Aqoon la’aan wa iftiin la’aan: A Study of a Cultural Adaptation of Abriendo Puertas

• In Event: Blackness and Immigration

Abstract

This qualitative case study examined how culture, religion, and living in a different context from their home country influenced Somali refugee parents’ conceptualization of family engagement. When Somali families arrive in the United States, they are faced with hardships such as not being familiar with the expectations of their new home country’s educational standards. More research can help educational centers decide how to provide support for Somali families and their children. Focus groups (N=3) asked for feedback about the parent education program, Abriendo Puertas, to learn parent perceptions about early learning and child development of Somali students. Study findings suggest that intervention programs for Somali American Refugee families to promote their young children’s development and school engagement would be beneficial.

Author

• Asha Warsame, University of Washington - Seattle