'Head Start' in Arab Cultural Awareness
“We are gaining a lot of wonderful insight into the Arabic community found in Qatar,” said U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Linda Mitchell, from Mobile, Ala., during her fourth day attending “Head Start,” a cultural sensitivity awareness course, at Camp As Sayliyah, Qatar, Aug. 4.
All service members at the U.S. military installation in Qatar, an Islamic state located on the Arabian Peninsula, are offered an opportunity to learn an essential ingredient in maintaining healthy international relationships: respect.
“My goal is to prevent stereotypes about the Arab world,” said Sharif Abuhuzaimah, from O’Fallon, Ill. The Arab-American has taught the Head Start course at Camp As Sayliyah for nearly five years. Born in the West Bank, Abuhuzaimah grew up in Qatar. At 18 years old, he obtained a student visa to attend Southern Illinois University Carbondale for a mechanical engineering degree. Abuhuzaimah became a U.S. citizen in 1991. Several years later he moved back to Qatar, where most of his family resides.
The Head Start course consists of five classes. Day one focuses on Qatar as a nation: geographical characteristics, historical moments, national holidays, demographical information, religious beliefs, branches of the government and the constitutional monarchy’s royal family. Day two explains the economy, media agencies, traffic rules and regulations, educational opportunities, healthcare, communications and the nation’s interest in hosting sports competitions.
During the third day of class, service members learn about off-post activities, as well as the religious significance of Ramadan, the ninth and holiest month on the Islamic calendar. The fourth day is a lesson in Arabic, with a focus on words and phrases commonly spoken in Gulf countries. The fifth day involves a guided tour through Qatar’s capital city, Doha.
“I’m really looking forward to heading off post tomorrow,” said Mitchell, regarding the trip into Doha. Mitchell volunteered for individual augmentation orders to Qatar after hearing stories from other Soldiers, who she says: “had nothing but great things to say.”
“Americans know much more about Arab culture today due to increased involvement in the Arab world,” said Abuhuzaimah. “The service members at Camp As Sayliyah are always willing to learn – always.” Abuhuzaimah said course participants often ask about Muslim marriages, women’s rights and the lifestyles found in the Gulf’s oil-rich nations. “Students are constantly interested in ways to communicate without offending the people in Qatar.'”
“We are learning a lot about Muslim customs and traditions,” said Marine Corps Cpl. Andrew Edwards, from Midland, Texas, who attended the same Head Start classes as Mitchell. After three years of active duty service, Edwards is experiencing his first deployment overseas. “Before Head Start, much of what I knew was solely based off media reports and hearing about deployments from friends.”
“I feel better prepared for Ramadan with greater appreciation for what it means to Muslims,” said Mitchell, regarding the month of fasting arriving in less than three weeks. “All people are entitled to their own beliefs and customs. It’s important to be respectful of others, even if you don’t share the same views. I expect the same courtesies from guests in my country.”
“It’s important for Americans to learn ways to avoid offending anyone here,” said Abuhuzaimah, “to avoid hurting the relationship between the United States and Qatar… and the entire Arab world. As long as they keep showing respect for the local culture and religious beliefs – which are closely connected here – the Qataris will continue to consider them their friends. It’s a matthttp://arabdetroit.com/admin/add-news.htmler of respect – we respect them and they respect us.”
Dustin Senger
dvidshub.net