[Shabelle] A new report into Somali integration in Oslo has found immigrants from the east African nation often feel excluded from Norwegian society, and must battle against prejudice and stereotyping. School absenteeism and dropout rates are higher for Somalis than other immigrant groups, and employment rates remain very low.
'Nother words, they live up to the prejudice and stereotyping? Well, tut.
The Open Society Foundation's (OSF) 'At Home in Europe' project investigated Somali integration in Oslo, Malmö, Helsinki, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, London and Leicester. The report found Somalis make up Oslo's third-largest immigrant group, and are one of the largest refugee groups coming into Norway.
"Many are working hard to be accepted as Norwegian citizens," OSF Director Nazia Hussain told newspaper Aftenposten. "Compared to the other European cities, Norwegian Somalis are characterized by a strong commitment to participation in and belonging to the community."
Despite these efforts, researchers found the group lacks a sense of inclusion. About 80 per cent of Somalis are under 40 years of age, and 80 per cent of second-generation Somali-Norwegian children are under 10. The youth aren't seen as Norwegians, but no longer identify solely as Somalian. Education is vital for integration, yet Somali students have an above average drop-out rate and a higher absentee rate than both the general population and other immigrant groups. Language and cultural difficulties make it hard for parents to help children with their studies. |