Abdulkadir Faragab was born in Kismayo, Somalia in 1982. Growing up was tough for Abdulkadir, but he

Abdulkadir Faragab was born in Kismayo, Somalia in 1982. Growing up was tough for Abdulkadir, but he made the most of it. After graduating high school he began working as a mechanic, largely due to his life-long interest in cars. He also worked as construction worker and eventually started a family.

In his free time he enjoyed caring for his family and playing soccer with friends. However, turmoil erupted in the country and a civil war broke out. “The Somalia people started to just take what they needed. There was no order or somebody to tell them no.” Abdulkadir had to make a tough decision; he left his wife and children to pursue a better life in America. He understood that he needed to make money and support his family, ultimately giving his family a better life in the long run.

Abdulkadir first traveled by car and bus with a group of other refugees to Libya. Here, he spent some time in a refugee camp where life was difficult.

“People discriminated against people from my part of Africa. Sometimes, we would perform jobs and they would give us no money for it. It was a tough way to live. I worked for 12 hours a day and made only $20 dollars.”

In March 2013, after about a year in Libya, Abdulkadir was resettled to Rhode Island and immediately began seeking resources to personally advance so he could support his family back in Somalia.

“At first, I barely knew English and needed to learn how start a new life. I missed my family back home, but it was my responsibility to care of them, even if I would not see them for a while.”

He started to go to Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island to learn English, make connections, and adjust to American culture. He admits that learning English has been a struggle thus far. “At first I had no idea what was going on; people were talking fast and no one could understand me. Otherwise, I am really starting to understand the language.”

Before coming to the United States, Abdulkadir had to learn of variety of different languages– Arabic and three native Somalian languages– to adjust to all the moving in Africa he did to find work during the war, so he considered mastering English as only a minor challenge. With help from Dorcas International Institute, Abdulkadir was able to find housing with three other refugees he worked with in Libya. He also began a job at a hotel in room service. Although he wasn’t working as he did in Somalia as a mechanic, Abdulkadir took the work to send some money back to his family.

Adjusting to American culture was also a challenge for Abdulkadir. “At first, when my English wasn’t so good, it was hard to ask people for help. Sometimes, if people didn’t understand me, they would just ignore me.”

Other than adjusting to the language barrier, Abdulkadir has slowly been integrating into American culture. He enjoys learning more about the English language and helps out other Somali and Arabic speaking refugees when they first arrive here.

He keeps some of his local traditions, however, and enjoys shopping at a local African market, God is Able African Market in Providence that sells foods and spices native to Somalia. Someday, Abdulkadir would like to also learn Spanish, just to expand his knowledge and communicate with Spanish-speakers in his community.

When asked what he was most proud of, Abdulkadir stated, “I’m feeling good. I’m happy that I was able to make it to Rhode Island and still support my family back home.” However, he keeps one goal on his mind at all times, which is to bring his family to Rhode Island.

“I know they would love it here. I always tell them Rhode Island is a great place. My kids can go to good schools, and I can finally spend time with the people I miss so much.”

Written and compiled by Zachary Brown and Niko Rufo