By Zakaria Hassan - Reporter
Somalia, 28 October 2025– Auto mechanic garages have become essential training spaces where many young Somalis acquire critical skills for their livelihoods. However, some garages have faced criticism for harsh disciplinary methods, including the use of car grease as punishment when students make mistakes.
A Tough Lesson in the Garage
Da’ud Salah, a trainee in one of Mogadishu’s garages, recounted being punished for arriving late to a work session.
“I arrived four hours late, though I was expected three hours earlier. As a result, they poured grease on me. I am trying to learn and improve my future but it is not easy,” he said, showing both patience and determination.
‘Method of Discipline’
Ali Bashi, a vehicle diagnostics trainer, defended the practice, saying it is intended to teach responsibility and attentiveness rather than to punish.
“If someone is late, they may be stopped, and sometimes grease is used to teach them a lesson. The grease comes from vehicles and is not clean, but it teaches students to respect time,” he explained.
He added that trainers see this as a way to distinguish students who are interested in learning from those who are not.
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Respect and Punctuality
Not all trainees face such harsh measures. Hassan Arif, another student, said he has never been subjected to punishment, attributing this to his attentiveness and respect for instructors.
“I have avoided such punishment because I respect my teachers and follow the rules. Without respect, it is impossible to learn,” he said.
For Hassan and others, punctuality and discipline are key to succeeding in technical training environments.
Health Risks and Warnings
Medical professionals, including Ahyudin Osman Ali, an ophthalmologist, have warned that using car grease as punishment can pose serious health hazards.
“If grease gets into the eyes, it can cause severe damage. If not washed out within 24 hours, it may even lead to permanent blindness,” Ahyudin Osman Ali stated.
Ali recommends punishment options that do not pose health or mental risk to trainees.
Experts recommend replacing these disciplinary methods with safer, educational approaches to ensure students can learn in a secure environment, fostering the development of skilled professionals both mentally and physically.
While Somali garages remain vital for vocational training, addressing unsafe disciplinary practices is essential. Respect, punctuality, and structured guidance can teach responsibility without endangering students’ health.
Watch the full story on Youtube: https://youtu.be/38oA54EyIb4?si=B4XdtZ8PAqTTrmnJ
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