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City of Helsinki social worker Mukhtar Abib

"I often wonder how the immigrant crowd can live here, but still be absent in spirit."
This comment sounds strange � especially when voiced by a Somali, and what is more, in nearly perfect Finnish.
City of Helsinki social worker Mukhtar Abib has years of experience of working between immigrants and the Finnish society, so he knows what he is talking about.
Over the past few weeks, Abib's name has become familiar to many, as he has commented in the media on the problems faced by Somali teenagers.

Abib would like Somalis to adapt better to Finnish society, and that the society would receive and accept them. But in order for that to happen, changes must take place both in the Somali community and in the general atmosphere in Finland.
"The first generation of Somalis that arrived here still longs for a return to the homeland, so integration may be difficult for that reason. We Somalis should focus on staying here", Abib remarks.
Abib also observes that when the parents keep looking to the past, they may not be present in the lives of their children to a sufficient degree.
"When a child with a Somali background starts going to school, it means a lot of work. They need to continually justify their existence, and why they are here. It is stressful, and children can react very strongly."

Somali parents would like to raise their children according to the traditional Somali culture, but according to Abib, this is impossible, as the environment is so different. Therefore, it is inevitable that teens with a Somali background learn the habits of the native Finnish population.
"There is nothing wrong with Finnish culture. I cannot assume the role of God and condemn alcohol, for example. I live my own life, and I do not need to drink", Abib ponders.
"Life is full of compromises, and both sides need to adapt. If society tolerates us, we must tolerate it. You just need to take the best parts of both cultures."

According to Abib, the key to integration is in language skills. When you can talk things through, no unnecessary disagreements arise on, for example, where to put your laundry out to dry, or where to install a satellite dish.
"The language skills of the first Somali generation leave much to be desired. Somali men also need to realise that women must be educated. They cannot get by here if they are illiterate."
Mukhtar Abib feels that it is extremely important that immigrants have contacts with the majority population.
He is afraid that some regions in the Helsinki metropolitan area will some day be inhabited only by immigrants, and become ghettoes.
"When there are contacts, horizons are broadened on both sides. We cannot isolate ourselves either, even if things do not go the way we would like them to."

It is somewhat surprising that Abib sings uninhibited praise for Finland.
According to him, Finland is the world�s best country to raise children in, and the Somalis are very grateful that they have been received here. However, there are some things that could be fixed.
"Educated Somalis should be given a chance. In the current general atmosphere in Finland, we are wondering if we were welcome here after all", Abib says.
"If we are not accepted as a part of society, the money invested in us will be wasted. There will soon be a shortage of labour, and we will be needed."
Abib also remarks that the Somalis themselves should also be better motivated and drop "the role of victims". There should be more communication between the Somali community and the authorities, and the Somalis should participate more actively in planning the services that are targeted for them.

Abib hopes that Finns could recognise the good elements in Somali culture, including caring for the poor and the sick. Most Somalis, Abib among them, send a part of their meagre income back to their homeland.
"My Finnish friends do not understand it, because I have plenty of loans. Be that as it may, I cannot eat well if my loved ones in Somalia are starving."
Being open and social is also a fundamental part of Somali culture: meeting one another and stopping to talk are natural, and the Somalis would like to get to know their neighbours.
"On the other hand, I have learned about being reserved from Finns. When they sit quietly on the bus and stare out of the window, you have to think that there are good sides to that too."

Abib does not just talk about integration into Finnish society, he also practices what he preaches. He has many Finnish friends, and the Abib family travels around Finland during their vacations. Last summer, they spent time at a summer cottage in Parikkala.
"Other Somalis do not quite understand when I tell them that I would like to buy my own summer cabin one day. This is just such a beautiful country."


Source:Helsingin Sanomat