Somaliland's democratic contradiction

Somaliland was formed in confederacy of tribes united by a league. A league based on understanding, cooperating, caring and sharing with a vision of nation building and advancement. A confederacy agreement of power sharing with high hopes that the successful implementation of this agreement would provide a model for good governance in our Republic which will in turn help us to create a solid basis to make the unity of the country attractive and preserve pride and dignity.

Since the break away, Somaliland has been enjoying peace. Unfortunately. We have not yet determined to crown the valuable achievement of this Peace Process by arriving at an equitable and fair formula for sharing power in the Republic. In the same token we have not resolved to usher in an era of responsible, just, transparent, people-led and integrity based governance. Contrary to our hope, the creation of a one clan show where dominance and every thing for one clan attitude surfaced above all. This clan drama is paralyzing the confederacy strengths and will finally destroy the high hopes of building a nation together.

For the last sixteen years, Awdal has parked itself into a zone of patience and has been hoping month after month; year after year that things would get better and giving it another chance has always been the mode. On the other hand, the hope of power sharing has been fading into thin air year after year simultaneously, and Awdal has been awarded in return with disrespect and insult which has become a uniform talk among the confederacy betrayers. I see the domineering movement as one of power, of untruths, of visions of "I must be the King”.

Democratic contradiction:

Governing Institutions:

Somaliland house of representative : 70% Isaaq

Somaliland house of elders: 60% Isaaq

Somaliland Executive chamber: 70% Isaaq

Somaliland justice 100% Isaaq

Somaliland National Election commission: 90% Isaaq

There are Five Clans in Somaliland. Dominance by the Isaaq clan is clear. Looking at the above, one can immediately understand why Awdal (prominent partner) feels its contribution to the building of Somaliland is unacknowledged and unappreciated by the domineering partner. In light of that, Awdal’s main partner whose motto is dominance doesn’t know how good they have it.

As is obvious Somaliland democracy is a pillar of domination rather than a democratic advance, thereby leading to its rejection, and increasing the prospects of its breakdown.

Have a good look at the above figures. It is obvious that it is Isaaq land painted cosmetically as Somaliland. That is clearly a hostile take over which should not be accepted by any confederacy partner. It should be obvious then that unless a formula can be found to include all partners in the decision making process, nationhood will always be an elusive dream. And if there is no collective sense of nationhood, there can be no economic development.

We can, and must, reshape our confederation to eliminate dominance and promote power sharing, and to recognize and appreciate the tribal diversity that makes us distinct and rich. We as partners must trust, love one another and share resources and power in spite of our diversity. Dominance and selfishness have never proven to play good in confederacy grounds. To put the Somaliland that we had put into motion under order, the following is a must do stated as simply as possible:

• Representation of all partners at the Federal level must be based on population ratio.
• Equality of employment opportunities

In the first case, representation based on population ratio offers domination to neither partner, nor region, only equality and would lead among other things to more government accountability. Proportional representation is the only method of arriving at political representation, top civil service appointments and allocation of public funds for economic development. Despite all the goodies of forming a progressive nation based on fair representation, I don’t think Somaliland is ready and willing to share the power.

A frequently asked question is how possibly things can be changed for the better. It is obvious that no motion to change the confederacy contract can be passed in both houses as long as the Isaaqs have the majority. In the same token one might arque that a contract signed can not be renegotiated. But the fact is that the contract can be altered as long as it is not written in our holy Quran. Time has changed. It is time that this domineering drama stops. I believe, to breach the confederacy contract there must be:

Awdal Referendum:

Only Awdal has the right to determine its own future. Awdal must come first to its people. Anything else comes second. Somaliland’s political parties whether it is Kulmiye, Udub or Ucid only give us an illusion of a democratic country. Supporting any party will not give Awdal its fair share of the pie. Awdal must face the reality and know that no body but itself can get its share. It is only and only Awdal that can stop the free ride of others on her back.

To get its share Awdal must breach this degrading contract. Awdal must conduct a referendum of whether to keep the present contract as it is or demand to renegotiate and get its share of power with dignity. A simple vote of “YES” or “NO” can do the solution. Only Awdal’s people can set out the rules and regulations for a referendum on the confederacy. A vote of 50 percent plus one is enough for a clear majority. If Awdal votes to keep it, so be it. Awdal will have to live with it for the rest of time and I will kiss my one day goodbye for ever. Otherwise will put the other main partner to accept the terms and renegotiate with good faith. To make this happen Awdalites must be in this together and I remind them the old saying that is as true today as it was long ago:

"It is very easy to snap one stick, but very difficult to snap a bundle."Ghandi

In the second case of equal employment opportunity, let me begin by quoting from my uncle Deheeye Jaamac again;

“Xafiisyada dawlada ee ku yaal hargaysa ayaan ka waayay qof reer Awdal oo ka shaqeeya, waxaanan idhi waar meeshu ma wadan kalaa miyaanaan wax ku lahayn, wuxuu masuulkii iigu jawaabay waxa laga soo magacaabaa Madaxtooyada ee weydii.?”

The policy is clear; get every thing yourself and blame the gift given to Awdal. This reminds me our saying; “Lafo Maroodi iyagaa la isku jabiyaa.” It is a family affair with all fingers pointing to the same place. What a surprise, as if the gift came with powers. The haves never had it so good, my last article “switching places” generated a lot of responses as if it was going to happen right away. While I was reading the writings, I could tell that some were already depressed and were close to run in the streets of Hargeisa up and down like crazy wolves shouting “Samaroon take over”. Well folks, sooner or later “Hore u Cune dib u qatan” will come true.

Somaliland is Hargeisa and Hargeisa is Somaliland. Every thing happens in there. Employment is only in there. Somaliland is supposed to belong to everybody and therefore there must be an equal employment opportunity programs. If the people are to share the pie then employment opportunities must be dispersed across the cities. Government departments must be scattered across the cities so that people get employment fairly. International agents must also be allowed to function in other cities across the Republic.

Another thing which needs clean up is the civil service. The federal government must ensure that the federal Civil Service, notably at the senior and middle-levels, is representative of the people of Somaliland. The National Security Service must also be representative of the population and reflect the partnership of the confederacy. Sharing power and employment opportunities will always make sure to have prosperity and equality at hand.

In conclusion; it must be clear to the people of Awdal that neither Kulmiye nor Ucid nor Udub will get their fair share of the pie. The party system is only an illusion of a democratic country (habaabis). Representation based on population ratio is the starting point and it is clear now Awdal out numbers all the other regions with the exception of Hargeisa..

Therefore, Awdal must take the confederacy contract, twist it up and throw it back upon the shelf and conduct a referendum to decide one way or the other. If Awdal decides to keep the contract as it is now, so be it, and Awdal will have to live with it in disgrace. Other wise, a renegotiation of the confederacy contract will have to happen and Awdal will get its fair share.

