Welcome To Our Homepage
On October 10th 2004 our elders and intellectuals conducted a
meeting to start an association for the Somali Bantu in San
Antonio Texas. Dr. Omar Abdulkadir Eno Director of Somali Bantu
projects and Daniel J. Vanlahman Deputy director of Somali Bantu
projects came to us on February 1st 2005 and encouraged us to
open an office for the Somali Bantu Association of San Antonio.
We started preparations for opening the Somali Bantu Association
office in San Antonio from February 1st to July 13th. 
We were proud to announce the opening the Somali Bantu Association
office in San Antonio on Wednesday March 23rd. We hosted a grand opening celebration to
encourage the launch of the Somali Bantu Association of San
Antonio, in this ceremony were many attendees from various agencies. In the ceremony the
President of the association gave a speech concerning the
history of the Somali Bantu, and their plans to promote
self-sufficiency within the community, which the participants
received with high spirits. We hope that the steps that we have
taken will encourage other refugees to develop offices,
especially the Somali Bantu’s that have been resettled in other
parts of the United States of America.
Our Mission
Somali Bantu Association is a non profit organization committed to the effective integration of
Somali Bantu and other refugee communities through the provision of
social and economic programs to increase self-sufficiency.
English Classes/Interpretation and Translation Services
English language skills form the basis of all
activities leading to self-sufficiency. Translation and
Interpretation services will be provided in 2 Somali Languages,
Kizigua and Mai Mai. Approximately 20% of services will fall in this
category.
Vocational Training/Employment Services
Assistance with registration in vocational
training (computer literacy and other courses) or employment
training and placement services are also crucial to developing
self-sufficiency. Approximately 20% of services provided will
fall into this category.
Housing Assistance
The organization will assist clients with securing
appropriate housing working with local housing providers and
government housing program agencies. Approximately 20% of services
provided will fall into this category.
Consumer Advocacy
Newly arrived refugees and immigrants are vulnerable to unfair
business practices, and often need assistance in understanding their
rights with regard to housing, utilities, the legal system, medical
care system, etc. Approximately 20% of services provided will fall
into this category.
Supportive Services
Services in this category would include enabling
services that help clients move towards self-sufficiency. They might
include transportation assistance, assistance with child care or
parenting classes, or other services. Approximately 20% of services
provided will fall into this category.
THE SOMALI BANTU
Cultural Extravaganza Fundraising
Held March 27, 2010 (Saturday)
6pm - 9pm
was very succesful.
From our Executive Director:
Dear Friends,
I want to take the opportunity to extend our most sincere appreciation for your generosity and kind gifts. For those that were able to make the Cultural Extravaganza this past Saturday I hope that you all had an enjoyable evening and most importantly came away more knowledgeable about how your contributions are being put to good use to help support refugee families in our San Antonio community.
It has been a long and hard road from the refugee camps to acclimating to the norms of life in the United States. Thank you for helping us to continue our programs in order to help our community and for others to come, in becoming self-sufficient and productive citizens of this wonderful country.
Sincerely,
Abdirahman W. Ibrahim
Executive Director
Somali Bantu Association of San Antonio
