Sudan Chronicles by

The Fashion of Sudan

elainedessie — 2024-08-26 08:16:49 UTC

Reference:

Galaledin, A. (2023). Women's and Men's Clothing in Sudan. , Afrika Koordinasyon ve Eğitim Merkezi (AKEM). https://www.akem.org.tr/post/women-s-and-men-s-clothing-in-sudan

Cultural Sudanese Attire

elainedessie — 2024-08-26 09:09:29 UTC

The Sudanese traditional attire, which comprises the toob for ladies and the jalabiya for men, is a powerful symbol of cultural identity. African textiles, particularly those from Sudan, are "mirrors of local cultures expressing social status, political authority, and economic worth" (Lemi, 2024, p. 1). These garments are more than just clothing; they have deep cultural value and serve an important role in preserving cultural knowledge and cultivating a sense of connection among groups. Sudanese refugees in Australia frequently wear traditional clothes to cultural events, helping them to stay connected to their background.

Reference:

Easy-Peasy.AI. (2024). Experience the Richness of Sudanese Traditional Clothes. https://easy-peasy.ai/ai-image-generator/images/sudanese-traditional-clothing-tobe-jalabiya

Lemi, L. D. M. (2024). Commemorative textiles: an African narrative of identity and power. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 11(537), 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-024-03051-z.

Thobes/Toub/Toob

elainedessie — 2024-08-26 09:13:07 UTC

Reference:

Shroff, R.K.V. (2024). The Colorful World of Sudanese Thobes / ToubThe Colorful World of Sudanese Thobes / Toub. Regal Fabrics. https://regalfabricgallery.com/blogs/article/the-colorful-world-of-sudanese-thobes-toub

Zar Ceremony

elainedessie — 2024-08-29 10:23:41 UTC

The Zar ritual, an ancient healing practise, is linked to spirit possession and its effects on health. The ritual, performed by a competent Sheikh, uses music, incense, and dancing to interact with ethereal entities. Physical, psychological and social healing is provided through this practise. Zar is a “cultural concept of distress” where people employ rituals to relieve their spiritual suffering and cope with life's challenges, according to Mianji and Semnani (2015). In Sudan, the practice is highly significant, especially when it comes to women's health.

Reference:

Iddi, B. (2023). Zar Ceremony in Hormozgan. Eavar. https://www.eavartravel.com/blog/2023/12/5/140751/zar-ceremony/

Mianji, F., & Semnani, Y. (2015). Zār spirit possession in Iran and African countries: Group distress, culture-bound syndrome or cultural concept of distress? Iranian Journal of Psychiatry, 10 (4), 225-232.

Culturally Responsive Clinical Practise: Working with People from Migrant and Refugee Backgrounds

elainedessie — 2024-09-03 15:36:45 UTC

In my nursing practice, I will endeavour to respect and accommodate Sudanese patients' cultural requirements by incorporating their health beliefs into treatment plans. I will consider Sudanese patients' preference for traditional medicine when discussing treatments. The competency framework highlights the significance of physicians recognising “the person’s ability to inform the clinician of how they choose to interact, and how their personal cultural and health needs intersect” (Australian Government, 2021, p. 13). My goal is to foster stronger patient relationships and improve health outcomes by thoroughly knowing and seamlessly integrating Sudanese cultural traditions. This method indicates a thorough understanding of competency standard 1.2, which ensures that care is both respectful and effective.

Reference:

Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. (2019). Culturally responsive clinical practice: Working with people from migrant and refugee backgrounds (Competency framework for clinicians). Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.

Refugee Resilience: Tackling PTSD

elainedessie — 2024-09-03 15:44:56 UTC

The Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide recognises the high occurrence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among refugees. A consequence of prolonged exposure to conflict, bloodshed, and persecution in Sudan, leading to significant psychological distress (Singleton et al., 2024). Effective treatment for PTSD in this demographic involves trauma-informed therapy with culturally appropriate counselling. Grasser (2022) found that this strategy has been effective in boosting self- and community efficacy, promoting connection, and instilling hope (p. 913). This approach prioritises creating a secure and nurturing space for refugees to navigate their emotions and cultivate resilience (Tilbury et al., 2004). Narrative exposure therapy is an effective technique that provides clients with a secure and nurturing space to process their trauma. Grasser (2022) emphasises the value of utilising community resources to enhance the therapeutic process and foster lasting healing. This method effectively addresses PTSD symptoms whilst supporting refugees in rebuilding their lives through instilling hope and encouraging social interactions in their new communities.

