The act of recognizing effort—no matter how small—has the power to strengthen commitment and inspire continued service. Throughout my career in media, I have learned that integrity, dedication, and a sincere desire to contribute are the defining qualities that enable individuals to advance both themselves and their communities.

For ten days, I participated in an intensive digital media training program in Dhusamareb, working with nearly twenty aspiring media practitioners. The initiative was spearheaded by Boqor Bashiir Ciise, who sought to provide structured and professional training opportunities for young people in the region. While other instructors delivered lessons on photography and video production, my contribution focused on core journalism principles, including media ethics, the functions of journalism in society, global media history, news reporting, interviewing techniques, and the emerging field of social media journalism.

Prior to the commencement of the program, the students received insightful briefings from seasoned educators such as Ustaad Nor Mohamed Diblawe, who emphasized the professional expectations, responsibilities, and practical realities of entering the media workforce. His guidance, coupled with Boqor Bashiir’s clear vision for cultivating a capable and ethical digital media generation, provided a strong conceptual foundation for the training.

Context: Media Development in Dhusamareb

Despite its status as the capital city of Galmudug, Dhusamareb has historically experienced limited investment in media development. Private-sector engagement has been minimal, and government support for establishing sustainable media institutions has been insufficient. Over the past six years, opportunities for journalism graduates have been scarce, and no long-term media training centers previously existed.

In this environment, modest efforts have carried significant weight. In 2020, I trained ten students over a three-month period, two of whom joined the media sector. In 2024, I trained seven more, with at least three now working in local outlets. These outcomes, although small in number, underscore both the challenges and the potential of media development in the region.

Elite Academy: A New Step Forward

The recent establishment of Elite Academy—launched by Boqor Bashiir Ciise in partnership with the Plasma Professional Training Center—marks a significant milestone for Dhusamareb. The academy has already trained students in CCTV operations, sign language, graphic design, and video production. The twenty participants selected for the Comprehensive Digital Media Production course were drawn from these earlier cohorts.

Alongside Teacher Hinda Dahir Jama (camera operations) and with technical support from SayidAli Diini and Abdinaasir Jookar, our team worked intensively to equip students with essential professional competencies in a short but impactful timeframe.

Recognition and Institutional Support

The graduation ceremony served as an important moment of validation for the program. Distinguished attendees included members of the Galmudug Parliament, representatives from key ministries, the Galmudug Civil Service Commission, the Central Bank, and officials from the Dhusamareb local government.

During the ceremony:

The Minister of Youth and Sports pledged employment opportunities for two outstanding graduates (one male and one female).

The Chairperson of the Civil Service Commission, Marwo Aamino…, expressed commitment to exploring additional pathways for integrating qualified trainees into government roles.

The Director of Galgaduud Media, Maxamed-deeq Cabdi Maxamed, formally offered job opportunities to the most active students.

These gestures reflect a welcome increase in institutional support for strengthening the region’s media capacity.

Looking Ahead: The Need for Ethical and Skilled Digital Journalists

As traditional radio and television outlets lose market dominance, social media has become the primary platform for information sharing in Somalia. While this digital transformation has improved accessibility, it has also accelerated the spread of unverified content and reduced emphasis on accuracy and ethical responsibility.

This reality underscores the urgent need for trained professionals who combine digital skills with journalistic values. The Dhusamareb training initiative represents a meaningful contribution toward meeting this need by preparing a new generation of responsible digital media practitioners.

With continued collaboration between educators, institutions, and community leaders, Dhusamareb has the potential to develop a vibrant and credible media sector—one that both reflects and serves the aspirations of its people.