grazing for their animals and move away from the place which has no grazing. So this enables Somali families to learn and interact with each other. As a result of this integration, many families are born.
Men and women convene in weddings or Golaha (an enclosed space for meetings or social gatherings), men and women sing and play. In this way men and women are used to meet and learn to each other. After men and women learned each other and agreed to marry, they propose to their families. But in urban areas it’s different because the boy and the girl meet in schools or market and come to know each other.
Somali families do not fit how islam commands to behave. In Islam, it motivates both soul mates to have good relationship since they are bases of the family. Because society are both wife and husband and if these two stones do not match well, the society suffer just like a building when the mason uses two stones that do not fit one another.
Allah sub’hana watacala made the relationship among mates strong and mentioned in the Holly Qur’an. Allah talking about this likened the relationship between mates to the dress we wear. Ask your self a question can you hide something from the dress you are wearing ?!!! Allah said in his Quran, ( women’s are your dress and you are your dress). Islamic religion encourages both mates to practice truth and obey each other because truth is the base of success.
How does a Somali family see the truth and openness with one another?!!! . In Somali family context, its habitual to tell your wife lie because there is a proverb in Somali saying “Get a women to marry you by lying to her, but live with her truth”. What the hell is wrong with the people! Sorry to use these words but how can one live with a women that you lied to so thoughtlessly?. This is something that the healthy mind can not accept. For instance you told a person that you were rich but you are not. Do you think the person will accept you when he/she discovers the truth about you. I don't think so. Nevertheless, there are many families who were built like this but what is worse is that such families do not exist any longer.
When it comes sharing and discussing issues that are important, mates do not thrash out it openly especially men believe telling his wife something of significance unwise. The greatest problem that Somali families encounter is the absence of the truth h among them and this increases divorce.
Let us glimpse the relationship among parents and children. Its obvious, that children behave how their parents behave. They do have the behaviour of their parents. Let us look the beautiful steps that Islam encourages us to follow and deal with our children. Islam based on discipline of the children on their ages and said (Play your child until age 1-7, Punish and enforce him until age 8-15 (education and Pray), Be friend with him until 16 – 21 (advise), and let him go beyond that)
Look the beautiful analysis Islam made, you could understand that at the age between 1 -7 years children could not understand any thing and if you try to beat them between this age it will not help to stop from him anything rather than hating you. What about age of between 8 – 15 at this time the child is becoming mature and he could understand what is wrong and what is right at this time. The children must go to school and pray, if they refuse, Islam encourages forcing and beating to go to school. look age between 15 – 21 at this age, the boy or the girl is totally mature and they are ready to compete with life, at this age, they need advise and suggestion rather than beating or enforcing something they dislike. Likewise when the boy reaches at the age of 21 he could be whatever he could be, so let him his own way (except the girl until she got married)
In Somali culture, you may see that we are far from the reality and we do not know totally how to deal or treat with children rather treating, enforcing or beating even in the age of 2. You may see a father who is beating his son at 2 with stick, and if you say why are you beating he will say you ‘’ He is a rude boy/girl’’ (WAA BILA’EDAB ). How dare you could say this since he is still at age 2 and even don’t understand the word ‘’ Rude’’ (WAA BILA’EDAB).
In conclusion let us be friends with our wives and children and let me supplement these points,
See your mate as best friend,
Try to think of what a best friend means and be one to your spouse. This may mean sharing interests, experiences, dreams, failures and upsets. It may involve understanding a spouse's likes and dislikes and attempting to please him or her in any way possible. A best friend is also usually someone that can be confided to trusted, and relied upon. A spouse should be the kind of friend that one would want to keep throughout life.
Spend quality time together
It is not enough to share meals, chores and small talk together. Spouses should also find time to focus on strengthening the relationship between their children. Often couples get busy with their own separate tasks and forget about working on one of the most important elements in life- relationship. Quality time may be anything from having a quiet, profound conversation to going for a nice long nature walk, to sharing a special hobby or project. Both spouses should enjoy the particular option chosen and distractions should be kept to a minimum.
Express feeling often
This is probably a very "Western" concept and one that some people may have difficulty fulfilling, but it is important to be open and honest about one's feelings, both positive and negative. The lines of communication should always be open and any concerns should be brought to the attention of the other spouse as soon as they arise. The rationale of this is that what begins as a simple concern may grow into a major problem if it is not addressed quickly and properly. The "silent treatment" has never been the remedy for anything.
Surprise each other at times
This may entail bringing home a small gift or flowers, preparing a special meal, dressing up and beautifying oneself (this is not only for women), or sending a secret note in a lunchbox. A little imagination will go a long way here. The idea is to spice up the marriage and avoid getting into a dull routine that may negatively affect the marriage.
This is the real life, let us stick this and be friends with our wives and children.
Abdirisak Abadir Ibrahim
CSI admin and Finance Officer
Amoud University Graduate
Tel: +252 2 4456544
Tel: +252 2 4456544
Borama Dark Dots
In my previous article under the title of Borama Bright Spots, I have examined the organizations, institutions and business entities that emerged in the recent years and contributed to the betterment of the lives of Borama residents or skyrocketed the reputation of the town at least. Similarly, today's article will focus on the dark dots of Borama town that are obstacle to development and downgrading the status of the city. The aim of these pieces of writings is neither to cause damage to the reputation of any institution nor to promote the interest of another. Conversely, the wisdom behind these is to bring into the light and applaud the effective organizations that promote the name and stand of the town while reader's attention is drawn towards the ones that fall in the dark dots in order to be improved.
1.Poor Roads
Borama town has one of the worst road connections throughout the country. The main roads that connect the town to other parts of the country are worse. This has a profound implication on the town and its people as it has kept trade of the town in a state of no further flourishing. Though Borama’s geographical location has a significant advantage, yet inaccessible trade connection prevented the town and its residents to exploit this strategic location thus far.
The road that connects Borama and Hargeisa is in a poor state of maintenance and around 46 Km of it, is unfortunately very rough and taking its toll. Many people who live in Hargeisa would like to spend their weekends at Borama but were disappointed by the bumpy and rough road that connects between the two major cities. In this regard, Borama loses thousands of Dollars annually to bad roads. On the other hand, the main trade route that connects Borama to Djibouti is even in an appalling situation. In the summer, a large number of Djiboutians spend their vacation at Borama. However, it is now apparent that these people are attracted by some other towns that competitively offered them much better living conditions including easily accessible road connections.
Even the small roads that connect the different residential areas within Borama town have reached their worst and lowest stage let alone the major roads that connect the city to other towns in the country and beyond. What is worth to mention here, however, is the serious effort made by the current mayor of Borama town to rehabilitate the existing roads. Indeed it is a good step taken toward the right direction and the young mayor should be praised for this heroism move and at the same time assisted implement his urban planning initiatives. In short, poor roads are a dark dot of Borama and its citizens who are expected to unite their resources in order to connect their city to the rest of the country as well as the neighboring countries before it becomes isolated town.
2. Accummulation of Garbage
These days, Borama is progressively becoming unhygienic town. Garbage accumulates every place in the town. The first thing that visitors notice is the widespread rubbish that is lying around every where. The city dwellers are gradually developing a culture of either indifference or complete acceptance of living with the garbage. The whole town has been turned to dumpsite. To make matters worse, the local residents pay garbage collectors (mainly Ethiopians) to collect their garbage only to deposit it in front of their next door neighbor.
Apart from the garbage disposed of every place that one could reach, astray dogs post a real threat to the city and its inhabitants. The number of the dogs is increasing day in day out and no one is just considering a strategy to curb this problem. Although the sanitation and hygienic situation of all Somali towns are worsening as a result of the changing lifestyles and the effects of the civil strife, Borama is now considered to be one of the most soiled and hygienically one of the poorest towns in Somaliland. Finally, poor sanitation and the mountains of garbage that accumulated in Borama are one of the dark dots of the town.
3. Closure of Borama Airport
Borama airport, once the busiest airfield in Somaliland is on the verge to officially close down its doors. The passengers departing and arriving at Borama now use Hargeisa airport and has to travel around 120km by road. Apart from the inconvenience this has caused, the city loses huge amount of money to Hargeisa. So many people used to work at Borama airport during its honeymoon and secured their daily livings from there. Now, all these things perished. The continuing closure of Borama airport is one of the darkest dots of the town.
