A colorful and highly organized event was held at PSU main Campus central ground to end the district art and culture exhibition, talent search and media outreach events that have been conducted by PSU. The event was attended by winners from the four districts, district education officers, PSU senior management-Vice Chancellor and Deputy Vice chancellors, Minister, Ministry of Information, Communication, Culture and Heritage and the Director General of the Ministry, Intergovernmental Academy of Somali Language representatives, and diplomats, religious leaders, representatives from the local universities, attendees from the community at large and the list is long. A word of Prayer Sheikh Mohamed Omar started the ceremony with a word of prayer and summoned all the congregation to Allah’s piety. The Program Coordinator Mr. Abdirisack Farah, the project coordinator addressed the participants and gave a briefing remarks on the accomplishments of the project so far as well the objectives and the intended impact of the project. He said, “This project was spearheaded by the Ministry of Information, Communication culture and heritage and PSU is facilitating the implementation” He added, “The ownership is for all Puntland people” He expressed that the project objectives are to promote and enhance youth creativity and talent. The Program has been implemented in four districts of Puntland-namely-Garowe,Galkayo, Gardo and Bosaso. He said, “It has been after a long competition that we have today the winners from the four districts”. He added, “We have 24 person from the four districts” He said that the school did a school based competition and 50 students competed where 10 were finalists who made to the district art and culture exhibition and finally at the district art and culture exhibition the best student from each school was selected and that is why they are here after a long way. Speaking about the young talents the coordinator said, “There is a lot of potential among the youth- both in school and out of school” He added, “They have come with arts that could take some days with recognized painters” “There are many opportunities and the ministry is committed to continue the program and the youth who are brought here at least have the opportunity to network and enhance their skills in arts and poetry” said the project coordinator as he ended the speech. Halgan Cultural Team Self-organized cultural team entertained the participants with a short drama that made all the participants glued to the platform and kept them laughing from the start to the end. The drama had several themes about Somali marriage, Somali life style and the Somali language. The play significantly addressed how art and culture are powerful tools to sooth and builds human relations, mobilize communities, change the consciousness and perceptions of people. The play also capture how naming of market places in foreign language is abusing the Somali language and the actors encouraged their counterparts to use Somali naming system for their premises. PSU Vice Chancellor Mohamud Sheikh Hamud, Vice Chancellor of Puntland State University thanked all the participants and he particularly acknowledged the efforts of the young contestants. He said, “What you performed at your district was marvelous and you have all the potential and deserve a credit for your efforts” He had been very optimistic about the future of Somali art and culture and he said, “We hope you can represent us at regional and national level and we are proud of you” Local Universities Representatives Mr. Abdurrahman Ibrahim, from East Africa University gave a thanksgiving remarks on behalf of the local universities, Mr. Abdurahman briefly emphasized how considerate it is to revive art and culture and empower young persons. He said,“ This is a very crucial project in revving art and culture” “The organizers, the participants, the donor and the government deserve a credit for this wonderful work” added Mr. Abdurahman. Former Good Governance State Minister. Mr. Gaashaan, former state minister addressed the participants and was amazed how the event was organized. He said, “The young talented actors have entertained and made us laugh” He said that he had been in art and culture festival held at Bosaso with the Somali author and poet-Ahmed Farah Ali (Idajaa) who shared with him that the Somali treasure is not lost since he met with young talented persons. DG: Ministery of Information, Communication, Culture and Heritage the Director General Mr. Abukar Abkey gave very brief remarks. He mentioned that the program was spearheaded by the ministry with the support of USAID through DIA-TIS. He said, “The program was owned by Puntland with the support of USAID” For protocol purpose the DG welcomed the Minister for his official remarks, present award to the winners and close the ceremony. The Minister of Puntland Ministery of Information, Communication, Culture and Heritage Mahamud Hassan Soadde The Minister of Information, Communication, Culture and Heritage acknowledged and thanked every individual and institution for their role in participating the event and for their attendance to mark the closing ceremony. He said, “On behalf of the ministry and Puntland government I congratulate the organizers for this amazing and wonderful ceremony” The minister mentioned how they are grateful to DIA-TIS and USAID. He said, “DIA-TIS and USAID deserve applause for support this iniative” Today we are here to mark the end of the program and the aim was to revive and enhance art and culture revival in Somalia”. The minister said, “When we talk of art and culture- The first thing is your language-That equates your existence” “We Somalis we don’t give priority to painting but it is one of the arts that is powerful to address human being”. Award Presentation As all speeches and drama concluded, The Minister, The DG, the PSU Vice Chancellor and Other officials presented award to the winners and also awarded recognitio n certificates to lead individuals of this program. The award package comprised of cash, a recognition certificate and a gift.
