The following is a press statement from Abaarso Tech University, a boarding school and a university that hopes to be the ‘intellectual center that radiates world class education to the Somaliland’ public.
Abaarso Tech University School of Finance Adds Wall Street Partner; Enrolls Several SOS Sheikh Secondary Students and Launches New English Immersion Program
With just one month to go before Abaarso Tech University School of Finance opens its doors, ATU is proud to announce several developments that significantly strengthen the program. The school, whose motto is “world class education without leaving the country,” is already garnering a lot of interest.
“The ATU School of Finance was conceived to capitalize on AT’s strong Wall Street contacts as well as our know-how in teaching grammatically-sound practical English. The announcement today provides an idea of just how much is possible at ATU,” said Jonathan Starr, Abaarso Tech’s Managing Director.
To complement the rigorous coursework, the School of Finance is developing a cooperative internship program to grant students the opportunity to gain real-life workplace skills. The program will place ATU students in businesses for one to five months, allowing the students to learn about the companies, connect classroom theory with day-to-day responsibilities and develop invaluable relationships that will ultimately place them ahead of the competition when they enter the job market.
To this end the School of Finance is proud to announce that Firefly Value Partners, LP, a $300 million Wall Street private investment firm, has agreed to fly one qualified ATU student to New York City and provide a five-month paid internship. ATU plans to sign up both international partners like Firefly as well as Somaliland-based companies and firms to provide its students every advantage it can.
“Firefly Value Partners is excited about the launch of the new finance undergraduate program at Abaarso Tech University. We are confident that the combination of Somaliland’s best students, the great teachers at the school, and the leadership of Jonathan Starr, will create a terrific group of graduates who will be well positioned to compete for some of the most attractive finance jobs in the world. We look forward to contributing to the internship process,” said Ariel Warszawski and Ryan Heslop, the founders of Firefly Value Partners, LP.
Adding to the quality of the program, ATU will provide a two-week English immersion boarding experience for its first class of students. During this period, ATU students will work in small groups led by native English speaking teachers to strengthen their language skills, so that they will not only thrive in the undergraduate program, but also succeed in a global marketplace.
Finally, because the School of Finance is only the most serious of students, ATU is pleased to count 15 alumni of the elite SOS Sheikh Secondary School in the overall number who have registered; more continue to show interest. At $1,250 per year, ATU plans to provide a challenging and stimulating classroom experience comparable to other reputable universities around the world. It is the sincere desire of the founders that the School of Finance will provide the impetus for the university-aged Diaspora to return home.
Photo: Junior students at Abaarso Tech