4. Absence of Recreational Centers
Borama, a city of over 180,000 residents lacks all recreational centers. The city does not have a soccer field where the young generation could play soccer and display their skill and potentiality in terms of football and other outdoor games. The town has an old football ground which does not even have a fence that could protect it from land grapers. The very unfortunate thing is that Borama football players, sports fans and the local community at large are put in a state of deep embarrassment and humiliation when visiting football clubs from other towns pay a visit to their town. The humiliated local footballers don't have any other option rather than organizing a friendly-match at this irrigated farm-like football ground.
The recently resolved football hooliganism and juvenile delinquency in Borama town was attributed to the absence of football grounds as around 40 football clubs had to share the said soccer ground.
5.Destruction of Borama Public Enclosure (Seeraha Borama)
In the old days Borama town used to have one of the most beautiful public enclosures throughout the country. Whenever you hear the name of Borama, the first thing that rushes to your mind was the beauty, natural habitat and panoramic view of Borama Public Park. Unfortunately, this is history and does not exist anymore as refugees destroyed that beautiful trademark during the years of war. It must be mentioned and applauded the efforts of the then mayor of Borama town Mr. Ibrahim Magan Nour to restore the beauty of the park by enclosing small portion of it and reforested it. Today this small enclosure is growing and the beautiful plants have just taken root to reappear one day in the near future. However, the destruction of the famous seeraha Borama and its natural habitat is another dark dot of the town.
Abdirahman Adan Mohamoud
Readers are encouraged to comment on this piece of writing. In case you have additional dark dots of Borama town, share with the readers by either leaving your suggestion in the comments box or sending to this e-mails address:
Profiles of Courage: No longer Worried
To my great delight, I was one of the successful candidates when I finally got my GCSE exam results last year. I scored high in this national exam and passed with grade A. To attain this grade was more the outcome of my hard work than it may otherwise be thought. Grade A! It was a pleasant surprise, do you not agree! Believe. No sooner had I been told my scoring grade A than I started kicking and playing about over excitedly for a while. Days passed and I still did not stop enthusing over my success.
The excitement soon wore off and it was then I had to see my tomorrow’s university through the strained circumstances I was contending with. Poor as my family is, I was too unable to go to neither an American university nor a British one. I liked these foreign owned universities simply because they provide their students with highly standardized educational service, but how hopeless and futile my desires were certain to be! Increasingly desperate, I felt obliged that I had no any other choice other than joining Amoud University in my home region, Awdal.
The excitement soon wore off and it was then I had to see my tomorrow’s university through the strained circumstances I was contending with. Poor as my family is, I was too unable to go to neither an American university nor a British one. I liked these foreign owned universities simply because they provide their students with highly standardized educational service, but how hopeless and futile my desires were certain to be! Increasingly desperate, I felt obliged that I had no any other choice other than joining Amoud University in my home region, Awdal.
Unlike my parents who their side Amoud University was held in high esteem, I showed very negative attitude to this university. In addition, I had lots to reason that. It was may overall impression that Amoud University dragged its feet only to hold the title of being named a university. I considered it being ill equipped to exercise proper efficiency. I recall also that people who see Amoud University through the darkness had a lot to do with my already weakening attitude towards Amoud University when they denounce it now and then.
The most saddening of all was, despite my parents like of Amoud University they were no financially up to cover the tuition fee the university charged. But had it not been a cousin of mine who helped to pay my university schooling from Canada, the feeling I conveyed and by which I appeared to be deeply alarmed would have been that it was no worse for me to stay home than to go Amoud University. I even thought, it was not worthwhile to finance money to a university that I was not certain the quality of the educational service it would provide me in exchange.
However, I attended the first year of the university, freshman, not only holding the special privilege to be named a university student but more importantly to please my parents who were insisting on my joining the university. Misleading though, this impression was, however, it was not until I joined Amoud University that I found out the exact opposite of my thoughts seemed to have been the case.
Qalinle, my university teacher, lectured us the very first class of the university we had ever attended. In this class, we were only introduced the university. Qalinle with a keen mind gave us a comprehensive explanation about the university courses, exam disciplines and required student commitment. And the following days we started the assigned courses. Among these courses was “The Regional Geography” lectured by the same teacher, Qalinle. Qalinle who is persuasive with the use of tact and thoughtfulness explained this course very deeply and revived interest in me.
On the other hand, we would always go to the library on Thursdays. Amoud university library, the most treasured asset, has always provided qualitative service to the library users. It has always been a quiet useful source of education, information storage and retrieval. As soon as you step at the entrance of the library hall, you are impressed by the well-planned physical layout of the library. Books are grouped in shelves in accordance with their field of studies. You can then get the right book instantly by referring to its shelf. The library is in the campus, out of the town, having the supposed silent atmosphere. On Thursdays, we would always read and make use of this library. In the first semester of the freshman class, I finished my first novel “Death at an early age” by Jonathan Kozol.
On the other hand, the huge number of the students who were to be my classmates had an effect on me. These highly motivated students were as many as 180 both men and women. I was already starting to make an interaction with them. And when they elected me the president of the freshman class I acquired a value plus my true worth, but it was not all a price to pay. I had all the qualities to lead them. And for the rest of the year I would always play an influential role as a leader.
In conclusion, only after I had examined very comprehensively these situations, did I begin to wonder what productive future Amoud University would hold for me. I felt more at ease then and approached my university, Amoud, with a new spirit marking a new era in my life.
The pen of Ahmed Abib Hayir
Amoud University Student
E-mail: hayir89@hotmail.com
Tel: 4409647 or 615138
Dreams of Today Coud be The Facts of Tomorrow
In my childhood, I dreamt of going to university and graduating one day. I used to say to my parents, “One day, I am going to university and I will have a university degree.” This was my dream. I was in elementary school when this idea first entered my mind.
I knew that this dream is not easy; it required a firm commitment and hard work. In my school days, I attended classes regularly and studied at home in order to achieve my goal. Unfortunately, this dream had disappeared one night due to the civil war that broke out in Somaliland when I was in grade five. As a result, I fled along with my family to Ethiopian Refugee camps.
It is really an appalling experience when you flee from your home. It was very common to see mothers lining up in a long queue for food, which was provided by International Organizations such as World Food Program and UNHCR. To make matters worse, Ethiopian soldiers were beating mothers cruelly with big sticks; mothers did not do any thing wrong, all they wanted was to look for food to feed their children. By the time Somaliland declared its independence from Somalia, we came back to our home, Borama. At that time many people were coming from the Ethiopian refugee camps. I was very much concerned about my education and my future, because most of the schools have been either looted or destroyed. I used to say to my parents I need to go to school, but it was not feasible for many parents to educate their children owing to the harsh circumstances on the ground. The time and energy of the parents were consumed by the process of feeding and securing daily food for the family.
After a period, a fragile peace and stability were restored, consequently, many parents began to consider educating their children. Fortunately, I joined Al Aqsa School, where I finished my intermediate education. During that time, I was thinking of where I will go after I finish my secondary school. This question was constantly circulating in my mind because university education was not available, and I was unable to study overseas. Even if I got admission from an institution of higher learning abroad, I couldn’t afford to pay the tuition fees.
In 1997, I heard that a university (Amoud University) was going to be established in Borama town (where I lived). I did not believe this because I thought that universities require huge financial resources to sustain. When I heard a university, the only thing that I had in my mind was tall buildings and foreign lecturers and so on. Then, the admission exam began. It seemed unrealistic. Some students had sat the exam and Sixty-seven of them passed and started their pre-university studies. Many people used to laugh at them and discouraged them covertly and overtly. They used to scornfully say, “Do you really think that you are in a university?” Fortunately, those students were very strong and as a result they succeeded to counter ridicule from family, friends and the communities.
One year later, the university was officially inaugurated and new students joined it. Thus, I saw my childhood dream getting closer. In June 2000, I sat for the Somaliland GC exam. Luckily enough, I passed the high school leaving exam and took the university admission exam, which I also passed. In the first year of the university, I became aware that I am in the middle of my childhood dream. I studied hard and struggled for four years in order to achieve my dream. How I could express my feelings about the day my dream came true? It rained the day before my graduation day and the landscape of Amoud was so attractive.
