Annual Internship Program At Heritage Institute

The internships are unpaid but come with a monthly stipend to cover basic expenses. The interns are recent graduates with a variety of educational backgrounds, including political science, economics, information technology, and health science. 

They are given practical experience and training in research, project management, and communication, and also initiate and complete a research project and submit monthly progress reports.

The program lasts for six months and may include travel to conferences and related activities. Upon completion, the interns receive a certificate of completion and a reference letter from the Institute

 

Batch 2022 interns at Arta, Djibouti

Internships of 2022

Abdulahi Jimale Said holds a double bachelor’s degree in marine science, fisheries and
computer science from East Africa University. He has worked in tropical fishing and
holds the Food and Agriculture Organization’s badge for Ecosystem Approach Fisheries
Management. During his internship, Abdullahi conducted a study about the experiences
of artisanal fishermen in Bossaso. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in
computer and network security.

Abdikarim Ahmed Elmi is an economist and accountant. He holds a bachelor’s degree in
economics and management science from Plasma University-Mogadishu. He also has a
certificate in Principles of Financial Accounting and Computerized Accounting.
Abdikarim worked with the HIPS finance and logistics team. He is currently pursuing
the professional certification (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants – ACCA.

Mohamed Omar Isse holds a bachelor’s degree in international relations from the
United States International University, focusing on peace and conflict studies. He took
part in a research project focusing on barriers to accessing social services by refugee
women in Eastleigh, Nairobi, Kenya. Mohamed is pursuing a master’s degree at the
United States International University in Nairobi, Kenya.

Naima Mukhtar Yusuf holds a bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of
Hargeisa. She also has a certificate in psychological first aid from Johns Hopkins
University in Maryland, United States. She has completed six courses in Google Project
Management through the Coursera platform and was accepted into the Aspire Leaders
Program in 2023. She volunteers and serves vulnerable children and adults in IDP
camps in Hargeisa, Somaliland. Naima conducted research on social workers’
experiences in field placements in Hargeisa, focusing on challenges and perceptions.

Abdirahman Hussein Haji holds a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Southern Somalia (USS). He works as a part-time English teacher at the University of Ganaane in Baido. Abdirahman is pursuing a master’s degree in education policy planning and management at Accord University. He conducted a research project on the challenges faced by homeless people in Baidoa.

Mohamed Abdi Bile holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Kismayo University and a Principles of Financial Accounting certificate from IESE Business School in Kismayo. Prior to joining our internship programme, Mohamed worked as an independent teacher and seminar coach. At HIPS, he conducted a research project to identify and analyze the success factors of students who marry early. Mohamed is currently pursuing a master’s degree in public administration at Kismayo University.

Yasin Mohamed Ibrahim holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural science from the City University of Mogadishu and a master’s degree in agricultural structure and irrigation engineering from Akdeniz University in Antalya, Turkey. He works as a researcher and instructor at City University and completed a one-month internship program in Istanbul in 2015. While pursuing his master’s degree, he co-authored “Water Resources and Irrigation in Somalia: A Review.” At HIPS, Yasin researched the opportunities and constraints of urban agriculture in Mogadishu.

Bashir Yusuf Adam holds a Bachelor of Law degree from Mogadishu University. Bashir worked at the Youth Association for Aggregation and Development of Law and the Ogaal Legal Library. During his internship, he investigated the impediments to establishing the Judicial Service Commission in Somalia.

Ahmed Mohamed Yusuf graduated from City University of Mogadishu with a degree in marine science and fisheries. Ahmed is the executive director of the Somali Society for Marine Conservation. He is an advocate for marine environment conservation and has worked as a volunteer doing fish landing data collection in the Lido fishing community in the Abdiaziz district of Mogadishu. He also participated in coastal monitoring and protection activities and in mangrove nursery development. At HIPS, he researched the socioeconomic situation of the Lido fishermen. Ahmed is excited about pursuing a career in marine science and fisheries.

