Hormuud Salaam Foundation Celebrates 2nd Cohort of Scholarship Graduates in Mogadishu

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Hormuud Salaam Foundation on Thursday marked a significant milestone by celebrating the graduation of its second cohort of scholarship recipients in Mogadishu, highlighting the HSF's firm commitment to educational advancement in Somalia.

The ceremony honored students from diverse academic fields including Agriculture, Land and Marine Studies, Computer Science, Sales and Logistics, Law, and Sharia. The students graduated from prestigious universities such as SIMAD, Banadir, Jamhuriya, Hormuud, Zamzam, Almaas, and Somali National University, had their tuition fully covered by the Hormuud Salaam Foundation (HSF) after a competitive selection process held in 2020.

Abdullahi Nur Osman, Chairman of the Hormuud Salaam Foundation, opened the event with remarks emphasizing the transformative power of education. "Education is the cornerstone of progress," Osman stated, applauding the graduates' hard work and the foundation's role in fostering academic excellence. 

"We bid farewell to the graduating students and warmly welcome the new ones. When we launched the scholarship program, we focused on guiding students toward faculties that we believe will benefit both the country and the students pursuing them," Abdulahi Nuur Osman added.

Dr. Mohamed Hassan Bideey, Chairman of the Somali Universities Association, also spoke, highlighting the broader implications of such educational initiatives for national development. "These young scholars are not just graduates; they are the architects of a new Somalia," Bideey said. 

"HSF has taken an admirable step worthy of emulation. We thank the foundation for providing scholarships to Somali students who cannot afford to attend educational institutions. They have built both the students' future and that of the country," Dr. Bideey stated. 

"Throughout their academic journey, we provided ongoing capacity-building workshops to enhance their skills, knowledge, and personal development. We offer our heartfelt congratulations to all the graduates and their families for this significant achievement, wishing them continued success in their future endeavors," said HSF in a statement.

Further speeches were given by Mohamed Abdi Hoor, a senior executive from Hormuud Telecom, and included heartfelt testimonials from parents of the graduates and a representative student, who shared personal stories of growth and opportunity provided by the scholarship. 

"Hormuud Telecom is always ready to undertake anything beneficial to the community. The company implements various projects across different regions, assisting without regard to individuals’ or communities’ ethnicity or background. As you can see from the slogan, this is Somali support coming from Somali people," Mr. Hoor said. 

"To the students graduating today, I say congratulations. You have received a golden opportunity provided by HSF. You are the future generation who will replace those teaching today," said one of the parents who spoke at the graduation ceremony.

The ceremony recognized the academic achievements of many graduates, several of whom topped their classes, with certificates of recognition to celebrate their success.

Hormuud Salaam Foundation, the humanitarian arm of Hormuud Telecom and Salaam Bank based in Mogadishu, continues to play a vital role in uplifting Somali society. Annually, the foundation invests millions of dollars in education, healthcare, job creation, and disaster relief efforts, demonstrating its commitment to societal development and community support.

GAROWE ONLINE