Many guests came from different countries in order to share this eventful day with their sons, daughters, sisters and brothers. In my mind I thought that I am still dreaming, when I put on the gown. I could not believe that I am going to graduate from Amoud University until the President of Amoud University Prof. Sulieman Ahmed Guled announced that we have graduated from Amoud University and the President of Somaliland, Dahir Rayale Kahin, handed me the certificate.Amoud University realized my childhood dream, and once again, I am full of hope for a bright future. The university brought hope to a whole generation. There is no harm in dreaming because the dreams of today could be the facts of tomorrow
By: Abdirazak Abadir Ibrahim
Hargeisa
The Founder of Somaliland Path to Succees in Education
To be honest with our readers, I am here by submitting one of the best assets in Somaliland, Professor Sulaiman Ahmed Gulet; he is Tom, Dick or Harry which means ordinary person, since we have been experiencing his talent through his knowledge, experience, skills, role and responsibilities in which he plays a major role in Somaliland education sub-sector.
Lecturer
It was beautiful in the country the sun has just spread its light all over the earth’s surface, the moisture of Sog-sog plants has revealed the appearance of the land, it was breezy morning, on early 2002, the students were very happy and satisfy about the close coming class of Introduction to Psychology of Prof, Sulaiman, the students were discussing and shouting in the bus with a good manner, my classmates who were composed of 50 students from different regions of Somaliland, including Gabiley, Hargeisa and of course Borama have just ride of the bus and run to the classes where Professor Sulaiman has been allocated to give us the designed lecture of that period, we were very pleasant to listen carefully the introduction of [Theory of Forgetting] like Pro-Active and Retro-Active that Prof; Sulaiman was explaining accordingly, more over he classified the terms of Pro-active, Retro-active and Decay theory, they way alphabets of P for Pen and B for Books has been classified, both we were surprisingly subjected to the topic.
Indeed he was the only lecturer who presented materials clearly, logically and enabled us to understand the basic principles of the subject. Further more he has also made materials intelligibly meaningful and showed us an expert knowledge of subject matter, also gets students to work willingly, for the time being readily considered students view points, and has good sense of humor, appears confident and had good pleasant modulated voice; absolutely he was the right person at the right time with the right position
Educational Management & Administration
When it comes to Educational management and administration, Prof: Sulaiman has made enormous remarkable success on designing, developing and effecting educational objectives and resources, and for the time being acquired and allocated recourse to achieve the predetermined educational goals in Amoud University and has effected the system of education through out the country, the number of students in primary schools of Somaliland have increased from 30% up to 80%, and currently estimated around 180, 000 students, the number of school buildings also have increased from 20% up to 40%, the number of Universities that came under Amoud establishment in the country stands around 4, including Hargeisa University, Gollis College, Burao University, and Admis University College of Ethiopian branch in Somaliland, the graduates from Amoud are currently at the age of 6 years old, we are Sulaiman’s product to be promoted, priced and placed in the market of S/land and the world as well, I wish if we could have 10 professors like Sulaiman.
Charismatic Leader ship Style
On the other hand Prof: Sulaiman has encouraged and helped others, like other Institutions [Hargeisa and Burao Universities, and Gollis College] to work enthusiastically toward a dynamic situation.
His influence of human factor that binds a group together and motivates it towards ambition by transforming the group’s potentials into reality is always palpable.
More over his capacity and participation including: intelligence, alertness, verbal facility, originality, judgment, sociability, cooperation, adoptability and humor has led us into the success of path in education through out the country.
Consequently his decision making on problem solving both educationally and socially are obvious, on the other hand he acted a key role in part taking the educational improvement and community development, as community building, capacity building and social capital, as a wise proverb says charity begins at home, Sulaiman started the foundation to construct a systematic way & initially contributed his knowledge to Amoud, and Borama Utility Company.Currently he is the Chairman of Board of Directors of eastern African Universities [African Virtual University].
To cut a long story short he has faced common problems that are coming from small part of the community who think negatively, he continues his efforts to take three steps ahead of the beck (making more progress), and this is a tangible facts that we can feel and touch.
By: Mohamed Farah Elmi
Hargeisa, Somaliland
Suldaan22@hotmail.com
Rest As You Stay (Rays Hotel)
Unlike other businessmen, Idris Muhumed Sacad (Ina Cunaye), the most prominent businessman in Awdal region does not lack the courage to release his assets from the binding chains of wasteful doubts about of investments. What pronounces a feeling of special satisfaction for him is that even failure “if any” is necessary to achieve latter success. To bridge the gap, Idris started a number of private businesses in the region. These include the only modern hotel in Borama. Rays hotel - the first five-star hotel ever built in my hometown, Borama. This modern hotel which belongs to Idiris Cunaye has taken the reputation of our town to rarified height.
I remember we were still in summer last June and the rain came almost everyday. On lovely Sunday afternoon, I paid a short visit to Rays Hotel at the northern end of my town. In this summer afternoon, the whole world seemed beautiful. We had enjoyed a comfortable shower at noon that day, and now in the afternoon, the sun shone glaring down from a clear sky. Down in the north, the farmland stretching to the eastern grassy hill sides were laden with green leaved corn crops whose seeds have just taken roots. Far behind the farms, clumps of green trees were lining in front of the high mountains towering over the plains below. On the near side, the foreground of the farms was green leveled and grassed over. Young people were hanging about and walking across the open grass land. In the immediate neighboring area from the grass, the football stadium was occupied by two teams playing an afternoon match. Their relative fans were chanting supportive slogans and other spectators also crowded the stadium. The Rays Hotel tall building was standing against the sun as I was on my way to the hotel. This view cast a dreamlike aura of how beautiful my town is certain to be.
I finally ended up in front of the hotel gate. This time the sky was already aflame with the sunset. A flock of birds were flying over this same part of the hotel tall building that I could have already seen all the way back home. Rain would-be clouds were just forming the sky over this building. The iron gate of the hotel stone-built fence is open to a way that cuts across the eastern part of the hotel’s main building. On the either side of the way, several buildings are standing.
These buildings facing west and opposite the hotel gate are the laundry and the power station where an engine is roaring. The open foreground of these buildings is the parking area. I see cars lining up there. I am now entering the front gate of the hotel main building. On my right is the hotel manager’s office. The next door attached to the right of this office is the internet cafe where I see, through its glass-paned window a man with an awkward posture whose eyes are fixed on a computer screen in front of him. Further right the internet café is lined by a platform with an open front and roof that extends in a short distance. In this verandah, people occupy the chairs having drinks and some of them have dishes on tables in front of them. Some are entertained by TV program going on while others are making healthy conversations. Few steps in front of the verandah, there lies a square body of land with mowed green lawn. A fountain pumps out jets of water in the air and a model mountain with heavy black stone on it also occupy the area.
The hotel main building -modernly designed three floors- is just behind the fountain area. On the left side of the gate, there is the restaurant part. Along this side, small green roofed huts are also standing. The hotel has got conference halls, stores and a mosque behind the main building in addition.
The hotel provides a wide range of services for both local people and foreign guests. It has got luxurious sleeping rooms and delicious dishes and drinks. In addition to this, internet and laundry services are also available.
The hotel is staffed mainly by university graduates. Ibrahim Saeed Elmi, the current hotel manager directs his power of motivation and leadership to the well-disciplined staff that runs day-by-day activities of the hotel. The hotel customers are also satisfied with the services they are rendered by the hotel. Rays has so far earned reputation for its sound management
In conclusion, Rays hotel is not only an asset to our towns reputation, but it can also serve as an illustrative example for the typical businesses that are open for investments here in Awdal Region. Also, the hotel has created a conducive environment for attracting many guests to visit Borama and Awdal Region. Most importantly, it has created an employment opportunities for many Awdalians. Finally, I call upon Awdalian business people to better contribute to the development and economic growth of their region, which is lagging behind other regions of Somaliland in terms of businesses by making investments and starting businesses like Rays Hotel.
The pen of Ahmed Abib Hayir
4th Year Student
Amoud University
School of Business & Public Administration
E-mail: hayir89@hotmail.com
The hotel main building -modernly designed three floors- is just behind the fountain area. On the left side of the gate, there is the restaurant part. Along this side, small green roofed huts are also standing. The hotel has got conference halls, stores and a mosque behind the main building in addition.
The hotel provides a wide range of services for both local people and foreign guests. It has got luxurious sleeping rooms and delicious dishes and drinks. In addition to this, internet and laundry services are also available.
