Mogadishu, SONNA – The Chinese embassy in Mogadishu hosted an event on Wednesday to honor Kawkib Mahamud, a six-year-old Somali artist who won the First Prize in the MyDream competition held by China-Africa Cooperation and the China Manned Space Engineering. His artwork “Soomaaliya oo nabdoon” was among the 10 drawings that flew into space with the Shenzhou-16 crew and exhibited in the China Space Station. His drawing depicts a white pigeon carrying a red balloon, symbolizing the hope and aspiration of the Somali people for a peaceful future.
The event was attended by Somalia’s State Minister of Education Nura Mustaf Mukhtar, China’s Ambassador to Somalia Fei Shengchao and Kawkib’s family. The Somalia’s State minister of education congratulated Kawkib and praised his work, which was taken to outer space. She said that when the Somali kids are motivated and inspired, they can do better. Ambassador Fei also praised and congratulated Kawkib Mahamud and reaffirmed the commitment of China to support Somalia’s education, culture and development.
Kawkib Mahamud expressed his gratitude to the organizers of the competition and the Chinese embassy for giving him this opportunity. He said that he was very happy and proud to see his drawing in space and that he hoped his artwork would inspire other Somali children to pursue their dreams. He also said that he wished for peace and stability in Somalia and Africa.
The MyDream competition was launched in March 2023 by China-Africa Cooperation and the China Manned Space Engineering. The competition invited children from African countries to submit their drawings on the theme of “My Dream”.
