Elman Ali Ahmed
Posted on December 21, 2014 by Xamdi Talk
The Elman name has become a household name and their work continuously recognised globally. This incredible family has a rich history of social activism in Somalia, especially the capital Mogadishu.
Elman Ali Ahmed is one of the unsung heroes of Somalia, a young Somali diaspora, entrepreneur and social activists. Born in the capital, Elman completed his studies, Electronic Engineering, in Italy and later completed his masters in Germany. After his studies he made his way back to the capital and established “Elman Electronics” branches across the capital and Somalia. It the collapse of the government and beginning of the civil war that caused Elman to take action and make change in his community.
“Put down the gun, pick up the pen” – Elman Ali Ahmed
With his country in turmoil, Elman began helping those vulnerable and in dire need of help. He gathered young children from the streets, those referred to as ” Ciyaal koolo dhuuq”, and militia kids and gave them food and shelter.These children had lost their parents, homes, family and slowly losing their country too. Elman equipped them with skills by opening a technical training institute and taught them the skills they needed to later be employed by him at Elman Electronics.
A football enthusiast, Elman created “Elman FC” for the community to give an opportunity for people of all clans and factions in the divided city to come together peacefully. The football club still exists today and continues the mission to unite the people.
