REPORT ON RECENT ACTIVITIES

Jaafar M. Sh. Jama and Martin Kaplan of the Committee to Aid Somali Education (CASE) traveled to Ottawa, Canada, in September of 2001. The fundraising went well, and the representatives of the Ottawa community expressed their desire to help in promoting CASE. They will help both in financial support and volunteer work on projects.

On March 16, 2002, a fundraising event was held in Portland, Oregon, hosted by Gary Velikanje. Many people came to the event and it was successful in raising funds for CASE. Gary has provided both very generous financial and physical support to CASE. The Committee is discussing the possibility of establishing this event as an annual fundraising event in Oregon. Click here to view pictures.

The Committee to Aid Somali Education has produced a videotape about education in Somaliland. The video includes 45 minutes of narration, music and images. CASE has sold over one hundred videotapes across the U.S. and Canada. If you would like to order the videotape, it is $19.99 which includes shipping and handling. Just email CASE or call (503)699-9833.

COLLECTION OF EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS

Professor Angela Hoffman (a member of the CASE advisory board) of the chemistry department at the University of Portland has been instrumental in obtaining surplus science supplies for Amoud University. A shipment is being planned for the near future that will also include many books and other educational materials.

CASE is in the process of arranging a shipment using an agent in California that is experienced in sending material through Berbera. The arrangement has not been finalized. When completed, it will be a great breakthrough resolving the complex transportation issue.

A number of high schools in Oregon have donated large numbers of books and materials. The science and technology department at Portland Community College-Rock Creek has given CASE many science texts. We have also received assurances from Lewis and Clark College that they will provide biology, chemistry and English language books.

HIGH SCHOOL MENTORING/TUTORING PROGRAM
IN PORTLAND, OREGON

Even though the mission of the Committee to Aid Somali Education is primarily to help the children of Somalia, CASE has recently been involved in establishing an innovative mentoring/tutoring course for native-born Somali students at Madison High School. The purpose is to train Somali students in methods of non-violent dispute resolution and, how, in turn they can mentor and impart this knowledge to Somali Students at a local middle school.

This undertaking was done in conjunction with Portland State University's Conflict Resolution (PSUCR) Graduate Program and the Oregon Peace Institute (OPI). The project was designed and implemented by Martin Kaplan of CASE, Frances Kaplan of OPI and PSUCR and Tom Hastings of PSUCR, experts in the field of conflict resolution. In addition to this, Somali members of CASE assisted the teaching team with issues of cross-cultural awareness, resolving the language barrier and helping the students to understand how to resolve conflicts without resorting to violence or gangs.

The Somali students at this particular school have been involved in both adolescent and culturally induced behavior problems. Much of it has been due to the effects of their displacement because of the civil war in their homeland. These problems are reflected in their poor academic performance and friction with other student groups. The obstacles to success that the students are facing are large but CASE is doing what it can to help them overcome these.

THANKS

Once again our appreciation is extended to all the individuals and organizations that have helped CASE reach this stage. The organization is growing and we continue to need help from anybody that can volunteer time. We are really short of people to help us with the growing needs of the organization and the many projects that CASE is involved in. Your expertise and skills are valuable, so please join us.