Mohamed’s journey is a compelling narrative of ambition and purpose, driven by the desire to make substantial contributions to his homeland, especially in the arena of education. Reflecting on his motivations, Mohamed noted, “My priority was to invest in myself. I wanted to get out into the wider world so that I could make a real difference and change things for the next generation when it comes to access to education.”
His educational voyage commenced in 2014, when he embarked on a master’s degree in Procurement, Logistics, and Supply Chain Management at Salford University. He recalled this period with a sense of gratitude and achievement. “Studying with a western university was momentous for my confidence, as the ability to speak English is crucial for the success of many people from my country. It opens many doors. It allowed me to really develop my writing skills and ultimately helped me to land in the position that I am in now,” he remarked. It’s intriguing how a leap of faith into a new educational system can dramatically alter one’s trajectory, isn’t it?
Post graduation, Mohamed returned to his homeland, choosing to give back through meaningful engagement. His first significant role was with the Somali Stability Fund, where he was instrumental in initiatives aimed at bridging the gap between Somalia’s citizens and their government—a truly foundational step towards stabilisation.
In a twist of fate that might seem orchestrated by destiny, Mohamed’s efforts and credentials earned him a nomination as Minister for Education, Culture, and Higher Education in the newly established Galmudug state. Reflecting on this appointment, Mohamed added: “When the Galmudug state cabinet was being formed, the President wanted people who he believed were highly educated and so my degree from Salford was critical to me being selected for this position.”
This appointment brought with it a realm of responsibilities and an opportunity to transform an education system that was severely hampered by years of political instability. “Political instability due to the civil war prevented the progression of education in Somalia for decades, meaning that there was no curriculum and restricted access for many children. It’s my goal to change this. I’m now in the midst of developing and implementing educational policies to drive change, including policies to ensure universal access to education, particularly for the displaced families and the rural, poorer communities,” Mohamed elaborated with tenacity.
His passion for inclusive education, especially accessible to girls, cannot be overstated. Cultural norms and traditional gender roles have long dictated limited educational opportunities for girls. As Mohamed points out, “Many girls are not encouraged or even allowed to attend school. Of the small number of primary school-aged children who are receiving an education, only a quarter of them are girls.” This adds a layer of urgency and resolve to his mission.
Dr. Yiannis Polychronakis, Head of Supply Chains, Procurement, and Project Management at Salford Business School, could not be prouder of Mohamed’s journey. “Mohamed is one of our greatest success stories. He graduated with strong values and has gone on to make the world a better place. He really is an exemplary figure, who is already impacting thousands of young lives for the better,” he concluded with admiration.
In the narrative of Mohamed’s life, we find the poignant reminder that education is not just about personal advancement; it holds the power to reshape communities and foster hope. It challenges us to reflect—what are we doing with the tools we’ve been given?
