(14-09-23) MOGADISHU — A ceremony organised by the Chinese Embassy in Mogadishu on Wednesday celebrated six-year-old Somali artist Kawkib Mahamud, whose artwork flew into space as part of a China-Africa cooperation initiative. The artwork, entitled “Soomaaliya oo nabdoon,” (Peaceful Somalia) won the First Prize in the My Dream competition organised by the China-Africa Cooperation and China Manned Space Engineering.
The artwork features a white pigeon carrying a red balloon and symbolises the hope and aspiration of the Somali people for a peaceful future. It was one of only 10 drawings that were selected to accompany the Shenzhou-16 crew to the China Space Station.
The event was attended by Kawkib’s family, Nura Mustaf Mukhtar, Somalia’s State Minister of Education, and Fei Shengchao, China’s Ambassador to Somalia. Mukhtar praised Mahamud’s work and underscored the potential within Somali youth. “When our children are motivated and inspired, they can do wonders,” Mukhtar said.
Ambassador Fei reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting Somalia’s education, culture, and development, stating, “This is a milestone in the ongoing relationship between our nations.”
Mahamud himself thanked the organisers and the embassy for the opportunity. “I am so happy to see my drawing in space, and I hope it inspires other children in Somalia to pursue their dreams,” he said.
The MyDream competition, launched in March 2023, invited children from across Africa to submit their drawings under the theme “My Dream.”
Halqabsi News
