Background
Midaynta Community Services and Somali Research and Education Network (SomaliREN) are collaboratively organizing a Somali Higher Education Conference aimed at fostering collaboration between Somali universities and research institutions with Canadian higher education entities and the Somali diaspora in North America. This two-day conference will serve as a platform for Somali university leaders, including vice-chancellors and rectors, to share insights about their institutions, highlight success stories, discuss challenges and opportunities, and build university-to-university relationships with Canadian counterparts.
About the Organizers
Midaynta Community Services is a Canadian non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of Somali and other African immigrant communities in Canada. Through programs focused on settlement, integration, education, and community development, Midaynta fosters empowerment, cultural understanding, and collaboration within diverse communities.
SomaliREN (Somali Research and Education Network) is a National Research and Education Network (NREN) established to enhance higher education and research capabilities in Somalia. SomaliREN facilitates connectivity, collaboration, and knowledge sharing among Somali universities and international partners, supporting the development of critical e-infrastructures for education and research.
Participants
The conference will host a diverse group of participants, including:
- Vice-chancellors, rectors, and senior administrators from Somali universities and research institutions.
- Representatives from Canadian universities, higher education organizations, and research bodies.
- Members of the Somali diaspora with an interest in education and research.
- Stakeholders from government, NGOs, and private sector entities in Canada and Somalia.
Conference Format
The conference will be structured into the following formats:
- Keynote Speeches: Delivered by prominent figures in higher education and research.
- Panel Discussions: Focused on challenges, opportunities, and strategies for higher education development.
- Lightning Talks: Brief presentations by Somali universities highlighting achievements and challenges.
- Networking Sessions: Facilitated opportunities for participants to connect and build relationships.
- SomaliREN Annual Meetings (Retreat)
- Workshops and Study Tours: Interactive sessions for exploring partnership opportunities, best practices, and visits.
- Closing Session: Summary of key outcomes and recommendations for future collaboration.
Objectives
- Strengthen collaboration between Somali higher education institutions and Canadian universities.
- Facilitate meaningful engagement between Somali university leaders and the Somali diaspora in North America.
- Provide Somali universities with a platform to showcase their achievements, challenges, and future aspirations.
- Create partnership opportunities with Canadian organizations interested in higher education and research.
Enhance understanding and awareness of the Somali higher education landscape among Canadian stakeholders.
Expected Outcomes
- Strengthened collaborations between Somali and Canadian universities.
- Increased visibility of Somali universities and their achievements.
- Creation of new partnership opportunities for Somali higher education institutions.
- Enhanced diaspora engagement in Somali education and research development.
- A documented roadmap for future Somali higher education conferences.
