December 13, 2024
Success Stories
December 13, 2024
In November 2024, the Center for Learning and Development at Somali Public Agenda successfully concluded a 5-week research training program designed to produce qualified young researchers with certified skills and knowledge. This was the second time the Center implemented this program. The 2024 cohort began with 38 trainees, of which 23 successfully completed the program.
While the training was valuable for all participants, it proved to be a life-changing opportunity for two trainees, Shukri Mahad and Jamal Abdinasir, who took on research roles at their respective institutions. Shukri was entrusted with leading a research project at her institution before joining the training program, marking her first research role. For her, the training provided a rare and essential opportunity to help her rise to the challenge. On the other hand, Jamal was assigned to lead a research project at his institution immediately after completing the course.
This short success story reflects how the research training program enabled these two early-career researchers to undertake meaningful research projects at their institutions.
Shukri’s Journey: From Worry to Celebration
Shukri Mahad Abdullahi, a passionate advocate for youth and peace, joined the research training with a strong interest in learning effective research methodologies. The only prior research course she had taken was at university, which she considered a crash course that she did not fully understand. Shukri was eager to write research papers but hesitated due to a lack of confidence. The idea of writing a high-quality research paper had always been on her mind.
Before starting the training, her institution assigned her to lead a research project. While working on this study, Shukri worried about successfully completing the task. One day, she came across an advertisement for the research training course offered by the Center for Learning and Development at Somali Public Agenda on social media. She paused her work and applied for the program, as she later reflected on during her remarks at the graduation ceremony.
The training course transformed Shukri’s understanding of research basics, methods, and tools. It also helped her overcome challenges she faced in the research project she was leading. Ultimately, her project, titled “Resilience Rising: Youth Research Informing Global Climate and Conflict Responses,” was successfully completed, and the research report was published. This study was part of a series of studies commissioned by the Kofi Annan Foundation in six climate- and conflict-vulnerable countries, with Shukri and her team working on the Somalia case study.
The study was published on the Kofi Annan Foundation’s website on November 27, 2024, just five days after she graduated from the research training program. After completing the training and leading the research project, Shukri now has the confidence to lead future research endeavors and articulate findings effectively.
Jamal’s Achievement: From the Classroom to the Field
Jamal Abdinasir, an aspiring researcher with a background in social science and social work, joined the research training course with high expectations. While this wasn’t his first training experience, it was the most impactful for him. Jamal had been waiting for this opportunity, having missed out on being part of the first cohort due to conflicting deadlines.
Jamal, an operations lead at Astaan TV, a popular cable television station in Somalia, significantly broadened his understanding of research methods during the training. His eagerness to gain knowledge and experience was evident throughout the program. He never missed a single class and made remarkable contributions to class activities until the end of the course.
Jamal was later assigned to lead a research project under the theme “Strengthening Livelihoods, Resilience, and Disaster Preparedness of Crisis-Affected Communities in Jubaland, Somalia.” He traveled to Jubaland for fieldwork, which provided him with a unique opportunity to experience data collection. He also gained valuable experience in other parts of the research process, including transcription and report writing. The findings of the research project led by Jamal are expected to be published soon.
Impact and Future Prospects
The success stories of Shukri and Jamal highlight the transformative impact of the recently concluded 5-week research training course. Both trainees have emerged as capable researchers, ready to lead projects that can drive positive societal outcomes.
The conclusion of the training marks the beginning of a professional journey for Shukri, Jamal, and their fellow participants. The Center for Learning and Development at Somali Public Agenda remains committed to fostering a new generation of researchers who will contribute to Somalia’s development with evidence-based insights and solutions.
Somali Public Agenda is a non-profit public policy and administration research organization based in Mogadishu. Its aim is to advance understanding and improvement of public administration and public services in Somalia through evidence-based research and analysis.
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