Our Programs
Parent engagement
SAPA’s parent program, Waalidow Indhaha Furr (Parents Open Your Eyes) helps orient Somali parents who are new to the U.S., preparing them to navigate the educational system and support their children’s education. In six-week, cohort-style workshops presented in Somali, parents gain the tools to be advocates for their children’s educational success.
Culture broker for research
SAPA provides cultural training for mainstream schools to help teachers, educational assistants, administrators, and other staff better serve Somali students and their families. We focus on helping educators understand the cultural background of Somalis in Minnesota, cross-cultural communication barriers, and attitudes among Somalis towards education as an institution and as an individual and community value. To further create a dialogue surrounding mental health and substance abuse, SAPA participated in a research collaboration with (SAMSAH) to further expand cultural broker for Trauma System therapy for refugees-(TSTR)
Community health
Because education and health are closely linked, SAPA has contributed. to caafimaadka bulshada (community health) by convening conversations between Somali community members and the Minnesota Department of Health. Specific topics have focused on stigma surrounding mental health, accessing services, and the cultural appropriateness of existing. provider models. Furthermore, SAPA participated in setting up health Fairs, and creating dialogue surrounding vaccine hesitancy.
Youth development
SAPA’s after school and summer programming serves youth at Lincoln International School, Anderson Elementary, and Minnesota International Middle School. The programs help students “catch up” to the appropriate grade level and develop the leadership skills and cultural knowledge to be fully educated, engaged community members. Youths are provided with counseling, and access to trauma system therapy.
