Somalia

Somali Family Service in San Diego helps the Somali community in San Diego, California. The members of the Somali community need education, housing, and jobs. by Miguel, gr. 7

San Diego is the second largest Somali community in the nation. The San Diego Refugee Forum was January 16, 2007. This growing population faces many issues. Most East African families in San Diego are single mothers, several children, and nieces, nephews, cousins etc. Many families have as many as six to thirteen children. The organization aims to decrease dependence on public assistance among Somalis in San Diego. Pedro, gr. 7

Story

Today was going to be a significant day in my life . I could just feel it. Thirty of us in the back of a pick-up truck making the 750 mile migration from Ethiopia to Nairobi, Kenya. The conditions of this trip were rough. My grandfather , a communications specialist at the U.S Embassy in Nairobi , had sent for us to leave for this a country called America. I remembered the death of my other grandfather just days before and the recent floods of Ethiopia. I didnt know what to expect . Was it going to be any different in Nairobi? What about this country called America ? How were we going to get there?

My surviving grandfather was a tall, slender man who spoke with great elaboration. He was well-educated man who spent many of his youth serving the Somali army. My grandfather was now the commander and chief of our great expedition. He took care of all the necessary legal work to bring us tothe United States. My grandfather explained to me that we were headed toa place of democracy and freedom. Back then I didnt know the importanceof these words. He also told me that we were going to be given anopportunity to receive an education and and to become what ever wanted. This really excited me because I have always wanted to be like my grandfather, that is well mannered and smart.

Finally on December 10, 1992 when we first we set foot on American soil. All twenty-seven of us shared a series of apartments before we were settled in. My first experience of America was warmth. The the friendliness of the people, and the great atmosphere. I noticed that everyone was different . This was something that wasn't common back home. We were helped to settle in by the some members of sponsors from the Catholic Church that helped sponsor us. They taught us how to read and write. They helped to build my curiosity. They were generous people with a great heart.

My grandfather always told us to take advantage of our education because it was free. Not too many people where we were from back in our homeland had the opportunity to get this opportunity learn. He would help me with my essays and math work. He always encouraged me to ask questions and get help with things that I didnt understand. My teachers were there to help me, he would tell me. He gave me what he could even though he didn’t have too much. He explained to me about the circumstances we went through and why we had to come to of our trip America. He shared stories about his childhood witch always made me feel good inside. I saw horrific images of my country on CNN, and my grandfather would tell me that, that wasn't the place he grew up in. He told me about the Italian Colonization in Somalia and the governments of the past.

If there has been anything that I have learned from my grandfather, that would be to cherish the things that I have. I now know the importance of education and perseverance. No matter what you have to keep on going, and strive to get better. I now not only have a dream for myself but for my country. Everyone needs a voice; everyone needs an opportunity to succeed. My grandfather and this great nation have given me that opportunity. I think it is important that I give back to those that haven't yet received that chance. I want to help my continent with the epidemics of the AIDS HIV virus. I want people to embrace their differences. I know they can achieve this through patience and understanding. It isn't fair for people to die because of stupid tribal warfare. I want to change people's perceptions about one another. I want to express the great saying that were all equal. By Hirsi, 05