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. Somali Bantu Association officers 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