What is Baro?

Baro is the Somali word for learn, and the name of our program which has two main goals. First, to equip community members to learn about the local Somali refugee community. Second, to meet urgent needs present in the Somali refugee community.

Baro in the Community

Through Baro, over 150 Somali children have been tutored by caring community members. The challenge of finding employment in a new country and culture is eased through helpful job coaches. Refugees desiring to call the United States home have the opportunity to take citizenship classes in preparation for their immigration interview. Community members have the opportunity to attend a half-day interactive, cross-cultural education workshop. The city of Eden Prairie, Eden Prairie School District, Edina School District, Eden Prairie Library and New American Academy all collaborate with Baro in our effort to produce efficient programs that serve refugees.

What is Baro Tutoring?

If meeting, befriending, and helping students and their parents is your passion, you have the qualities we need in our tutoring program at the Eden Prairie Library. Our group of friendly and dedicated tutors represent many life stages, from middle school students to working engineers to retirees from many different professions. Ongoing support, information, and resources are available to tutors who feel they need some guidance/training.

How to Get Involved

At present, over 35 Somali students, age kindergarten through college, gather at the Eden Prairie Library for homework help on Thursdays from 6:00 to 8:15 PM. Linda Bergman (lberg66@yahoo.com) can provide further information and answer any questions you might have about tutoring.

What is Baro Prayer?

Experience the power and joy of prayer in a small group with others who have a passion for our local Somali neighbors. We meet once per month and pray for the volunteer tutors, mentors, and job coaches who are reaching out to the Somali community, as well as for the Somalis who are being helped by their efforts.  Baro Prayer is, in part, a way to fulfill our responsibility as it relates to the Great Commission and to prayerfully be a part of God’s work in this immigrant community, right here in our back yard!

How to Get Involoved

We meet at Wooddale the first Tuesday of each month for one hour, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. If you would like more information, or an invitation to our meeting, please call David Skoog at 952-767-0092 or email him at dskoog@ymail.com.

 

What is Baro Equipping/ Somali Cross-Cultural Equipping?

Come hear the former Mr. or Mrs. Prime Minister of Somalia share about their country, culture and diaspora. Learn how to positively interact with other cultures. Discover biblical examples of cross-cultural ministry and local opportunities to serve our Somali neighbors. Experience an authentic Somali lunch served by local restaurant Safari.  

 

How to Get Involved 

Contact: dan.prusinski@wooddale.org