Technical colleges are a precursor and catalyst for development, he says
By M.A. Egge
The President of the Republic of Somaliland H.E. Musa Bihi Abdi on Sunday inaugurated the Hargeisa Technical Institute which has undergone extensive reconstruction, modernization and renovation works.
The Hargeisa Handicrafts School was the first of its kind in the country in 1952. The old building contained 13 classrooms, and an administrative center, but now the expansion and reconstruction of the new building has put it at 32 classrooms, all of which can accommodate more than 40 students at a time and modern administrative and associated structures.
The whole project has cost 2.4 million US dollars that has six halls of mechanical sciences, a solar field and two modern small farms (Green houses) added which would go down well in churning out experts in modern crop production.
The Head of State thanked everyone who contributed to the completion of college. He praised the completion of the vocational school in Hargeisa while underpinning the importance of technical education.
He said that the time has come to focus on vocational education which he said has more opportunities and benefits a far as education is concerned in this modern era.
The president pointed out that every country that has a poor economy and wants to increase it is necessary to direct its people to vocational technical schools to boost the skilled labour force in a nation.
Minister of Education and Science of Somaliland Dr. Ahmed Aden Buuhane, spoke in depth about the college and the role it would play in creating jobs and promoting the skills that young people need.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Somaliland, Dr. Isse Keyd Mohamud in his speech praised the new vocational school in Hargeisa and described it as much needed.
The president was accompanied by members of the cabinet, the deputy mayor of the capital, the leadership of the KULMIYE party, politicians, dignitaries and other guests.
On the other hand, the president on the same day inspected the ongoing expansion of the public owned Hargeisa Club hotel and noted that for its viability it ought to be as modern as its contemporaries.
He was conducted to a tour through the hotel and monitored the modernized spacious structures being built with precision engineering having all facilities a similar modern hotel would need.