Somali Community in Canada Honours Diaspora Professionals for Public Service

GOOBJOOG NEWS | EDMONTON: Somali academics and professionals from North America, Europe and Africa have been recognised for their contribution to their communities at a gathering in Edmonton, Alberta.

The event, organised by the Alberta Somali Heritage Association (ASHA), brought together Somali scholars, professionals and community members for discussions on the experiences of Somalis in Canada, including the challenges and opportunities facing the community.

Speakers included academics Prof Hussein Warsame, Prof Afyare Abdi Elmi and Dr Habiiba Mahmoud, who reflected on the experiences of Somali Canadians and praised ASHA for bringing members of the community together.

The gathering also highlighted the contribution of Somali professionals and academics living across the diaspora, with organisers using the occasion to recognise individuals for their service to their communities.

ASHA chairman Osman Shire thanked participants and said the organisation would continue creating opportunities for Somalis to meet, exchange ideas and recognise people contributing to their communities.

The event ended with awards presented to Somali academics and professionals from different parts of the world, with recipients encouraged to continue using their expertise and experience in service of their communities.

The gathering comes as Somali diaspora organisations continue to provide platforms for professional networking, cultural engagement and discussions about the experiences of Somali communities abroad.