One of the perks of living with a job developer for local refugees is an unavoidable education in the cultures of the various refugees she aides. This last weekend, her office, the IRC (International Rescue commission) sponsored an event honoring the some 1,000 Somali Bantu refugees that now reside in the Salt Lake area. I was privileged enough to attend, and it was quite impressive. They received a much greater turnout than originally expected. The Bantu are considered second class citizens in their own country. Most were farmers and uneducated, most illiterate in there own language. Apart from these circumstances, many have spent the last 15-20 years in refugee camps without access to education or work experience. Which explains the difficulty they have finding and holding a job in our society as they have never experienced this culture of work before.
They were ecstatic about this celebration and considered it a holiday as they never before have been able to be proud of their culture. There was dancing, singing, food, and the IRC volunteers sold the beaded necklaces the women made as the Bantu women are notoriously shy. These simple necklaces sold like hotcakes and so the women repeatedly visited the bead table taking off the necklaces they were wearing in order to sell them. All donations and proceeds from this event went to funds for the hopes of a future organization serving their community specifically so that they can receive more aid for the advancement of their people.
Their colorful clothing was beautiful and they pulled visitors onto the dance floor, wrapped these dazzling scarves around their waists and silently taught them to dance as many do not speak much English. The women carry their infants around tied to their hips or back by yet another a scarf. They silently smile at you as you walk by. Reminded me so much of Maria Abeng who we taught in Toronto. She is from a Spanish colony in Africa, and dressed much the same, always carrying her little Victor around the house as she cleaned, cooked, etc, strapped to her back.
Anyhow, it was a great experience, and I took lots of pictures. I will try and post them, but they need developing, scanning and junk before I can.
6 comments:
Sarah,
So cool. I wish I could have been there...sounds like a very interesting event. Were those guys I met when we were working with the Chilean's Bantu?
Huh? Chilean what? I'm confused? You were working with Chilean Bantu? Or is it a joke that just went over my head? I've been a little slow lately.
Sarah you have an interesting life! How cool to be a part of that. Learning about another culture is what I love about traveling. There is so much to learn by observing other cultures and peoples, as well as gaining a deeper appreciation for how much we have in this country that we often take for granted.
Way cool! I wish I could go! That's why I want to travel too someday...other people and places are amazing!
-Britten
I watched a few minutes of the amazing race yesterday. They wen tto Peru and while running around Lima trying to find a bus someone made the comment "We're trying to make a million dollars while these people are just trying to live." Good observation buddy.
Wish I could have gone too. I would have loved buying Bantu necklaces. How completely sweet that whole experience must've been. You are blessed Sarah to have so many amazing experiences. I hope you keep a journal!!! I look forward to seeing all your pictures!
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