Somali Bantu Refugee Resettlement:
From Kakuma to Atlanta
(2003-2005)

Youth

Like their parents, the Somali Bantu children had little or no access to education in their lives.

It was clear in the refugee camp that the Somali Bantu community valued the idea of education even though it was hard to come by. They grasped any chance for their children especially and some had a chance to get some teaching. I was quite impressed with this young man’s excitement to show off his books.

Knowing they would need an extra start prior to the start of the school year, my aunt volunteered her experience as a public school teacher to hold a special summer program for many of the Bantu kids. The children seemed to enjoy the chance to both learn and play. Hopefully the exposure to group activities and classroom structure also better prepared them for their first time in school the following year.