Suleiman Abdi Dugsiye

Switching Places

(A Recommendation to the gift givers)

Although Somalilanders have been made to believe that democracy has been fully established in our young Republic, internet websites have been bombarded recently with a new notion of a gift giving scheme which contradicts our system of democracy as well as that of the world. There has been much talk recently about the office of the presidency being given to Awdal as a gift. This is also becoming a uniform talk among a lot of Somalilanders. Nowadays, there never passes a day that I don’t hear the Awdal gift in some way or the other. Listen to any political conversation and some time, some how comes out the sentence of Awdal being given the presidency as a gift.

How and where this gift giving body operates is unknown. It seems that our dreams of nation building together are replaced by giving gifts. To me, this new gift giving kind of democracy seems to be “half-baked pie” idea. I here by recommend a full-baked alternative to the gift giving body to consider putting them in action for the coming sixteen years.

Switching Places (Qalabaa gadi):

Switching places is a proposal in which the Somaliland confederacy partners are switched with each other for the coming sixteen years. It is a finely tuned exchange between the confederacy partners in which they switch roles. While this might sound a scary prospect to a partner, the life lessons that would be learned through the experience will give all the partners a greater appreciation for each other.

In the switching, all positions will change places. The office of the Presidency, the Parliament, the Guurti and all government positions will be affected. Cities will change status and some personalities will get in on an act.

First and foremost, the office of the president will change hands. Siilaanyo will be given the gift of becoming the President of Somaliland. Of course, Somalilanders will go to election and vote for him just to satisfy the democratic election due process. Hargeisa and Borama will change status. Borama will become the capital of Somaliland and hence Siilaanyo (the gift getter President) will have his palace in Borama. All government departments, as well as the international agents will relocate to Borama. That will put Borama in full employment status as Hargeisa has been enjoying for the last sixteen years. Siilaanyo will have to adopt the “blame everything for the President” policy as Rayale adopted for so long. Siilaanyo (the gift receiver) will not be allowed to visit his home region and will be stuck in Borama like Rayale has been stuck in Hargeisa during his term.

The government office for the appeasement of SNM will have to close doors as it can not operate in Awdal. Instead a similar office will open doors for Horyaal in Borama city. Siilaanyo will have then to find a way to include “Naftood Hurayaasha Horyaal” in his speeches and will have to surround himself with Horyaal members.

Rayale will move to Qunujeed. As soon as the switching takes effect, he will have to spare no time bashing Siilaanyo by any means necessary and will have to reject what ever comes from Siilaanyo just for the sake of being in opposition and will have to contradict himself more often than not – a position held by Siilaanyo at the present time.

The Parliament and the Guurti will switch places too. In other words, the number of the seats occupied by the Isaaqs will go to the Samaroons and vice versa. I know that this will create headache, but hey, the Samaroons have been living with this nightmare for the last sixteen years. Therefore, Isaaqs will have to figure out a way to adapt to it. In addition, Isaaqs will have to adapt the “quite diplomacy” and will have to accept the “starve with dignity” policies – policies practiced by the Samaroons for a loooong time.

Now, the Samaroons having the majority in both houses will have to make sure that no motion passes through in any way possible. This will in turn make sure to let Somaliland hang in the middle of no where for the coming years and will also make sure to put the public in a chronic state of confusion more than ever.

The tarmac road between Borama and Dilla will be in completion with in no time. Infrastructure of Awdal will be developed and rehabilitated all the time. But those of the other regions will be neglected to a zero point infrastructure.

The port of Zeila will be developed and Awdalites will enjoy almost free tariff import/export. But citizens from the other regions will be taxed heavily as Awdalites are treated in Berbera at the present time.

Customs officers will be trained. Border crossing at Lowyacado will be made easy, but border crossing at the other corner will be restricted and people will be let to experience hell – some kind of a policy that is in effect at Lowyacado at present.

Personalities will be required to act like those playing in the political field of Somaliland. So far, Osman Bahdon volunteered to act like Biixi. He will have to research, praise Horyaal members and revive their fame and good deeds by any means necessary and will have to write speeches for Rayale in Qunujeed.

I (Dugsiye) volunteered to buy a whip (dheengad) and will act like inna Kaahin. I will have to make sure to try to whip Siilaanyo out of the presidential palase in Borama.

Osman Yusuf (Osman Dheere) volunteered to act like Baradhe (Potatoes). He will get all the contracts especially the Adhi contract. He will have to subcontract only to Awdalites and will have to remind the complainants that Siilaanyo has been given the gift of the president and that they are not qualified for any subcontract.

Awdal correspondents will replace Diridhabe and will have to make sure that they leave no stone unturned to make up stories in the mijilises. They will be required to read every article written against Awdal and will personally respond to the author in secret.

Warsan magazine of Ottawa will open branches in Borama city and will act like Haatuf. The magazine will have the privilege to take pictures of all the properties of Siilaanyo and will spread lies against the will be president accusing him of corruption as it has never happened in the world before. But will not write a word about the first lady as Warsan group are bound to respect “ilaalinta dhaqankeena iyo xushmada dumarkeena”.

Adam Isaaq airport of Borama will be developed and will become the main airport in Somaliland Republic.
A new party will open doors and will be named USTAAD. The new party will act like the Qaran party. The president of Ustaad will be ALXAAJ CAATEEYE and will act like Gaboose.

As soon as the switching takes effect, Goljano computer training school of Borama will be given a lucrative contract to conduct a population count in Berbera and Burco. Goljano will exercise it’s know how and will do the job in flying colors and will come up with a correct estimate unlike Gaavo’s junk.

In conclusion, switching places is like putting one’s shoes into the other. The life lessons that would be learned through the experience will give all the partners a greater appreciation for each other sixteen years at a time. The next partners (Sool and Sanaag) will have their turns respectively after Awdal and the rounding will then begin all over again and again and again ilaa qiyaamaha. In all these years Somaliland will hang up in the air. I hope this proposal will serve better than the gift giving scheme.

P/S There are those who always pretend to have been offended by any thing. I know that I will be receiving tens of hate e-mails in respond to this article. I urge them to get into the comfort zone and hold their blames for the incoming president - the will be getting the gift of the presidency - as I am holding my whipping.

Suleiman Dugsiye

Ottawa, Canada

GAAVO"S JUNK

(Reader, be aware!!! Awdal, be alert)

Two weeks ago, journalist Mohamed Omer (Hyena) posted a news piece in harowo.com in which he explicitly explained about a collective report by UN-HABITAT and GAAVO.

UN-HABITAT – a United Nations agency who is supposed to help needy people for shelter has been in Borama for the last sixteen years but has never built a room for any one person or family. GAAVO is a privately owned organization in Berbera which offers basic training of carpentry, auto mechanics and computers. Despite the fact that Amoud University is in the back yard of Borama city, a lucrative contract was given to GAAVO by UN-HABITAT to conduct a population count in Borama city. Instead of a proper estimate, GAAVO reported back junk and further proved the globally known principle of “garbage in garbage out”.

The term “garbage in garbage out” is used in any field and in any situation in which it is difficult to create a good result when given bad input. It is also commonly used to describe failures in human decision making due to faulty and imprecise data. The work of GAAVO in this project is a classic example of junk data input which resulted unreliable worthless conclusion. Hence, GAAVO had earned the privilege to be used as an example of the garbage principle. In other words from several days of inaccurate data collection and misrepresentation, GAAVO came up with an unwanted report which was faulty at best and really bad judgment at the worst.

