Mohamed Salim Bahamadi came from Kenya. His mom was Indian and his father was Yemeni, but even the cultural diversity of his family and community didn’t prepare him for the culture shock he would experience upon arrival in the U.S. In an interview with Eric Dodson, citizenship instructor at SOAR Immigration Legal Services, Mohamed described what it was like learning that his time for resettlement had come. He says they chose Portland in order to join relatives in the area and to live in a community where he could receive guidance from his family and the great East African community.

Mohamed and his family were resettled through SOAR – Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon in 2012.

Mohamed and his wife Fatma attended English classes and applied for citizenship when the time came. “I felt comfortable coming back to SOAR to ask about citizenship.” Mohamed and Fatma were students in Eric’s class for nearly a year before they became citizens in their judicial naturalization ceremony in Portland, July of 2018.

Mohamed spoke fondly of the support he received from his family, SOAR, IRCO, and the local Bajun community, but what makes him truly amazing is that he didn’t stop reaching out and forming a network when the dust of his family’s transition settled. He decided to create his own non-profit organization—before he even became a citizen. Mohamed is the founding director of HAKI Community Organization, which offers programs for intercultural learning and engagement to connect the East African, Swahili-speaking community.

“Since coming here, I received a lot of help. I just sat back and thought one day that it’s time to give back to the community. I would drive them [newly arrived refugees] to places in case they needed food stamps and things like that. It’s just inside me. I felt like helping people, so that’s why I decided to start a non-profit organization, so I can help more people and help them reach their goals.” His work at HAKI is a true community-building effort. “We get a lot of discrimination especially from landlords, so that’s why I say, ‘let me stand here and help my people.’” And he’s not shy about encouraging others in his community. He tells them to go do ESL classes, sewing classes, computer classes, the library and courses at PCC.’” These things certainly proved worthwhile for Mohamed. He did all of this while juggling his work in the Senior Services Program at Neighborhood House.

“The Citizenship class really motivated me. Eric’s class has that welcoming atmosphere and you feel like going to class even when you are tired from work.” It should be noted that everyone in this class’ favorite part might not actually be the learning, but the tea time and hospitality they share before beginning the lesson, a tradition started by none other than Mohamed and Fatma.

As a citizen now, Mohamed reflects, “I feel more confident. I stand with two feet on the ground. I stand upright [knowing] I’m a citizen now. I have more rights and more confidence.