One day, while browsing Facebook, I came across a rare opportunity from the Somali Public Agenda (SPA)to train as a junior researcher. Recognising this value, I quickly familiarised myself with the eligibility criteria, required documents, and overall course structure before submitting my application.A week later, I received an acceptance notification. This opportunity to engage in research outside of academia was exciting and refreshing, offering me the chance to learn something new.Research conducted by think tanks typically focuses on practical, reliable, and tangible issues, which is action research providing valuable insights into social life, governance, and real-world problems that seek reasonable solutions. I found this aspect of research to be particularly significant.Following my acceptance, our class began with Dr Peter Chonka, a PhD whose doctoral research centred on transnational Somali-language media networks and their impact on the cultural politics of state reconstruction in the Horn of Africa. Dr Chonka, along with Dr Mohamud Garre, a PhD specializing in social research and educational psychology, and Mahad Waasuge, the executive director of Somalia Public Agenda (SPA), collectively offered a comprehensive and student-centred learning approach that was informative and engaging.The course was structured with two days of in-class sessions, one dedicated to learning and the other for discussion. Additionally, every Wednesday, we were required to submit our assignments. This rigorous schedule demanded punctuality and competence, as language and consistency were crucial for success in the course. Through immense effort and passion, I learned that these qualities were essential for tackling inspiring tasks.We focused on developing a topic and setting objectives on the first day. We worked diligently until each of us had published our research papers. Despite the course’s exertion, the regular assignments proved to be valuable. Gradually, we began to comprehend the context, various literature review methods, rephrasing techniques, citation practices, data collection potentials, and analytical tools. This newfound understanding provided me with deeper insights into the research field.My experience in this course was exceptional. The environment was supportive, the lecturers were humble, and my classmates cooperated. With the assistance of the SPA Center for Learning and Development, we were fortunate to be the first group in SPA to have such an opportunity. The knowledge we gained was priceless, and we could feel the positive impact it had on us.Currently, I am working as a part-time research assistant at an international research institution. This opportunity was made possible by the skills and knowledge I acquired at SPA. Although learning is an ongoing process, the information we gather during the course serves as the foundation for our talents. It has made us more proficient in research and reliable sources in any area of the research field. I am grateful to SPA for their tireless efforts in shaping the youth for a better future. Institutions like SPA are crucial for the progress of our nation.
Three months of magnificent milestone research training SPA
