Monday October 27, 2025
London (HOL) – The 5th British-Somali Global Graduation
Ceremony 2025 was held on Sunday in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
to celebrate the academic achievements of British-Somali graduates from leading
UK universities.
The event brought together politicians from across parties,
university students, and Somali professionals from all corners of the United
Kingdom.
Among the distinguished guests in attendance were Somali
Ambassador to the United Kingdom Abdulkadir Hashi, Joe Powell MP, Member of
Parliament for Kensington and Bayswater and Minister at the Department of
Justice and Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) to the UK Deputy Prime
Minister, Councillor Tom Bennett, Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kensington and
Chelsea, Councillor Kasim Ali, Leader of the Kensington and Chelsea Labour
Group of Councillors, and Councillor James Small-Edwards, Greater London
Assembly Member and Chair of Planning and Regeneration.
Graduates received awards sponsored by Hormuud Telecom, a
leading Somali telecommunications company recognized for its long-standing
support for education and community development both in Somalia and within the
diaspora.
Several graduates shared their personal stories, speaking
about the challenges they overcame, the sacrifices they made, and the
unwavering support of their families and loved ones.
The UK Government Minister, who hosted the ceremony in his
constituency for the fifth consecutive year, presented Hormuud Telecom with a
Special Award for Educational Support and Philanthropy, recognizing the
company’s continued efforts to strengthen educational and cultural ties between
the UK and Somalia.
Graduates described their achievements not only as personal
milestones but also as reflections of the wider community’s investment in their
shared future — pledging to inspire and support the next generation.
Ambassador Abdulkadir Hashi congratulated Hormuud Telecom on
receiving the honour, describing it as “a step towards building a stronger
relationship between our two countries.”
“I reaffirm my commitment to enhancing cooperation between
Somalia and the United Kingdom in education, innovation, and institutional
development,” the ambassador added.
Councillor James Small-Edwards, Greater London Assembly
Member, praised Hormuud Telecom for its sustained commitment to youth
empowerment and education within the British-Somali community.
Mr. Abdirashid Ali Ainanshe, Chief Communications Officer at
Hormuud Telecom, emphasized that the partnership between the two countries
“will be stronger than ever.” Councillor Kasim Ali, Leader of the Kensington
and Chelsea Labour Group of Councillors also commended Hormuud Telecom for its
consistent support since 2019, stating that the company “truly deserves this
honour.”
Mr. Abdalla Ahmed Ali, Chief Finance Officer of Hormuud
Telecom and a strong supporter of the company’s educational and innovation
initiatives, reaffirmed Hormuud Telecom’s commitment to supporting programs
like this, stating that the company feels “honoured to be part of such an
inspiring celebration and to continue investing in education for a better
future.”
Councillor Kasim Ali also accepted Hormuud Telecom’s invitation
for British-Somali political leaders in the UK to visit Somalia, share their
expertise with local and national institutions, and contribute to institution
building and sustainable business growth for the prosperity of Somali
communities.
The event was organized by British-Somali Global Graduates,
in collaboration with the Baraka Community Association, an educational charity
based in Kensington and Chelsea that continues to champion education, youth
empowerment, and leadership development among Somali communities in the UK.