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Radbound University students Visit 2011

For the fourth year in a row, HIRDA had the privilege and successfully hosted the students of the Radboud University. Charleen Dedden HIRDA project officer presented HIRDA in general and ongoing projects in Somalia. They were also shown the video on Somalia and the IDP camps that was recorded during HIRDA’s team visit to Somalia in August. At the end of the short video, Fatumo Farah explained the strengths of a Diaspora organisation such as HIRDA and it faces in a country like Somalia, where there is lack of effective central government.

In small groups the students, led by Dr. Lothar Smith a lecturer, discussed how a scaling up of activities can be achieved in a country like Somalia, given both the political instability in Somalia and its limited resources. Another important discussion was whether HIRDA should seek to remain independent on their operations, or rather seek collaboration with governments in both the north and the south. They presented their findings, concerns, and gave some very useful recommendations. The Executive Director of HIRDA Fatumo Farah and a supporting staff Anthony Ovwighose responded by addressing some of their concerns, and welcomed their recommendations.

There were several other useful comments from the students on how a small nongovernmental organisation like HIRDA can better enhances its activities to deliver on its core objectives. The exchange of academic views and experience from the field proved to contribute to a very constructive morning. At the end, all the students wrote what they learned about the organisation, and gave some hints on how HIRDA can be more effective. The responses were very positive on the work of HIRDA and its role in Somalia as a Diaspora organisation. HIRDA aim to double its cooperation with the academic institutions particularly the students, through internships, research and volunteers. We hope that we have enthused them to become involved in HIRDA.

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