Celebrating Extraordinary Faculty for the Future Fellows: Dr. Sadiyo Siad—Empowering Somalia Through Education
Dr. Sadiyo Siad, the only Faculty for the Future Fellow based in Somalia, has dedicated her life to creating opportunities for her fellow Somalis through education and innovation. As the founder of Hano Academy, Hano Technical University, the Somali STEM Society, and Hano Connect, Dr. Siad’s transformative initiatives have redefined the landscape of STEM education, technical and vocational education training (TVET), women’s leadership programs, and economic development in Somalia. Her story illustrates the extraordinary impact that vision and determination can have on rebuilding communities.
A Promise Born in Conflict
Dr. Siad’s journey began during the Somali civil war, a period of profound hardship and uncertainty. As a young girl facing the devastation of conflict, she made a promise: if she survived and had the chance to pursue education abroad, she would dedicate her life to rebuilding Somalia “one person and one brick at a time.” This heartfelt vow became her life’s mission, driving every initiative she has undertaken. In 2011, while pursuing her PhD with support from the Schlumberger Foundation, she returned to Somalia to begin fulfilling that promise.
Reflecting on her commitment, Dr. Siad once said, “Education was my way of giving back to my people, my country. It was never just about me—it was about rebuilding hope, creating opportunities, and inspiring resilience.”
Transforming Somalia Through Hano Academy
Founded in 2014, Hano Academy is a pioneering institution created to close the gap between education and employment in Somalia. Its mission is to equip learners with the tools, knowledge, and skills necessary to succeed in the modern workforce. Tailored TVET programs at Hano Academy provide industry-specific certifications in fields such as renewable energy, construction, plumbing, carpentry, and electrical engineering. These programs meet the growing demand for technical expertise in sectors vital to Somalia’s development.
Hano Academy’s emphasis on STEM education prepares students for careers in engineering, IT, and scientific research. Through innovative and cutting-edge programs, the Academy promotes creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving, ensuring learners are ready to tackle the challenges of today’s tech-driven world. Additionally, professional development courses in leadership, disaster management, and languages empower individuals to advance their careers while fostering social development.
Dr. Siad proudly describes Hano Academy’s impact: “Hano is about potential—helping our students achieve their best selves and their best futures. Every graduate is a brick in the foundation of a stronger Somalia.”
Advancing Education Through Hano Technical University
In 2019, Dr. Siad expanded her efforts by founding Hano Technical University (HTU). HTU delivers world-class technical, arts and STEM education aimed at addressing both global and local challenges. With its guiding principles of purpose-driven quality and integrity, HTU offers affordable, accessible, and sustainable hands-on education. It provides students with a dynamic learning environment that combines theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and research-based approaches.
HTU’s goals align with Somalia’s developmental needs, focusing on key sectors such as agriculture, livestock, fisheries, and energy to enhance economic opportunities and create jobs. By contributing to state revenues and fostering innovation, HTU plays a vital role in driving Somalia’s ongoing development.
“Education must not only teach—it must empower and equip. At HTU, we prepare our students to innovate and lead, to create solutions and drive growth in their communities,” said Dr. Siad.
Innovating Entrepreneurship Through Hano Connect
In 2023, Dr. Siad rebranded Hano Social Innovation Hub as Hano Connect. This dynamic ecosystem fosters entrepreneurship and innovation, offering co-working spaces, mentorship programs, financing opportunities, and business development services. It provides aspiring entrepreneurs with the resources needed to navigate challenges and thrive, further contributing to Somalia’s evolving innovation landscape.
Through Hano Connect, the entrepreneurial spirit flourishes. Startups are nurtured, ideas are realized, and businesses grow, creating ripple effects of economic and social transformation.
Empowering Youth and Women
At its core, Dr. Siad’s work is deeply rooted in empowerment. Hano Academy, HTU, and Hano Connect have collectively impacted thousands of youth and women, equipping them with the tools to achieve their goals and make meaningful contributions to their communities. Graduates have transitioned into sustainable careers, launched businesses, and pursued higher education, creating a legacy of resilience and hope.
“Our mission is simple: to build opportunities for those who need them most. To change lives. To create futures,” Dr. Siad shared. “I believe in the power of education to transform everything—it’s the spark that ignites progress.”
Aligned Missions: The Schlumberger Foundation
The transformative work of Dr. Siad aligns closely with the Schlumberger Foundation’s goals. As a supporter of Dr. Siad through its Faculty for the Future program, the Foundation is committed to educating and connecting women leaders in STEM. Its focus on Powering Education, Powering Innovation, and Powering Leadership mirrors the impact of Hano Academy and HTU, amplifying the efforts of leaders like Dr. Siad to inspire global progress.
Resilience Amid Global Uncertainty
Despite remarkable achievements, the global climate of uncertainty poses challenges to the resilience of programs like Hano Academy and Hano Technical University. Sustaining their momentum requires steadfast funding, collaboration, and support. Dr. Siad has an unwavering determination to ensure that these initiatives continue to thrive.
If you’d like to get involved or find out more please visit:
Hano Academy: https://www.hanoacademy.edu.so/
Hano Technical University: https://hanotechnicaluniversity.edu.so/
Somali STEM Society: http://www.somalistemsociety.org/
Hano Connect – Innovation Ecosystem: https://hanoconnect.so/