Iqra Stars Did it Again - Suleiman Dugsiye (Warsan Magazine)

Warsan magazine was cordially invited to attend a fund raising function for Iqra program on September 1st that was held at Ibnu Batuta School in Ottawa. Mr. Bahdon and I had the honor to represent Warsan magazine to attend the function.

Fully prepared with our tools of trade, we were there on time, and were greeted by the dynamic event organizers. There we found a lot of happy community members who were all excited to attend the function.

The function was a well planned, smooth running, entertaining, educational and like never seen before kind of a function. It was well coordinated. There were memorable speeches, and the speakers were well known scholars.

After The usual recitation of Ayah from the holly Quran for the opening of the program, Mohamed Abdi was the first to speak. After a short introduction about the history of Iqra program, Mohamed extensively talked about the programs accomplished and the need that still exists in the regions of rural Awdal.

Mr. Mohamed Abdi reminded the audience that poverty around Awdal is restricting the potential of a whole generation of children and youth. He added that the lack of education, in turn, contributes more towards extreme poverty. But the fact is, he said; we can contribute a lot to help our children get education, and this task lies on our shoulders and we must all take responsibility for contributing to this goal. Mr. Mohamed urged all the audience to donate generously to help the children and reminded them that it takes a whole community to educate a child in these difficult times.

Mr. Mohamed, a smooth talker delivered an emotional speech. I could tell from the faces of the audience that they were all in high gear of emotions. I my self was moved several times by what Mohamed was saying. I remember instances in which my heart was whispering to me and reminding me if only most of us even think about how fortunate we are to have had a good education. Mohamed concluded his speech by reminding them that education is the transmission of civilization and urged them to participate in the Iqra program and welcomed their contribution of ideas to further develop the program as well as donating generously to the program.

Sheikh Hadi then took the microphone and began his speech with "Quran" and "Duco." Sheikh Hadi left no stone unturned and urged the public to unite and help each other, supporting his sentences with Suras from our holly Quran and Axaadiis. He talked about the good things done by IQRA program and challenged every one to donate. Sheikh Hadi reminded the audience that charity starts at home and that this kind of charity is Al-sadaqa al-jariya - one of three things that benefit a Muslim after he/she parts with life. This is what the Prophet Muhammad (SCW) taught. It is an act of charity whose benefits continue after a person passes away, he added.

What a talented and distinguished speakers. All of them had definitely a gift for speeches. The environment was surely pleasant. Every body was happy. There were a lot of applauds and standing ovations every now and then. One could tell from the faces of the crowd that they were enjoying like they never had it so good for a long time. The speeches drew the audience in and held their attention for hours. There was never a dull moment.

This piece will not be complete with out mentioning about the food. The food served was excellent. The food was something that can not be described in words. But you can imagine the taste of the famous "Sambousa, Baagiye, Kackac, cheese buns, etc." light but delicious food that every body enjoyed. In a net shell, the function was one of its kinds.

After a short break in which people enjoyed the food, Sheikh Hadi told the audience that the people who help others to get education have chosen a life of "giving", a part of themselves to someone they do not even really know. I have the greatest respect for those very special people who dedicated their lives to help children get education he added. Sheikh Hadi also gave the audience a good dose of the Islamic history of Adel and talked about Muliyooy Saa See - a book he wrote.

Mr. Mohamed Hashi spoke then. He talked about the importance of education and stressed on the difficulties facing our communities. In his speech Hashi reminded the crowd the importance of preserving our traditions, culture and norms. He stressed on the importance of teaching our children the Somali language. He mentioned how the Somalis are receptive to outside cultures and urged every body to keep an eye on our culture and the common good. He concluded by thanking Iqra group for the good things they do for helping the children in need.

From Warsan crew to Iqra stars:

Ladies and gentlemen, we will always remember your help to our children during these times of need. It takes a special group to aid the future generations. You captured a special place in our hearts. Your actions are wonderful lessons to the rest of us. We salute you on behalf of Awdal. You stood up for our children and surely your efforts made a difference. We admire your willingness, energy, and organizational abilities. Every member of our community joins with us in thanking you for what you did. You proved to us that you are the elite and the back bone of Awdal. One day you will be glad to know that your efforts did not go unheeded.

To The Organizing Committee:
When a fund-raising function is success, the credit starts with the planning committee. Ladies and gentlemen, your fine work and the excellent planning resulted in an informative and smooth running function.

Mohamed Abdi
Rashid Omer
Hassan Ibrahim Haji Kheyreh
Farhan Hassan
Oubado Mohamoud
Saaada Ismail
Zahra Ibrahim
Moumina Ali

Thanks to you, the community now has an outstanding model to follow always.

My opinion about Muliyay Saa See:

Featuring stunning images, revealing maps, and historic facts, Muliyay Saa See is carefully balanced to provide readers with a deeper comprehension of Somali history in general and Adel history in particular. It's a challenge that calls for an open mind and a clear perspective on the people, events, and issues that shaped Adel society. This book of the cultural, Islamic and political history of Adel is a must reader for the people of Awdal and I recommend the book to be a house hold item.

The book would also make a classic textbook and reference for students, researchers, and institutions needing comprehensive information about the history of Adel and I therefore, urge Awdal educational authorities to give a good consideration to the idea of teaching this book in Awdal schools. It is my pleasure to thank sheikh Hadi for reviving Adel’s rich history.

Message from the organizers:

The organizers wish to thank the communities and all the supporters of IQRA everywhere and at the same time are appealing to everyone who can contribute to this noble cause to please come forward and contact them at http://us.f530.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=info@readngo.org.

Conclusion:

It is apparent that education has the capacity to break the vicious cycle of poverty. If you feed a child suffering from the many atrocities of extreme poverty, he/she will live for a while. But educating that child will build his/her own way out of poverty; will contribute towards the community and the overall uplifting of that society. Iqra is an organization that shares these thoughts. Iqra is in fact the only non-governmental organization creating real and lasting change for children in need in Awdal. It strives to ensure the educational well-being of impoverished children in Awdal.
As we say; Ishaa macalin ah. Let what we saw be lessons to us. Let us follow the leaders and imitate the actions of the Iqra group. They proved to us what we knew all along...That we can do it.... Yes we can ... Shoulder to shoulder, folding our sleeves let us all be part of the success story. Let us participate helping our young generations.... and remember ... donate to Iqra programs.

Suleiman Abdi Dugsiye
Warsan Magazine
Ottawa. Canada
douksi@warsanmag.com