Ma Nabad Baa?
Waa Nabad.
Since the fall of 2010, BCRJP has helped with the formation of support services to the Somali Community that lives in the town of Barron. Various conflict or crime situations involving Somalians have presented opportunities for BCRJP, with non-Somali representatives from schools, human services and the police, to team up with leaders within the Somali community to create resolution processes that are more effective, due to cultural sensitivities and language services. This Response Team is now available to act quickly with any new situation that might arise.
TWO CULTURES in COLLABORATION
Out of this collaborative work, a Prevention Team began in the spring of 2011 in order to create greater supports to prevent conflicts or criminal activities from happening. Initial focus has been on positive activities for youth and parenting education. Special Somali speakers from St. Paul and Minneapolis have come to speak to Somali groups in Barron to create a greater awareness of community support and a vision for volunteerism. BCRJP has led the way to bring together agency representatives and Somali leaders to work together for new prevention-oriented initiatives.
As a result of connecting with speakers from the Twin Cities, the Somali National Basketball Team (that played in Somali during the pre-war years before 1990), came to Barron to play a game with a young Somali men, several of which were involved in BCRJP resolution processes. Most of the team currently live in the Twin Cities, supporting Somali youth in team sports.
