By Mohamed A. Duale

8 May 2008

It is great pleasure to hear that a group of young Somaliland graduates, who had completed their education program at Defense College in Ethiopia specializing in engineering fields such as communication, electronic and mechanical.

 

Let me say to such young graduates that you have successfully completed your first degree studies and you are now ready to begin the next chapter of your life and work for your country, which in my opinion is the greatest honour anyone can achieve.

I share with Somaliland people the excitement and joy that your graduation has brought on us and we, as a nation, are proud of you.

Unlike your homeland, studying in abroad is a very difficult task because of different environment, culture and people.

It is a well known fact that the majority of people who choose to pursue higher education enjoy higher quality of life than those who don't.

The fact that you graduated this year from one of the best universities in Ethiopia is testimony to your own hard work, determination and purposefulness.

While you will not be greeted by a perfect world because of the prevailing high rate of un-employment in Somaliland, I am very confident that you have the skills and grace to overcome whatever obstacles that you may encounter in the future.

Somaliland people, who have been waiting you for a long time, are very proud of your achievement and warmly welcome you back in Somaliland.

I give you my best wishes and congratulations vis-a-vis your graduation.

Finally, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Ethiopia government for its generous scholarship; equally, I congratulate the Somaliland government for the support it has been rendering to this batch of students.

Last but not least, many thanks to your parents who sacrificed their life so that you -their children- can gain better education for yourself and for the country.

Long life Somaliland

Mohamed A. Duale
Hargeisa Somaliland

Source: Qaran News