Ramla Abdisamad Salad is a recent graduate from Jamhuriya University of Science and Technology in Mogadishu with a bachelor’s degree in computer science. She majored in software development and has skills in video editing, graphic design and report design. She also has a diploma in web development from Jamhuriya Technology Solutions (JTECH). She conducted her graduation research thesis on identifying and tracking criminals using machine learning and surveillance cameras. During her internship, Ramla explored the reasons for drug use among young people in Mogadishu and the consequences. Ramla is currently a freelancer software developer based in Mogadishu.

Faiza Abdi Hashi holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and management science from Benadir University. During her internship, Faiza explored the impact of waterlogging on city roads and surrounding communities in Mogadishu. Faiza is preparing to study for a master’s degree in international relations in Turkey.

Amina Ahmed Mohamoud is a social worker and social activist based in Garowe. She holds a bachelor’s degree in social work from Puntland State University and has certificates in project management, research methodology and report writing. At HIPS, Amina conducted a research project to identify and analyze the role of women’s empowerment in the prevention of gender-based violence.

Hamdi Mohamed Elmi holds a bachelor’s degree in public health from Hiiraan University. She has worked in wash, nutrition, hygiene promotion and malnutrition affairs in Baladwayn. During her internship, she researched the effect of the dumping of sewage into the Shabelle River in Beledweyne.

Hamda Abdirashid Ali holds a bachelor’s degree in public health from Amoud University. During her internship, Hamda conducted research on the challenges and responses of caring for mentally ill people. She is currently working at Amoud University as a research assistant, providing support to research projects in multiple focus areas.

Rahma Yusuf Ali holds a double degree from Burao University in community development and international relations. Rahma worked as a field monitor for the Human Rights Center in Burao and volunteered at a child protection project for the Candlelight organization. She also taught English at the Burao Institute for the English Language. At HIPS, Rahma researched the barrier to female academics in higher education in Burao, Somaliland.

Saabirin Abdiqadir Hirsi holds a bachelor’s degree in public health from Simad University of Mogadishu. She volunteered at Dr. Sumait Hospital (Simad University Hospital) and gained valuable medical experience. She has a passion for research into health issues in Somalia. During her time as an intern, Saabirin researched the important role played by health workers in addressing malnutrition in children.

Ali Hussein Adan holds bachelor’s degrees in business administration and public health along with work experience of more than nine years with local and international humanitarian organizations, in the private sector and as a lecturer at Galkayo University. Ali is also the author of two books: Qorshee Noloshaada (Plan Your Life) and Lataliyaha Shaqodoonka (Guide for Employment). During his internship, he studied how local radio stations contributed to conflict resolution and peacebuilding in Galkayo. Ali is pursuing his master’s degree at Kampala University.

Rowda Mohamed Ibrahim holds a bachelor’s degree in midwifery from Nugal University in Las-Anod. She works with local and international NGOs and at the Referral Hospital in Las-Anod. During her internship, she researched the availability of healthcare services for low-income children in the Laascanod district.

Khalif Abdiaziz Muhamed has a bachelor’s degree in social work from Jigjiga University. He has worked with the Danish Demining Group (DDG). During his internship, he carried out a research project into the admissibility of hearsay evidence in law and practice in the Fafan zone high court.

Abdirahman Abdirisak Ahmed holds a bachelor’s degree in veterinary medicine from Somali National University. During his internship, he carried out a research project into the prospects and pitfalls for livestock insurance providers in Mogadishu.

Internships of 2021

Faisal Nor Ali holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Somali National University (SNU) where he also worked as a Teacher Assistant. During his internship at the Heritage Institute for Policy Studies, he provided support for various research projects in all stages of development. Currently, he is a graduate student at Van Hall Larnstein University in the Netherlands, pursuing a degree in Management of Development with a focus on Disaster Risk Management. In addition to his studies, Faisal is a researcher at the Heritage Institute where he contributes to the African Cities Research Project in Mogadishu, which is a collaboration between the University of Manchester and the Heritage Institute.

