Wednesday October 23, 2024
Somali students arrive at Belgrade Airport as they begin their studies under the World in Serbia scholarship program, a key initiative to strengthen educational ties between Somalia and Serbia. SUPPLIED
BELGRADE, Serbia (HOL) — Somalia's Embassy in Serbia welcomed a group of Somali students who have been awarded scholarships through Serbia's World in Serbia program. These scholarships, which cover full tuition, accommodation, and a monthly stipend, allow students to pursue their studies at the University of Belgrade.
The scholarship is part of Serbia's outreach to developing nations, aiming to build human capital in countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. For Somalia, these scholarships offer a significant opportunity for students to develop skills in critical fields, helping to rebuild the country after decades of conflict.
Securing these scholarships followed extensive diplomatic efforts to enhance relations between the two nations, with the Somali Embassy in Belgrade playing a pivotal role. Somalia's federal government expressed its gratitude for the opportunity, calling it an important investment in the country's future.
"These scholarships will greatly benefit our students, and we are thankful to the Serbian government for providing them. I also want to acknowledge the support of Somalia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Education in facilitating this process," said Ambassador Mohamed Abdullahi Ahmed, Somalia's representative in Serbia.
In addition to scholarships, Serbia has become a critical partner in addressing Somalia's severe shortage of aviation professionals. In September 2024, Serbia's Linx Aviation School and the Somali Embassy secured a deal to train Somali pilots. The program, aligned with European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) standards, will provide both theoretical and practical flight training at Serbian airports. The training will prepare Somali pilots and offer flight instructor certification, enabling Somalia to eventually build its own aviation training infrastructure.
Serbia has also played a key role in improving Somalia's security capabilities. In 2023, 60 Somali special security officers completed a rigorous four-month training program at the Belgrade Marshal Josip Broz Tito Special Forces Training School.
More recently, Somali Criminal Investigation Department (CID) officers have begun specialized training in Serbia, focused on law enforcement techniques, intelligence gathering, and managing complex criminal cases.
"Make the most of this opportunity, as the education you receive here will benefit you and play a vital role in shaping Somalia's future. Your success is key to our nation's progress," said Ambassador Mohamed Abdullahi Ahmed, addressing the students.