Somali Magazine September 14,2023-The Chinese Embassy in Somalia honoured a wonderful six-year-old Somali kid, Kawkib Mohamud, for his great success in the “My Dream” painting competition in a beautiful celebration of talent and creativity.
The competition, organised in collaboration with the secretariat of the Chinese Follow-up Committee of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, the China Manned Space Engineering Office, and Chinese missions in Africa, aims to stimulate artistic expression and inspire young minds across the continent.
The prestigious competition was won by Kawkib Mohamud, who won first place with his engaging painting based on doves. His artwork, which was chosen as one of the top ten, was later displayed at China’s Tiangong space station by the Shenzhou-16 taikonauts, who are now on a five-month exploratory mission.
Somalia’s State Minister for the Ministry of Education, Marwo Nuura Mutaf Guudow, extended her warmest congratulations to the outstanding young boy for representing his country with distinction and winning the coveted prize.
She emphasised the significance of cultivating children’s aspirations, stating that with the right motivation, they can achieve extraordinary results. “I am honoured to be a part of such an inspiring event.” The boy’s painting won the competition and is now on display aboard China’s space station. “Our boys and girls will get to that space and dream,” she said.
Minister Nuura also expressed gratitude to the Chinese embassy for offering such excellent possibilities to Somali teenagers, especially the recent Chinese government scholarships awarded to Somali students.
Several officials attended the event, including Ibrahim Noor Ahmed, an adviser to Somalia’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Ahmed emphasised the importance of such gatherings in unlocking children’s creativity and providing a forum for them to voice their dreams.
He was pleased that Kawkib’s artwork is currently on display in the Chinese Space Station.
The boy’s father, Omar Mohamud, exclaimed with excitement and pride, “I cannot express my feelings in words.” I am overjoyed to witness my son’s art of triumph and winning in the race, as well as to be among the top ten winners in China’s painting competition held in March of this year. Kawkib is a really inventive person. In the future, he wants to be a pilot.”
Fei Shengchao, the Chinese Ambassador to Somalia, expressed his heartfelt congratulations to Kawkib for his outstanding performance in the painting competition. Ambassador Fei emphasised that the young boy’s painting beautifully represented the Somali people’s desire for peace.
“The child drew a dove, which is a symbol of peace and stability.” “Everyone on the planet requires peace, and world peace is important to all humans,” he said.
This event follows a recent farewell ceremony held by the Chinese embassy to bid farewell to over 30 students who had been awarded scholarships to study at Chinese universities.
China and Somalia have had an enduring alliance since December 14, 1960, when the two countries established diplomatic ties, just six months after Somalia earned independence from colonial powers.
This fundamental bond is growing stronger, with collaborative efforts promoting educational opportunities, cultural exchanges, and shared hopes for a peaceful and prosperous future.