Somali youth vows to rebuild homeland after pursuing medicine in China

Abukar Mukstar Mohammed grew up in the Somalia capital Mogadishu when civil unrest in the Horn of Africa state had reached a climax and annihilated the dreams of children and youth.

Having witnessed the devastations caused by civil strife in his homeland, Mohammed swore to pursue further education and hopefully assist Somalia children and youth reclaim their lost path.

The 27-year-old student of medicine at Sovereign Medical University in Guangzhou benefited from a Chinese government scholarship to pursue his dream career.

During a telephone interview with Xinhua, Mohammed confessed that a traumatic experience while growing up in his war ravaged homeland has not sapped the energy and passion to become an accomplished doctor.

"As a child, I always dreamt of becoming a doctor and my impressive score in chemistry and biology in high school made it possible for me to enroll for this discipline," said Mohammed.

He studied in public schools in Mogadishu, but had set his eyes on a bigger prize despite the immense hurdles that stood in his way.

Mohammed's superb performance in high school secured him a Chinese government scholarship in 2008 to pursue undergraduate studies in medicine at one of the leading universities.

"I went to China in September 2008 and studied mandarin for one year at Sun Yat Sen University. Later in September 2009, I enrolled for a bachelor's degree in medicine at Sovereign Medical University in Guangzhou," Mohammed told Xinhua.

His mastery of Chinese language within a short span made it easy for him to gel with students and faculty members at the university.

Mohammed completed his bachelors' degree in medicine in July 2014 and was lucky to secure another Chinese government scholarship to pursue a three-year post graduate degree in medicine.

His seven-year study tour in China has not only been transformative, but has also opened new horizons to a youngster who was exposed to the brutal side of life at an early age.

Compared to his peers back home, Mohammed has accomplished a monumental feat and is well placed to participate in Somalia's rebuilding.

Mohammed's boundless resilience, versatility and sharp wit made it easier for him to cope with a new cultural environment.

He told Xinhua that despite cultural differences, the Chinese society was helpful and accommodating hence the desire to prolong his stay in the Asian giant.

"My experience in China has been enriching and I was privileged to spend a year studying mandarin. Despite earlier hiccups, am now able to speak fluent Chinese. Infact, Chinese is my second language after my mother tongue," said Mohammed.

The lengthy study tour in China exposed Mohammed to a rich culture and technological progress.

Initially, Mohammed was anxious to partake Chinese cuisine, but later came to adore it thanks to prodding from peers at the university.

"I had minor issues with Chinese food since it was new to me. I was just eating fish and rice when I joined the university. Later, I came to love Chinese cuisine and I believe it is one of the best in the world," Mohammed said.

While pursuing a bachelor's degree in medicine, Mohammed was privileged to have mentors who boosted his understanding of the discipline.

Likewise, the learning environment at the university was vibrant while teamwork contributed immensely to Mohammed's impressive performance at the under-graduate level.

After completing the post graduate degree in medicine in June 2017, Mohammed hopes to return to his homeland to contribute to its reconstruction.

"Back home the healthcare system is in dire situation after two decades of civil war. I will utilize my skills gained in China to rebuild healthcare infrastructure," said Mohammed.

He added that he intend to promote China-Somalia friendship after completing the post graduate degree in medicine. Enditem