Experts Call for Enhanced Support for Somali Parents Navigating Educational Hurdles in the UK
London, UK (AX) — Somali parents in the UK are grappling with hurdles in aiding their children’s schooling owing to clashing cultures and unawareness of regional regulations, as per specialists. Free education is accessible, yet these obstacles result in developmental lags among Somali kiddos.
Dr. Noor Hassan, a heavyweight lecturer in London and scribbler of two tomes on the matter, called for a united front. “In 2010, as a neophyte lecturer at a college in southeast London, I embarked on a PhD in sociology at the University of Greenwich. Two years in, I grasped the pressing necessity to comprehend the scholastic needs of Somali children and their parents’ support,” he conveyed. “I wrapped up my PhD in 2015, and this book emerges from five years of digging and delving.”
In his inquiry, Dr. Hassan unmasked key glitches, spotting that educators often lowball Somali students, relegating them to lesser tiers. He also shed light on the dicey rapport between the academies and the guardians.
“Plenty of schools grapple because parents aren’t looped in regularly about their kids’ education,” Dr. Hassan revealed. “Schools might reckon Somali parents don’t put enough stock in their kids’ learning, but this notion simply misses the mark.”
A few Somali guardians voiced their takes on the conundrums and possible fixes. Khadra Mohamud, a Bristol-based mother of four, stressed the importance of a tight grip and active involvement in special schools to steer kids right.
“Loads of challenges exist. Luckily, my spouse and I jointly raised our kids. In England, kids are closely watched both morning and afternoon. Once they’re adults, they ought to be in special schools, like religious hubs, to keep them occupied and out of hot water. Absent such backing, kids might wrestle and lag in their studies,” Mohamud shared.
Mawlid Sheikh Mohamed, a father of eight, touched on how living conditions affect kids’ education. He pointed out that the cramped UK quarters are far removed from the spacious homes in Somalia, making it tough for youngsters to hit the books.
“In Somalia, families dwell in roomy houses. Here, cramming eight kids into two or three rooms messes with their study time. They need serene spots for homework and learning,” Mohamed remarked.
Dr. Nur Hassan
Dr. Hassan’s research dished out various remedies, such as enhancing dialogue between schools and parents, urging parents to show up for school meet-ups, and carving out dedicated study slots for kids.
“Bolstering ties between academies and parents is vital. There should be steady chatter about the child’s schooling. Parents ought to frequently natter with their kids about school goings-on,” Dr. Hassan stated. He also underscored the essence of self-discipline and a nurturing home ambiance in a child’s growth.
“For kids to soak up knowledge well, they need role models and a bolstering home setting. Parents hold a crucial baton in instilling discipline and spurring on academic triumph,” Dr. Hassan concluded.
The glitches and resolutions brought to light by Dr. Hassan and Somali parents emphasize the call for a collaborative tack to boost educational outcomes for Somali children in the UK.