Journalist Mohamed Omer reported:

“Warbixin ku qornayd qoraal ay soo bandhigtay hay'adda UN-Habitat, ayaa waxa ay hay'addu faafaahin ka bixisay tirada guryaha iyo dadka ku nool magaalada Boorama oo ay hay'adda UN-Habitat ku qiyaastay 76,208.”

That is pure junk and undermines the real population of the city of Borama. No wonder it was rejected by every one in Borama including the ten year olds and down. UN-HABITAT and GAAVO peddled arrant nonsense and as was obvious the report was based on unjustified assumptions and undermined by mischievous claims. The report was laughable in comparison to the estimates of the local governments and the public as a whole. Check out the following:

“Qaar ka mid ah aqoonyahankii ka qayb galay aqoon-isweydaarsigan, ayaa sheegay in surveygan oo lagu qaaday qalabka loo yaqaan GPS ka aanu hayn mid sax ah oo ka turjumi kara xaqiiqada runta ah.”
Wariye M. Omer

The use of the Global Positioning System (GPS) as sophisticated as it is, with its modern techniques, is not some kind of a process that can easily be claimed in glowing terms. One can not simply waste time sitting in the hotels and restaurants and then again claim to have used the sophisticated technology of GPS. Global Positioning Systems are space-based radio positioning systems that provide 24 hour three dimensional position, velocity and time information to suitably equipped users. GPS systems receive data that is sensitive enough to map blocks of a city. Importantly, all GPS receivers must receive signal transmission from at least 4 satellites to calculate an accurate position.

Understanding and defining the accuracy needs of the project is crucial to ensure successful use of the GPS. Sophisticated computers and post processing software are crucial also along with a high considerable amount of time. Very well trained, qualified personnel who have the expertise of how the technology works, how the GPS data is collected and how it is interpreted and used in the context of measure surveys is also important. All are dependant to one another and are important yet complicated. In respect to all the needs, I don’t think a basic training organization of carpentry and auto mechanics like GAAVO is capable of using the Global Positioning System.

Despite GPS technology, there are many opportunities for errors to be introduced in the process. User mistakes can cause major errors. Receiver errors from software as well as noise and bias errors can sabotage the process. Improper interpretation of the data can risk the whole process to be considered as junk. If the personnel have not the necessary expertise to take the steps to minimize their impact, undercount can be particularly high. A case in point is what happened in Nigeria when proper process was not followed –

“Lalasz (2006) reported that the 1991 Census is thought to have undercounted Nigeria’s population (officially put at 89 million) by perhaps 20 million people.”

That is what happens when non-qualified personnel are let to do the job of using the GPS. I think it is now clear that GAAVO muddled up with the project and that the organization involved itself with some thing out of its know how zone and expertise. Its methods have very much undercounted the population estimate of Borama city. To make some analysis, it is agreed upon that 62,000-67,000 voted in Borama in the last election. If we take the GAAVO estimate as is 76,208, and subtract it from the least number of the voters 62,000, we get 14,208. This number comprises of all those under the age of legal voting age plus all those who never voted for any reason plus all those who were away in the election time but came back home, plus the spoiled votes that were not counted etc. etc. But that makes no sense. The number should be way more than the 14,208. Hence, the UN-HABITAT GAAVO estimate is dead wrong.

There are a lot of other methods that are reliable to use, less expensive and in some cases need no spending money or time. To try one that is widely accepted, considered satisfactory and needs no effort let alone a fortune or time, check the following term and follow the calculations:

“3 times the registered voters give a good population estimate.”

Now, if the agreed number of those who voted is 62,000 and that is taking the least number of the range, and multiplying by the 3 the result is 186,000. Now check the local government’s number:


“Aqoonyahankii iyo maamulka dawladda Hoose ayaa iyagu ku qiyaasay dadka ku noo magaalada boorama in ka badan 150, 000 oo qof.”

The numbers make sense now. And that is in respect to the time of voting. Other sophisticated methods can be used here but I think that there is no need to further complicate the matter as this gives us a clear estimate. This shows us that the GAAVO UN-HABITAT project was a complete fiasco. UN-HABITAT could have exercised some logic and at least built few houses for the needy that have been waiting for an action for the last sixteen years instead of this extravagancy. As far as the population count is concerned, I think it is fair to say that we keep our estimation number for Borama city and garbage the junk by UN-HABITAT and GAAVO.

Another way to have done the job well was that UN-HABITAT hires fifty of the locals and let them count the population. I am sure the locals would have counted every one and come up with accurate number with ease. Serious doubts that can be raised is the fact that, one might ask why the lucrative contract was given to GAAVO while the number one university of Somaliland (Amoud) is just next door. How come UN-HABITAT had done nothing for the needy people but all of a sudden had the ability to fund such an expensive contract. Well, I guess the answer is that some people are spoon fed at the expense of others. That policy has been in the works for years and years. But what is mind-boggling is why the United Nations agencies are allowed to be used as cold war weapons against Awdal.

Another logical question is why only Borama is subjected to population count while other cities like Hargeisa, Berbera, Burco and Gabiley are not. Simply put, the answer to me is that there are intentions behind the whole drama. Population figures are used to help calculate federal funding for regional and local governments and determine representation as well as international aid. In simple terms, the less the population, the less of every thing a city or region receives. In this matter where Borama population is undercounted, it faces to lose significantly in every side of the equation.

Some may argue that this was an isolated incident, but the fact that this kind of things have been going on for quite a while now, proves the intentions behind. United Nations agencies are always fed nonsense and unfortunately that garbage fed becomes the norm. Check out the following garbage that was fed to a United Nations agency which might have become the reality in its records:

“The MRG described the Somali clans of Darood, Hawiye and Isaaq as minorities who were under threat...”

This kind of garbage is always the input in the global arenas and the intention is quite clear. That kind of flip flopping plays well in the global games of politics and is a sure thing that it benefits the multi-colored faces of the junk feeders.

In today’s age of information technology, Internet has become the most important media. Thanks to it, a sentence of garbage gets read by millions in seconds and who knows how many of the millions right away put in record and believes the junk.

We know that UN-HABITAT and GAAVO report is garbage and surely I believe that there were hidden agendas. To avoid such, I urge the local governments of Awdal and the elites to always be alert and not to allow any group or organizations to muddle through Awdal affairs without first checking their qualifications and expertise. I also urge to discuss in details the future implication of such matters. I encourage the local governments also to demand to do their own matters instead of being done by others. I am sure Awdal out smarts any region. All in all, as was figured out by the residents of Borama city, the report by UN-HABITAT and GAAVO was garbage, we therefore are better off by keeping ours and consider the UN-HABITAT estimate (76,208) as that of Magaalo Qalooc.

P/S In any shape or form, Saaxil baa tirrin Awdal kaa aqbali maayo.


