Dodge City has always been known as diverse - having a high Hispanic population. But the addition of a Somali community is creating language challenges for not only the immigrants, but for the police department as well.
Without any signs on its door, it's not easy to spot. But step inside Dodge City's only Somalian restaurant, and you get a glimpse inside one of the area's fastest growing populations.
"When we came the first time there was like twenty people and now more people are coming, day after day," explains Said Yousuf.
He came to Western Kansas four years ago. He's among hundreds trying to establish a Somolian community and start a new life in Dodge City and Garden City.
"80% cannot speak English, they want to to learn English so they can communicate with the people."
Dodge City has always been known as diverse - having a high Hispanic population. But the addition of a Somali community is creating language challenges for not only the immigrants, but for the police department as well.
"It's frustrating for the people who need help and its frustrating for us because we want to help them and sometimes you can't help someone unless you know what they need," says Dodge City Police Chief Robin James.
He and the department recently received a grant to hire translators. One of the priorities - those fluent in Somali.
"They have to be fluent because the issues we deal with could end up in court."
The department has been trying to find bilingual speakers through community meetings put on by Ryan Ausmus. He wants to share information about Somalia.
"There was about 100 to 150 up to about a year, year and half ago and that has ballooned into a population of about 300 presently."
Working with the community college's English as a second language program, Ausmus has always been fascinated by other cultures. Now, he feels everyone could benefit by knowing a little more about one of the area's fastest growing populations.
"We're all one community and the better understanding we have of each other, or one another, is going to make for a more harmonious community."
Said adds, "A lot of people want to establish a small community in Dodge City and also in Garden City.. but it's not successful yet, that's why the number of Somalians are growing."
And he expects that number to continue to grow.
The Dodge City Police Department is also looking for Spanish translators as well as Quiche. Quiche is a Guatemalan language.
Source: KWCH-TV
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