The hotel is staffed mainly by university graduates. Ibrahim Saeed Elmi, the current hotel manager directs his power of motivation and leadership to the well-disciplined staff that runs day-by-day activities of the hotel. The hotel customers are also satisfied with the services they are rendered by the hotel. Rays has so far earned reputation for its sound management
In conclusion, Rays hotel is not only an asset to our towns reputation, but it can also serve as an illustrative example for the typical businesses that are open for investments here in Awdal Region. Also, the hotel has created a conducive environment for attracting many guests to visit Borama and Awdal Region. Most importantly, it has created an employment opportunities for many Awdalians. Finally, I call upon Awdalian business people to better contribute to the development and economic growth of their region, which is lagging behind other regions of Somaliland in terms of businesses by making investments and starting businesses like Rays Hotel.
The pen of Ahmed Abib Hayir
4th Year Student
Amoud University
School of Business & Public Administration
E-mail: hayir89@hotmail.com
A Big disagreement Among Human Body
There was a big argument between human body for the last 16 years, the debate has been held at Addis Ababa, Sodari, Djibouti, and Nairobi for several times by next-door countries.
The discussion was about who controls and manage the other fractions of the body, it took time and agree to disagree, the Eyes opened the meeting as they announced that they are the vital element of the body and must be the leader, while the Mouth abandoned and complained that he is the one who have a discussion with others, the one who confessed the truth and at the same time the one who feed the body, and there fore is imperative to be president.
Consequently Ears neglected/ignored of what the mouth was whispered, and mentioned that it’s the key of the body seeing as it hearing every thing from out side source.
Conversely Arms and Legs alleged their point of views respectively and presented that they are essential parts to nominate to be the head of the body.
Surprisingly the stomach has reminded others that she has been absent for this game and now its her term to play tactics and major role to dominate others, however the stomach offered some main issues, including that she is central, machine and the backbone of the body, others deserted of what her ambition is. She calls for help from next-door since she is hypocrisy.
In short unexpected key element of the body (S/land) suddenly conversed that she is the only merited one for this position to hold, she make allege without proof, she pointed out that she is a fundamental spot.
More importantly others feel dizzy about what this part of disabled proposed to them, they confused about how to discuss with her, they expressed their views and disgust with her, (the mouth said), because she fart all the time while she has been farting for the last 20 minutes, but they are soundless and have no odor even though she was discussing with us
The situation become out of the hand, in-fact this vital part (butt) warned against others that she is going to close its doors unless others accept her aspiration, others astonished and ask themselves the possibilities that could happen, the body may get constipation, and then the eyes will became red, and may cause bitter aloe.
Now the condition seems to be upside down, the parts of the body emerged to be afraid of foreign intervention from next doors, especially an active and a powerful black, short intestinal parasitic, or ascaris lumbricoides from Ethiopia, behind or backed another warmongering evil.
All elements of the body develop into alert for the out coming intervention, they befall a part from each other, suspect, assassinations turn out to be major obstacle, some of them welcomed the Ascaris including stomach (Punt land), while others (ISU) hate and notice their enemy, that they are organizing to fight against stomach and its alliance of roundworm.
Eventually, the eyes together with the mouth, legs and arms call for religious war against the Christian roundworm from Ethiopia and its dolt/idiot coalition.
Both sides have killed thousands of cells, (1000 cells died from eyes group), while (3000 cells died from the alliance).
The eyes modify/transform the tactics, and the battle spread the upper part of the body, but the lower part (butt) stay the same since they have singed a memorandum of understanding with the flatworms.
Finally the stomach and flatworms has pushed back the apposition soldiers.
Mohamed Sheikh Farah
Suldaan22@hotmail.com
Hargeisa, Somaliland
Graduation: Triumphant or Traumatic?
In a world, with its ups and downs, pleasure takes its way to redeem sorrow and sadness of the monotonous bad experiences of life predicaments in an attempt to leave no slightest worries behind by replacing nightmares with beautiful dreams and traumas with triumphs, and ranking some people to heavens of endless joys, in favor of humanity. Worries, by contrast, serve the world to reverse harmonies and to undo man’s achievements, bringing highly delighted people to the bottom, leaving mental scars and threatening to more evils.
In this planet of opposite alternating facts and events, to may dismay, on early morning, I happened to be on a bed. Then, I was awakened by my phone alarm. Frightened, I rubbed my eyes and soon a light wind blew from the window, shaking all curtains to make its way inside. Perhaps, this meant a morning greeting. “Get up” the wind implied. It did not take me long to convince my conscience that the reason why I set the alarm was very special, far from the usual – not to miss a golden opportunity and a turning point for my life.
A moment of agony passed after I had got changed into black trousers, white shirt and a blue dotted tie for the first time in my life to physically fit my appearance to the occasion, the long-awaited day – my graduation day. Then, I ran all my way to the bus station.
Now, in Amoud, I had to get out of the bus. In next to no time, my gaze rested on the panoramic view of the revamped outlook of Amoud campus, crowds of people dressed up to their nines, the euphoria, and the pervasive rapturous feeling of the people congratulating heartily to the graduating students, hugging, shaking and kissing. Remote and isolated from the rest of the crowd, a middle-aged woman stood with her son clasped in her chest. She pushed her hand through his head. Later, in excitement, she released down streams of tears that rolled down her cheeks dripping on his head. “Son, it is our day, our turn. My king, you will help both your people and your country,” the woman said. Then, a muffled cry came to my ears. It was the son showing some kind of unknown feeling. “But, why?” I thought.
I was deeply moved by the scene. Consequently, I got astonished, cupped my chin and clumsily leaned my back against a tree. Someone shouted to me “keep out, man. Your shirt is white and the tree is dusty”. Glanced back I saw a person I knew her face but her name eluded me. Really it had totally disappeared from my memory without trace. So, I said, “I don’t know you”. The girl replied matter-of-factly “I am an ex-class mate”. “You are a graduate, luckier than anyone else, so, why, you may wonder, should you be so disappointed in your graduation day?” she added. I did not know what to say but I noticed that her conversation enticed me away of my surprised mood.
Near the inception of the ceremony, by the time it was to go the hall, where the graduation ceremony was held, every one of us got dressed in the graduation form (an Abayad-like long sleeved black dress and a black mortarboard – special hat). We had no sooner slipped into the hall, than heard the applauding audience, the unrelenting clap, the mashharad (a beautiful sound made by women with gentle tongue movements), and screams. The honorable guests conveyed their respect and gratitude by giving as a moment of silence. Lots of renowned people, including the president, Kahin, and other various segments of the society displayed their smiles as through sense of congratulation. Thus, my heart hit of unutterable delight and tears filled my eyes with excitement. “Oh! Yes! I am going to be a graduate.” I boasted. This was an epoch making day.
Shortly, all that happiness didn’t last any longer. It vanished away for not only Suleiman Ahmed Guled, Amoud university president, enunciated that we had just moved to a broader university, the most trying coarse in life, but the menacingly ahead-lying hardships appeared to be ominous as if all portents were seemingly not good. Besides, there intimidated the tough time and the economic and political quagmire of the country. As a result, torrents of questions poured down to me and echoed in my mind. What does it mean being a graduate? Why are all people willing to congratulate so anxiously? ….What……when…..who…why….and so on. God knows how it was difficult to conceive any single answer.
On the contrary, one could respond in a confident manner if they were somewhere out of Somaliland, where conditions are favorable and welcoming. But, being a graduate actually dictates a sense of importance, socially prestigious status and financially strong personality that can contribute to the welfare of the society.
Now, parents want to see there fruits ripened after all those long years of educating and heavy parenting. They say, “It is time for us to go to bed and have a long lasting rest”. Their very expectation is unbelievably very high, as they need all their efforts back. But, the question is how?
Penniless and helpless with little hope, every young graduate is slowly getting the notion that he or she is facing a frightening reality. Their hands are wide open to the sky to beg Allah for a better future. More badly, no one knows when these prayers are going to be answered. Luckily, glimpses of hope shined to those graduated from education faculties since the increasing private schools and the inefficiently working public schools needs them. Business graduates, in turn, are looking curiously at the advertisement pages of the local newspapers in case any job vacancies are printed on them. Others started to be happy-go-lucky.
Every year local universities are going to produce dozens of graduates; they will be job demanding but the sad news is that very small percentage of them will get satisfactory jobs as the previous graduates have already experienced. The entire remaining will pile up in cafes, collapsed and disappointed. Any way, who cares? Any one? Absolutely no.
