From Village Life in North Western State of Somalia to Achievements in the U.S.: Arafat’s Story of Educational Pursuits and Athletic Prowess

Born in 2008 amidst the nomadic life of the Sanaag region, Arafat Mahamud Jama’s journey to an elite scholarship in the United States is a saga of grit and endurance. His family’s exodus from pastoral life to village settlement due to climate change marked the beginning of his remarkable odyssey.

Flash forward to age 16, and Arafat is living the dream—trading a small village for the hallowed halls of the American academic elite—a leap made possible by four years of fierce dedication and the golden opportunity provided by Abaarso School, a renowned educational beacon in North Western State of Somalia.

“Education was always my ticket out,” Arafat shared with the BBC. “From a young age, I knew learning was my gateway to a better future.”

The family, putting their faith in academia, sold off livestock and settled in El Afweyn. Here, Arafat began primary education in 2015. Soon, whispers of a transformative opportunity reached him.

“When I found out Abaarso School was scouting students in El Afweyn, I geared up for the exam and triumphed,” Arafat recounted.

Life in El Afweyn came with its own set of trials. Post-settlement, Arafat’s parents went their separate ways, leaving his mother to hold the fort with a modest business. The separation left an indelible mark on him.

“My family’s struggles fueled my drive,” Arafat reflected. “I needed to be strong for myself and my siblings.”

Arafat’s mother became the linchpin of their household, while his father remained back in the countryside, earning a living by collecting frankincense.

Against a backdrop of family challenges, Arafat thrived academically. After nailing the entrance exam for Abaarso School, he undertook a 500-kilometer trek to Hargeisa, where the institution is situated.

Abaarso School, a breeding ground for young talent outside Hargeisa, was where Arafat’s academic and athletic prowess blossomed. Renowned for prepping students for top global scholarships, the school shaped his trajectory.

“Initially, everything was tough—the language, the environment,” Arafat admitted. “But I acclimated, and soon, Abaarso became a place of personal and intellectual growth.”

At Abaarso, an unexpected discovery altered Arafat’s path: his gift for running. Though a soccer enthusiast initially, his lightning speed caught the eye of a math teacher coaching track and field.

“That day was pivotal,” Arafat reminisced. “The teacher wasn’t just about numbers; he saw a sprinter in me and encouraged me to delve into running.”

Under this mentorship, Arafat trained for local events, soon gaining fame as one of North Western State of Somalia’s promising young runners. His newfound speed peeled open doors, hinting at the prospect of an overseas scholarship.

Not only an athletic dynamo, Arafat shone academically, catching the eye of U.S. educators. His success was a cocktail of academic merit and track prowess.

“U.S. schools noticed my grades and running talent,” Arafat acknowledged. “Getting a scholarship offer felt like validation; my efforts were bearing fruit.”

Arafat Mahamud Jama, speaking to local media post-track event, marked the turning point. His extraordinary running skills clinched him a visa and scholarship to continue his athletic journey in the U.S.

In 2023, Deerfield Academy, a prestigious institution in Massachusetts, extended a hand. This scholarship was a pivotal new chapter, taking Arafat far from his homeland.

Taking a flight for the first time was an adventure in itself, challenging Arafat to adapt to American norms and an unfamiliar education system upon touching down in Massachusetts.

“Everything was foreign,” he stated. “From food to interactions, it was initially overwhelming. Yet, like at Abaarso, I found my footing.”

Juggling his academics and rigorous training, Arafat’s hard work paid dividends. Recently, he clinched first place at the “Loomis Invitational”, a competitive regional race featuring over 150 runners from areas like Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Hampshire.

Arafat Mahamud Jama, now racing for Deerfield Academy, has become a top runner. His knack for running was instrumental in securing a scholarship at such a prestigious U.S. institution.

Claiming that victory has only stoked Arafat’s ambitions further. He dreams of leveraging his athletic skills to unlock more doors, including scholarships from U.S. universities always on the prowl for skilled athletes.

“I feel aligned with my goals,” Arafat asserted. “This journey is just starting, and I’m laser-focused on seizing every opportunity.”

Ibrahim Said Ahmed, his relative and mentor in the U.S., beamed with pride on Arafat’s meteoric rise.

“Just four years back, Arafat was herding livestock in El Afweyn,” Ibrahim mentioned. “Today, he rubs shoulders with the offspring of America’s leaders. It speaks volumes of his diligence and the opportunities Abaarso School provided.”

In a heartfelt Facebook tribute, Abaarso School lauded Arafat’s endeavors, presenting him as a beacon of hope for young minds in North Western State of Somalia dreaming of a better tomorrow.