Hassan Istiila (Mogadishu, Somalia)

"Don’t ever let anyone prevent you from dreaming." - Hassan Istiila ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Hassan Istiila is a journalist based in Mogadishu. He graduated from Savannah University in Somalia, where he received his Bachelor of International Relations and Diplomacy. Hassan's love of education and knoweldge didn't stop there though as he went on to get a second Bachelor in Journalism. Masha'Allah! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀ To Hassan, education is the gateway to success. He believes that success can be achieved when people have knowledge, skills and attitude, which can be gained only with the help of education. He tells us that, "education is the only way which shows us many ways to lead and utilize our life properly. Education helps us in each and every field of our life. Education is the only thing that helps us to differentiate what is wrong and what is right."

What's Hassan's advice to young people? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ "My advice to my fellow young people is to focus on education, be humble, and to never be afraid to ask a question to others. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Too often young Somali people are told that they cannot do this, and they shouldn’t do that – but that just restricts their imagination. Don’t ever let anyone prevent you from dreaming. Imagination is one of our greatest gifts. Without it we would never make the changes that make the world a better place. Always keep in mind that your country Somalia will be great in the coming years, today you are learning but tomorrow you will be the light of your country." ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Thank you for your words of encouragement Hassan!