This is "Said", one of our Somali students at the Horn of Africa school. Said is 19 and the middle child of four brothers. His father is a teacher. For Said, school and English Discussion Groups is the highlight of his day. Since he is from Somalia, he is denied a work permit in Djibouti. Despite his optimism, he is worried about what he will do when he graduates from school next year. His family does not have the money to send him to a University and employment opportunities are slim without a work permit. Visas to the United States are all but impossible for young people such as Said, since there is a high risk that he would not return to Djibouti. In addition, the United States does not currently recognize Somali passports. Even with such a remote possibility of ever seeing America, he anxiously shows up each week to share with those of us from Camp Lemonier, the life and culture of Djibouti and Somalia. This week, he brought me a special gift, the traditional "man skirt" worn in Djibouti and Somalia. In addition, he wrote out my "homework" for the week, general greetings in Somalia.
- How are you? sidee tahay
- I am fine. waan fiicanahay
- Good morning. Subah wanaagsan
- Good afternoon. Galab Wanaagsan
- Good evening. Habeen wanaagsan.
No comments:
Post a Comment