What is the role of the Somali students abroad in the rebuilding of the Somali Nation?

A town-hall meeting organized by the Somali Students association at the International Islamic University in KL, Malaysia on February the 2nd 2008.

The Chairman and the director of CRD (Somalia) were invited to engage the Somali Students attending Malaysian universities. Over 7 hours in depth town-hall meeting whose main focus was to brief the students on the current
situation in Somali and to facilitate an in depth discussion regarding the role of the students in rebuilding the Somali nation.

Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle, Director of the CRD, presented a comprehensive analysis of the current socio-economic realities of Somalia, its internal and external dimensions,  the foundations of the dynamics that lead to the
current unacceptable situation of the country. Using facts and figures compiled by CRD researchers and the contribution of the UN agencies, Universities and other independent analysts.

Jabril managed to deliver a detailed background that inform many of the findings in his presentation. This presentation grabbed the students' attention and it has generated a lengthy discussion that challenged the
thinking of many of the students.

Over the 1000 Somali student are currently enrolled in universities across Malaysia, while another 2000 students are now attending collogues and polytechnic schools.  "We hardly get such fresh in-depth analysis from
Somali intellectuals" said Abdirahman Muudeey, President of Somali Student Association.

Unlike Somali students in other parts of the world, the rates of those student returning to Somalia is quite high. "Over 78% graduates return to Somalia after earning degrees, of course, where security permits, if Somalia
is to recover, these students are the key players of that future" Said a community elder.

CRD Chairman, Mohamed Ibrahim covered the role of education in achieving peaceful resolution to the Somali conflict and achieving a fast-tracked sustainable economic development. The discussions focused on the source of
the Somali conflict which was identified as a fight over a limited resources, lack of education, and negative external influences. The issue of the tribal alliances was seen as a symptom rather than a cause of the Somali
problem, and a useful tool for external elements to 'divide and rule'.

The students were very focused on the real problems facing all Somalis and there was a genuine feeling that the future leaders of Somalia, the students were very much aware and prepared to the challenges lying ahead.

Somali students asked serious questions that forced many in the audience to reflect and think deeply. Bilan A who has recently return form Somalia said"How many more people must be killed, before we realize enough is enough?'
she asked. 'How can a gun solve our problem?'

Malaysia is one of the few countries where Somalia passport and Somali people in general, still enjoy overwhelming support. "The hospitality given to us, through scholarships, financial support and welcoming environment,
has deeply contributed to the success of Somali student here in Malaysia." Said Yasir Mohamed Baffa, he  added "given the current mess in our country, failure is not an option" The town-hall meeting emphasized the need to focus what unites us (Somalis) which is more important than what divides us.

A Somali lecturer at Monash University campus in Kuala Lumbar,  Hassan Durman  presented a very stimulating paper on the Malaysian education system and what we (Somalis) we can learn from this progressive nation.

Professor Abdiaziz M, an architecture and lecturer at one of the Malaysian universities gave the students a historical perspective of the current problems in Somalia. 'I have never seen so many students paying so much
attention to this subject, i.e. the rebuilding of the home country'.'this is the first time I have seen students coming back to a lengthy serious town-meeting after not one but two breaks'. It was very apparent to all that students were eager to continue the discussion after 11 pm" this was indicative how CRD's engagement has had a positive impact on the student.
This is not first time that CRD engaged with Somalis in the Diaspora , Similar meetings were held in Europe, Canada, USA, Australia, Africa and Gulf region.

Many of the students were very grateful that they were given an opportunity to hear the latest development from home, watch a CRD produced research documentary films and suggestion on how they can participate and contribute
to the reconstruction of the country.

Abdirahman Muudeey, the president of Somali Students Association in Malaysia thanked the contribution of the CRD leadership and remarked that "this was the first time that Somali students at the IUM were given such a
comprehensive briefing, but  more importantly were told frank appraisal of the challenges waiting for them" Many of the students felt agitated, intellectually challenged  and moved which was precisely one of the objectives of the town hall meeting.