The African Star

An on-line publication for degree and certificate programs in journalism

Vol. 5 No. 1 2008

The Graduation of the First group of Sheik technical Veterinary school students

 By Zamzam Ahmed Hassan

A ceremony was held on Sunday 9^th September 2007, at Sheikh Technical Veterinary School for the graduation of the first 16 students.  The students finished three years veterinary course and all received a diploma.

The ceremony was opened with a speech by Mr Cipren Biao - the head of Terrra Nouva institution which funded the course. Mr Biao welcomed and thanked the guests and every body who supported the course. He also congratulated all the students who graduated. 

The Mayor of the Sahil region Mr Mohamed Abdillaahi also delivered a speech. He started his speech by stating that he can hardly speak because of joy. The Mayor welcomed to the ceremony government officials and all the institutions that supported the programme. The Mayor stated that many people did not believe that this school will succeed because of many circumstances surrounding it.  On the gender side, the Mayor said that he was disappointed not to see among the graduates female graduates, but indicated that female student will be amongst the next group to t start the course and is hope that in the future more women will join the course. Referring to the success made by the school, the mayor concluded his speech by saying that he is hopeful that the country will get a healthier livestock.

The Minister of Somaliland’s livestock and veterinary Mr Idiris Ibrahin Abdi also delivered a speech.  He stated that he was very glad to take a part in first graduation ceremony of Sheikh veterinary school and thanked Terra Nuova and the Organisations who supported the programme.  The Minister also reiterated how he is disappointed not to see a single woman who is graduating from the course.  However he said that he was very happy to see young student graduating from the veterinary school because apart from our generation, no body else specialised in this field and this is reflected by the fact that young people are not represented in the work force of the ministry. The Minster promised young graduates employment opportunities, scholar ship to do further studies in neighbouring countries.

The Chairman of UCID political Party - Eng. Faisal Ali Warabe also made a short speech at the ceremony.  He talked about how happy he is to be part of this ceremony, and thanked the organisations who funded and delivered this programme.  He also congratulated the Minister of live stock & veterinary for being the first Minister in Somaliland to announce good news. Eng Faisal remarked that he is hoping that the President and his vice president will follow suite. He reported that he participated in many graduation ceremonies and that this shows that Somaliland is an independent and free country. He encouraged the course graduates to undertake further studies and to take part in the development of their country and people.  Eng.  Faisal Ali concluded his speech by thanking all the students for their hard work and achievement.

Some other dignities from AU, Danish Org & Terra Nuovea who supported and funded the course delivered short speeches.  The head of  Terra Nuova for east Africa

Ms Lucy Wood talked in dept about all the different stages and challenges  that the school went through. She also thanked to everybody who took part in the programme, the Somaliland Government and congratulated all the student who graduated 3 years hard work.

At the end of the ceremony the 16 student who graduated were presented with their certificates of achievement.  All the students were very happy and one of them made speech where he thanked all those who participated in the ceremony. He also advised the next group of student to continue the hard work they have started.