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