Suleiman Abdi Dugsiye
Ottawa, Canada

Waxaan la hureyn horaa loo yeelaa

Waxaan la hureyn horaa loo yeelaa waa odhaah hodan ah oo waxsheeg iyo tusaaleba leh. Aleylehe hadal waa intii hore loo yidhiye si adag ma ku bartey (learned the hard way). Maanta nafteydaa jeclaatey in aan kusoo qoro maqaalkan afkeena hooyo ee hodanka ah ee aan cudurdaartee dhowr jeer baa la iigu dhawaaqey inaanan ku fiicneyn qoridda xarfaha laban laabma ee hadii aan qori waayo laban laabka, fadlan akhriska ku laban laaba.

Qoraalkan oo aan uga cinwaan dhigey odhaahdaa tayada le wuxuu ku saabsan yahey sheeko run ah oo igu dhacdey. Sheekadaas oo tashi iyo wadal hadal ka dhex dhalisey aniga iyo nafteyda. Inkastoon ka adkaadey, hadana qamuumtii ey igu beertey ayaa markiiba ku boodey, ileen ninba meel baa durmaan looga tumaaye, in aan sheekadaas Awdal ku tilmaamo. Xaga ey ka khuseysana sheekadaad kala dhex baxeysiine aan bilaabo.

Baaburr amma gaadhi kolba sida loo yaqaano oon leeyahey maaha cuseyb mana aha duug oo waa meel dhexaad. Wuu ka adag yahey adeeg maalmeedka iyo shaqo ku taga iyo socdaalada gaaban. Waa daneeye jabidu ku yartahey oo aan iiga dhicin “Mercedes”.Waa tayaale qabowga Kanada iga difaaca, kuleylkana iga qabooja.

Daneeye, waa magaca aan u bixiyee, wuu ila saayiri waayey bishii u danbeysey. Socodkiisa ma gaabine lugahaa (tires) laga galey. Habeenkii eebe keenaba hawadaa ka baxeysey oo aroortii marka aan shaqo tagga bilaabo ayaan ugu tagayey laba taayir oo aad u naaqusan. Waan kaxeeyaa oo waxaan la tagaa geerij (garage) ii dhow oon ka buuxiyaa. Maalinta oo dhan wuu hagaagsan yahey oo masii deynayo hawada.Aroortii markaan baxayo labadiiba wey naaqusan yihiin.Bishii u danbeysey maalin nololeedka ayey iiga mid noqotey inaan sii tukubiyo ilaa geerijga, buuxiyo oo maalin oo dhana wanaag ku socdo.

Dhowr maalmood oon geeyey meelaha laga sameeyo, kolba wax yar baa la iigu nabaa oo lacagna la iga qaataa. Mahagaagee tixanihii halkii buu ka socda. Dhowr kii maalmood ee u danbeeyey waxaan dareemey inuu ninkii geerijka lahaa il kulul igusoo eegayey. Waan dareemey inuu karaahiyeystey imaatinkeyga. Nafteyda markaan la tashadana waxey u arkeysey iney sahaala tahey oonan u baahneyn inaan badalo oon iibsado taayiro cusub. Dhawr jeer buu isku dayey geerij le inuu iga iibiyo taayiro. Laakiin nafteydii yeeli weydey. Ninkii waan isku xumaaney oon ka dareemey inuu diidanyahey inaan hawadiisa ka isticmaalo. Shaley aniga oo sii tukubinaya daneeye ayaan ku tashadey inaan u dhaafo ninkaa wixiisa oon hada gadib u wareego geerij kale oo in doora ii jira. Go’aan baan ku gaadhey inaan markan indhaha isku qabto oon ka buuxsado laakiin wixii ka danbeeya iska daayo.

Waxaan daneeyi sii tukubiyaba, markaan gaadhey ayaan arkey geerijkii oo xidhan ood moodaba in laga guurey. Nusa saacad kadibna balan baan la lahaa macmiil (customer) oo aan kala saxeexaneyney qandaraas (contract). Talaa igu cadaatey. Waxaan ku goostey inaan daneeye sii tukubiyo oon tago geerijkii kale. Markaan ku dhaqaajey ayaan canaan baaburkii ku bilaabey. Waxaan idhi daneeyow dhinacna u dhici weyday. Fadhiisani weydey hagaagine weydey si aan goa’aan kaaga gaadho. Tukubkan maxaad ku jeclaatey ma Awdal baad tahey. Nafteydiibaan ku jeestoo waxaan idhi nafyahey maxaad u garan weydey dantaada ood mustaqbalka dhow iyo ka dheerba uga fikiri weydey oo wixii manta jooga uun arintaada ugu deysey. Naftiibaa jawaabtoo tidhi; Suleymaanow ma garani waayine Gadabuursi baan ahey oo mustaqbalka dhow iyo ka dheer eed sheegeysaba xasuustiisa Adel baa iigu dabeysey. Tukub kiibaan ku gaadhey geerijkii kale. Markaan meeshii hawada joogsadey een ku foorarsadey tuunbadii hawada ayaan arkey ruux I dul taagan. Saraan u eegey, mise waaba kii geerijkii hore lahaa ee I karaaheystey Ileen war baanan ogeyne mehered lihii baa geerijkan usoo wareegey. Wuxuu iigu dhawaaqey inuu taayiro noocii ugu danbeeyey uu hayo hawadiina lacag noqotey. Waan qosloo waxaan xasuustey; “halkan lug halkaana lug meel walba waan kaaga horeyn, odhaahdii xildhibaanadii golaha Somaliland.

Waan ka dhaqaaqey aniga oo sii le waxba kaa iibsani mayo hawadaadana ma doono ee salaamu caleykum. Aniga oo arintaa ka xumaadey ayaan nafteyda u sheegey aleylehe waxaan la hureyn horaa loo yeelaa.. Taleefankeygii (mobile) ayaan lasoo baxey oon u yeedhey geerijka wareega (mobile geerij) aniga oo nafteydii cunaya oo u sheegaya kol hadii wanaagii hore u garanweydey waa waxey ka gurtaa. Waa la ii yimid oo laba taayir oo cusub ka iibsadey oo halkii lagu galiyey. Lacagtiina laban laab igu noqotey. Walee hadal waa intii hore loo yidhi …. Waxaan la hureyn horaa loo yeelaa ……

Sheekadii tukubkeyga sidaas baan ku dhameeyeye, qiyaasteedu miyeyna Awdal teena aheyn. Tukubkaa Awdal ey u tukubeyso geerijkaasi egteeda inta aan laga xidhan amma looba diidin laba mid baa u haboon; in ey hantiile buuxa ahaato (full partner) si aanan loogu diidi Karin amma ey qiimo iyo tayo meel walba ay ku gaadhi karto la timaado si eyna ugu hantaaqmin geerijkaa kale ee la dhisaayo.

