Abdullahi Mohamed Duale, 25, is a very energetic young man with high aspirations now that he has his degree in accounting and management from Alpha University.
Duale’s achievement is particularly notable, as he lost both his hands as a child while playing with unexploded ordnance.
He was nine years old when the incident happened in his rural village near Ainaba in Somaliland. He lost five fingers on his left hand, and his right arm was amputated below the elbow.
A year after recovering, Duale set about teaching himself how to write.
“I was not demoralized by my disabilities … I wanted something in this life though I knew it would not be easy for a person like me,” he told Radio Ergo.
After moving to Hargeisa in 2011 he completed primary and secondary school. He was proud of having the best handwriting in his primary class.
Duale approached Alpha University seeking a scholarship and was called for an interview.
Abdirzak Hajji Hussein, vice chairman of the university, recalled being impressed after listening to Duale’s story of determination, and offered him a full scholarship after reviewing his certificates.
“I now see myself as a person with high ambition after graduating from the university. I am willing to contribute to the social development efforts. I am also planning to get married soon,” Duale said.
He hoped to be considered for a job in the interior ministry after impressing the minister, Ali Mohamed Waran-adde, who attended his graduation ceremony.
Hundreds of Somali children are killed or maimed every year by explosive remnants of war.
