The Somali Bantu: History, Religion, Customs, and Education

1. The Somali Bantu: History, Religion, Customs, and Education

2. History of the Bantu Pre-15th century: Thriving economy in east Africa 15th century: Portuguese arrive 1730: Portuguese kicked out, Sultanate of Oman in charge 18th -19th century: Slavery becomes widespread Africans taken from Mozambique & Tanzania into slavery under Sultanate

3. History of the Bantu 1800-1890: Between 25,000 and 50,000 slaves were absorbed into the Somali riverine areas Early 1900’s-Slavery “abolished” by Italy Mid-1930s- Labor laws in agriculture industry BY Italians 1970s-80s: Somali government made Bantu fight in military against Ethiopia. 1991- Civil War Now- Bantu exist in a state between sharecropping and slavery

4. Marriage Customs Many Bantu marry between the ages of 16 and 18. Somali Bantu practice polygamy. The average Somali Bantu family size is between 4 and 8 children.

5. Style of Dress • Bantu women cover themselves with head scarves and wear large wrap around cloths called a gonfo.

6. Diet The Somali Bantu have traditionally eaten what they can grow and catch.

7. Somali Bantu Behavior and Communication Style Somali Bantu communities place great importance on showing respect for elders. Somali Bantu people are not accustomed to answering questions in a linear, sequential way.

8. Language and Literacy The two main Somali regional language variants are Af Maay and Af Maxaa. The Somali Bantu primarily speak Af Maay or an ancestral tribal language. Most Bantu are illiterate.

9. Emotional Issues Many children who enter into school come from a history of violence and emotional trauma. The years of subjugation and fear have adversely affected the Somali Bantu people’s sense of equality and self-esteem.

10. Somali Bantu Religion • Testimony of Faith: There is no deity but God (Allah) and Muhammad is the Messenger (Prophet) of God • Prayer: Daily at Dawn, Noon, Mid-Afternoon, Sunset and Night. Each prayer takes a few minutes. • Fasting: Total abstinence from food and liquid from dawn • to sunset during the month of Ramadan. • Hajj: Annual pilgrimage to Makkah at least once for those • who are physically and financially able.

11. Festivals and Celebrations

12. Deb-Shid and Wood Carving of Slave History

13. Religion Time and Space for Prayer • Ramadan and Fasting • Eid-al-Fidri and Eid-al-Adha Festivals • Localized Customs • Dietary Needs

14. Curriculum and Learning Language and Literacy • Entry Levels • Minimal Family/School Contact • School Meals • Homework

15. Community/School Links Supplementary and Saturday Classes • Socialization Between Groups • School Functions

16. Experience at School Posture/Gesture/Facial Expressions • Difficulty Transitioning • Learning Styles • Effects of War • Racism • Bilingual Education

17. Tips for Teachers- Cultural Competence Appreciate and Celebrate Diversity • Integrate Knowledge and Cultures in Curriculum • Variety of Assessment • Utilize Skills, Abilities and Strengths • Understand Possible Embarrassment of Accent • Synonyms in the English Language

18. Tips for Teachers- Critical Consciousness Don’t Equate Language Skills and Special Education • Avoid Linguicism • Research Cultures/Reason for Migration • Utilize Skills, Abilities and Strengths • Connect with Family

19. Tips for Teachers- Engaging Academic Success Avoid Stereotypes • Build Relationships • Avoid Instructional Racism • Supportive Classroom Environment • Understand Parent-Teacher Roles • Use Concrete Examples

20. Resources Eno, O, & Lehman, D. V. (2003). The Somali bantu: their history and culture. Retrieved fromhttp://www.cal.org/co/bantu/somali_bantu.pdf Rasulo, R. (n.d.). Somali bantu community development council of denver. Retrieved from http://www.somalibantucolorado.org/m_26.asp