Mid kale baan dulmarayaaye raali ha la iga ahaado. Maqaalkii Faadumo Muxumed Waaberi ee madaarka Borama oon akhriyey aad baan uga xumaadey dhibaatada iyo sharci darada iyo dulumka lagu hayo yada iyo Awdal. Waxaanse la ogeyn malaha iney Awdal ba tahey ku meel gaadh lafteeduba. Hadaan wadajir wax loo qabsana dhibaatadu waa wax sii socon. Waa hubaaloo waxoo dhanba qalabaa gadis weeyee odhaahyadan bal ila eega:

Cigaal wuxuu yidhi:

“ Cigaal baa madaxweyne ah Berbera ku lumin meyso xaqeeeda.”

Siilaanyo wuxuu yidhi:

“cidida uskageedna ku dhaho xukuumaddu wax ay u qabatay magaalada Burco iyo xarunta gobolka Togdheer ma jirto”

Rayaale wuxuu yidhi:

“ ……………………. “

A. C. Afyare wuxuu yidhi:

“Ninba dhariga kiisoo rabaa inuu dhadhaartaaye ….”

Faadumana waxey tidhi:

“orodnay oo orodnay oo orodnay oo orodnay oo orodnay oo orodnay …….”

Badhadhe wuxuu yidhi:

“ma idinka oo M/wenihii haysta ayaad diideen?” waa arintii adhiga.

Caateeyena wuxuu yidhi:

“ Anaa Awdaltey…….”

Tanna waa iga digniin:

Meelba yaa isla gaadhey, marka ay dhamaato mudadaa la sugaayi ……….


Xasuus: Dunidu waa dimuqraadiye qof walowba sidaad toonto u buuxso.


Suleiman Abdi Dugsiye
Ottawa

My little sweet talk with Warsan

“Giis (Geese) baa gartee Gadabursi wuu garan”

I drove to Montreal for a business trip (2 hours drive) last Thursday. To entertain myself I selected the best CDs of classic Somali songs and poems from my collection. From song to song, I enjoyed and sometimes sang along. Without any dull moment, I found my self covered half way the trip.

I decided to change the course and listen to a Somali gabey. As I leaned forward to press the open button, I saw scores of birds flying in flocks. The large groups of birds were flying in formations and were typically flying in a large “V” shape with one bird in the lead and others trailing behind in two lines. I slowed down and dropped down the glass window to have a good look at the beautiful formations the birds were making. Oh, what a beautiful show! To my amazement, I could even hear their honking.

Many times before, I saw large groups of birds flying in formations but never paid any attention. But this time something tickled my senses and I began to question myself of why these birds are flying together? Why are they flying in formations? And why are they flying in this particular “V” formation? Etc…

While my mind was busy trying to figure out the whys, my eyes hit a resting area sign and I decided to pull over, rest a little and have a coffee. I purchased a cup of coffee and a donut from the small shop in the resting area and sat on a park bench under a tree. Not far from me was a group of seven to ten birds. I began eating my donut but still thinking about the birds. One of the birds moved towards me and approached closer and closer and eventually jumped on to the bench and there it was next to me. I looked at the little bird but showed no signs of being frightened. I could right away tell that it was ready to make a friendship with me.

“Hello little beautiful bird”, I said. “Hello my friend”, the bird replied. “Who are you and what is your name?” I asked. “I am a goose from the Anatidae family and you can call me Warsan” the beautiful bird replied. “And I am an Awdalite from the Gadabursi family and you can call me Douksi.” I told the bird. She looked at me and nodded her head sideways as if she knew about the Gadabursi family and wanted to say something. She opened her mouth but respectfully looked away without saying a word. I then asked the bird if in a hurry and replied that she would be around for a while. I decided to buy her some food and excused myself. I bought some bird food from the little shop and immediately came back. “I have a little of some thing for you Warsan, I hope you will like it.” I said. “That is nice of you Douksi, thanks.” Warsan replied. I then carried out the conversation with Warsan and it went this way:

Douksi: Tell me, why do you fly together in groups?

Warsan: My dear Douksi, it is not only the humans that know everything, Allah (SW) bestowed on us gifts human beings do not posses. Unlike Awdal, we are united and we know the benefits of being together. Unlike Awdal, we know that united we can stand strong in our family alliance. Unlike Awdal, we accepted each other and we fly together so that we protect each other. Unlike the Gadabursi, we are together so that we lend strength to each other. Unlike your Gadabursi family, we are together so that we get our demands together. Unlike your Gadabursi family, we are together and do every thing together because we know that united we can not be defeated.

My dear Douksi, we are united and together and that is why you always see us happy, singing and flying high in the sky free. But your people are not united and that is why your Gadabursi family is always beaten in the political battle fields of Somaliland. You have proof of this by the so-called House of Representatives who are thirsty to take their law of justice, twist it up and throw it back upon the shelf to make the long awaited declaration of Isaaq land.

Together we are strong and no one dares to harm any one of us. But your people are indifferent to their plight and that is why they are hunted like a Buffalo in the wild streets of Hargeisa. Because of your divisions, your people only get no honor, no respect nor glory – only hell - day and night, not only in the past, but in the present. My dear Douksi the fact of the matter is that your people are in the wrong track and if that continues to be so, they will have no choice but to be included in the list of endangered species soon.

Douksi: I understand all that, but how can I get my family united?

Warsan: My dear Douksi, there is nothing like unity. United you share for good and for worse. The key to unity is communication. Adel knew it but Awdal doesn’t. My friend you know and I know that Adel was a legacy made strong through consultations and unity of people working together for a common cause. Awdal must revive consultations and decide its destiny. If Awdal wants to prosper and capture its place in History, then its quite diplomacy and indifference to its plight must come to an end. Awdal must recognize that its internal affairs are past due for repairs and can not be done with out uniting its own people through understanding and accepting each other. My dear Douksi unless Awdal sorts out its peoples’ confusion and agree on one thing, it must be obvious to the Awdalites that they will not be able to get the slightest concession on respect and fairness.

Douksi: [felt ashamed, looked down and nothing came out of the mouth]
[But through the heart said: “Oh my god, even the birds know about Awdal”

Warsan: C’mon now, don’t start me with your muted diplomacy, go ahead and say something?

Douksi: I know all that, but you know one day ….. One day … series of one day …..
[Meel aan doonayey roob igu eri …. Douksi continued…his one day series….

Warsan: C’mon Douksi quit that … stop it… Jooji. I already heard that million times from you and from every Awdalite. Your one day is somewhere in the future. You need to focus the present. The truth is that you only have dreams but unfortunately dreams don’t fill empty stomachs and don’t bring respect and fairness. What you need is action and a plan to get the one day together with your Awdalites. You must do your home work together; otherwise, you will be over run by those who are united under their tribal flag.

My dear Douksi, every one on earth knows, even the birds that under the flag of the Somaliland Awdal received nothing but poverty, hatred, and unfairness. And for your information, Kulmiye is now folding its sleeves to have you despised more than ever and have you glued on the bottom of the bag.

Saaxiibkey Douksiyow, Runta isku sheega. Waxaan la hureyn horaa loo yeelaaye waxaad u baahan tihiin waa wadciga siyaasadeed ee Awdal inaad meel isla dhigtaan. Now quit your one day dream and learn from me. Ask me about something that would benefit you.

