Moving to Somalia!

[hg321]

and remember, while you are there, you are Canadian

 

[AstroManLuca]

I think you have good intentions but I can't help thinking that you're naive in doing this. That's one of the most lawless areas in the world. Just because Ethiopia came over and bitchslapped a bunch of terrorists doesn't mean it's safe.

I'm afraid I agree with this. No offense to you, Rill22, but yikes. Somalia is probably the last place in the world I would go, no matter how much money I was offered. It just seems counter to common sense and self-preservation instincts to visit, let alone to live there for some span of time.

It sounds like what you're doing is commendable, but still. I don't think I could go there. It's too dangerous. There are plenty of poor countries that need help and aren't likely to result in your death, like India and China.

 

[destrekor]

Good luck, stay safe (if possible)


You saying only religious people go overseas to help children in developing countries?

No doubt she is doing it in the name of secularism, she will take off her Islamic clothing and put on a western style miniskirt and encourage her students to do the same, then toss out the Quran and teach evolution.

Well I certainly hope so. Can't teach these children by doing anything less!

 

[Broheim]

Really? I thought most of them were highly professional ex-specops guys...

I doubt it, but I never met one, my sergeant didn't like them one bit though.

 

[vi edit]

http://somalilandpress.com/somalilan...e-murder-19050 Quote: The latest figures comparing a 12 month period from November 2009 to November 2010 show surge in crimes in Somaliland’s urban towns. There have been significant rise in the number of reported sexual offences, murder and road fatalities. There has been 5.2 per cent increase in murder cases from last year figures; 64 people were arrested for the 81 cases reported for murder, 17 cases have not been solved. There has been sharp surge in sexual related crimes (rape), 186 cases were reported, an increase of 19.24 per cent. ... The latest figures show the rise in crime in Somaliland’s urban towns in particular the worrying levels of rape, road fatality and murder. Unless the new regime tackles the ongoing problems, Somaliland could become the new Johannesburg of the Horn. Like I said, invest in the anti-rape IUD and carry mace + handgun at all times. For the most part, you are the law there as a woman on her own.

Homicide: 139
Sexual Assault: 802
Robbery: 3512
Aggravated Assault: 4827

Want to guess the town?
Phoenix, 2009 stats.

And Phoenix has half the population.

Where are you really safer at?

 

[GTaudiophile]

and remember, while you are there, you are Canadian

:thumbsup:

 

[amddude]

I'm afraid I agree with this. No offense to you, Rill22, but yikes. Somalia is probably the last place in the world I would go, no matter how much money I was offered. It just seems counter to common sense and self-preservation instincts to visit, let alone to live there for some span of time.

It sounds like what you're doing is commendable, but still. I don't think I could go there. It's too dangerous. There are plenty of poor countries that need help and aren't likely to result in your death, like India and China.

I understand the need to help people, but you need to have at least basic sense of security. And as an american? You can say you're Canadian if you want but if you get in trouble, someone's gonna find that passport. Then you are seriously fucked.

You should consider helping kids somewhere else.

 

[SP33Demon]

if it was me taking a trip to that part of the world I'd make sure I'd have a sidearm, an assault/combat rifle, plenty of ammuniton and preferably a few grenades waiting for me outside the airport. I wouldn't trust a local with my safety for a second.

Yup, now imagine that you are a woman there who has to know Arabic and Somali to not stick out like a sore thumb. Any hint of an accent and they will know you're not from there. Imagine living in a society where you (women) have very little rights, are expected to be below men in society, and if you're beaten or raped the police will shrug if you report it as a crime. Imagine working at a place that will undoubtedly be a terrorism target because Westerners are there.

All in all, there are safer places in the world to "make a difference" where women are treated monumentally better such as Central/South America (Costa Rica, Chile, Brazil, Uruguay). Not sure what you think you are going to "change" in their culture but it sure as hell isn't going to be equal rights for women. 1,000+ years of religion says not going to happen, and without solid law enforcement, education will have little impact.

 

[GTaudiophile]

As Rill noted above, she is in touch with those currently working at the school. I assume this includes other women as well. I am sure they are in a much better position to report on daily life at the school than those on ATOT.

But yes, she will have to be very careful when venturing away from the school. And while Rill is an expert at going it alone, she will need to rely on a buddy system like never before.

