The Somali Bantu: History, Religion, Customs, and

Education

History of the Bantu

Pre-15th century: Thriving economy in east Africa

15th century: Portuguese arrive

1730: Portuguese kicked out, Sultanate of Oman in charge

18th -19th century: Slavery becomes widespread

Africans taken from Mozambique & Tanzania into slavery under Sultanate

History of the Bantu1800-1890: Between 25,000 and 50,000 slaves were absorbed into

the Somali riverine areas

Early 1900’s-Slavery “abolished” by Italy

Mid-1930s- Labor laws in agriculture industry BY Italians

1970s-80s: Somali government made Bantu fight in military against Ethiopia.

1991- Civil War

Now- Bantu exist in a state between sharecropping and slavery

Marriage Customs

Many Bantu marry between the ages of 16 and 18.

Somali Bantu practice polygamy.

The average Somali Bantu family size is between 4 and 8 children.

Style of Dress

Bantu women cover themselves with head scarves and wear large wrap around cloths called a gonfo.

Diet

The Somali Bantu have traditionally eaten what they can grow and catch.

Somali Bantu Behavior and Communication Style

Somali Bantu communities place great importance on showing respect for elders.

Somali Bantu people are not accustomed to answering questions in a linear, sequential way.

Language and Literacy

The two main Somali regional language variants are Af Maay and Af Maxaa.

The Somali Bantu primarily speak Af Maay or an ancestral tribal language.

Most Bantu are illiterate.

Emotional Issues

Many children who enter into school come from a history of violence and emotional trauma.

The years of subjugation and fear have adversely affected the Somali Bantu people’s sense of equality and self-esteem.

Testimony of Faith: There is no deity but God (Allah) and Muhammad is the Messenger (Prophet) of God

Prayer: Daily at Dawn, Noon, Mid-Afternoon, Sunset and Night. Each prayer takes a few minutes.

Fasting: Total abstinence from food and liquid from dawnto sunset during the month of Ramadan.

Somali Bantu Religion

Hajj: Annual pilgrimage to Makkah at least once for thosewho are physically and financially able.

Festivals and Celebrations

Deb-Shid and Wood Carving of Slave History

ReligionTime and Space for Prayer

Ramadan and Fasting

Eid-al-Fidri and Eid-al-Adha Festivals

Localized Customs

Dietary Needs

Curriculum and Learning

Language and Literacy

Entry Levels

Minimal Family/School Contact

School Meals

Homework

Community/School Links

Supplementary and Saturday Classes

School Functions

Socialization Between Groups

Experience at School

Posture/Gesture/Facial Expressions

Difficulty Transitioning

Learning Styles

Effects of War

Racism

Bilingual Education

Tips for Teachers- Cultural Competence

Appreciate and Celebrate Diversity

Integrate Knowledge and Cultures in Curriculum

Variety of Assessment

Utilize Skills, Abilities and Strengths

Understand Possible Embarrassment of Accent

Synonyms in the English Language

Tips for Teachers- Critical Consciousness

Don’t Equate Language Skills and Special Education

Avoid Linguicism

Research Cultures/Reason for Migration

Utilize Skills, Abilities and Strengths

Connect with Family

Tips for Teachers- Engaging Academic Success

Avoid Stereotypes

Build Relationships

Understand Parent-Teacher Roles

Use Concrete Examples

Avoid Instructional Racism

Supportive Classroom Environment

Eno, O, & Lehman, D. V. (2003). The Somali bantu: their history and culture. Retrieved fromhttp://www.cal.org/co/bantu/somali_bantu.pdf

Rasulo, R. (n.d.). Somali bantu community development council of denver. Retrieved from

http://www.somalibantucolorado.org/m_26.asp

Resources