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• <br /> $25/000 g rant <br /> creates Somali advocacy program <br /> l <br /> 7 : <br /> a <br /> 8 Somali students in Dakota County <br /> are benefiting from a special he Somali population in Dakota County is growing, resulting in <br /> program funded by The Saint Paul <br /> Foundation that helps them more Somali students in the classrooms. The challenge was that <br /> assimilate into American schools. most of the students didn't speak English or have much <br /> experience with American culture, which made learning in <br /> American schools difficult. <br /> The Saint Paul Foundation assisted with a $25,000 grant for <br /> the nonprofit Storefront Group Learning Village to create an <br /> advocacy program for Somali students and their families. <br /> Advocates work with students to help them integrate and <br /> develop their social and leadership skills. <br /> Adult advocates serve as role models, illustrating that it's possible <br /> to preserve the Somali culture and language, while succeeding in <br /> their new environments. They also provide one-on-one coaching to <br /> teachers, counselors and administrators on understanding the <br /> Somali culture and the challenges faced by students of color <br /> • Asha Guled, attending suburban schools. <br /> Somali youth and family coordinator for <br /> Storefront Group Learning Village Says Asha Guled, Somali youth and family coordinator for <br /> Storefront Group Learning Village, "We're building a bridge <br /> between the cultures and helping Somali families get what they <br /> need to be successful." <br />