New Somali liaison to lead cultural integration at EP Schools

When Somali families come to Eden Prairie Schools, they can expect to be greeted by the welcoming face of Osman Farah.

As the diversity of students in Eden Prairie continues to increase, the school district is providing outreach for immigrant families, both Somali and Latino.

Farah joined the district this fall as a Somali communications specialist. The district has employed this position, as well as a Spanish communications specialist, since 2005, when the growth in the two ethnic populations was identified, according to Nanette Missaghi, coordinator of equity integration and 504 (a federal civil rights law that provides protection against discrimination for individuals with disabilities.)

“The Somali specialist acts as a cultural broker,” she said. “The students often learn American culture, but it is new to the parents. This position bridges the gap.”

Thirty-six percent of the district’s students are students of color, and these diverse populations continue to grow. Some of these students emigrated from Somalia with their parents, while others were born here and may know little about where their parents came from. Either way, most of these students become immersed in American culture, while their parents may not be such quick adapters. This is where Farah steps in.

“I help them with communication and understanding of the school system,” he said. “In Somalia, it’s often just gifted students who go to school. Here, parents need to be involved.”

Having emigrated from Somalia with his parents at age 14, Farah understands the challenges these families face with integrating into the new culture. He first lived in California, later earning a bachelor’s of science degree in business management from Minnesota State University-Mankato, and a master’s degree in health and human services administration from Saint Mary’s University. Most recently, he worked with Somali families and children through Somali Family and Youth Services.

At Eden Prairie Schools, Farah provides translation services, new student and family orientation, student mentoring, family education courses, and communications on cultural integration and equitable opportunities. He also supports families and students in the district from Minneapolis who receive state-supported transportation (formerly known as the Choice is Yours program).

The importance of furthering education can be a difficult concept for some Somali parents to grasp, especially those who may have only had a few years of education themselves. This challenge becomes even more of an issue as their children enter high school and they start hearing discussions about the “college track.” To help parents understand their student’s achievements and academic opportunities, the district offers a six-week course called, “Empowering Parents for Student Achievement.” This class is offered in three formats – elementary, middle and high school – and in three languages: English, Spanish and Somali.

“Parents can feel like a part of their child’s education,” Missaghi said. “At the end, they get to be part of a commencement ceremony so they can experience what that is like for the first time.”

The program has had 60 graduates, and many of them became facilitators for the class.

And while these immigrants try to find their place in Eden Prairie’s culture, the district hopes to gain a better understanding of their cultures and celebrate the growing diversity. Farah plans to work with parents to co-create music and cultural events. In the past, the district has held Somali cooking events and a Somali children’s group. Last year, a Somali ambassador spoke at Eden Prairie High School.

Fitting into a new and different culture isn’t easy, but Farah says that one of the biggest issues for Somali students is not trying to fit in with their peers, but their communication with their parents.

“I’m hoping to fill the communication gap and respond to parents’ needs in the school,” he said.

 

Languages spoken at Eden Prairie Schools

Eden Prairie Schools have 70 languages spoken by families in the district (English included). This is an increase from 61 last year. The top 10 are in numerical order:

1. English

2. Somali

3. Spanish

4. Vietnamese

5. Hindi

6. Mandarin

7. Telegu

8. Bengali

9. Russian

10. Arabic