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.