A physically challenged Ismail Ahmed Mohamud Ismael Raage has won the hearts of the Somali people after he graduated from SIMAD University on Sunday with a Bachelors Degree in Banking and Finance, Radio Dalsan reports.
Pictures of Raage at his graduation ceremony went viral in social media leading to congratulations, praises and encouragement from top government leaders, politicians and the general public.
In one of the pictures, Ismail was seen crawling on a red carpet to receive his degree from DirectAid Country (Kenya) Director Dr. Hassan Ismail
The Somali Minister of Finance Dr Abdirahman Beileh hosted him in office and showered him with praises.
“We are proud of him & all Somali students who are the bright stars of our future. No limit to ambition & progress,†said Dr Beileh on his Twitter account.
President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmaajo also joined in congratulating Raage  for the achievement.
“Congratulations to Ismail Rage who graduated from SIMAD University with a degree in Banking and Finance. The government should make sure to give employment consideration to people with special needs,†Villa Somalia tweeted.
Toronto based media personality Hodan Nalayeh, tweeted “Some people take education for granted and some people use all their might to get one! Ismail Raage crawled to get his degree today! He graduated from SIMAD University in Mogadishu.â€
A joyful Ismail thanked his parents for their unconditional support.
“After much struggle and hard work thanks God Allah I am celebrating my first degree of Banking & Finance at @SIMADUniversity. Being physically challenged doesn’t mean you are unable to accomplish your dreams and get a better life. I want to thank God and to my parents. Also, I am indebted  to all Somali people,†Raage  said on his Twitter account.
Following the trend top Somali banking institution  Premier Bank has offered a job opportunity to Ismael Raage.
And there is more good news for Raage as former Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud awarded him a scholarship to study MSc in Finance in International Islamic University in Malaysia.
“We are proud to announce that Mr. Ismael Raage has become an employee of @pbsomalia. Mr.Ismail will also start MSc in Finance at IIU Malaysia in September 2018. Ex-President @HEhassansheikh sponsored Mr. Ismail’s study during his stay in Malaysia. We appreciate your generosity,†wrote SIMAD University on its Twitter account.
Ismail’s story is an exemplary inspiration to all the Somali people that disability is not inability and that dreams are valid.