Abdikalik Mohamed Osman is a recent graduate from the City University of Mogadishu with a Bachelor of Arts in political science. He has previous experience working as a research assistant and data collector for organizations such as Nordic International Support, Somali Gender Equity Movement, and TANA Copenhagen Consultancy. During his internship at the Heritage Institute, he conducted a research project on the “Role of Somali Youth in Building Peace.” He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Economic Policy & Planning at Mogadishu University in Somalia.

ABDIKANI NOUR JAMA holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Islamic Banking from Nugal University of Laas-anod. He is currently furthering his studies by pursuing a Master’s degree in Developmental Economics at Arba-Minch University in Ethiopia. During his internship at the Heritage Institute for Policy Studies, Abdikani conducted a research project that aimed to analyze the impact of dollarization on the business community in Las’anod.

Abdullahi Abdisalan Elmi is a recent graduate from Hiiraan University with a Bachelor of Information Technology. He has experience working for Hiiraan University. During his internship at the Heritage Institute for Policy Studies, Abdullahi conducted a research project on the “Role of Community Leaders, Business Owners, and Civil Society Groups in Preventing Floods in the Beledweyne District in 2021.” The research aimed to understand the strategies and efforts put in place by these stakeholders to prevent floods in the district and to identify any gaps in the current approach.

Abdullahi Abdulkadir Ahmed is an ambitious economist and researcher. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Somali National University. He also holds a certificate in Principles of Financial Accounting from IESE Business School, which he completed via Coursera. During his internship at the Heritage Institute for Policy Studies, Abdullahi conducted a research project that aimed to identify and analyze the challenges faced by subsistence farmers in Afgoye, Somalia. Abdullahi is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Economics in Italy.

Amina Mohamed Abdi is a recent graduate from the University of Southern Somalia with a Bachelor of Science in Health Science. She has a wealth of experience working with esteemed institutions such as ADRA, Norwegian Refugee Council, and SOS. Currently, she serves as a GBV (Gender-Based Violence) and FGM (Female Genital Mutilation) Officer at the Ministry of Women and Human Rights of the Southwest State of Somalia. During her tenure as an intern at the Heritage Institute for Policy Studies, Amina conducted a research project that aimed to understand the causes and consequences of divorce within the first five years of marriage for youth under 35 years old in Somalia.

Bahja Ali Warsame is a recent graduate from SIMAD University with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and International Relations. She is a multitalented individual with an English certificate from the Institute of Modern Languages, an IT certificate from Cisco Networking Academy (IT Essentials) and professional development training from a skill-building hub. During her tenure as an intern at the Heritage Institute for Policy Studies, Bahja conducted a research project titled “Eliminating the Culture of Impunity in Somalia” and was aimed to bring forward the importance of tackling this issue in the society.

Eman Jama Ibrahim holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from East Africa University in Bosaso, Somalia. She has gained valuable experience working as a research assistant with various NGOs operating in Bosaso. During her internship at the Heritage Institute for Policy Studies, Eman conducted a research project that aimed to explore the level and nature of youth political participation in Bosaso, Puntland.

Fatuma Mohamed Mire holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from Kismayo University. During her internship at the Heritage Institute for Policy Studies, she conducted a research project that aimed to explore the possibilities for developing Gobweyn as a tourist destination. The research aimed to understand the potential for tourism development in Gobweyn and to identify opportunities for promoting the area as a tourist destination.

Hafsa Ali Abikar is a recent graduate from Mogadishu University with a Bachelor of Science in International Relations. She has prior experience working with different institutions, including universities in Mogadishu. During her internship at the Heritage Institute for Policy Studies, she conducted a research project that aimed to investigate the strategies employed by university graduates from Mogadishu Universities in dealing with unemployment.