Douksi: Ok, please tell me why do you fly in this particular “V” formation?

Warsan: The aerodynamic V shape reduces the air resistance, allowing us to cover longer distances. In fact, we can fly 70% farther by adopting the V shape rather than flying in isolation. My dear Douksi, let Awdal know that sharing a common sense of purpose propelled by the trust of all can get them the one day island quicker and easier.

My dear Douksi, the lead goose works the hardest. But when it gets tired, it drops out of the lead position and another from the back moves forward and takes the lead. My dear friend, your people must know that they need a leader with moral leadership who has the ability to inspire all Awdalites to their innate potential. Your people need a leader who is visionary and a map maker. Surely if your Awdal have a unity and a strong leader, your present Awdal will be like your Adel of yesterday.

To keep on course and maintain speed, those at the back honk regularly for encouragement. My Douksi, Awdalites need to encourage each other instead of criticizing, and must praise each other for the work done for the common good of Awdal. Mr. Douksi that is team work and sorry to say it is also what your people need to adopt.

My dear Douksi another advantage of this formation is that it allows us to see each other and communicate more easily so that we care for each other. Douksiyow tolkaa taa mayaqaano. Isma indho buuxiyaan iskamana war hayaan. Tolkaa u sheeg ineyna taasi ka socon Soomaalilaand. Kalina Kama socoto aduunka.

Warsan: Douksi, tell me about the planned Awdal convention in Minnesota?

Douksi: Yes, Awdalites are going to Minnesota for a convention and ready to start their engines. We are all in this together. We know that each of us is special in his/her way but will push our unity to its highest point. We will know that united is where we belong. We all will make sure to always be there for each other. We will finally figure out that all our dreams have no limitations. We are all in this together and it will show when we stand shoulder to shoulder and make our Awdal stand tall. We will do it right and we will all speak with one voice. We will stick together and reach our destiny together. Yes, we are all in this together.

Warsan: This could be the start of something new. I feel in my heart the start of something new. I feel that something has changed. I know it for real. You never imagined that it could happen and here you go my friend, it is going to happen. Good for Awdal and I am proud of Awdal. My dear Douksi, I hope you and your people will learn from the Geese. It is now time for me to go. I wish your people all the best.

Warsan flew away and I stood up and waved my hand with hesitation. All of a sudden, she turned back and flew around my shoulders and whispered to me before flying:

“Giis (geese) baa gartee Gadabursi wuu garan”

I nodded my head for approval and thanked her for the good conversation. She looked back at me and shouted; “tell your people in the convention:

Awdal waa idinka, Idinkuna Awdal baa tihiin.

Xadhiga Eebe qabsada dhamaantiin, hana kala jabina.”

Suleiman Abdi Dugsiye
Ottawa

Who are/were your role models

After a long day of class and business presentations, I came home late last Thursday. It was around seven in the evening. Usually, as soon as I open the door, the first sound that hits my ears is; “Hi daddy, how was your day?” But today was different, I heard no sound. That was unusual, and right away, parental thoughts went through my mind. I dropped my laptop and stepped into the living room hurriedly and said; “Are you ok my dear?” “Yes Aabo.” My daughter’s sweet voice replied.

My little daughter likes reading and surfing the net, and usually like this time, she is either on-line or doing her home work. But today I found her watching the television attentively. I looked at the TV to make sure that she was watching the right stuff (parental guide ... you know). I found nothing out of the ordinary and I let her continue watching. After the episode came to an end, I asked her about it. She explained this and that and concluded that the young actors were her role models. I nodded to hint my approval. Then, all of a sudden, she threw a million dollar question to me and said; “daddy, who were your role models while you were growing up?” I paused for a moment to collect myself and immediately managed to put some sentences together.

“My dear, in my young years in Borama, my role models were not TV personalities, but real people whom I used to see every day live” I said. While I was struggling on putting some thoughts together, registries of millions of childhood events were showing as a series of flashbacks in my mind. As my mind was getting busier second after second, I was startled by her demand of wanting to hear more about my role models in my young years.

As fast as I am approaching to my senior years, and as much as I heard and urged about role modeling, I have never imagined myself in a situation where I would be asked about my role models, and here I was scratching my head, gathering anything that would make sense to avoid disappointing her.

My sweet heart, I said; throughout my young years in Borama, I was surrounded by role models. My parents had more influence for good. By setting good examples of living, they helped me make healthy choices in my life. Their values, opinions, and examples carried more weight with me than they might have thought. I grew up in a home filled with love, affection and cooperation. My parents, brothers and sisters had a lot of influence on me in becoming the person I am now – your dad. My dear, I learned a lot from my peers, those who were older than me, my teachers, friends and class mates. Those who are alive are scattered around the world with different professions now. They are doctors, engineers, professors, bankers, businessmen, parliamentarians, a president and more.

As soon as she heard president, she excitedly said; “a president was one of your role models?” That is right, I replied, president Rayale of Somaliland was one of those older than me and a good friend of my elder brother. She then repeated the same question twice and I nodded both times. I then intercepted her in the third attempt and said; “my dear, I did not say Clinton! She looked at me for a moment and in a soft voice said; “right,” as if she understood what I meant and walked away. She immediately turned back and inquired the possibilities of inviting for a dinner so that she meets my role models. “Fantastic idea my dear, may be one day” I replied. She paused for a moment and then, smiling and pointing her fore-finger to me said; “your one day?” I smiled back and said; “you got it!”

As much as I admire role modeling, it never occurred to me at any time to sit down with myself and whole heartedly ask and figure out how I was influenced to become the person I am now. My daughter’s questions paved the way and I decided to give it a shot and identify in real terms those who were worthy of imitation in my younger years. Distinguished readers, I here by share with you those from whom I learned much. In the following I will be naming names and I ask for their forgiveness for not taking permission. Gentlemen, I wanted to do so but could not know your e-mails. I there fore must confess that I used your names because of my reliability on your understanding. Waan isku kiin haleeyey!!!

I have been privileged to have positive role models through out my life, from my daughter who always reminds me what is really important in life, to my wife who encourages me to use the power of my mind. My father (allaha u naxariistee) a World War II veteran (French army), had the most influence on me. He always stressed more on education and discipline. He taught me the value of education and always encouraged me to respect others as I would like to be respected. My mother taught me to not set limits on what I could do. She always inspired me to try to live up to my potential. And I always remember her saying; “Waxaan laga hadhin waa la helaa...”


In my family, learning was a trigger up and down for me. I learned from my elder brother how to respect those younger than him and I in turn exercised that to my younger siblings. I learned how to respect older ones from my younger sisters and brother and triggered up that respect to my elder brother. My sisters taught me how to love each other and safe guard the family bond. I remember their sayings which they still use to-date in their e-mails. “Walaalo is jecel allaa jecel” is always their slogan. My younger brother was always active and tough. I learned from him to be tough in difficult times. He never complained and always managed to find his own ways to go through. His actions always reminded me the saying; “when the going gets tough, the tough gets going.” And believe me there were times I made use of the toughness I learned from him.

