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Al Maktoum Foundation unveils projects in Somalia

According to a senior official, up to 1,500 students of the Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid School in Hargeisa city of Somalia have graduated from several universities.

Female students at the Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid school in Somalia. — Supplied photo

The Al Maktoum Foundation (AMF) has unveiled its pioneering education projects in Somalia.

The mega charity foundation, as per the instruction of Shaikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, is sponsoring thousands of students there.

According to a senior official, up to 1,500 students of the Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid School in Hargeisa city of Somalia have graduated from several universities in Sudan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, and even Europe.

“They are now working in Hargeisa as doctors, engineers, lawyers, and professionals in various fields,” said Mohammed Ahmed Ismael, representative of Al Maktoum Foundation in Somalia.

The foundation is currently sponsoring up to 2,112 regular students at different universities, he added. “Al Maktoum Foundation is giving a critical boost to education in Africa.”

Elaborating, he said the foundation is adopting a modern and advanced education system. “The programme involves the construction and management of 40 high schools and colleges, offering educational assistance to thousands of African students.”

Ismael said the list of AMF-sponsored students and graduates include 300 men and women who are studying or already studied pharmacy, 300 in the college of engineering and computer sciences, 350 in the college of economy and administration, and 550 in other specialties.

Those are added to 80 students who obtained their Master’s degree in several fields, and returned home to serve their country. “Some 12 male and female doctors, sponsored by the foundation, shall go home this year,” he said, noting that one of those students have obtained his Master’s and Doctorate degrees in medical radiology from Canada with distinction.

Mirza Hussain Al Sayegh, Board Member of the Al Maktoum Foundation earlier told Khaleej Times that 60 per cent of the Foundation annual Dh100-million budget is dedicated for abroad activities, particularly education programmes.