Hiiraan Online
Thursday, April 23, 2009
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Late Ali Iman Sharmarke and his son Liban |
The Somali community attended the fundraiser to pay tribute to the deceased Somali-Canadian hero. A visiting professor from Mogadishu University, Canadian journalists, professors of the universities of Carleton and Ottawa, Somalia media, as well as a number of organizations, were also present for the fundraising event.
"My dad didn’t die in vain ; therfore, we must support ‘Sharmake Peace Foundation" the eldest son of the late Sharmake, Mr. Liban opened his remarks, on the Fund-raising event.
A powerful documentary, produced by the U.N., was screened during fundraiser, outlining Sharmarke’s work over the past years. The video also depicted the story of three Somali children taken from the streets of Mogadishu, and brought to the Horn of Afrik studio, where they were asked about their lives.
Keynote speaker of the event, Allen Thompson, a Carleton University Professor of Journalism and Head of Rwanda Initiative, called the video "very powerful".
Professor Allen Thompson also explained to the audience about journalism in conflict areas, such as Somalia. The Professor stressed the need for Somali students residing in Canada to join in the field of journalism, so that they may influence the politics in this country. He strongly suggested supporting the Sharmarke Peace Foundation.
“Although I have not had the privilege of meeting Mr. Sharmarke, I was very much aware of his heroic efforts and strong dedication towards preserving our freedom of expression – more so, giving a voice to those who are voiceless in Somalia,” said Adrian Harewood host of Ottawa's CBC radio program All In A Day and the host of the event. “I followed his work – we want to keep his legacy alive.’
Ali Iman Sharmarke together with his Somali-Canadian friends Ahmed Abdisalam and Mohamed Elmi established Somalia's first independent radio station in December 1999. Sharmarke was killed in a car bombing on August 11, 2007, while coming back from the burial of journalist Mahad Elmi, who was killed earlier that day in Mogadishu
Ali Sharmake represents the voice of the Somali people and will be remembered for defending the freedom of speech in Somalia.
For more information, please see Sharmarke Peace Foundation website at http://sharmarkefoundation.com/