Naima Shirdon I’ve often heard from teachers and parents alike about the many characterizations of Somali children – that they are ‘rowdy’ or ‘loud.’ While others may state this is simply part and parcel of being a kid, it’s important to note that there is a time and a place for everything. For example, a…
Children’s books on Ramadhan and the holidays of Eid ul Fitr and Eid ul Adha Here are a list of children’s books, which address Ramadhan (Islamic month of fasting), and Islam’s two holidays of Eid ul Fitr and Eid ul Adha. All of these books are available through Amazon and/or Ebay, and may be available…
Sirad Shirdon A few weeks ago, on the eve of the Muslim holiday Eid ul Adha, a kindergarten teacher inquired into the availability of related reading material. “Are there books about Eid?” she asked. Ms. M, the teacher, had prepared a book on Islam, to share with the students. “Of course, there are!” I exclaimed. Without…
Naima Shirdon When Sirad and I first began talking about the Somali Literacy Project, we knew we wanted it to be an effort steeped in community activism. Simply giving lip service to the complex issues of literacy within the Somali community is a one-dimensional approach, rather akin to diagnosing challenges and stopping short of actualizing…
Naima Shirdon How much more powerful is it when you’re able to get a parent to illustrate an important point, as opposed to simply telling them? I was speaking to a Somali mother when she mentioned something of note about her two-year old son. Whenever I talk with him, he’ll repeat everything I say. When…
The Somali Literacy Project 