Somali Refugee Crisis- people displaced from their country is one of the largest in the world, continuing still today.

Civil war, politics, lack of jobs contributes to the unsafe environment

Major drought in the horn of Africa where Somalia is located, means water is lacking and the cost of food is high.

Refugee camps are losing global support to provide finances for food.

3.18 million years ago the partial skeleton of Lucy was found in what is now Ethiopia

People in this region eventually divided into Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia.

Music and dance were important for celebrations, ceremonies and to tell stories.

The land was rich with wildlife, and offered a trading port for East African countries, trade included Ivory, Gold and people.

Islam expanded through war with Ethiopia pushing out christians and gaining Somalia land.

1905 British and Italians invaded colonizing Somalia dividing it into further fragmentation. Different governments, education and creating different class societies. Wealthy left for European countries while lack of development allowed for continued oppression of the lower class

1960 Somalia gained Independence from colonial rule.

New government is weak and over thrown from Militant Regime in 1969

The Regime claims they will unify Somalia with one cultural theme, develop rural areas, education and health care

1991 Regime is accused of corruption, human rights abuse, repression and is over thrown.

Civil war breaks out, fragmented clans all fighting for control

Mass killing, ethnic cleansing, schools, medical gone, disease spreads, food supplies lost

2000 transition government created but was to weak to take on the war lords

2006 Islamic Courts Union (ICU)finally took control of southern Somalia showing a chance for stability and security.

US and other Western countries worried that ICU would create terrorist groups to prevent this US funded Ethiopia to invade Somalia.

Led to collapse of ICU and other War Lords

2012 New government formed that recognizes all clans, however clashing between groups still occurs.

Drastic Climate changes, flooding and ongoing drought as well is impacting the people of this country as well.

Discussing tribes, or clans families belong to. Somalian's might discuss for marriage or if a close friend thats been know for years is curious. Somalians want Somalia to be seen as a unified country not divided.

Shaking hands should be done with white hand and never with someone of the opposite sex unless they are family.

Strong distrust in vaccines and medication. In early 2000's many Somali children were diagnosed with Autism, mothers blamed vaccines.

Evil Eye- sharing good news, or bragging can be seen by the evil eye and cause miss fortune, illness, a delayed plane or financial loss.

When giving praise to a student a teacher might say "MashaAllah" your child brings a lot of good insight to our class discussion.

volunteer

While I found a lot of great events in MN they have passed for the 2024 year.

Somali Night a week long event on the the twin cities campus, this year was its 26th season. Watch for it in 2025

St.Cloud had a Somalian Fair

The MN historical Museum show cased the history of Somali people in MN. This show has ended.

The MN State fair had this year a Somali dance troop.

Lots of great events, I encourage us all to try to make it to at least one event next year. I myself, always find attending someones place of prayer as a great learning experience. I would enjoy attending a service at a mosque.