Well! Let us examine the fact and the corollary of the graduation. Taking the assumption that government and the interested parts don’t take the necessary action by employing graduates as instantly as possible, students, apart form the privileged ones, may either stay idle, endanger themselves to drags and illegal migration or face mental hazards.
These consequences are due to two main factors. First, our people are too short of money to set up their own businesses to employ anyone fully. Second, countries both management and economic systems are too weak to extend the expected assistance for one reason or another. Shame on us, so far, no employment plans have been set forth for the graduates. This could have been the sole function and the primary duty of the ministry of labor, if it was to function properly. Likewise, ministry of education should have considered the matter as part and parcel of its educational system enhancements because community put their focus on graduates in order that they could measure their efforts against the achievements of graduates, which, if it proved good, could lure more students to schools, improve their enthusiasm, and reduce the number of absenteeism and dropouts. At the same time, if graduates are employed, government will gain uncountable advantages as they are more knowledgeable than anyone in the system currently.
Why, with all means of a question, our government is attempting to seek country’s recognition with the existence of doubtless facts that it is ignoring to recognize its native people? The more we recognize our own people and ourselves, the quicker our country’s recognition will arrive.
Eventually, my last word is addressed right to the graduates. I say, with no hesitation, no one of us can decide the fate but we should be aware that no one is there for us to help. It is only our hands that we can build our future. Despite chances are not just ready for us, they lie somewhere ahead, may be very far ahead so we had better not give up hope and always keep exploring, and exploring. One day, sooner or later, we will be the masters because “where there is a will there is a way”.
By: Said Mohamed Dahir
Amoud,Borama, BBA.
NB:
Said Mohamed Dahir is one of Amoud graduates, he enjoyes a tremendous of memories from Amoud University and still works for Amoud as Dean Assistant and Assistant Lecturer.
Borama Bright Spots
This article is trying to shed light on some of the institutions/organizations that positively contribute to the social wellbeing of Borama residents or have earned reputation for the city and its dwellers. The aim of this piece of writing is to draw the attention of the readers towards the effective organizations in Borama town. This time, we are not talking about individuals (may be in the future, we will evaluate the individuals contributing to the betterment of lives in Awdal in one way or another) but will focus on the organizations, institutions and business entities. I am listing down here those who have succeeded to obtain my admiration and appreciation. Perhaps, some would disagree some of the institutions mentioned here. But that is the essence of this writing- to have different views considering different organizations/institutions as the candidates of Borama bright spots. The ones I would propose include the following:-
1. Amoud University
Being the first institution of higher education is Somaliland, Amoud is currently making difference on the ground by making the young people of this country knowledgeable. The young generations in the country now do have a completed ladder of education. Even those in primary schools have the dream to catch Amoud University buses one day. In this regard, the university managed to restore the lost hope and inspiration of the young generation. The university succeeded to change the course of life of a whole nation- Somalia- let alone a region. I don't want to take a lot of time on this as the contribution of the university is very clear and affecting every aspect of life. In Short, Amoud is the brightest spot of Borama town.
2. SHABA
Water is very essential element for the life of all living organisms. In Somaliland, water is very scarce and Awdal region is not an exception. Apart from the scarcity of water throughout Somaliland, poor management of Water Agencies was a very crucial element that complicated the situation and led to the shortage of water in both urban and rural settlements. Before this privately-owned business entity {SHABA} was formed, Borama people faced difficulties in having constant and clean water- similar difficulties encountered by Somaliland citizens in other regions including those in Hargeisa, the capital city. Water tankers used to collect drinking water from Dhamug and were selling at a high price. In addition, availability of water was very difficult as water tankers were not so reliable. Since SHABA's formation, water became abundant and most of the people are getting clean water at an affordable price. In fact, the contribution of SHABA to the lives of Borama people have reached to a point felt by the people living in other towns of Somaliland. There are constant calls in Hargeisa and other major towns of Somaliland to replicate that successful entrepreneurial attempt and take the footsteps of Borama people to privatize water agencies.
3. Rays Hotel
Rays Hotel, the only modern and four-star hotel in Borama is considered one of the bright spots of Borama. Before the hotel was invested, people used to commute between Hargeisa and Borama due to the absence of decent accommodation facilities. In this way, Borama people lost thousands of Dollars each year as the people in UN agencies, government officers, International organizations, members of Diaspora community and prominent business people used to prefer to stay at Hargeisa, where they could find nice hotels. Now, all these things are history as Rays Hotel filled the gap and managed to attract greater customers. Borama has now a decent hotel that you can have a banquet should a valued friend to be invited or you receive very important guest. The hotel has not restored the reputation of the town only but is just contributing to the lives of the local people as more than 30 persons receive arguably decent wages.
4. Borama Deaf School
Borama Deaf School provides the deaf children with the opportunity to be educated- a unique opportunity in Somali context. The opportunity is given to a completely neglected segment of the society- the deaf. In a country, where very few children do have the opportunity to go to school, it is not easy to think of the education- primary education at least-of the children with disability (Deaf in this case)
Borama Deaf School is taking the lead of an effort to educate the disabled children. The establishment of the school was a milestone as completely ignored segment of the community were collected and put to the normal schooling process that we, the lucky hearing all have experienced. Traditionally, Somali people don't send their deaf offsprings to schools. This makes them a burden on their families throughout their lifetime.
Now, the school has managed to attract the deaf children in Awdal region and beyond. Many of the deaf students who now attend the school came from other regions of Somaliland and even beyond. This is an exemplary endeavor that deserves to be encouraged particularly at this stage as the product of this school are now making a real difference on the ground.
Abdirahman Adan Mohamoud
abdirahman.adan@gmail.com
Readers are encouraged to comment on this piece of writing and put forward should they have any further bright spots of Borama town nor should they want to challenge the ones listed above.
This article is trying to shed light on some of the institutions/organizations that positively contribute to the social wellbeing of Borama residents or have earned reputation for the city and its dwellers. The aim of this piece of writing is to draw the attention of the readers towards the effective organizations in Borama town. This time, we are not talking about individuals (may be in the future, we will evaluate the individuals contributing to the betterment of lives in Awdal in one way or another) but will focus on the organizations, institutions and business entities. I am listing down here those who have succeeded to obtain my admiration and appreciation. Perhaps, some would disagree some of the institutions mentioned here. But that is the essence of this writing- to have different views considering different organizations/institutions as the candidates of Borama bright spots. The ones I would propose include the following:-
1. Amoud University
Being the first institution of higher education is Somaliland, Amoud is currently making difference on the ground by making the young people of this country knowledgeable. The young generations in the country now do have a completed ladder of education. Even those in primary schools have the dream to catch Amoud University buses one day. In this regard, the university managed to restore the lost hope and inspiration of the young generation. The university succeeded to change the course of life of a whole nation- Somalia- let alone a region. I don't want to take a lot of time on this as the contribution of the university is very clear and affecting every aspect of life. In Short, Amoud is the brightest spot of Borama town.
2. SHABA
Water is very essential element for the life of all living organisms. In Somaliland, water is very scarce and Awdal region is not an exception. Apart from the scarcity of water throughout Somaliland, poor management of Water Agencies was a very crucial element that complicated the situation and led to the shortage of water in both urban and rural settlements. Before this privately-owned business entity {SHABA} was formed, Borama people faced difficulties in having constant and clean water- similar difficulties encountered by Somaliland citizens in other regions including those in Hargeisa, the capital city. Water tankers used to collect drinking water from Dhamug and were selling at a high price. In addition, availability of water was very difficult as water tankers were not so reliable. Since SHABA's formation, water became abundant and most of the people are getting clean water at an affordable price. In fact, the contribution of SHABA to the lives of Borama people have reached to a point felt by the people living in other towns of Somaliland. There are constant calls in Hargeisa and other major towns of Somaliland to replicate that successful entrepreneurial attempt and take the footsteps of Borama people to privatize water agencies.
