Celebrating Somali Culture: Join Ifrah Mansour in Building a Healing Aqal at Avon Hills Folk School!
We are thrilled to announce that Somali artist Ifrah Mansour is creating a healing Aqal at the Avon Hills Folk School. Over the next several weeks, Ifrah will lead this unique and inspiring project, and we invite the community to join in the experience!
Community Build Days:
Come lend a hand or simply observe the progress of this cultural project on the following Sundays from 1-5pm:
June 9
June 16
June 23
Celebration of Completion:
Mark your calendars for a special celebration on June 30th from 2-8pm as we unveil the completed Aqal. The day will be filled with exciting activities for all ages:
Children's Activities: Fun and engaging activities for kids.
Tours and Hikes: Explore the beautiful school property and learn more about its offerings.
Potluck Meal: Join us at 5pm for a communal feast. Main dishes of goat soup, goat and rice, and roasted goat will be provided. We encourage you to bring a dish to share with others.
This is a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in Somali culture and community spirit. Your participation will not only support this incredible project but also foster a sense of unity and shared cultural appreciation.
Stay updated and let us know you’re coming by RSVPing for the June 30th celebration.
Sign up to volunteer on the Community Build Days below!
We look forward to seeing you there and sharing this wonderful journey with you! For more information, please contact Avon Hills Folk School or visit our website.
About the Healing Aqal (Hut)
The "Healing Aqal (Hut)" hand-woven installation is an artistically crafted space designed to symbolize and support our collective healing journey. The installation invites the community to engage actively in its construction, fostering a sense of participation and shared purpose. This communal aspect is intended to strengthen bonds and promote resilience among participants.
The design of the Aqal celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Somali nomads, who traditionally built these huts as they moved across the land following the rains to herd their animals. These structures are made entirely from natural materials such as collected fibers and tree bark, reflecting a deep, harmonious relationship with nature. During the Somali Civil War, these huts provided vital shelter for refugees using available resources, symbolizing resilience and adaptability.
This project marks a significant milestone as it will be the first Somali hut to be permanently located on a school premise, making it the first of its kind in America. The Aqal will reside at the Avon Hills Folk School located in central Minnesota.
The Aqal is a space for meditation and reflection, encouraging individuals to contemplate their personal healing journeys and the broader need to heal both human relationships and our relationship with nature.
The school’s purpose to build and enrich community through the teaching and sharing of traditional practices, craft and art makes it an ideal partner for this pioneering project