In our younger years in Borama, my generation was surrounded by positive role models (Awdal genius). It is a sure thing that those older than us were good role models. They helped us focus and direct the growth of our abilities to unlock our untapped potential. Love of learning is among other practices we learned from them. We learned from them values, such as going to school regularly and respecting others (the Awdal way). They helped us to develop our abilities. They made us see the possibilities within ourselves.

My generation had been privileged to have positive role models. I remember each and every one of those gentlemen whom we looked up to. I wanted to refresh my remembrance and called my best friends in Ottawa that we grew up together Mr. Ali Muse Kahiye and Mr. Dayib Aw Hassan Habane. We got together the next day and I asked them if they can name any of those they consider as good role models while we were growing up in Borama. To my amazement, they named exactly those I had in mind. Among those they named right away were the lords (as they were nick named at the time):

Dr. Abdishakur Sheikh Ali Jowhar, Dr Suleiman Walhad, Dahir Rayale (President of Somaliland), Ahmed Abdi Dugsiye (my elder brother), Farah Jilal, Mohamed Abdi Douksieh, Hussein Dahir Obsiiye, and many more.

I then asked them if there is any thing in particular that they can remember of them. My friend Ali Muse mentioned that he admired how fashionable they were and respectful to every body. He also mentioned how they valued education and how they were intelligent. My friend Dayib went into details and talked about instances, and concluded how we the younger generation took over the town after they graduated and moved to the then far away land of Banadir and beyond. We talked and talked about events and had fun the whole day. We remembered our teachers at the time who taught us with out any reservations like younger brothers. Among our respected teachers were:

Ibrahim Ayeh (Jimmy), Abdiwahab Sheikh Ali Jowhar, Hussein Jama (mareykan), Mohamed Dubad, and many more.

There was no shortage of role models in Borama in my younger years. I learned a lot from friends too. Dr. Saeed Walhad was a good friend from whom I learned the value of learning. Ali Jama Ali (Ali Geele) and Dr.Mohamed Hashi Abiib were my class mates (form 4B) from whom I learned how to compete for the top grades. There were those in later years I admired while in Abudhabi. Bashir Goth, Abdi Barkhad, Ali Bahar and Hassan I. Kheyre were among the elites who were looked up to. There were also those who were always away in the far and away land of Mogadishu whom we never met but whose names were house holds. Dr. Mohamed Nuh and Sheikh Mohamed Hadi were among them and were always considered as positive role models.

Gentlemen, I and my friends Ali and Dayib gave you top marks for your role modeling. You were all positive role models and you demonstrated self respect and self esteem with healthy actions and there fore increased our self-esteem. You helped us build morals and positive values. You provided examples for us to follow showing that our dreams and goals can be fulfilled. The way you lived appealed to us and we emulated it. Your role modeling affected us in a way that made us better people. We watched you and learned from you a lot (the Awdal way). You helped us to become the persons we are today. You taught us the world.

I salute you and thank you for the positive influences you had on those of us growing up in your prime times in Awdal. My Salutations also go to those many I did not mention their names but surely had done the same positive role modeling. I hear by acknowledge those many who are no longer with us and who were positive role models and I pray for them; Eebe (SW) naxariistii jano ha siiyo, qabrigana u iftiimiyo (Aamiin). Lastly Gentlemen; remember that my daughter invited you all for a dinner “one day.”

P/S As we say; “awrba awrka ka horeeya buu socodkiisa leeyahee” I wonder if my generation had any influence on those younger than us in shaping the persons they are now. Please share with us and let us know how we did.

Suleiman Abdi Dugsiye
Ottawa, Canada

Role Modeling

Role modeling in its simplest definition is to learn from somebody – both good and bad. This process of learning never stops; even when we get older, we continue learning from others.

Role Models:

A role model is someone who is worthy of imitation – a person someone looks to and admires how she/he deals with some thing whether it be with people, situations and problems. This could be someone with exceptional good behavior, skills and abilities. But could also be someone with bad manners and behavior.

We learn by imitation. We look around for somebody that is doing what we want to do in a way that we admire, and then we take that person as an example to follow. In early years, we as children learn all kinds of things from watching parents or other people. We learn social skills which can be as basic as saying “please” and “thank you”.

Role modeling and the Somali culture:

Role modeling is a thing practiced in all cultures of the world. It is practiced in different forms and named in respect to the language of its culture but shares the same idea of imitation. Somalis have been practicing role modeling for centuries. The practice is bundled up in our proverbs. “Awrba awrka ka horeeya buu socod kiisa leeyahey” is a Somali saying which signifies the attempt of imitation of a person from another. You can only remember how many times your parents told you to do some thing or to behave in a way that somebody else does or behaves. You can call back if you are a parent how many times you told your son or daughter to do some thing or to behave in such a way because somebody else you admire does it or behaves. What that signifies is the fact that that somebody is/was worthy of imitation.

[Gardaad amma Gardaadin]; was a form of role modeling. I do not know if it is practiced to date or if it is one of the once upon a time thing (Bari hore waxa jiray). I haven’t heard about it for quite a long time, but to me it definitely was role modeling in its finest form. In its practicality, it was a nice way of saying that someone was good and I want my son or daughter becomes like that person. The [Gardaadin] was an important and carefully planned piece of work that was intended to produce something nice. It was done in the early weeks of a new born. This shows the importance of good role modeling in the minds of the Somali parents.

It is obvious to us all that good role modeling is as important as our intake of oxygen in this new world of sophistication. It is more important to those of us in the Diaspora and especially to those of us in the western world. We live in cultures that induce us to do some things that are in contrary to our culture. We Somalis are known to be receptive to outside cultures. Hence, we the parents have a home work to do. We have more responsibilities on our shoulders than ever. My dear readers please allow me to shed some lights on some important hints so that we always keep in mind what we can do for our selves and for our children.

Parents and Role Models:

Eda LeShan, a family counselor and author about parenting, has often said:

“The only way to raise a decent human being is by being one.”

We are constantly being watched and looked at. All the good things we do reflect ourselves and our families. While I was growing up in Borama, it was like the whole town raising a child. But that is no more, and it is now that it is only the parents who are to raise a child or children. Waa waalidka iyo caruurta iyo aduunyadan dhaqankeedu adag yahey. Waalidkow ogaada in aad tusaale u tihiin caruurtiina oo wakhti walba ishoodu kugu maqantahey. Caruurtuna waxa ugu badan ay wax ka baran karaana ay tahey idinka. Sidaad yeeshaba yagana ka fil.

Young children have no prior knowledge of any thing. They learn things as they grow up by watching eagerly and imitating some one. That some one; is usually one of or both of their parents. Therefore, parents are the first teachers and role models of a young child.
They learn how to behave by seeing how their parents behave and following their examples. If for example a parent uses a bad language in front of the children, that same bad language will be seen used by the child with in no time.

