By: Yusuf M Hasan
BURAO (Somalilandsun) – The University of Burao is about to start housing guests and some employees its main campus.
This development is as a result of funding availed by Dahabshil a locally owned international money transfer company and bank whose donation saw the university embark on construction of an ultra-modern staff and guest housing complex.
The groundbreaking and foundation stone laying ceremony was officiated by the Vice president Hon Abdirahman Abdilahi Ismail ‘Sayli’ who commended Dahabshil for continued support to local development.
Said he, “I urge other local companies and affluent citizens to emulate the Dahabshil Company that has made it a company policy to invest a percentage of its profits in local development”
VP Sayli who reiterated his promise to ensure increased government subsidy to Burao University in company of the minister of Education Hon Zamzam Abdi Aden, Minister of the presidency Hon Hirsi Haji Ali, the Minister of Youth/Sports & Culture Hon Ali Saeed Raygal, Togdheer regional governor Abdoo Ahmed Ayr, Burao Mayor, Burao university trustees and parents.
The dignitaries who had earlier on participated at a graduation ceremony at the Togdheer based public university were briefed on the housing complex by a Dahabshil official Mr. Abdi Farah who revealed that the housing complex which is geared towards guest and staff housing will consist of 10 spacious rooms and an accompanying hall to be utilized as leisure area.
Immediately upon completion of the stone laying function the VP and his entourage also officiated at the official opening of a Library that constructed for the university by a donation from Dahabshil
While thanking the VP and his entourage for taking part at the various functions the Chairman of Burao University Mr. Mahmoud Aden Deeri also thanked Dahabshil Company for continuous support to the institution.
Said he, “The interventions of Dahabshil have enabled Burao university avail its students hitherto untenable facilities and services”
The regional governor Abdoo Ahmed Ayr who informed that various development projects in Togdheer region have succeed through donations by Dahabshil also appreciated the company.
This is not the first time for the Dahabshil Company to support Burao University, having participated in various development activities at the institution of higher learning that boasts of being the only one to provide degree level studies in Veterinary medicine in the region.
The Dahabshil money transfer that is renowned for providing a vital money transfer lifeline to those living in many countries across Africa and beyond has over the years become, arguably one of the most important multinational businesses in Africa.
As part of its Corporate Social responsibility, the family owned Dahabshil has committed millions of US dollars to education and health as well as supporting relief efforts, which has had a real impact on the lives of needy communities not only in Somaliland but around the Horn of Africa as well.
In recognition of Dahabshil continued support to the Somali community both in Africa and abroad, investing 5% of its profits into community regeneration projects involving the development of schools, hospitals, agriculture and sanitation, The United Nations described Dahabshil services as “the only safe and efficient option to transfer funds to projects.”
According to the Dahabshil Group CEO Mr. Abdirashid Duale, the overall tailored strategies of the company are to arrive at optimum results efficiently and effectively. On this light, the company will continue to improve its services, products and state-of-art technologies favorable to customer needs while recognizing our responsibilities to the communities in which we operate.
In this light, anticipations are high that Dahabshil, which is in its 41st year in the business, will continue to be visible in activities related to its UN acclaimed Corporate Social responsibility.
