aisha
Final Assignment Example — Aisha
Aisha is 14 years old, Somali-Canadian, and lives in Ottawa.
My Problem Statement
Many Somali-Canadian children in Ottawa (ages 6–14) are losing fluency in their heritage language because there are no accessible, structured Somali language programs available in their community.
My Top 3 Solution Ideas
Idea 1: In-person Somali language classes at the community centre A weekly class held at the Herongate community centre, open to Somali-Canadian children ages 6–12. This would be a service — I would organize and potentially co-teach the classes with the help of older community members who speak Somali fluently.
Idea 2: Hybrid program (in-person + online home resources) Similar to Idea 1, but with an added component: take-home worksheets and short video lessons families can use during the week to reinforce what children learn in class. This combines a service (the in-person class) with a product (the home learning materials).
Idea 3: Summer language camp A 4-week intensive summer camp focused on Somali language and culture. Children would spend mornings doing language learning activities and afternoons doing cultural activities like traditional Somali cooking, music, and storytelling. This is a service.
My Three Hypotheses
Hypothesis 1: If I offer a free weekly 2-hour Somali language class for children ages 6–12 at the Herongate community centre every Saturday morning, then at least 10 families will enroll and attend for at least 4 consecutive weeks within the first 6 weeks of launching.
Hypothesis 2: If I create a hybrid Somali language program that combines a weekly in-person class with digital take-home materials for daily practice, then children who use the home materials at least 3 times per week will show stronger vocabulary retention (measured by a simple quiz) after 8 weeks compared to children who only attend the in-person class.
Hypothesis 3: If I run a 4-week Somali language and culture summer camp for children ages 8–14, then at least 15 children will enroll, and 80% of parents will report that their child is more confident speaking Somali after the camp ends.