Somali Early childhood Parenting: An Appeal for a Change by Mohammed Hussein Ali
Following profound exploration of western books and ideologies alongside several
observations of our long cultural and traditional practices passed down from one
generation to another, I wondered why negative competitions are prominent among
Somali societies in all regions. I believe that I have found answers to this
nagging question, and here is what I think.
Let us Firstly compare good
parenting, education, children upbringing, and personal development in general.
Children in western societies are encouraged to build personal boundaries,
develop individual competence, and embrace their unique and individual
identities. This is in contrast to Somali society where one would easily observe
that children are raised with an awful or terrible mindset rooted in negative
competition and unhealthy comparison. Most times, you hear parents telling their
children: 'Be like Hebel and Hebel, Hebel is better than you' , or 'Hebel is
crazier than that person!'
Not even adults are spared in this issue of negative
competition and materialism. The complaints from relatives always ring like: 'Mr
Hebel has built a house for his family, why haven't you built one just like
him?' or 'Mr Asha bought this and that kind of things, Mr Hebel has many
children, why can't you do same?' Even small towns in the country side engage in
this vaulting rivalry and dangerous competition. The obvious result and effect
of such mentality is that these town are fettered by underdevelopment and
absence of growth.
But what really are the lucid points of divergence in the
Western approach to parenting and Somali parenting skills?
To be candid, the
western approach encourages a positive mindset. You rarely see them belittling
each other, jealousy is also significantly low, every child is encouraged to be
innovative or to build his or her own business and not be in competition with
anyone at all (they understand that not all fingers are equal). They comprehend
the fact that there is a wide room for individual acceptance and make
acknowledgement for each person's way to success; just as it is said that there
is enough room in the sky for all birds to fly without hitting each other. This
method enables children to think creatively, rather than emulating others.
Instead of forming a 'copy and paste' mindset, they set their feet onto an
innovative cum inventive journey.
On the other hand, the Somali context at large
is almost completely vice versa. Inordinate rivalry and unreasonable competition
exist at every strata of the society; from individual to individual, from
community to community, from society to society, from town to town and from
region to region, and even at the state level; the scenario remains the same!
Instead of acknowledging these shortcomings, they choose to dwell in denial. Rather than accepting these flaws, they keep dismissing each other. Instead of
building unique pathways, they are simply replicating (or copying and pasting)
each other's efforts.
From the perspective of our prestigious religion; as
revealed by Allah to His best Prophet Mohamed (peace of Allah and His blessings
be upon him immensely); Allah criticised compelling competitions among people in
wealth, number, status, and power. You can read this view in many surahs in the whole Quran. For instance, you can confirm this in surah Humazah which affirms
that most of us have become obsessed with getting the most in everything which
leads to win lose situations.
Lastly; but not the least, taking cognisance of
these canckerworms is the best place to begin the quest for solutions. These prolonged negative cum unhealthy behaviours have deep roots in early childhood
parenting before being transferred to the schooling system where youngsters are
trained to maintain unnecessary jealous competition for grades. This terrible
attitudes continue to escalate and transcend levels and has even reached its apogee at
the national level where it has become a major migraine.
Immediate solutions
such as engaging in serious campaigns and creating awareness via mass media;
social media in particular can target teenagers and young people who are still
impressionable and are (potential) victims of this long nefarious practice. It
is pertinent to bring these issues to school daboors and in class rooms
presentations; teachers can play a good role in tackling them by enlightening
and discussing them with students. Imams, who preach in mosques, can also
shed more light on them. Additionally , TV programmes and shows can help adults
identify and understand these phenomena alongside the detriments of their
application, and providing workshops to parents, guardians or caregivers can
also be a major aspect of attaining a working, peaceful, and progressive
society which would be free from illogical jealousy, comparison, and degrading
each other.
About the Writer: Mohammed Hussein Ali
Mohamed Hussein Ali was born in Togdheer, Burco,
Somaliland. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Resources Management
and Leadership from New Generation University, Hargeisa. He has been teaching
Somali Literature and Islamic Studies for over a decade.
Mohammed has also obtained a
Professional Diploma in International Child Development Program (ICDP), which
has enhanced his expertise in child protection, good parenting practices, and
holistic child development.
Mohammed's professional and academic journey reflects a
strong commitment to education, cultural preservation, and social development.
Alongside teaching, he actively engages in the study and promotion of Somali
literature, with a particular interest in poetry and its role in shaping
cultural identity. His deep passion for Islamic Studies further strengthens his
role as both an educator and community mentor.
Furthermore, Mohammed is an advocate
for human care, with a particular focus on the essence of parenting and
safeguarding children’s rights. He believes firmly that investing in children’s
growth and well-being is a key factor in building a healthy society and
fostering sustainable national development.
Mohammed's hobbies include reading,
researching, and engaging with Somali poetry, especially works by great poets
who have made significant contributions to Somali culture and literature.
Through his professional experience and academic background, he strives to
contribute to both educational excellence and community development, with the
vision of nurturing future generations who are well-grounded in knowledge,
values, and culture.
Mohammed is happily married and lives with his wife and
Children in Hargeisa, Somaliland, East Africa; where he writes from.
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