Mohammed Hassan Jimale, a fearless young leader from Somalia, has children written all over him. His face glows at the mention of kids.

He has worked with various NGOs and many organizations that target the most vulnerable children. His interest is in offering psychological programs and in engaging the community in issues that affect children such as early marriages and gender sensitization.

When I was growing up I witnessed a lot of suffering by children as a result of the war in Somalia. Most of them were rendered homeless, orphans and subjected to extreme poverty and lack of education.

I lost my mother at the age of seven and the only adult figure was my grandmother who was too old to manage life. They say it does not rain forever. I am grateful for being able to access my education in both Kenya and Somalia to university level.

Through volunteering and working for various organizations, they have educated over 6,000 children. He is also a YALI E.A Alumnus.

Africans will have massive progress when we unite. As young leaders, we should intend to learn the art of seizing opportunities and developing our interpersonal and leadership skills.

Jimale’s vision is to run a top position in an international organization and manage projects that address helpless children.

I am constantly working on improving my skills. My calling is a big one. To help educate the next emerging crop of leaders. They are the future of Africa and we must teach them to be patriotic to their countries and to love themselves ever so.

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You always have this constant smile Abdukadir. I am interested to know how you do it?

I consider myself a happy Somali man from Somalia (Laughs). I was born in Mogadishu as a last born of two sisters and two brothers. We had to relocate though when civil war broke out. I spent most of my child hood in Yagardheer, Dhadhaab camp in Kenya, actually about thirteen years. It was hard and depressing.

I put all my frustrations in my school work which resulted to being the top student in all levels and all the schools I have attended to date. I remember back then vowing to myself that I would be part of making my rich country, Somalia great again. I decided to choose my weather.

When I was about 13 years old, we moved to Gaalkacyo, Puntland in Somalia where I completed my high school and attained my Bachelor in Business Administration at the University of East Africa in Gaalkacyo. I also have a degree in political sciences from Al- Hussen Bin Tala Univerisity.

I also studied in Amity University in India and got a degree in Business Management and my Masters in International business. India opened my eyes to a great experience of great cultures and helped me embrace different people. I have lived and worked in many other different countries like Ethiopia, Malaysia, UAE and Uganda. This has made me open up my wings and want to soar like an eagle for the benefit of Africa.

In Gaalkacyo, I became a regional youth leader and later upgraded to regional focal point and Board member of Puntland Non State Actors Association (PUNSAA). This is a civil society network which unifies all non-state actors in Puntland. I have also worked in Modug Regional Administration as an IDP profiling project coordinator in partnership with UNHCR. I enjoyed working with GRT Italia as the operations and logistics manager.

Joy and happiness is a choice and a gift from God. I am glad this gift has led me through doors and belief that I can achieve my purpose and be able to disrupt the status quo.

Many people associate Somalia with Al shaabab and war. How is it living there?

Somalia is a very big country, it’s not just Mogadishu. The challenge is in a very small part of Mogadishu. Actually, we have been in peace for many years, since the eighties. Al-Shabaab does not run Somalia and people need to understand that.

We are a very cultural and happy people and we even have people flying in and out from all over the world.

You are involved in fighting radicalization in Somali. Could you tell us about it?

I have to admit this is one of those crazy challenges you task yourself (shakes his head). I am part of the youth development research centre involved in training thousands of Somali youth. We help divert them from radicalization of the Shabaab and pirates through teaching them business skills and offering business funds. It is a tough one more so because we do not have enough funding. However, I think I have that energizer bunny in me. I never say die, for my country, for Africa.

You mentioned that as a child you vowed to be part of making Somalia great. Do you feel content with the many things you are doing to make it happen?

I haven’t reached that point yet. There is so much to do and such little time. The whole of last year I was attending the International Forum in Mogadishu with my president, Abdiwali Gaas and the Somali National Consultative Forum in regard to the national elections in 2016 with the main objective of seeking peace within that region.

My dream is to also bring back Somalis back home and unite them so that we can build our nation together.

Does that mean you are also interested in joining politics?

Well… (smiles, then goes in to deep thought). We shall find out when we cross that bridge.

I have met such great leaders like you at YALI. How is the experience for you?

What a great opportunity. The networking, the different cultures, amazing opportunities and talents is mind blowing. It is also a confirmation that my work in my country is bearing fruit. All young Africans who are doing great things for our continent must apply. I am looking forward to the Mandela Washington fellowship later this year.

Favorite food?

The amazing Somali Canjeero (pancake) and rice cooked anyhow.

The post I Am a Young Somali Thriving In Somalia, Abdukadir Muse Nor appeared first on Afrikan Excellence.