Good for the mom! In a time that seems to be riddled with stories of inequality and segregation (in a misguided attempt to do 'the politically correct' thing, at least one family sees that the answer is not to single out, but rather to integrate and work together as a whole.
A Somalian mother has taken on the Toronto District School Board, not because she wants special treatment for her son who is struggling somewhat in school, but rather because she wants him to be treated just like everyone else.
School trustees recently announced they are reviewing policies that could see the addition of a "Somali Heritage Month" and a Somali focused curriculum. Supporters say because of a higher than average drop-out rate, intervention is 'urgently needed.' But Suban Abdullahi (the mom) says measures like this will only serve to "stigmatize" children and others of Somali descent. I think she's right.
Mrs. Abdullahi (on the school board) says: "If they really want to help, why not help all the students who are failing?"
Precisely! Students from all walks of life are struggling and dropping out. There are problems that extend far past language barriers and culture, many that go unaddressed until it's too late. There are also success stories from all walks of life (in spite of the odds). The Abdullahi family also has three children attending university.
This isn't really a racial issue, nor should it be. Reportedly, there are about 5,000 Somali-speaking students attending Toronto District schools - the majority of whom were born in Canada. Rather than single them out, why not give ALL who are having a tough go an extra hand?
As Ms. Abdullahi argues, the majority of Somali students are graduating (75 per cent) so why not direct resources towards ALL children who are failing, not just a select few?
"It's not doing anything but harming them," she says. "It is isolating them. It's showing the other children that the Somali descent children are not capable."
If 75 per cent are doing well... help the 25 per cent who aren't. Help ALL students who aren't. We are living in one country - Canada. If we keep dividing and profiling what good are really doing for the nation as a whole?
