'Thanks, Have A Camel,' Somali University Says

What do Minnesota college officials do when someone gives them a camel?

Minneapolis , MN, November 10, 2006 – What do Minnesota college officials do when someone gives them a camel?

They say "thanks" and promise to visit the next time they're in Somalia.

Minneapolis Community and Technical College was given the camel in July when a delegation representing the college and the Twin Cities Somali community traveled to Puntland State University. The two colleges have a budding partnership, and the Minnesotans delivered $4,000 in scholarship money for Somalis to attend Puntland State. More than 200 desperately poor students applied for the 34 scholarships, which will pay for an entire year of school.

In gratitude, Puntland State gave the college the camel. It's an important symbolic gift in a country where millions of camels provide milk, and their wool and hides are a source of clothing and shelter. Somalis have more than 40 words to describe camels, and the animals are the subject of folktales and songs.

Dromedary camels, the kind with one hump, don't like cold weather, and the college's camel will remain with its herd in Somalia's arid Puntland region. College officials have been told they can visit any time they want.

MARY JANE SMETANKA

Source: Startribune

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