(ERGO) – Creative craftsman Ahmed Abdullahi Bocoreey, 45, supports his wife and two children making colourfully painted garden plant pots from clay and cement.
He is delighted that his craft in home gardening and decoration has provided financial stability after a period of struggle, allowing him to meet all his family’s needs.
“Relying on others, asking for help, begging, it’s all behind me now. I live a good life and have enough money, thanks be to God. When I started this job, everything became possible, and I depend solely on myself,” said Ahmed, who lives in Mogadishu.
He used to bake bread, which couldn’t earn enough. Now with his garden posts he makes $200 to $300 monthly.
“I use the income to cover all our needs. I pay the rent, manage household expenses, take care of my mother, aunts, uncles, and other relatives. Sometimes, I even tell them, cook one kilo of meat today. It’s been a blessing!” he said.
Ahmed learned about pottery after observing the skill of an Indonesian craftsman when he was living in Saudi Arabia working as a security guard at a garage. He persuaded him to teach him.
“When I saw the respect and demand this craft brought him, I became determined to learn. It was challenging because he withheld some knowledge, but I persevered. I offered to wash his clothes and used my salary to buy gifts for him, ensuring he shared everything he knew,” Ahmed recalled.
Ahmed is now called upon to decorate the homes of wealthy families, as well as offices, schools, and institutions. He is sharing his mastery with other young people so they can also make a living through creative crafts. Some of his pots resemble carved wood yet are distinct upon touch.
“I trained a group of five individuals who now work alongside me. They’re in their second year and have become senior helpers. Their lives have changed completely; before, they were idle and jobless. Now, they manage their families with this skill,” Ahmed noted.
Since last year when he began, his family hasn’t missed out on a meal. He aims to expand his training using online learning platforms and eventually to establish a training centre.
“First, I’ll create a YouTube page to teach anyone interested without holding back. Later, I plan to rent a space and open a large centre called Bocoreey Academy, where I’ll train more people in this craft,” Ahmed said.
He has already attracted hundreds of aspiring potters to his videos on TikTok.
