SHAQODOON

Q1. Fatima, can you tell us where you work and what other activities you do?

A1. I’m very busy lady; I am currently studying a Computer Science degree at the University of Hargesia and have two jobs. I work at the Hargeisa General Hospital and Hargesia Orphanage as a Lab ?Technician. I am currently half way through my Computer Science degree and I am hoping to go abroad to study medicine probably in Malaysia where my brother is currently studying Computer Science or Pakistan.      

Q2. Fatima, what made you want to become a Lab Technician?

A2. My aunt was a Lab Technician working in Somaliland for many years this was my greatest inspiration and this had huge impact in my career path. I want to progress even further and hopefully become a locally practicing doctor to support my needy community.   

Q3. How long have you been working with your current employer?

A3. 3 years.

Q4. What were you doing before you found employment with Hargeisa General Hospital?

A4. Before my current job I worked for a small local NGO. I worked as Book Editor. After a month I left for better Job opportunity at the Hargesia General Hospital.

Q5. How long were you looking for work before you were employed?

A5. It took me over a year before being offered my first work. I looked everywhere, I distributed my CV to potential employers, I read local news papers for job advertisements, family and friends would sign post me of places that may be offering employment. It is not easy finding a job in Somaliland. With my current job a family friend left their post and so she recommended me for the post, I applied for it and the job was offered to me, sometimes knowing the right people helps. At Hargesia General Hospital I completed 6 months of internship and finally I was offered the Lab Technician post at the hospital. I was not paid anything for the internship but i didn't mind, i had a goal and I was very pleased and proud of my achievements.

Q6. Do you enjoy your work and why?

A6. In the beginning I loved my job we had all the equipment and the technology that made our job little bit easier. Now most of our machines for testing are all down and developed faults which means almost everything is done manually which sometimes give us hard time. Hopefully they will be fixed soon.

Q7. Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

A7. In the next five years, I see myself as a medical student at a top University either in Malaysia or Pakistan, and then returning to Somaliland to work.

Q8. Fatima who is your role model?

A8. Edna Aden is my role model, she has accomplished a lot of things in here life, she is resilient and a hard worker. Edna became the first female Foreign Minister in Somaliland. She has a top hospital that she built using her savings and raising donations from foreign agency just to give something back to her community.

Q9. If you had one million dollars what would you do with it?

A9. I would first go to Hajj, after that I would invest in building Hargesia General Hospital.  

Q10. Fatima, what advice would you give to youth in Somaliland?

A10. I would advice all youth not to migrate, youth are our backbone, the youth should not put their lives in danger. I would advice them to have faith in their community and find work opportunities here. All youth should use all available sources to find work such as news papers, TV ads and through networking. Some organisation offer scholarships and youth should have patience and take advantage of that.