By Donald Magomere
Mogadishu, Somalia: Maryan Mohamed Ali’s childhood dreams soared above the war-torn streets of Mogadishu. Although toys, aeroplanes weren’t readily available in a war-torn country, her fascination with them remained undimmed.
“I used to cry for toy planes as a child,” says recalls. “Even though I had never been outside of Somalia, I would watch and admire videos of planes landing and taking off, mesmerized” she added.
Growing up in a city grappling with insecurity and limited opportunities, particularly for young Somali girls, Maryan, now 20 years old, says she found solace in her ambition. An ambition to fly and soar high, despite the constant sense of fear and uncertainty.
As Somalia rises, so do her dreams.
“My country faces numerous challenges, be it security, education, and access to many things stable countries enjoy,” she says, “but, I am driven by the desire to serve my country and contribute to our prosperity because succeeding is my top priority,” says Maryan.
Maryan says that the city holds a special place in her heart: A city full of resilience, with its culture, and history, and a country that boasts of vibrant markets, bustling streets, and beautiful beaches, all contributing to its unique charm.
“Mogadishu is a city constantly evolving and adapting to change, yet fiercely proud of its rich cultural heritage. As a Somali girl, I am proud to call Mogadishu my home,” she adds.
Walking in the streets of Mogadishu daily, reveal a changing landscape. “ I see students of all ages and backgrounds on their way to school, zealous to expand their knowledge and skills,” observes Maryan, a graduate student of Mogadishu Aviation College.
Unlike in the past, she notes that many families now prioritize education for their children and provide them with the best opportunities to learn and grow.
Not long ago, she was fortunate to be selected among the few students for an industrial attachment at the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) aviation department in Mogadishu, following a rigorous vetting process.
“We need more training to attain professional standards, similar to other countries,” says Maryan who is currently planning to undertake her International Air Transport Association (IATA) certification.
Maryan was one of dozens of young Somalis recruited through a competitive process to undertake hands-on practicals on aviation training. This army of students could get trained and mentored on air operations and management among other critical areas to be the next generation of professionals in Somalia’s aviation industry.
A symbol of growing confidence in Somalia’s aviation industry, MAC, the only aviation institution in the country, has introduced young Somalis to diverse career possibilities in the aviation world.
“Today, we enroll up to ten students per session, and the training lasts three months on the job. Since we started, we have trained about sixty to seventy students with the main objective of building capacity for Somalia’s aviation industry,” says Ernest Manzano, UNSOS Chief Aviation Services.
“The goal is to train these personnel in aviation services so that they can be deployed throughout Somalia at the different airports we operate. I believe these women and men graduating from the aviation college will be ready to handle that responsibility,” adds Manzano.
Somalia is working to regain control of its airspace, which has been managed by the UN since 1991 when the government collapsed.
According to the Somalia National Development Plan 2020 to 2024, the aviation industry has attracted over 20 daily flights to and from Kenya to Mogadishu, with increased local labour, indicating a significant increase in air travel services.
As the African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia transitions and the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) assumes more responsibilities, there is a growing need to avoid a professional vacuum in Somalia’s aviation industry, hence the need to accelerate and bridge the gap.
“UNSOS among other partners has been supportive in granting MAC internships through training, coaching, and mentoring students until they become professionals,” says Engineer Ali Gutale, the Managing Director of Mogadishu Aviation College.
Established in July 2018, Mogadishu Aviation College has produced professional aviators who have been absorbed by local and international airlines and aviation firms, including the Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA), Favori, and Aden Abdulle International Airport.
Mohamed Abdirahman Ali, another beneficiary of the collaborative partnership, believes that his dream of flying for airlines is not far-fetched, courtesy of the training he received from UNSOS aviation.
“You cannot climb a ladder at once. Now I am starting as a flight dispatcher, and soon, I will advance to pursue other courses and become a pilot,” says Mohamed, who is now an instructor at MAC.
Sabrin Mohamed Hashi, an attached at UNSOS Aviation Department undertaking a four-month training as a ramp officer is optimistic that the country is on the right path toward regaining its lost glory.
“The future is bright and with the semblance of peace, we are focused to propel this country across greater heights,” said Hashi whose dream is to become an aviation and logistics management Manager.
Over recent years, the Somalia aviation sector has increasingly attracted major commercial carriers such as Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Uganda Airlines, Fly Dubai, and UN-contracted flights, opening more opportunities for young aviators.
The Federal Government of Somalia among global bodies like UNSOS is at the forefront of broader efforts to build capacity, providing hope for a brighter future by supporting aviation students to navigate their career pathways through a hands-on learning experience.
“Somalia joining the East African Community is significant, especially for students because it could bring various opportunities for economic and political integration,” said Maryan.
