Somali Book and Culture Fair, which is annual event held in Finland, has this week been showcased 11 books authored by Abdiaziz Xildhibaan, a renowned Somali writer at at Entressen Library, Espoo Keskus, Espoo, Finland.
The event, which is financially supported by Espoo Cultural unit, was attended by officials from the City of Espoo, Omnia school, head of Espoo libraries and at least two dozen people. The number of people in attendance was restricted by state of the coronavirus. Previous events used to attract hundreds of people.
Eva Wilenius, Espoo city libraries Service manager greeted the participants in Somali language in her opening remarks and said that the Somali language and Somali culture are very important part of Espoo city culture.
“It warms my heart to see you here today and Somali culture is very important part of Espoo city culture” Eva Wilenius, Espoo city libraries Service manager said.
The Somali Book and Culture Fair was initiated by Abdirahman Mohamud, an Espoo City council member, Ali 15 years ago with the aim of keeping the Somali language and culture alive and attracted more Somali writers to present their books.
“I started the Somali Book and Culture Fair 15 years ago and I am glad that the fair has been held every year with the aim of keeping our culture and language alive.” Abdirahman Mohamud, an Espoo City council member said, “With that in mind, Somali writers had the opportunity to present their books to this fair.”
The fair was also attended by Sampo Suihko, the director of Omnia Education consortium in Espoo who highlighted the importance of integration and how such event enrich the culture in order to adjust to the Finnish culture.
“I could understand the situation of the people who moved to Finland, Finnish culture doesn’t open very easy because of the language and the background of Finland” Sampo Suihko, the director of Omnia Education consortium said, “So, this kind of events make your culture in Finland stronger and at the same adjust to the Finnish culture. Culture is the basic thing behind us.”
Mr. Suihko also bought Somali language books for Omnia libraries so that students with Somali background can benefit during their study at the school, which 30% of its students account to non-Finnish culture.
Katja Koskela from Espoo city Culture, whose department supported the event highlighted the importance of such events.
“On behalf of the cultural unit of the city of Espoo, I wish every success to Somali book and culture fair in the future as well.” Katja Koskela from Espoo city Culture concluded in her opening remarks.
Author Abdiaziz Ali Ibrahim who spoke at the event thanked all those present at the culture and book fair and thanked Espoo city for its continued support to the cultural events and generally the Finnish government for keeping the Somali language and culture alive.
11 new books authored by Abdiaziz Xildhibaan were presented at the fair, which the attendants bought the books including Omnia vocational school director and urged Espoo city libraries to buy more. He also thanked the organizers of the event Abdirahman Mohamud who initiated the program 15 years ago.
WATCH THE EVENT BELOW