3. Rays Hotel
Rays Hotel, the only modern and four-star hotel in Borama is considered one of the bright spots of Borama. Before the hotel was invested, people used to commute between Hargeisa and Borama due to the absence of decent accommodation facilities. In this way, Borama people lost thousands of Dollars each year as the people in UN agencies, government officers, International organizations, members of Diaspora community and prominent business people used to prefer to stay at Hargeisa, where they could find nice hotels. Now, all these things are history as Rays Hotel filled the gap and managed to attract greater customers. Borama has now a decent hotel that you can have a banquet should a valued friend to be invited or you receive very important guest. The hotel has not restored the reputation of the town only but is just contributing to the lives of the local people as more than 30 persons receive arguably decent wages.
4. Borama Deaf School
Borama Deaf School provides the deaf children with the opportunity to be educated- a unique opportunity in Somali context. The opportunity is given to a completely neglected segment of the society- the deaf. In a country, where very few children do have the opportunity to go to school, it is not easy to think of the education- primary education at least-of the children with disability (Deaf in this case)
Borama Deaf School is taking the lead of an effort to educate the disabled children. The establishment of the school was a milestone as completely ignored segment of the community were collected and put to the normal schooling process that we, the lucky hearing all have experienced. Traditionally, Somali people don't send their deaf offsprings to schools. This makes them a burden on their families throughout their lifetime.
Now, the school has managed to attract the deaf children in Awdal region and beyond. Many of the deaf students who now attend the school came from other regions of Somaliland and even beyond. This is an exemplary endeavor that deserves to be encouraged particularly at this stage as the product of this school are now making a real difference on the ground.
Abdirahman Adan Mohamoud
abdirahman.adan@gmail.com
Readers are encouraged to comment on this piece of writing and put forward should they have any further bright spots of Borama town nor should they want to challenge the ones listed above.
The Day of Somaliland Students Died Young: Any Hero To Revive?
"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." -- Dr. Martin Luther King=
It was one of these small, yet fine, contributions that escaped the attention of many people, let alone their appreciation. May 2nd, the Day of the Students of Somaliland Universities, stands still up the debris of the civil wars and clan partisan. It is the new struggle of the students, by the students, for the students to cross the boundaries of clan geography divided amongst them to start building a future where unity, liberty, and human dignity prevail. It is an intellectual consortium, emotionally healthy endeavor, and spiritual communion of the young, or to use the buzzword of politicians and social entrepreneurs of the day even though rarely do they mean it, the future leaders of this nation and, hopefully, this continent.
It is not the intention of this paper to establish the history of this day. Nonetheless, the paper refers to some of the key events to create a fingertip feeling for those who missed the glory of this day! May 2nd started small – from the mental workshop of a junior student at Amoud – and grew slowly – to bringing students on board and increasing the circle of influence day in and out.
It was a beautiful summer evening in 2001 when the idea, among others, of bridging students from the two universities was delivered at Al Qalam Private School of my close friend, Mahdi Omar Sheikh, then a sophomore student at Amoud University. After months of contemplating and deep-thinking, I have conceived this idea in response to creating a mechanism that enables the young people, especially the students of Somaliland universities, to cooperate and meaningfully contribute to the community, giving them the opportunity to leave a lasting impact.
I have always looked at some of the philanthropic events at Amoud University with a keen eye not only to learn the human generosity but also to appreciate their sense of social and global responsibility. People of different colours, nationalities, languages, gender and religions supported the University for the Same Cause – a cause that turned out to be the slogan of the university: Creating Hope For Tomorrow’s Generation!
As a student, I have enjoyed their contribution as they put me to the grip of a tertiary education in a distance not 4km away from home, a distance I could cover in a thirty- minute walk! On the other hand, I have always felt the burden of shouldering the responsibility that comes with enjoying what the society has put together for us.
Different calls invite different responses; sometimes, the same call may invite different responses from different people. As an individual, I knew I could achieve little, if any at all. I thought that what I could contribute and would make a quantum leap is to create the instrument that would facilitate for the young men and women to express their talents and contribute to their people in different capacities. May 2nd was nothing other than a manifestation of that philosophy – a philosophy based on “give the man a fish and you feed him for the day, teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime!”
Having listened to my bid, Mahdi pledged me his unwavering support. However, this did not blind him to leave the loopholes open to external eyes as he immediately challenged some of the assumptions I have made. As the lights went out at 11 p.m., then we had to take our discussion out under the bright majestic moonlight. It was really exhilarating to stare at the moon and stars and talk about lifting people to new heights – at least, the two seemed to go well together! The meeting was adjourned at 3 a.m. The most important outcome was that we have developed a tentative plan to share with our friends at Amoud University as well as our counterparts at the University of Hargeisa.
The idea and the plan were received with mixed emotions in both universities – with the negative more dominant than the positive. We have decided to take the fight to the highest levels and put lots of things at stake. This led to a friend to doubt if we had any hidden agenda. Compared to the cause, he felt uncomfortable with all those things we had put at stake. All that we meant was to fight for something we believed! We have launched the fiercest campaign ever known to our students. Now, this campaign must be shelved somewhere in the hidden chambers of our students!
Troughs and triumphs went hand in hand, each keeping its independent score. Between the two were turbulences that made the future of the undecided so bleak and subject to the slightest pull. In the circles of Amoud University students, the fight went on and on until that fateful day arrived when Prof. Suleiman recounted the story of John F. Kennedy who stated that success has many fathers, but failure is an orphan. That put the differences of the students to a complete rest and drew the students closer together. I cannot help but recount how a very good friend of mine who opposed the idea, soon swerved his direction after the meeting and not only asked me some of the logistical arrangements in place but also offered his invaluable service. What I admired about this man is not that he finally accepted my idea, but that he internalized the meeting and was putting our agreement into action! A man of word!
The fight is over. The clock is ticking. The hearts of the students are pounding as the clock gets nearer to 2 p.m. of May 1, 2002 – anxious to wait to board on the buses in front of the Local Government of Borama. Among the good students who were boarding were some of the students who opposed the way we organized the event, some others who opposed because they were not playing the central role, others because they would not be receiving the credit of being founders of this day, and still others because they were against the idea altogether. Of course, there were also the students who supported us from beginning to end. We have never made any fun of any of them – though, we had so many statements of ridicule from many of those on board. After all, they were our students and friends and this day is OURS to enjoy as we think best!
The students of University of Hargeisa received us somewhere near Arabsiyo and led us to where the welcoming convoy stayed, Makhaayadda Inanta. I still see Khadar Ciro, whom we always communicated on the phone but never managed to see each other before this day, inside the Toyota Pickup he was driving with. After greetings, we have been guided by a large number of cars throughout the city of Hargeisa. Some of my friends never saw Hargeisa before. They had been welcomed to the city far better than most newcomers. We were taken to Ambassador Hotel, which was then under construction – though close to the finish line. I cannot help but relate this to the story of one of our students, who was a strong opponent of the idea in the first place, who asked, “Where are we going to take the students when they visit us next year?” He was very much touched by the complexity of the building. I replied, “Maybe a hotel under construction!” I liked his reciprocity, even if he disagreed with the idea earlier! We stayed the night at Baane Hotel in peace and in preparation for the event to come tomorrow!
The morning downed with lots of funny experiences as well as pleasant ones. The funniest one was when a friend of mine who was driving the same bus with me was all of a sudden shown to a jackass seducing a mare and he exclaimed the famous, “Way hooyooy!” These funny moments still shines my days. We have been taken to University of Hargeisa hall where many dignitaries sat. We were welcomed with standing ovation!
As I was sitting in the hall and preparing myself to have the best taste for the event, a friend of mine asked me what I felt like today. I replied, “My mind went blank!” I was completely consumed by the emotions of the day. As speeches were on the roll, one after another, I have been deeply struck by the words of Mohamed Barkhad Miigane, MP and instructor at University of Hargeisa, who said, “We recognize this day as the Day of [Students of] Somaliland Universities!” Everybody clapped. Some of those people sitting close to me shook hands with me. I was frozen! My heart was in search of his way out of my chest. I have never imagined a day called by this name, nor celebrated in this magnitude. All that I wanted to do was, to quote the words of Martin Luther King, "Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step." I never knew what the day would turn out.
As I was sitting in the hall and preparing myself to have the best taste for the event, a friend of mine asked me what I felt like today. I replied, “My mind went blank!” I was completely consumed by the emotions of the day. As speeches were on the roll, one after another, I have been deeply struck by the words of Mohamed Barkhad Miigane, MP and instructor at University of Hargeisa, who said, “We recognize this day as the Day of [Students of] Somaliland Universities!” Everybody clapped. Some of those people sitting close to me shook hands with me. I was frozen! My heart was in search of his way out of my chest. I have never imagined a day called by this name, nor celebrated in this magnitude. All that I wanted to do was, to quote the words of Martin Luther King, "Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step." I never knew what the day would turn out.