Reference:

Grasser L. R. (2022). Addressing Mental Health Concerns in Refugees and Displaced Populations: Is Enough Being Done?. Risk management and healthcare policy, 15, 909–922. https://doi.org/10.2147/RMHP.S270233

Singleton, G., Hocking, D., Gardiner, J., & Paxton, G. (2024). Mental Health. Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide. Refugee Health Network Victoria. https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/mental-health/

Tilbury, F., Clarke, S., Slee, R., & O’Ferrall, I. (2004). Eritrean, Ethiopian, Somali and Sudanese Communities in Western Australia. Centre for Social and Community Research, Murdoch University.

Empowering Sudanese Refugees in Australia

elainedessie — 2024-09-03 16:14:41 UTC

Social inclusion and non-discrimination are vital determinants of health for Sudanese refugees settling in Australia. When refugees are embraced, integrated, and treated equitably within their new communities, their mental and physical well-being can experience remarkable improvements. The World Health Organisation (2023) emphasises the significance of creating an inclusive environment, as social exclusion can heighten the likelihood of negative health outcomes. By experiencing a sense of community and minimal discrimination, Sudanese refugees can better find solace from the psychological stressors and trauma associated with displacement (Doma et al., 2022). This, in turn, contributes to their overall improved health and well-being in their new lives.

Reference:

Doma, H., Tran, T., Rioseco. P & Fisher, J. (2022). Understanding the relationship between social support and mental health of humanitarian migrants resettled in Australia. BMC Public Health, 22(1). doi:10.1186/s12889-022-14082-z.

World Health Organisation. (2023). Social determinants of health. https://www.who.int/health-topics/social-determinants-of-health

elainedessie — 2024-09-03 16:18:36 UTC

Voices of Sudan: Exploring Language

elainedessie — 2024-09-03 16:38:38 UTC

The official language of Sudan is Arabic, but Dinka, Nuer, and Acholi are also spoken (Sikainga et al., 2024). Colloquial and formal Sudanese Arabic are utilised in daily life and formal proceedings. Oral traditions like stories and proverbs are utilised to preserve culture. These practices are deeply established in Sudanese culture and help preserve their identity, especially among Sudanese diasporas in Australia. Language and oral traditions are crucial to community building and cultural preservation, especially in unfamiliar contexts. Thus, language is vital for sustaining cultural identity and linking younger generations to their roots through storytelling and daily interactions.

Reference:

Sikainga, A. A., Sabr, M. E. D., Economist Intelligence Unit, Collins, R. O., Al-Shahi, A. S., & Spaulding, J. L. (2024, September 1). Sudan. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/place/Sudan

Sudanese Cuisine

elainedessie — 2024-09-03 17:12:45 UTC

Sudanese cuisine is diverse, featuring classic dishes like kisra and aseeda. According to Essien and Falola (2008), Sudanese cuisine is more than just nutrition, it is important to one's identity. Furthermore, cultural practices help preserve and pass down cultural legacy to future generations (Essien & Falola, 2008, p.113). Traditional diets include a variety of vegetables, meats, and bread, although pork and shellfish are forbidden due to religious dietary constraints (Essien & Falola, 2008, p.116). Foreign influences, migration patterns, cultural, regional, and religious aspects influence Sudanese cuisine. Australian Sudanese refugees demonstrate their culinary skills by adapting classic dishes to incorporate local ingredients, thereby preserving their culinary legacy. This adaptation exhibits a strong commitment to preserving cultural history and emphasises the value of traditional practices in unfamiliar settings.

Reference:

Essien, K & Falola, T. (2009) Culture and customs of Sudan. Westport, Conn: Greenwood Press.

'They Think I Am a King: Yes, I Am the King' - Al-Saddiq Al-Raddi

elainedessie — 2024-09-03 17:22:54 UTC

Sudanese Ful Medames and Homemade Pita

elainedessie — 2024-09-03 17:45:45 UTC

elainedessie — 2024-09-03 17:48:42 UTC

Reference:

Passport Index. (2024). SUDAN PASSPORT DASHBOARD. https://www.passportindex.org/passport/sudan/

elainedessie — 2024-09-04 17:03:36 UTC