Students attend a class at a private language school in Mogadishu, capital of Somalia, May 6, 2010. Despite decades of civil war in Somalia, education, which is highly valued in Somali society, continues and schools and Universities operate even in the midst of conflict zone like restive Somali capital, Mogadishu. (Xinhua/Ismail Warsameh)
MOGADISHU, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Somali students have hailed the scholarships to study in China's universities, saying the offers can go a long way in helping the conflict-torn country upgrade its human resources.
The 42 students who received the Chinese government-provided scholarships in Mogadishu on Wednesday said they were determined to pursue their studies and head back home to help rebuild their country.
The students also expressed optimism in deepening relations between Somalia and China, citing past development support to Somalia by China.
Abdikadir Gedi could not hide his joy in an interview with Xinhua at the Chinese Embassy in Mogadishu, terming the scholarship a new opportunity to further his education.
"I hope I will come back with advanced skills to help me contribute in building my country and helping our people," said Gedi.
The students who will be starting their studies this month in China are drawn from all regions of Somalia, which the Chinese Ambassador to Somalia said was aimed at providing equal opportunities and contributing effectively to rebuilding Somalia.
"We have collected students from all Somali regions notably Somaliland, Puntland, Galmudug, South West, HirShabelle and Mogadishu. I am confident this scholarship program will be of so much help to the students and the country at large," said Ambassador Qin Jian.
For Abbullahi Hirsi from the semi-autonomous region of Puntland, the scholarship is a whole new world of opportunity to change his life and that of his community.
"This is an opportunity to change my life and that of my community for the better. I wish to thank the Chinese government for this generous opportunity," said Hirsi.
The scholarship opportunities add to several development supports by the Chinese government to Somalia since independence.
"China has done a lot to Somalia such as the construction of Banadir hospital, the largest public hospital in Somalia and the Mother and Child Hospital as well. They also constructed Mogadishu Football Stadium and the Somali National Theater," said Abdullahi Mohamed, one of the parents who recalled the China-aided projects.
The dream of pursuing her childhood dream as an engineer finally came true for Balqiisa Dahir Badey, an enthusiastic female student from the northern region of Somaliland.
"I would like to thank China for providing this opportunity to Somalia. I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation to the Chinese government and the Somali government for giving us this opportunity to further our education," said Balqiisa.
This year's scholarship program is the latest of China's drives to build Somalia's human resource capacity, particularly for the youth who make up of 75 percent of the population.
A similar number of students were granted scholarships last year by the Chinese government, which is an increase from the 20 scholarships in 2015.
The students will be pursuing various academic disciplines in both undergraduate and graduate levels and will be expected to transfer their skills to provide professional services in various sectors of the economy.
Skilled human resource remains a major challenge in Somalia. The opportunities to study in world-class universities in China are expected to aid in this regard as some graduates will also take up teaching in Somalia's universities in the country upon return.
