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, with the generous
assistance of the Catholic Charities in providing us with
temporary office space. We hosted a grand opening celebration to
encourage the launch of the Somali Bantu Association of San
Antonio, in this ceremony were many attendees such as officers
from Catholic Charities and other 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
The mission of the Somali Bantu Association of San Antonio is to
facilitate the resettlement of the Somali Bantu Community in the
United States, especially in San Antonio, Texas by providing
programs for education, culture, and economic opportunity in order
to promote self-sufficiency within the community. This mission will
be accomplished through the following activities:
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.