China has established itself as a hub of world-class education, equipped with cutting-edge technology and research. As a result, it has become a popular destination for Somali youths who are eager to pursue lifelong learning and career opportunities. These young Somalis have flocked to China to study a wide range of disciplines, including science, engineering, business, and the humanities, with the goal of enhancing their knowledge, skills, and competitiveness in the global job market.
Somalia has been plagued by decades of civil strife and natural disasters, which have hindered the country’s development and left its youth struggling to build a better future. Many young Somalis recognize that education is the key to unlocking opportunities and achieving success, which is why they have turned to China as a destination for higher education. In China, they have access to world-class universities and educational programs that are designed to prepare them for the challenges of the 21st century.
Despite the challenges faced by Somalia, the country’s young people are determined to chart a path towards a brighter future. They are committed to gaining the knowledge and skills necessary to compete in the global job market and to contribute to the development of their country. China provides an ideal environment for them to achieve their goals, with its modern infrastructure, strong economy, and world-class educational institutions.
For young Somalis, studying in China is more than just a means to an end. It is an opportunity to explore a new culture, learn a new language, and develop new friendships. Many of these young people have never traveled outside of Somalia before, and their experiences in China are often transformative. They return to Somalia with new perspectives and a renewed sense of purpose, eager to apply their newfound knowledge and skills to build a better future for themselves and their country.
China has become a magnet for young Somalis who are seeking high-quality education and career opportunities. Despite the challenges facing Somalia, its youth are determined to build a brighter future for themselves and their country. Studying in China provides them with the tools they need to achieve their goals, while also allowing them to explore new cultures and develop new friendships. As China continues to develop its educational infrastructure and invest in research and technology, it is likely that more and more young Somalis will turn to China as a destination for higher education.
In 2019, Hassan Ali Yusuf applied for a scholarship provided by the Chinese government and was later accepted at the Feed Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, based in Beijing. As a result, he moved to China to pursue his higher education goals. After years of dedicated studies and hard work, Yusuf graduated in July with a postgraduate degree in animal nutrition and feed science.
Yusuf’s time in China proved to be a transformative experience for him. By moving out of his comfort zone and immersing himself in a new culture, he gained a unique perspective that allowed him to learn about other people’s beliefs and habits. According to Yusuf, “I have interacted with people from different cultures, customs, races, religions, and traditions. These helped me to gain vast knowledge and experience.”
Yusuf also credits China’s investment in research and technology for the country’s rapid development and the high quality and accessibility of its education system. The investment in these areas has allowed China to attract talented students like Yusuf from all over the world.
Moreover, the Chinese education system has been able to leverage the latest technology and research to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in their chosen fields. This has attracted many students from Somalia who are trying to chart a bright future for themselves and catch up with their peers in other parts of Africa. As a result, China has become a prized destination for Somali youngsters in search of lifelong learning and career mobility.
Yusuf’s story is a testament to the opportunities that China can provide to international students who are willing to work hard and push themselves beyond their comfort zones. With China’s investment in research and technology, combined with its high-quality education system, students like Yusuf are able to gain valuable knowledge and skills that will help them succeed in their chosen careers.
As part of its mutually beneficial foreign policy, the Chinese government provides funding for projects and scholarships for developing countries, including many in Africa. This approach has been a magnet for Somali students seeking to improve their education and future job prospects.
Hassan Ali Yusuf is a prime example of a young Somali who has benefitted from Chinese scholarships. In 2019, he applied for and was accepted into a program at the Feed Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences in Beijing. After years of dedicated studies, he earned a postgraduate degree in animal nutrition and feed science in July. Yusuf believes that studying abroad and immersing himself in other cultures has been an excellent learning experience, allowing him to gain extensive knowledge and expertise from interacting with people from diverse backgrounds. He credits China’s investment in research and technology as the reason for its rapid development and high-quality education system.
Yusuf is now making his contribution to Somali society by helping to address challenges in the education sector. He lectures at two universities, the Somali National University and Benadir University, while also advising on livestock production. Similarly, Abdullahi Abdulkadir Elmi Hashi, another Somali student, spent six consecutive years in China studying medicine at Southeast University from 2011 to 2017. He has fond memories of his time there, experiencing different types of food and appreciating the richness, diversity, and authenticity of Chinese culture.
China’s investment in Africa has also been a boost to the continent’s development. The Chinese government provides significant financial support for infrastructure projects, such as the construction of railways and highways. Such projects have created jobs and driven economic growth in the countries where they are implemented. Chinese businesses have also invested heavily in African countries, providing opportunities for employment, training, and technology transfer. These partnerships have fostered close ties between China and African countries, creating a win-win situation for both sides.
However, China’s growing influence in Africa has also raised concerns among some observers, who worry about the potential risks of Chinese loans and investments. Critics point out that Chinese-funded projects often lack transparency, and the terms of the loans can be onerous. Some also argue that the influx of Chinese workers may lead to job losses for local people. Nevertheless, many African countries have welcomed Chinese investment as a way to achieve their development goals, and the partnership between China and Africa is likely to continue to evolve in the coming years.
China’s investment in education and infrastructure in African countries has provided opportunities for young people to improve their lives and contribute to their societies. Somali students like Yusuf and Hashi have gained valuable experience studying in China, while also contributing to their country’s development. While concerns have been raised about the risks of Chinese loans and investments, many African countries continue to view China as an important partner in achieving their development goals.
Abdulkadir Hashi, a Somali student who studied medicine at Southeast University in China for six consecutive years, not only gained valuable experience and knowledge in his field of study but also became an active member of the Somali community during his stay in China. He often offered tutorials to his classmates, reflecting his dedication to knowledge-sharing and collaboration.
After returning to Somalia, Abdulkadir has been practicing medicine in one of the privately-owned hospitals in the Somali capital, Mogadishu. He has been working at the Shifa Clinic for the past five years, providing healthcare services to the sick and vulnerable members of society.
In addition to his work in the medical field, Abdulkadir is also the chairman of the Somalia-China Friendship Association, where he focuses on building strong connections between the two nations in terms of culture, business, and education. Abdulkadir believes that China has not interfered in Somalia’s internal affairs and has respected its sovereignty, which is a significant factor in building a strong friendship between the two countries.
Abdulkadir’s time in China had a profound impact on him. He had the opportunity to sample different types of food and immerse himself in Chinese culture, which he found rich, diverse, and authentic. Furthermore, Abdulkadir plans to return to China to pursue a postgraduate degree in cardiology, with the aim of furthering his knowledge and boosting his career mobility.
China’s investment in developing countries and scholarships for international students, including those from Somalia, is part of its win-win mutual foreign policy. These efforts have helped many students like Abdulkadir gain valuable knowledge and experience, which they can use to give back to their communities and promote friendship between nations.