Howard University Somali Culture’s Student Experience with Former Peace Corp to Somalia

Our students recently had the opportunity to engage with a guest speaker Dr. D’Haem, a former Peace Corps volunteer who served in the Somali town of Arabsiyo when it was still a small village. The speaker is currently an Emeritus Professor at William Paterson University. Her areas of expertise include international affairs, and she is a leading advocate in special education, particularly in the area of autism. She is also the author of three award-winning books The Dessert Dawn, Last Camel, and Inclusion, and has published an extensive body of scholarly articles.

During the visit, students immersed themselves in Somali culture through hands-on interaction with cultural artifacts and learned about their practical uses. They sampled camel milk chocolate, received camel-shaped key chains and a small traditional oil lamp with on and off switch, and learned its everyday purpose. Students also gained insights into the scarcity of water in the town of Arabsiyo and how this reality shapes daily life. Additionally, they learned Somali myrrh, frankincense, and Somali travelers typically carry few possessions, reflecting a lifestyle grounded in necessity and mobility. The speaker encouraged students to compare Somali and American travelers, inspiring them to reflect on cultural differences and sparking an interest in travel and global exploration.

Overall, students expressed deep appreciation for the cultural experience, including the meaningful small gifts shared by Dr. D’Haem. The program was highly successful, and students voiced strong interest in participating in ongoing Somali cultural programs similar to this one.