When the event was over, different students from both universities shared with us what they have received from this event. Those cited most included: students have improved their understanding of the other university/students; students learned the capacities of their peers; and above all, they have established new lines of friendship. It was not uncommon to see students of the two universities exchanging cards first and the calls next!
Successive events in 2003 and 2004 were both fostering the already established connections as well as exploring ways of taking the day to the next level. May 2nd, serving a tried and true experiment, enjoyed lesser challenge and more support from both students and universities managements. It was moving, however slow the pace was, from existential to substantial atmosphere. The thinking of the student committees of these years involved how best they could maximize the use of this day instead of how best can they establish a day like this.
May 2nd started, though unintentionally, the first talent competition as students of both universities were to deliver speeches to audience of several hundred. Most of the students addressed an audience as large as their classroom, merely 20 people. Every student who participated in all these events will never fail to forget the eloquent English of Zuhur, from University of Hargeisa, who used the language to her best advantage.
However, no news was worse received than the untimely death of this day last year when all the good things about the day were dazzling any onlooker. The disease caused this death was diagnosed to be student divisions each grouping themselves into clan enclaves. The blame for this preventable death lies with both the students and the managements of the two universities who allowed the day to pass away in their laps due to lack of adequate care and intervention.
The students take a lion’s share of the blame pie due to their lack of demonstrated sense of ownership and strong leadership. To start with, this was the day for the students. It appears that the students never owned the day. If this was their day, they would have not allowed the management of the university to terminate such a great day. They have never fought to make it theirs. This day was born in a fight and strives in fighting. We fought amongst ourselves to make it our day. We fought with anyone to make the day ours. We fought, because we cared. That is the good thing about fighting. It shows care and concern. It creates an atmosphere conducive to development and mutual respect and understanding.
In our classes, we used to complain, and I am pretty sure that the current students complain the same, about the public’s lack of sense of ownership for public properties and how presiding civil servants take advantage and abuse such public funds and properties. This starts from the class – lack of ownership sets in the same class complaining that the public should have developed sense of ownership. It is very sad how the class uses such double standard to justify injustices and abuses as socially-imposed, inevitable mechanisms without realizing their contribution to the problem. Maybe students need to revise their mentality as this is not in line with what the nation was waiting and building on!
Of course, this does not mean we were evil-free or saints. We had our share of the problem and we acknowledge the fact that we may have contributed to some of the conflicts already ravaging the students. Nevertheless, the reason we have achieved a monumental thing like May 2nd was that we had a good leadership who foresaw what is behind all these troubles. Some of the men and women within us saw the green pasture after the conflict and herded us to there. Of course, everyone was clan conscious, but that never discouraged us nor bent our values and principles to satisfy such narrow interests. These leaders mended all those broken bones and relations within us silently, and serenely too. They never exposed the bones, they simply mended whenever and wherever they could. It was due to these few we were saved; and, with these masses we sailed.
On the other front, it is the right time to point out how the two universities contributed to the death of this important day. The death of May 2nd was officially announced by the managements of the two universities after abolishing the student committees, as in the case of Amoud University, or unions, as in the case of University of Hargeisa, and when in last year they have decided not to honor the day. This led to a small group of concerned students from University of Hargeisa to organize an event with Burao University, an event which did not enjoy the same prestige and honor as those conducted earlier. The management considered the worsening situation of the students dividing themselves into their clans and judged that this would lead to a worse scenario should the union and May 2nd continue this way. I really value the instructors and managements of the universities and revere them so much. However, I still have to express some of the reservations which I think should be improved. This kind of argument can be challenged with one straight-forward question: Should we stop developing because it creates upheavals and conflicts within the stakeholders? To my limited knowledge, all development initiatives involve challenging status quo and social perceptions. If we are to avoid conflicts, then we cease to develop. Yet, the choice is ours to make!
Besides, the role of the university is not only to equip the students with skills that can be translated into monetary terms in the labor market, but also to contribute to the social wellbeing by promoting the ideals of the society. Their role is not limited to delivering lectures on linear programming, but also extends to creating awareness of the social forces in play at any given circumstance.
Somaliland is in post-conflict situation, calling for skills like negotiations and peaceful conflict resolutions. As future leaders, the young must be armed with what it takes to lead a nation and fitting things together under the framework of democratic Somaliland. The classroom serves the students as the laboratory to experiment with all these new and fancy ideas chasing down their stormy brains. It is the role of the university to ensure that the environment is supportive, but not submissive, to this goal. It seams that our universities failed to ensure that this was the case, particularly when it comes to handling the student crisis.
May 2nd died young. It died when we needed the most. It died when the unity it could bring was lacking. It died when it could teach us how to manage crisis. It died when our young men and women were exploring ways to maximize its potential. It died under our tendering hearts, sobbing eyes and wishful minds. It died for our inaction. Will it ever reincarnate? Maybe we should ask first, “Is there a hero to revive the day?” My answer: hopefully!
Mukhtar Hassan Maidhane maidhane@yahoo.com
Mr. Maidhane earned his BBA from Amoud University. In his student days, he was the founding father of the Day of the Students of Somaliland Universities. Currently, he serves as the Finance Officer for WSP International’s Democratization Program.
Somaliland Youth Organizations: Challenges & Opportunities
Somaliland Youth Organizations: Challenges and Opportunities
There is a widely held consensus that youth are among the most energetic and productive segments of every society. They are also considered a driving force and an invaluable asset that can profoundly contribute to the country’s development had they been utilized effectively. On the other hand, some described youth as “ a double-edged knife” that can certainly contribute to every cause. This means that youth play a major and crucial role in many activities, regardless of the significance and materiality of those activities. For instance, during the civil war era and the chaotic years that followed it, it was the youth who inflicted great havoc on the country when politicians and some egotistical individuals succeeded in employing them to realize their evil and personal objectives.
There is a widely held consensus that youth are among the most energetic and productive segments of every society. They are also considered a driving force and an invaluable asset that can profoundly contribute to the country’s development had they been utilized effectively. On the other hand, some described youth as “ a double-edged knife” that can certainly contribute to every cause. This means that youth play a major and crucial role in many activities, regardless of the significance and materiality of those activities. For instance, during the civil war era and the chaotic years that followed it, it was the youth who inflicted great havoc on the country when politicians and some egotistical individuals succeeded in employing them to realize their evil and personal objectives.
In Somaliland, however, one can confidently say that youth in this country are organized today and do share one common vision; to contribute to the development of their country. Currently, there are dozens of youth organizations in every major town of this country. These youth organizations are engaged in many development-related projects and provide badly needed social services to their immediate communities. Some of the projects that they are engaged in include: educational programs particularly non-formal education schemes, prevention of STD’s including the deadly disease of HIV/AIDS, child protection, eradication of FGM {Female Genital Mutilation}, environmental conservation programs, sports, human rights and vocational trainings to mention a few. For example, in Hargeisa alone, there are over forty youth organizations. However, less than one fourth of these are considered active and supply social services to their communities. In most of the cases, these services are delivered on the basis of volunteerism and free of charge. When discussing about the youth organizations in Hargeisa, Havoyoco comes to your mind. Havoyoco, a local NGO initiated and run by youth and involved in development-related projects - is widely considered as a successful youth organization. It is a shinning example for all Somaliland youth organizations. This youth association is said to be shifting from the infancy stage to the institutionalization process.
In Borama town, there are at least half a dozen active youth organizations that provide vital social services to their communities. Borama youth associations, however, are not as well established as those of Hargeisa. Nevertheless, some are growing at a big scale and the phenomenon of institutionalization is currently taking root among them. However, youth organizations throughout the country presently face countless constraints that if we, as a community, manage to overcome them, would strengthen the efficiency of youth organizations, which will in turn lead us to the development path. Of these countless challenges, lack of knowledge and skills necessary to run such organizations are by far the most serious threat to the very existence of youth organizations. So far, most of the youth associations were employing a trial and error approach in their struggle for institutionalization. But this technique failed to provide a long lasting solution.
