Editorial

Recent months have been arduous for UK citizens, tackling the worst economic crisis in decades, a crisis which has touched all aspects of our personal lives and tested the political, social and economic fabric of our country.

The first UK coalition since World War II sees Conservatives and Liberal Democrats sharing power for the first time in Westminster. Mr Cameron's arrival in Downing Street marks the end of 13 years of Labour rule. Harsh cuts are planned, starting with £6.2bn from this year’s budget. The severe economic climate affects the very existence of this publication. And yet, despite our struggles, we are delighted to celebrate the 5^th anniversary of Somali Eye Magazine!

The FIFA world cup in South Africa was compulsive viewing for the male population during early summer. Although England departed early, it was still an exciting cup and the first in an African country.

Other articles explore the achievements of talented young Somalis Amina Wehelie, Mo Farah and Nas Jama, alongside Ahmed Ibrahim’s fascinating recount of migration from Somalia to UK, and revealing research on the sensitive topic of divorce.

This issue marks 5 years of Somali Eye Magazine. We’ve come a long way since our first issue in July 2005. It hasn’t been easy but at least it was enjoyable! Somali Eye Magazine is the only periodical published in the Somali community. It has been an honour to represent our vibrant community in the UK. Again we thank you for your support!

By Abdi Yassin

The Voice of our Generation

We review the must have gadget blackberry, and encroach you to indulge your fictional fancies with “hadaad tahay xaas fiican afartan iyamad ku wanaagsan tahay” whilst sampling the musical delights of Aar Maanta with our in depth interview of this new Somali singing sensation. With an introduction to the travelling destination of Djibouti and news of the success of the Somali youth forum. We announce the poetry competition winner and take a look at the sports awards.

Sky is the Limit

Mohammed Ali explores the importance of maintaining our cultural base, we also see ourselves readdressing the ever increasingly important issue of the possible disappearance of our native language. With much praise deserved to the hard working and successful students in our achievement section. We also bring you coverage of the inner city world cup, Somali week festival, new voice festival, Somali music awards and the Somali Book fair review.

The Secret of my Training

Daalo Airlines has been at the forefront of Somali air travel ever since its inception but we ask are they providing a good enough service for our money, we also celebrate the academic youth of our community. We delve into the credit crunch whilst welcoming a new dawn with the newly instated President Obama administration. Jaamac Karaain receives standing ovation and pleas for an encore for his sporting excellence, and we bring you word as always from the ‘Somali week’ festivities.

The Lifeline of Britain

In this issue we honor philanthropist Maryan Ahmed who won a national volunteering award for her excellent and far-reaching work within the Somali community and similarly Suliman Egeh for winning the ‘best employee in housing’ award for the borough of Tower Hamlets. In our achievement section we shine a light on the wondrous Dr Abdirazak H H Elimi and his medical career. An interview with Online marketing executive Fardus Ali who also runs her own charity ‘Nomadic express’.

Features surrounding the Niqab, Police community support officers, isolated Somali college students, our beloved bus networks and the subsequent increase in Somali bus drivers and ‘how to become a school governor’. Finally we review the ‘latest novel’ warn of the dangers of not reporting hate crimes and invite you to give your Eid Mubarak shot outs. Speaking of which EID MUBARAK.