Cultural Competence Challenge

Food

• Anjera
• Corn
• Beans
• Spaghetti
• Mufo Bread
• Halal Meat
• Milk
• Bananas
• No pork or alcohol

Clothing

• Women cover all besides face and hands
• As they live in the United States, they may become less traditional
• Prayer time is traditional dress for men and women

Religion

• Sunni Muslim: Islamic Religion
• 5 Pillars: Shahad, Salah, Zakat, Sawn, Hajj

Language
Somali, Arabic, Italian, English, Swahili

Minnesota

• Largest Somali Population
• Many jobs that do not require English and a large Somali community

Family

• Extended family is close and all often live together under one roof
• Supportive in good and bad times
• Many arrive on own and then petition the government for visas for other family members

Future

Balance
They continue to find balance between traditional ways and American Society.

Fear

Impact on Global Collaboration

• Understand perspective of Somali family and the struggle with traditional verus American ways
• The new information will help me give kids the tools to communicate ideas of American culture in an open, appropriate, and effective way

Impact on Global Collaboration

• We can begin to transform the fear into something more positive.
• Strengthen partnerships
• The new information makes me mroe aware, and excited to connect and collabrate with more families.
• We can take action to continue helping Somalis share their langauge and stories with MN and other communities.

Sources

• http://education.mnhs.org/immigration/communities/somali
• Personal Teaching Experience
• Equity Team Dinner and Discussions