In a heartwarming celebration of talent and creativity, the Chinese Embassy in Somalia bestowed recognition upon a remarkable six-year-old Somali boy, Kawkib Mohamud, for his outstanding achievement in the “My Dream” painting competition.
The competition, jointly organized by the secretariat of the Chinese Follow-up Committee of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, the China Manned Space Engineering Office, and the Chinese missions in Africa, aimed to foster artistic expression and inspire young minds across the continent.
Kawkib Mohamud emerged as the winner of the prestigious competition, claiming the first prize with his captivating painting themed around doves. His artwork, among the top ten selected, was subsequently exhibited at China’s Tiangong space station by the Shenzhou-16 taikonauts, who are currently embarked on a five-month exploration mission.
Marwo Nuura Mutaf Guudow, the State Minister for the Ministry of Education in Somalia, expressed her heartfelt congratulations to the talented young boy for representing his country with distinction and clinching the coveted prize.
She emphasized the importance of nurturing children’s aspirations, emphasizing that with proper motivation, they can achieve remarkable outcomes. “I am honored to be present at this inspiring event. The boy’s painting won the contest and is displayed on China’s space station. Our boys and girls will reach that space and that dream,” she remarked.
Minister Nuura also expressed gratitude to the Chinese embassy for providing Somali teenagers with such invaluable opportunities, including the recent scholarships awarded to Somali students by the Chinese government.
The event attracted the attention of various officials, including Ibrahim Noor Ahmed, an adviser to Somalia’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Ahmed highlighted the significance of such events in unleashing children’s creativity and providing them with a platform to express their aspirations.
He expressed pride in the fact that Kawkib’s artwork is now showcased at the Chinese Space Station.
Omar Mohamud, the boy’s father, beamed with joy and pride, stating, “I cannot express my feelings in words. I am very happy to see my son’s art of success and winning in the race and to be among the top ten winners of the painting competition held by China in March this year. Kawkib is very creative. He likes to be a pilot in the future.”
Chinese Ambassador to Somalia, Fei Shengchao, extended his heartfelt congratulations to Kawkib for his remarkable achievement in the painting competition. Ambassador Fei emphasized that the young boy’s painting beautifully conveyed the Somali people’s dream of peace.
Γ’β¬ΕThe boy drew a dove, a symbol of peace and stability. Everyone on earth needs peace, and world peace is important to all humans,” he remarked.
This occasion follows a recent farewell ceremony organized by the Chinese embassy, bidding farewell to over 30 students who had been granted scholarships to pursue higher education in Chinese universities.
The enduring friendship between China and Somalia dates back to December 14, 1960, when the two nations established diplomatic ties, a mere six months after Somalia gained its independence from colonial powers.
This profound relationship continues to strengthen, with collaborative initiatives fostering educational opportunities, cultural exchanges, and shared aspirations for a peaceful and prosperous future.
