Hicham Abdourahman, hails from Djibouti. He is witty, chivalrous and intelligent- a gentleman. He is the last born of eight brothers and one sister. I have to let you know that I had to prepare myself in advance before interviewing him because Mr. man is hilarious. I decided to catch him just as he was having his four o’clock chai and nduma after a class at the YALI centre.
Tell me your story Hicham. How was it growing up in the Coastal Djibouti?
I was born and bred in Djibouti and raised by a single mother after my dad died when I was a child. (I notice the sparkle in his eyes) My mother is my role model. Growing up, I did not feel free enough to dream large because of many societal regulations. I however, knew deep down that I would grow up different and have a little bit of spice about life.(He stands up and does a funny happy dance. At this point, I am holding my breath, I can not burst out laughing because we’re surrounded by other leaders in small groups of meetings).
I left for Ethiopia later to pursue a masters in business from the Greenwich University-London. This was an amazing time because I got to meet one of my mentors, the owner of the university who encouraged me throughout my studies. When I told him I wanted to be like him, he asked me to start immediately because it would be a long but fulfilling journey.
My journey as a lover of all things entrepreneurship led to the running of a restaurant in collaboration with my cousin in Djibouti.
You are known in Djibouti for empowering young people. How do you do it?
I am involved in empowering the youth in leadership and self-management, and in the rehabilitation of youth who have a drug addiction problem. This is very easy for me because God has called me to make others happy. In Djibouti, many people know me as the happy man who has a following of young needy and sometimes drug addicted youth who constantly look for me for entertainment. This is how I am able to get them help.
There is one thing that people do not understand, Happiness is key in life. Most people are very sad. You cannot offer solutions when you are head stuck in your problems. You cannot achieve your dreams or live comfortably if you are constantly stuck in a sulky slide- always licking that sad, problem coated lollipop.
I have purposed to make people happy. I wake up in the morning looking for a way to help others choose their weather. Most of the times, I am forced to use my favorite tool, wait for it… the mirror!
(He demonstrates using the white wall we are facing). For example, assume this wall is a mirror. What do you see? You have to see love. Loving yourself, loving others, loving your country and loving our continent and the whole wide world! I can guarantee it works and it makes you love your purpose in life and have the want to pursue it. Want to give it a try?
I comply. I imagine the wall in front of me is a mirror. He asks me to imagine that I am in love with the person I see in the mirror, Oh Lord, I almost break down crying after a few minutes- I’m in love with myself. Please don’t give me that look because the Bible does say, love your neighbor as you love yourself. Loving me first.
Anyway, I begin to have a million thoughts going through my mind. What are the things am doing to build myself? Am I doing enough? Do I have a balance between my body, mind and soul? Then he asks me tovisualize my friends, my country and Africa. Oh my goodness! Now I feel guilty at the thought of not doing enough! Clearly, this man is gifted.
Hicham looks at the wall, dances and chants a love poem or maybe a song, I couldn’t make out the words because at this point, I had walked to a corner to laugh. Tears of happiness rolling down my cheeks. I promise I do not understand what is happening to me but like I told you, Mr. man is gifted and beyond hilarious. How does he switch emotions so effortlessly? I should know as an actress.
Tell me about your YALI experience?
This is one of the best experiences I have ever had. First of all, I had the option of signing a contract and getting to work at a five star hotel in Djibouti or attend YALI. I chose YALI. It’s very competitive and going by my current experience, I have no regret. I am connecting with great people and learning many things I never would have in my normal life. My life has changed, it will never be the same again.
This opportunity has me considering and working on a plan to have an organization like YALI back home. To partner with others from different countries to influence the youth at large in other African countries.
Africa in four words
Simple, cultural, love and prosperity.
Your advice to young emerging African leaders?
Get out of your comfort zone. Read a lot. Smile often. Laugh at your challenges.
This was a very fun interview. The rejuvenation. That feeling you get when you feel like you can achieve all your goals. I went smiling at people and told them how love was an amazing thing thereafter.
Go Hicham! Spread the love.