 

[SP33Demon]

Homicide: 139
Sexual Assault: 802
Robbery: 3512
Aggravated Assault: 4827

Want to guess the town?
Phoenix, 2009 stats.

And Phoenix has half the population.

Where are you really safer at?

As an American woman? Phoenix. Also keep in mind that there is a much greater risk for women to report a sexual assault in Muslim countries vice here, so it's higher there than the stats indicate.

 

[Drako]

Homicide: 139
Sexual Assault: 802
Robbery: 3512
Aggravated Assault: 4827

Want to guess the town?
Phoenix, 2009 stats.

And Phoenix has half the population.

Where are you really safer at?

Probably Phoenix is safer by a long shot.

Actually thinking that most crimes get reported to officials in Somaliland is laughable at best.

 

[Rill22]

I recognize that to many of you, I'm overly idealistic and naive.

But I've been considering this and researching it for at least 6 months now. I've talked to current educators living there (particularly the women) as well as previous educators, I've read a thousand articles and statistics and everything everyone has dredged up on the internet so far, and I think I most likely have a more accurate idea of what life is like there than most on this forum.

I know that this is not without danger. I know what the risks are. I recognize that I will most likely have to be more vigilant than remembering not to walk down dark alleys alone at night. But like I've said before, if I truly and honestly felt as if my life were going to consistently be in danger, I would not consider it.

 

[vi edit]

I'm not expert on the area, but most stuff I read says that Somalialand is nothing like the chaotic cluster fuck that is Somalia proper.

Kinda like Cancun is nothing like Jaurez, Mexico.

 

[Schadenfroh]

I recognize that to many of you, I'm overly idealistic and naive.

You are doing a very noble and good thing by helping to educate young people in a developing country, especially one like Somalia.

You are braver than the majority of folks on this forum (myself included).

 

[Rill22]

You are braver than the majority of folks on this forum (myself included).

Nah... most of you guys would forgo any worries regarding safety as soon as you learned you get to wear skirts! Breezy!

 

[Printer Bandit]

 

[BoomerD]

So...now we all know where the NFL gets their short kickers...

 

[brblx]

kudos as long as you're not trying to teach them christianity. then they're all just going to start killing each other again.

 

[SolMiester]

Well good luck to you OP, certainly rather you than me...I for one dont understand why as a woman you would want to put yourself in such danger, however to each his own!

 

[dr150]

These are THE experiences/adventures that DEFINE a life away from predictable complacency. You'll have these memories forever. :thumbsup:

Good luck and show some pics along the way!...

 

[Eli]

Wow.. So many angles.

From a selfish standpoint, yes.. most definitely insane. Not something I could/would do, that's for sure.

I also understand those who say, "Why not put forth those efforts here?". But that doesn't really matter. The world is the world, and we're all humans in it.

A very noble and worthy cause, indeed. GT is right, it has to start somewhere..

The only advice I have is to not get too involved. What I mean by that is.. have realistic expectations of what you'll be able to accomplish. Will you be able to change these kids' lives? Absolutely. Will you be able to force them to take the best path? Nope.

Please stay safe.

 

[adlep]

There was a time they said the same thing about Egypt.

But one thing the Cairo protests proved is that when educated women get on board, countries change for the better.

You got to start somewhere.

Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahha
Takes a breath
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah
..Errr....

The Coptic communities have been residing in Egypt for 2 thousand years. 5 years from now, there will be no Coptic church left in Egypt. It is going to be chaos, murder, and clusterfuck and very soon. You wish Mubarak stayed in power. You can reason with a corrupt guy. You can't reason with religious fanatics.

A small taste of the things to come:
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/world/jan-june11/othernews_05-09.html

 

[Zebo]

This won't end well.

 

[KMFJD]

Are there not under educated children in Denver that could use your help, to make this country better?

Or is it all about the $$$$$$, which I guess I can understand.

Typical bullshit...

/Hope all goes well for you OP, keep safe and don't get discouraged!

 

[KaOTiK]

This won't end well.

You are probably right.

Was talking to my buddy today and he made a brief mention of the time he spent around that part of the world (he's in the military) and this thread popped into my mind and I mentioned it to him. He said I hope she has her will made out before going, then said if shes lucky, she will just be beaten and raped and not kidnapped or killed. He finished it off with, fuck that place lol.

Anyways, I wish the best of luck to you and hope that nothing does happen to you.