Meet the Somalis: Illustrated stories released online to depict lives of Somali communities

A collection of illustrated stories depicting the real life experiences of Somalis living in Europe has been released online.

Meet the Somalis is a collection of 14 stories based in seven cities in Europe: Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Helsinki, Leicester, London, Malmo, and Oslo.

Bristol is not featured, although the city does have a large Somali community.

Its creators say: “The stories allow readers a unique insight into what everyday life is like as a Somali in Europe.

“Meet the Somalis is based on the firsthand testimonies of Somalis in Europe interviewed during six months in 2013.”

It has been published on the website for the America-based Open Society Foundations, a grantmaking operation founded by George Soros, aimed to shape public policy to promote democratic governance, human rights, and economic, legal, and social reform.

Meet the Somalis’ creators say: “The illustrated stories focus on challenges faced by Somalis in their respective cities in Europe and issues raised in the Somalis in European Cities research, including education, housing, the media, employment, political participation, and identity.

“Meet the Somalis depicts experiences many of us will never know, like fleeing a warzone with your children or, worse, leaving your loved ones behind. But more often, these stories portray the values shared amongst many of us, like the importance of family, well-being, and identity in an ever-changing world.”

What do you make of the cartoons? Do you think they are helpful? Are you Somali, and if so do you think they represent your experiences of living in Bristol?

Read more: http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Meet-Somalis-Illustrated-stories-released-online/story-20072710-detail/story.html#ixzz2kYbJzIQo