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Story of a returnee
“Your country needs your positive contributions, in whatever form they may be,” remarks Hassan Bulbul, a 49-year old returnee from the United States of America, targeting his message to all his fellow Diaspora. Bulbul, a father of two, studied Accounting at a university in Virginia, in the US, where he spent 27 years of his life. In 1997, he decided to move to Kampala, Uganda, to start a business. All along, like several other Somali Diaspora, Bulbul maintained his ties with people back home. Five years ago, he decided to move back to Somalia to look after his ailing father and siblings. Now living in Hargeisa, Bulbul had initially moved to Mogadishu, where he spent his years as a child.
Hassan Bulbul, a Somali returnee Now an owner of a local hotel and restaurant, he acknowledges the challenges of moving back.“When I agree with the locals on any issue I am a local, but when I disagree I become an expatriate,” he chuckles, adding that he is still adjusting to life in Somalia. It is not easy for returnees to move back, because of the cultural shock they face, but they should be prepared. Bulbul still likes to travel to the US, but insists he has taken the best the country could offer him back with him – the education, experience and work ethics. He knows he is already making a difference. With his patience and commitment, he would like to apply all his knowledge in the Somali business environment. Commenting on the Diaspora study commissioned by UNDP, Hassan acknowledges that it has initiated dialogue between the international community and Diaspora. “If they are engaged properly, I feel the Diaspora will definitely work together with the UN and other local and international partners to improve the lives of the local communities.” |
