In Somali, there is a word that symbolizes hope and prosperity. Saytuun, an evergreen tree that has been cultivated since ancient times, is known for its valuable oil and its ability to survive in harsh environments. The saytuun olive branch is a representation of friendliness and peace. Just like how an olive tree symbolizes hope, so do the students in Voices of Tomorrow’s Saytuun classroom. 

Saytuun is a preschool classroom offered by Voices of Tomorrow (VOT) that fosters a warm and welcoming environment for children. The classroom is decorated with shades of green and brown, reminiscent of the colors of an olive tree. VOT works to cultivate a brighter tomorrow for today’s children through programs that educate elevate and empower the East African community. VOT introduced the first Somali English dual language preschool program in the world, where children are encouraged to explore, learn, and grow in a safe and nurturing environment while embracing diversity and accepting their differences. The Saytuun classroom instills these values in its students, preparing them to become responsible and compassionate individuals in society.

The children in the Saytuun classroom are taught to respect each other and resolve conflicts peacefully. These values are essential for children to learn as they grow and interact with other people in the community. Teacher Sonia Ruiz strives to listen to each child’s concerns and needs, allowing them to communicate their likes and dislikes. She wants her students to develop communication skills and become aware of their own emotions so they can learn how to effectively communicate with others. She does this by going above and beyond to make sure that students who need extra support receive proper encouragement and more time to understand a topic in class.  Ruiz also gives her students the option to choose their downtime activity each day, allowing them to build confidence in their own decisions. When a student changes their mind, Ruiz asks what the student dislikes about their current activity and then helps them find an activity that she thinks suits their preferences.

The skills developed in a dual language program get passed onto the next generation. Saytuun trees are equipped to handle harsh environments. VOT’s Saytuun classroom prepares its students to do the same. While the mainstream school system is just now realizing the importance of diversity and inclusion, VOT’s preschool was founded to uplift East African immigrant and refugee children. In the long run, preschool programs like the Saytuun classroom ensure our children will prosper in a world that was not designed for them and without them in mind.