UNHCR Eritrea - Graduation

of Somali Refugee student

Mai Nefhi, Eritrea - Abshir Hussein Abdullahi, 22, is one of two Somali refugees to graduate this year from Mai Nefhi
College, thanks to the German government sponsored DAFI Programme and the Ministry of Education for accepting
Somali refugee students into the college.
The Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative (DAFI) started in 1992. It grants scholarships to deserving
refugees at universities, colleges, and polytechnics, and UNHCR Eritrea has started to access this fund since 2008,
giving high level education opportunities to the Somali refugees in Eritrea.
Abshir is a capable young man, and his confidence and humility have led
him to become a model student for many years. In fact, in June 2007
during the World Refugee Day in Asmara, UNHCR publicly awarded Abshir
the award of Best Student. That was a great satisfaction, says Abshir,
smiling, Being acknowledged by the UNHCR office has made me
immensely happy.
Abshir was also thrilled the day of his graduation and greatly enjoyed the
ceremony, which took place at the Mai Nefhi College campus. He is the
first Somali student from the Umkulu Camp to successfully complete the
two years course and receive a diploma in Mathematics Education.
His presence in the academic system, says Abshir, had always been
peaceful, "I never had any issues integrating with the Eritrean students. On
the contrary, I made such good friends and was always respected and honored by the students and professors of the
college. And, I have never missed a class because it was always a pleasure for me to attend.
Abshir would like to continue studying until he receives his PHD in
Mathematics. In the meantime, when he returns to Umukulu Camp he
would like to take a sabbatical year and teach in schools in Umkulu,
transferring all his experience and education to the young Somali
refugees. I want to advise and motivate my peers to stay in school and
to get a good education and guide them beyond any doubts they may
have, he says. For the academic year of 2013/2014, a total of six
students (three in degree programs, three in diploma programs) are
expected to join the two Eritrean colleges in September 2013, for the
fall semester.
Speaking about his future, Abshir tells us about his interest in the
resettlement programme and his desire to go to Australia. If that is not
an option though, he would be happy to continue living in Eritrea,
possibly in Asmara, in order to continue his studies and find a job.
Through all his efforts and successes Abshirs motto has been, If you have hope, everything is easy. And it is
that winning attitude that he will be taking to the classrooms of Umkulu and beyond.
UNHCR Office in Eritrea
Campo Polo Area, Meteten St. 1A754
House no.35, P.O.Box 1995,
Asmara, Eritrea

Monica Modici, Communication Intern

modici@unhcr.org