In the heart of Ireland, a diverse tapestry of stories is woven by Somali refugees who have made this land their home. Each individual carries a unique narrative, a testament to their strength, resilience, and determination to forge a new life. This weekly series aims to shed light on the remarkable journeys of these individuals, illuminating the challenges they’ve faced and the triumphs they’ve celebrated along the way.
Title: The Journey Back: Young Somalis Born in Ireland Returning to Their Roots
In recent years, a question has arisen within the Somali community in Ireland: What happens to the young Horn of Africans born in Ireland who are sent back to their parents’ countries of origin? In my experience over the last eight years working with Somali families and young people in the Horn of African communities in Ireland, I’ve witnessed a complex narrative of cultural identity and adaptation.
Somali families, predominantly Muslim, are deeply rooted in their traditions and Islamic way of life. They often aim to pass down these traditions to their children. However, the reality is that many children growing up in Ireland find themselves torn between two worlds: the Somali way of life and the Irish way, which tends to westernize them.
Some parents may be disheartened when their children show signs of adopting Western mentalities, straying from their cultural roots and language. This dilemma has led some families to make the difficult decision to send their children back to their parents’ home countries. It’s a practice that often occurs when the children reach the age of 15 or 16.
One young man, Zak, shared his personal story with me during a visit to our community center. Zak had arrived in Ireland at the tender age of two, hailing from an African country. He completed his primary education in Ireland, attending school from 1st to 10th class. However, at the age of 14, his family sent him back to Somaliland, a breakaway region from Somalia that has enjoyed relative peace and stability since the Somali civil war of 1991. Somaliland has thrived as a democracy and a place of tranquility compared to its turbulent African neighbors.
Zak began his secondary education in Somaliland’s capital, Hargeisa, embarking on a new phase of life. Initially, he faced immense challenges as he didn’t understand the local language, and his family made it clear there was no option to return to Ireland. Zak’s resourcefulness led him to use Google Translate on his phone daily and invest in English-Somali translation books. Eventually, he mastered the Somali language, making his second year of schooling more accessible.
After successfully completing his high school education in Hargeisa, Zak returned to Dublin at the age of 19. He candidly shared his experience of transitioning between two worlds. “I was trying to understand the language and relied on Google Translate daily. I even purchased English and Somali translation books. Eventually, I learned Somali, and the following year, everything became much easier to understand. I graduated from school and matured. I requested my family to return to my home in Ireland. I realized that the only change was my understanding of Somali culture and tradition. That’s the only asset I carried with me.”
However, Zak felt the gap in his knowledge, especially in Western technology and lifestyle. He found himself in a challenging position, needing to reintegrate into life in Ireland. Zak expressed his desire to start college in Dublin, specifically an access course, to study computer science. He also sought part-time work and contemplated becoming a security officer to make ends meet.
Zak’s story is a testament to the struggles and resilience of young Somalis who grow up in Ireland but are sent to their parents’ home countries to reconnect with their roots. It’s a complex journey of cultural adaptation, identity, and the pursuit of a brighter future.