The document summarizes Robinson Cook's observations from a week observing cultural orientation classes for Somali refugees in the Dadaab refugee camps in Kenya before their resettlement to the United States. The cultural orientation classes aim to prepare refugees for life in the US by covering topics like US culture, community services, housing, employment, healthcare, and legal rights and responsibilities. The document also provides background context on the Somali civil war, the establishment of the Dadaab refugee camps, and the multi-step refugee resettlement process through agencies like UNHCR, IOM, and USCIS.

1. Cultural Orientation Dadaab Refugee Camps Dadaab, Kenya Robinson Cook

2. In January of 2009, I spent one week observing the cultural orientation classes for refugees in Dadaab Kenya before their resettlement to the United States. This presentation only represents what I experienced along the way. I simply recorded and photographed what I saw, heard and touched. I am now sharing it with friends and colleagues to help unhinge the misperceptions people have about refugees who come from East Africa and in particular, Somalia. In the end I hope anyone who views this presentation can appreciate what refugees have gone through just to come to the U.S.. I hope you share in the hopes and dreams of your future neighbors, co-workers, and friends.

3. What Do You Know About Somalia? What Do You Know About The Dadaab Refugee Camps?

4. 1960 – Somali independence from Italy and merger with British Somaliland 1960 - Adan Adulle Osman elected as President 1967 - Abdirashid Ali Sharmaarke elected as 2 nd president and 1969 - Abdirashid Ali Sharmaarke assassinated by his bodyguard in 1969. 1969 - General Mohamed Said Barre took over during a bloodless coup. History Mogadishu

5. Conflict In Somalia Taxi that runs between the refugee camps. 1991 - Said Barre was ousted by a Northern and Southern clan based force called the USC lead by Military leader General Mohamed Farah AIdid and Abdirahman Tura 1996 - Mohamed Farrah Aidid was killed in Mogadishu. Since 1991 there have been fourteen efforts at national reconciliation. 2009 - Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed elected President The basis of most of the conflicts was clan allegiances and competition for resources between the warring clans.

11. Landscapes Dry landscape in the Garissa district of Kenya. Landscapes

20. JVA Kenya Cultural Orientation Staff - Nairobi Kenya

23. CO trainers preparing for the first day of class tomorrow

24. CO trainers meet with locally hired interpreters to go over the lesson plan.

26. Amina – Cultural Orientation morning role call.

27. Amina – Cultural Orientation morning role call.

28. Cultural Orientation class list.

30. “ What do you know about the U.S.?”

33. Amina explains how transportation operates in America

34. Amina explaining the difference between the public and private health care systems.

35. Amina stops the video to explain that you actually sit on a toilet as opposed to squatting.

36. Jeff explains the different types of financial assistance available to refugees.

37. Jeff explains the tenant landlord relationship.

38. Refugees in cultural orientation class in IFO.

39. Refugees asking questions about the housing video they just watched.

40. Visual aids to help explain civil rights, American history, money and identifications.

41. Refugees learning about travel to the U.S.

42. Cultural Orientation Discussion About Child Support

43. Question: What are the good things about Somali culture?

44. Question: What are the not so good things about Somali culture?

48. Cultural Orientation Classes Life cycle of resettlement emotions for refugees. 2. Resettlement Bliss 4. Depression & Culture Shock 5. Stabilization. 1. Anticipation and excitement 3. Reality of new life in the U.S.

49. Cultural Orientation Video About Integration and Culture Shock

50. “ This discussion about the illegality of female genital mutilation in the U.S. is really more of a discussion about different values and how you will handle it when your values are challenged in your new setting.”

51. “ What will you do when your neighbors are drinking alcohol and barbecuing pork? What will you do when you are not permitted to leave work early to observe Ramadan?”

52. The inside of an airplane

53. The inside of an airplane.

54. You will have an assigned seat throughout the flight.

55. Here is what your plane ticket will look like.

56. This is what your meal will look like. The flight attendants will bring it to you.

57. Congratulations on completing your cultural orientation. You will now travel to the U.S. within one to four weeks from today.

58. Titus explain traveling to the United States. “Do not open this bag until you reach the U.S.. It has all of your documentation.

59. Life In The Camps

61. World Food Program storage tent for rationed food items.

62. World Food program food storage area.

63. Visual representation of food rations so that everyone knows what they will receive.

64. One ration of lentils.

65. One ration of ground nuts.

66. One ration of corn soya blend.

67. One ration of salt.

68. One ration of cooking oil.

69. Final weigh-out of rations.

70. Entrance and exit to food distribution.

71. Post food rationing – IFO.

72. Camp walk ways.

73. Children playing in IFO on a Sunday afternoon.

74. Homes in IFO. IFO mechanic shop. IFO bicycle repair area. Homes in IFO.

75. Ethiopian children enjoying seeing the instant result on a digital camera

76. IFO clothing merchant. Camel meat. IFO Market. IFO Market.

77. IFO Guides.

78. Out of gas in the bush! Sleeping tent in U.N. compound. Ugali & goat meat. Grilled goat meat.

79. David - UNHCR Staff. Abas - IOM staff. Jeff and Mark – CO Trainers. UNHCR Case Workers.

81. www.churchworldservice.org www.iom.int www.unhcr.org How To Support International Refugee Resettlement Efforts