The Most Effective Somali Community (SAUC) By: Mohamud Shalab

 

By: Mohamud Shalab

The Somali - American united council of Arizona is the most hardworking community based non profit organization in Phoenix aimed at building a relationship between the Somali people and the mainstream community. The community has helped and continues to help both the youth and elderly. Created in 2006, the organization specializes in helping new families adapt in a way that they can integrate without losing their own identity and culture. Somalis, especially new Somalis often feel isolated and segregated from the rest of society. Language barrier and cultural differences are just two of the many reasons why this problem persists. SAUC provides comprehensive education and the necessary tools needed in order for immigrants to be a beneficial part of society.

One of the main objectives is to cultivate understanding and coexistence between the Somali community and the mainstream general public. As mentioned, oftentimes, there are language barriers that can make even the slightest interaction difficult and uncomfortable. SAUC offers translation services as well as other resources to help ease the difficulties of learning and speaking a new language.

Dr. Mohamed Ali Abukar is the founder and president of Somali-American United Council. He is a family orientated man and still manages to dedicate time his community. He holds a PhD in public administration. Dr. Abukar is a Somali-American and his life story makes him relatable to many immigrants. He has shown a tremendous passion and leadership by offering new Somalis a helping hand in starting their lives and becoming successful in their new country. Another important figure is Melody Harmon who uses her legal background to offer help and support to the Somalis in the community.

            This grassroots organization has proven to be very useful and has achieved success because it specifically caters to the needs of Somalis. There are many issues within the community such as structural discrimination that the organization works to eliminate. SAUC inspires youth into leadership positions so they can eventually, lead their communities to a brighter future. Equality is another aspect that SAUC strives to accomplish. The fact that many immigrants find it difficult to find jobs in order to support their families, leads to many of them ending up on government support. SAUC provides immigrants who are in this predicament with appropriate job search skills and even go as far as helping them find a placement. Without organizations like SAUC, it would be hard for the immigrants to express their concern in a public manner.

SAUC'S mission is to improve the quality of life of the Somali community as a whole whether they are Americans or immigrants. It is very clear that this cannot be achieved without the help of the outside community, which is why we stress and advocate for diversity and intercultural dialogue. It is critical that the outside community understands the issues so that they can hopefully be a part of the solution. This helps facilitate public awareness, which in turn brings more solutions to help the crucial problems Somalis face in society. Many events are held year round to gather the Somali community. The latest event was held May 19^th by the Women’s Empowerment group who are part of the SAUC and well known Somali superstars Sada Ali and Halima Sacdia attended the event. The Somali-American United Council should serve as an example to many organizations whose aim is to empower their own community.

If you wish to contact the community, please visit this website: http://www.somaliunitedcouncil.org

Or contact them @: 2425 East Thomas Road # 11

          Phoenix, AZ 85016, United States

       Tel:   (602) 522-2100

SOURCE:FROM CEEGAAG,.COM