NAIROBI, Kenya — Somalia’s ambassador to Kenya has bid farewell to two Somali students awarded scholarships to study in Japan, as the embassy highlighted international education opportunities for Somali students and professionals.
Ambassador Jabriil Ibrahim Abdulle met the students in Nairobi before their departure. Tsukishima Ayane, a representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Kenya, also attended the farewell meeting.
Abdulle encouraged the students to make the most of their studies and return with knowledge and skills that could benefit Somalia and their communities.
He said international scholarships were particularly valuable for strengthening the skills of Somali citizens, including those working in government institutions and local administrations.
“We thank Japan for its educational support to Somali students,” Abdulle said, praising the students for securing the scholarships through competitive selection and examinations.
The ambassador said the Nairobi embassy had now farewelled Somali students travelling to Japan for the second time in two months, describing the opportunities as evidence of growing international confidence in Somali students.
According to the embassy, some Somali students who previously benefited from similar programmes have completed their studies and returned to work in various Somali government institutions, while others remain in Japan pursuing further education.
Abdulle also praised countries providing scholarships to Somali students, saying such programmes demonstrated the ability and determination of young Somalis to succeed in international academic institutions.
The embassy has increasingly focused on supporting Somali students and professionals seeking education, training and skills development abroad, according to the statement.
The two students are part of the latest group of Somali scholarship recipients travelling to Japan this year.