Hoda Kadar Hassan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from Amoud University. She has gained experience working as a community care assistant for Nagad Network. During her internship at the Heritage Institute for Policy Studies, she conducted a research project that aimed to understand the factors that contribute to high rates of youth unemployment in Borama and to provide recommendations for addressing the issue.

Hassan Ali Hassan holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Galkacyo University, Somalia. He is an active peace advocate and a member of the Madasha Isdhexgalka Nabada (Peace and Integration Forum) in Galkayo.Hassan Is persuing his masters in Lincoln University in Malaysia.  During his internship at the Heritage Institute for Policy Studies, he conducted a research project that aimed to investigate the role of youth in building sustainable peace in Galkacyo, Somalia.

Kaltun Osman Ahmed holds a degree in Business Administration, with a specialization in Management, and a degree in Social Work from Burao University. She has experience working as a social worker and poverty reduction assistant at Solidarity Youth Voluntary Organization (SOYVO) in Somaliland. During her internship at the Heritage Institute for Policy Studies, she conducted a research project that aimed to explore the challenges faced by women in participating in parliamentary and local elections in Somaliland.

Mohamed Dhaqane Ali is a recent graduate from the University of Southern Somalia (USS) in Baidoa with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration. He also holds a Diploma in Math and English courses from Ramadan Private School in Dagahalay, Kenya. He has experience working as an English teacher at Al-Azhar Modern Academic in Baidoa, Somalia. During his internship at the Heritage Institute for Policy Studies, he conducted a research project that aimed to explore ways to improve the quality of education in Baidoa, Somalia.

Mohamed Osman holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Nairobi, Kenya and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Saskatchewan, Canada. He also has a Diploma in Carpentry (Part-time Apprenticeship) from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, Canada and a diploma in Business Management from the University of Nairobi, Kenya. During his internship at the Heritage Institute for Policy Studies, he conducted a research project that aimed to investigate the role of TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) in the stability and reconstruction of Somalia.

Nasra Abdulkadir Abdirahman holds a Bachelor of Law (LLB) degree from Puntland State University (PSU) in Garowe, Somalia. She is a trained lawyer and advocate for women’s and children’s rights, known for her public speaking and defense of human rights. With extensive experience in the field, she has worked at PUWLA (Puntland Woman Lawyers Association), Nugal Prosecution Office, PSU Legal Aid, Puntland Attorney General Office, and IDLO (International Development Law Organization). During her internship at the Heritage Institute for Policy Studies in 2021, she conducted a research project that aimed to examine the experiences of women who won local elections in Puntland in 2021. The research aimed to understand the barriers and challenges faced by women in participating in political processes and to provide recommendations for addressing these issues.

Raqia Abdulkadir Osman holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the City University of Mogadishu, Somalia. She also has a certificate in accounting software from Client Care, and a computer certificate from the Somali Computer Institute. Raqia has prior work experience as an administrative assistant at the Horn Institute for Peace and Development. During her internship at the Heritage Institute for Policy Studies, Raqia conducted a research project aimed to understand the underlying factors that lead to school dropout among teenagers in Mogadishu and to provide recommendations for addressing these issues.

Ridwan Jama Aye holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration from Amoud University. He has a strong background in volunteer work, having served with various organizations in Borama, such as the Somali Red Crescent Society as a Communication Officer and the Somaliland National Electoral Commission as a Supervisor. During his internship at the Heritage Institute for Policy Studies, Ridwan conducted a research project that aimed to explore the perceptions and challenges that university students in Borama faced during the shift to online learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sagal Ahmed has a Bachelor of Law from the University of Hargeisa, an Academic Writing certificate from North Star College, and a Human Resource Management certificate from the University of Hargeisa. She worked In UOH as lecturer assistant and  human right center In Hargaisa as human right violations monitor,She also has experience conducting research, having completed a project on the “Perceptions of Legal Professionals on the Right to Fair Trial” during an internship at the Heritage Institute.

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