history of Somali Canadians
Somali Settlement Experiences
The Role of Women in the Somali Community
Future Directions
Arts and  Culture of the Somali Commuity
Interactive Quizzes/Questions about the Somali  Community

 

 

 
 
 

Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) class, 1993

In the school system, teachers are frequently unfamiliar with the history and culture of Somalian students. To help with this, heritage programs could be included, which would assist both teachers and students to understand different ethno-cultures. Representatives from the Somali community could visit the schools and speak to groups in a question and answer session.  

What is also missing in the Canadian educational system is a general orientation session which would inform Somali parents about the school system their child is being educated in. This orientation session should be given in the Somali language.

Teacher's lack of knowledge about the different ethno-cultures in their school can also can be overcome by providing training sessions to teachers and schools. Co-representatives from the Somali community could visit the schools and offer to explain the uniqueness of Somali community in a question and answer  session.  

Here are some  interviews about education, with Somali immigrants.  
 

Q. I know that you came to Canada in 1995!  Are you landed?    

Khadro:  A.   
No, I don't have my landed status,  but I would like to say that I am frustrated because I am immobile. I cannot leave this country nor go to post-secondary school.    


Q. Most people had problems when they came to Canada,  What were the problems you faced?    

Muna:  A.    
I haven't faced any big problems yet except the language problem.  When I came to Canada I didn't know English except  the alphabet.  I started going to high school and I didn't know what the teacher was saying. As a result, I used to  think about when I would be going home.  Also, it was difficult for me to get used to the cold weather, because I came from a tropical world.  It took me a long time to learn how to walk on ice and change clothing according to the seasons.    

Q. Since you studied in this country, could you tell me if you worked in your field?    

 Ali:  A.   
No, I have not worked in my field of accounting although I graduated with a diploma.  The dilemma I am facing is that I have to have work experience in order to get a job.  How can I get the so- called Canadian experience if no one is going to give me the chance to get that experience? Am I going to  buy the experience from the flea market?
 
Sounds of Somali Voices in Canada
 
  To listen to audio, select
Wave files for Windows
Aiff files for Macintosh
Au files for Unix


  Being landed:- English audio - 58k
Wave File
Au File
Aiff File
  Being landed:- Somali audio 96k
Wave File
Au File
Aiff File
      


 

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This digital collection  was produced under contract to the SchoolNet Digital Collection Program, Industry Canada.