Teenagers are most clever in imitating. In this western countries we live in, those of us who are parents and came carrying our ethnic culture on our backs must know that the rules of the game now are different for our children who were born or grow up in our new home lands. If you are a father and spent a night away from home socializing whether it be Qaad or Garaabo or god forbid the hard stuff, then you can expect the same from your teenager son soon. If you are a mother and always busy driving your Van around the streets with your sun glasses and new Diric, you can expect your teenager daughter throwing the books after school and going out for an early chat with her friends and coming back just five minutes before you arrive home and making you think that she has been studying hard all night.

Wax walba ka digtoonow oo ogow waxaad qabaneysaba in carrutaadu ku daawaneyso. Oo waliba si fiican kuu daawanayaan si ay u sameeyaan waxey kaa barteen hadhow si ka fiican sidaadii. Guriga markaad joogtana tusaalo fiican tus. Markey wax dhiganayaan adna wax akhriso. Ma oran kartid wax aan akhriyo ma garanayo waayo waad akhrisan kartaa Quraankaba. Xaaji aabow ogow ilbaa kugu maqan. Subaxii Markey kacaan ee u anba baxayaan dugsiyada, adiguna sidoo kale amma shaqo tag amma meel kalaba tagoo. Tusaalee in reerku wada kacayo meel la tagaba. Haddi kale xaajow arimo aanad fileyn baad arki. Aan tusaalo ku siiyo anga oo kusoo hadal qabsanaya sheeko bari dhaweyd ka dhacday halka aan joogo ee Ottawa:

Nin Soomaaliyeed baa lahaa dhowr caruura. Wiilka u weyn caruurta wuxuu markaa ku jirey dugsiga sare oo badhtan ka marayey. Wiilkii baa bilaabey sagsaag oo duruustii jarjarey. Ka dib wuxuu gaadhey inuu joojiyo inuu tagaba dugsigii. Aabihii baa ogaadey inuu wiilkii dugsigii tagin. Odeygii oo cadho ku jirto ayaa soo fadhiisiyey wiilkii oo weydiiyey sababta uu ku joojiyey waxbarashadii. Jawaab male oo wiilkii hadal kasoo bixi waa. Odeygii baa markaa bilaabey canaan iyo waanno. Aaboy buu yidhi laba mid yeel; inaad waxbarashadaadii ku noqoto iyo in fadhi kuuma fiicnee aad shaqo tagto.Wiilkii foorarey ayaa odeygii layaabey oo sare madaxii u qaadey oo yidhi aaboy midnaba ma yeelayo maxaa yeeley waa mide waan nacey waxbarasho ku darsoo shaqada aad sheegeysana ma rabo. Odeygii baa yidhi waayahee sideed ku noolaan markaa. Wiilkii baa jawaaboo yidhi sidaad u nooshahey baan u noolaan. Wuu sii wadoo wuxuu yidhi aabow adiguba tan iyo intaan Kanada nimid ma arag aroor aad kacdey ood shaqo u kacdey. Ma arag adiga oo wax dhiganaya ileen qeyrkaaba wax bey bartaanoo waxbarasho da’ malaha e . Habeen iyo maalin halkaa uun baad fadhidaa kol aad garaabo cunto iyo kol aad saaxiibadaa kala sheekeysato taleefanka idinka oo ka hadlaya wixii ka dhaca wadan la yidhaa Soomaaliya amma talafishanka uun baad rogrogtaa kolba waxaad daawataba. Markaa aaboy midna ma yeelayo waayo adba midna maad yeelin lacagta dowladu kusiisana anba wey isiin oo waan aqaanaa xafiiska ceydha.

Laba arimood oon kor ku qorey ayaa halkaa ka fuley. Waa mare awrba awrka ka horeeya buu socodkiisa leeyahey oo kuwii la dhashey ee ku daba jireyna arintoodo Aloo ka duwa mooyee waa sida wiilka. Ta xigta sidaan sheegey waa la ina fiirsanayaa oo ishaa inagu maqan oo wakaa wiilkii ku tala jira inuu sameeyo wixii uu ka bartey xaajigii aabihii. Murtidu waxey tahey ha la digtoonaado waa la ina fiirsanayaaye wax wanaagsan halagaa barto.

Social Skills:

Things best taught by example are social skills and attitudes. Children learn more naturally at home than any where else. Good manners start at home and the child learns from that environment. If a child sees a parent using please and thank you all the time at home as well as outside, that child picks up the words and makes them bundled with his/her own daily life. As children take part in social activities with a parent, they begin to notice how the parent reacts to other people and new situations. A child’s own self-confidence in meeting people often depends on the parents’ example.

The Home Atmosphere:

Children not only learn things from parents, they also absorb the general atmosphere of the home. A child raised in a home filled with love, affection and cooperation can easily show love to others. For those of us who live in the western countries, this is I think a particular area that we must pay attention. The stress and the frustration associated in living in the western countries are not some thing that we are familiar with. We in the Diaspora are experiencing many difficulties. Cultural shock, employment barriers, foreign languages, are among the many hardships we are feeling. This creates unnecessary conflicts in our homes and that we know it. These have an impact on our children and also create an unpleasant atmosphere of the home. So, my fellow Somalis, it is an advantage to our children if we constantly try to improve the atmosphere of our homes.

Preach what you practice:

Children often have no idea why we do what we do. Explain things out to them. This is again another field we Somalis need to learn. We don’t talk to our children. We know in our culture that we adults don’t take time to converse with the children. Meel ay ka timid garan maayo ee koleyba waalidku inta badan lama sheekeysto caruurta. Yar iyo kuwa waaweyn midnaba hadal uma furno. Kuwa qaan gaadhka ahna yaga inaan salaam uun ka qaadno amma wax udirano mooyee wey yartahey inaan si haboon ula sheekeysano oon wax ka weydiino gaarahaan wixii khuseeya noloshooda iyo waxbarshadooda. Wada hadalku iyo wada tashiga iyo waliba wax u sheeguba wuxuu abuuraa nolol guri oo jaceyl ka muuqdo. Ogowna hadii aad aabo tahey ood sheeko u fidin weydo inankaaga adiga oo wax walba ka warsanaya oo islamarka wax uga sheegaya wacdiga nolol maalmeedka, adiguna ha filin inuu kuu yeedho oo wax kuu sheego. Hooyadana sidoo kale. Iska ilooba iney idinla tashadaan hadii aanad ka dhaadhicin in albaabadu furanyahiin.

Our Mother tongue:

Our mother language seems to be losing ground among our children. There is a miss understanding among us which states that our children will not be fluent in the official languages of the countries we live in if we let them learn the Somali language. This is a myth. As a matter of fact there was a study not long ago about the affects of the foreign languages in learning environments where English or French languages are official. For example learning in the schools where English or French are the official languages and other language being the official language at home. That is to say for example English or French at school and Somali at home. The study concluded that it is advantageous to children to learn both languages. The results went further and clarified that it is beneficial to children and even increases the smartness of the children. And that is apart from the many advantages learning both languages have.

Hala ogaado in barashada afkeena hooyo waxba u dhimeyn waxbarashada caruurteena.

Markaa Soomaaliyey yaan la moogaan afkeena hooyo inaan ku dhiiri galino caruurteena inay bartaan.

…….To be continued……

Suleiman Abdi Dugsiye
Ottawa