American Nation Does Not Ttrust Media, Sudanese Identity Faces a Lot of Challenges Abroad
By: Al Sammani Awadalla
The Sudanese Association attempts to preserve Sudanese culture and traditions, We have good relations with Sudanese ambassador in New York
The Sudanese Association in America was established last year and registered in New York. It has been engaged since its establishment in a lot of activities to maintain the Sudanese identity, culture and customs.
The information secretary of the Sudanese Association is Abdelrahim Mohamed Ahmed and he spoke about the aims, efforts and programmes conducted by the society since its establishment.
Q: When was the Sudanese Association in New York established and what are its aims?
A: It was established last year. As there are a lot of Sudanese entering USA through lottery, the Sudanese Association in America consider linking them together is important. The society aims at promoting friendship and cooperation between Sudanese and the American society foundations.
America is a cosmopolitan country. We as Sudanese live in America with many different nations so we must maintain our customs, traditions and morals. In addition to caring for Sudanese children as they grow up in mixed cultures. Because we are busy at work and we don�t have enough time for our kids, we established a summer school for children of the Sudanese community in America. The school has Sudanese staff and gives two lessons of Arabic and Islamic study four times a week, and Arabic is used as a language of instruction. We rented a dwelling for the society to advocate its activities, and to help members to find work, residence, medical treatment. The society is not tribal, racist, regional, political, but only a social entity that connects Sudanese together.
Q: To what extent has the Association succeeded in preserving Sudanese culture?
A: Sudanese identity abroad is facing difficult challenges, e.g. the children are growing up in a different culture, so it is important to create strong social life and programmes and link them to Sudan. Arabic language is essential in communication between all Sudanese. There are also other programmes for teaching children the history of Sudan and Arabic language.
Q: Has the Association succeeded in reflecting the Sudanese culture among the American Society and other communities?
A: It was successful in that respect through participation in all festivals organized in New York such as our participation in the International Immigrants Organization festivals. The Sudanese tent was fixed adjacent to that of Brazil and Haiti and we acquainted the visitors with the Sudanese customs and traditions. A Sudanese marriage accompanied by songs, dances and rhythms was organized on the occasion and the audiences from other communities were able to enjoy it.
Q: The American society draws its information on Sudan only from the media. To what extent has your Association been able to rectify, when necessary and present more information on your country?
A: It is true that the Americans receive information from the media, but they do not always trust it. As a Sudanese community, through daily contact with them, we are able to offer our American neighbors and friends a live sample of the typical Sudanese society, culture, customs and values.
Q: How Does the Sudanese Association perceive the peace agreements concluded in Sudan?
A: The Sudanese community was happy with the peace accomplished as it would mean stability, security and development. Moreover it would stimulate the American and other investors to venture business in Sudan in addition to uplifting of sanctions imposed on Sudan.
Q: How warm is your relationships with Sudanese Ambassador and Sudan Permanent Representative to UN?
A: Following the signing of the CPA, the Ambassador accredited to New York has been an SPLM member educated in USA. We would like to hereby praise the way he manages the Consulate�s affairs as well as his excellent social relations with the community. Likewise, the representative is in continued contacts with the Association at informal levels and we frequently invite him and the consulate�s diplomats to attend our festivals.
Q: What were your efforts to rebuild the Sudanese-American relationships devastated by politics?
A: We are striving to strengthen the Sudanese Association so as to have influence on the American Society and in the American policy making.
Q: How do the people perceive Darfur issue as it was the American Administration that had circulated the allegation of genocide down there?
A: The average Americans were certain about what the media has circulated in respect of Darfur issue. We had explained to them that there had been historical disputes around water sources and grazing lands, but unfortunately, recently those disputes were politically capitalized on.
Q: How would you assess the role of popular diplomacy in strengthening bilateral relationships between nations?
A: I presume that the popular diplomacy is one of the most influential means in bolstering relationships among nations and the peaceful coexistence among people is everlasting contrary to formal political relations.
Q: What sort of message would you like to convey to the Sudanese Community in the United States?
A: I would like to say that it is crucial to unite as Sudanese and resort to more collective work for the sake of building formidable mutually beneficial
Sudanese-American relationships. 