In Borama town, there are at least half a dozen active youth organizations that provide vital social services to their communities. Borama youth associations, however, are not as well established as those of Hargeisa. Nevertheless, some are growing at a big scale and the phenomenon of institutionalization is currently taking root among them. However, youth organizations throughout the country presently face countless constraints that if we, as a community, manage to overcome them, would strengthen the efficiency of youth organizations, which will in turn lead us to the development path. Of these countless challenges, lack of knowledge and skills necessary to run such organizations are by far the most serious threat to the very existence of youth organizations. So far, most of the youth associations were employing a trial and error approach in their struggle for institutionalization. But this technique failed to provide a long lasting solution.
As part of an effort to tackle this shortcoming, some international organizations initiated capacity-building programs designed to remedy this observed deficiency. This initiative, however, seems to be concentrating on youth forums in Hargeisa and therefore, it failed too to ultimately contribute to the solution of the problem. In this regard, youth organizations throughout the country, without exception, are in dire need to develop their organizational skills and capacity so that they can realize their organizational goals. Of course, a few are doing well and are on the right path to success. Yet, the vast majority of these associations are in trouble in terms of many aspects of organizational planning and development. More precisely, some easily observed shortcomings of Somaliland youth associations include:
v Hastily developed organizational strategic plans (if any), such as mission, vision, objectives and strategies that cannot keep pace with the reality on the ground.
v Absence of viable organizational constitutions and bylaws; and where they exist, they are selectively applied.
v Absence of clearly depicted organizational structures that clearly state the division of tasks and lines of authority.
v Lack of internal policies and management procedures regarding the proper custody/recording and equitable utilization of acquired assets.
v Weaknesses in such vital areas of proposal drafting and report writing skills.
v Lack of sound knowledge of organizational development and life skills techniques.
v Absence of a link and close relationship between youth organizations and their communities. Most of the youth associations do not have close ties with the communities which they serve.
v Confusion of the compliance with the diversified procedures employed by the UN and international organizations in terms of reporting, evaluation and feedback.
Though youth associations in Somaliland recently set up an umbrella known as SONYO Umbrella (Somaliland National Youth Organizations), it is still in its infant stage and needs to be encouraged. Similarly, it is also facing the above-mentioned shortcomings as the rest of the youth forums.
Moreover, the attitude of government institutions and the country’s decision-making entities towards youth organization is not encouraging at all. Some elements in those circles consider youth associations as a threat and a potential substitute and consequently deprive them of the much-needed constituency and collaboration. In conclusion, since youth associations are agents of change and important partners and allies for development, it is the right time to address these issues and take corrective measures to remedy the observed deficiencies.
Attitudinal change is urgently required to take place in the minds and hearts of some of the government institutions. This is of importance as to there is a dire need to foster the conducive atmosphere in which all partners of development can get along well with each other without hatred and suspicion. International organizations can contribute to the betterment and efficiency of youth organizations. For instance, international organizations can reverse these trends by coming up with a pluralistic approach that extends its activities to all partners scattered throughout the country. Expansion of the capacity-building programs to the rest of the country and the sustainability and accessibility of said programs to all regions would result in better fruits.
Finally, youth organizations should also involve local communities in their programs so that the general public would not only play a more active role but would also develop a sense of ownership.
By: Abdirahman Adan Mohamoud
E-mail: abdirahmanadan@hotmail.com
September 2003
This Article first appeared in Awdalnews.com and Somaliland Times
Finally, youth organizations should also involve local communities in their programs so that the general public would not only play a more active role but would also develop a sense of ownership.
By: Abdirahman Adan Mohamoud
E-mail: abdirahmanadan@hotmail.com
September 2003
This Article first appeared in Awdalnews.com and Somaliland Times
Somaliland:The improvement of Private Sector
Somaliland: The Improvement of Private Sector.January 22 2000 at 5:31 PM
Since the upheaval of Somali society and the collapse of government system in Somalia early in 1991, Somaliland has undergone huge business and economic reforms. Despite the fact that there is no proper economic system and financial institutions currently in place, yet the economy is not idle. The private sector and individual business people provided jobs to thousands of unemployed citizens. Since there is no strong government system that regulates businesses many people perceived this opportunity and as a result took advantage of this chance and entered in to the world of business. The economic system currently in place seems to be laissez faire, where there are no suppressive government regulations, no strong taxes system and no tariffs.
In Somaliland, the private sector, especially service industry has experienced rapid growth over the past several years. Most of the recent business success in Somaliland goes to service industry- an industry that has been completely ignored in the past. Telecommunications services, airline services and remittance services are the major areas where development is taking root. One can argue that the communication service in Somaliland is considered to be among the most efficient and inexpensive in the whole continent.
The people of Somaliland have an easy access to use advanced telecommunications and can exchange information through satellites.Furthermore, you can keep in touch with your relatives and friends even if you live in remote villages. Thanks perhaps to Somali educated business people who successfully introduced these services to local people. Returnees from North America and Western Europe also contributed positively to the improvement of small businesses and the establishment of financial institutions.Several competitive telecommunication companies are presently rendering communication services more efficiently.
Comparing to neighboring countries, Somaliland telecommunication business entities provide much cheaper and reliable services with satisfactory and competitive price. For instance, in Kenya and Djibouti each one-minute is charged about 3 US dollars whereas here in Somaliland it is less than one dollar. Most of the Somaliland towns and districts are now enjoying international distant calls for the first time in their history. Rates charged by the existing telecommunication companies are reasonable and mainly determined by the market forces.Airlines are also another area where impressive development is taking place. There are several locally-owned airlines that provide prompt and reliable services to their customers. Even during the past forty years most of the towns did not have airfields except Hargeisa and handful of towns. At the moment, people can catch flights everyday in almost every major town in the country.
Remittance is also one of the most famous means of financial transfer. The absence of organized financial institutions particularly banking systems, necessitated the service rendered by the remittance agencies. Their role is to facilitate the delivery of money from Diaspora to friends and relatives back home. Almost every town and district in Somaliland has now at least one branch of either the two greatest remittance agencies- Albarakat and Dahabshiil. Some of the agencies that involved in remittance activities are currently considering opening saving accounts.
Credit also goes to Somali Diaspora who played an instrumental role to help their helpless and desperate brothers and sisters left behind. Barakat, one of the most successful remittance and telecommunication companies recently introduced banking system and many people responded and expressed interest in this new initiative. The export of livestock tripled for the past ten years. Millions of sheep, cattle and camels were exported to Gulf states mainly to Saudi Arabia, the most important external market. However, the ban of livestock by Saudi Arabian government due to the suspicion of the outbreak of Rift Valley Fever had tremendous negative impact on the economy and caused severe unemployment and contributed to the deterioration of living standard as well as social well-being of the local communities.
The banning of livestock also affected government revenue, as it constitutes one of the main sources of income for the government.Despite the growth and improvement of private sector economy for the past ten years, it has its own shortcomings and weaknesses as well. There are business setbacks that emerged just for the past ten years. These hazardous behaviors emerged in loose and unrestricted atmosphere with in which this economic success is taking root.
Many business activities have contributed to the misuse of natural resources such as cutting trees down for charcoal, and the export of other valuable assets, and thus contributed to the destruction of the same country in which they were supposed to advocate its development. Some consumers are very concerned about the quality and effectiveness of some pharmaceutical drugs, mostly imported from Pakistan by Somali business people. Others worry the lack of quality control and absence of consumer protection methods. More importantly, the lack of skilled employees and the absence of well- organized financial institutions are considered to be one of the greatest weaknesses of this slowly growing industry. For instance, loans and lines of credit necessary for further business expansion and investment are completely beyond the reach of business people.
However, Amoud University seems to be as the most appropriate means to assist the overall improvement of the current private sector success, and the business industry as a whole, as the faculty of Business and Public Administration will produce qualified entrepreneurs. All in all it's widely believed that Somaliland has experienced undeniable business changes and impressive achievements for the past decade.
However, Amoud University seems to be as the most appropriate means to assist the overall improvement of the current private sector success, and the business industry as a whole, as the faculty of Business and Public Administration will produce qualified entrepreneurs. All in all it's widely believed that Somaliland has experienced undeniable business changes and impressive achievements for the past decade.
This paper was written by:Mr Abdirahman Adam Mohamoud.Student at Amoud UniversitySchool of Business & Public Administration.Borama - Awdal Region - Republic Of Somaliland.
January 22, 2000
This article first appeared in The Republican Newspaper, Hargeisa
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