Kalsooni Cards – Affirmations in Afka Hooyo

Kalsooni is the first ever deck of Somali-English affirmation cards. Created by Anisa Hagi-Mohamed – a Somali-American diaspora, linguist, writer, poet, artist, teacher and Hooyo (mother) to three littles, Kalsooni cards is a continuation of Anisa’s work around language, culture, identity and home. Publishing a reflective journal (My Diasporic Diary) for diaspora people in 2018 and seeing its impact in breaking down barriers and helping people connect, document experiences and center mental health / wellness, Anisa decided to continue this work to keep helping her community. This time, it is with a more hands-on approach of cards that honoring both the rich oral traditions and incorporate modern mental health techniques of converting negative self-talk into positive self-talk .

• Kalsooni is a Somali word that has multiple, positive meanings in Somali of confidence, faith, good self-esteem, trust, etc. 
• Additionally, one can have Kalsooni in themself or in their culture, langauge, people, humanity, etc.
• Language is access and so each card also comes with English translations of affirmations to target and cater to young and older community members alike.
• 52 Double-Sided Affirmation Cards + picture glossary
• Each card features beautifully illustrated traditional textiles & cultural symbols / artifacts.
• Honors collective spirit of Somalis with two sides for each card: Kayga (mine) and Kaaga (yours), allowing people to use cards individually or with family, friends, clients, community members, co-workers, neighbors and more.
• Inspired by great need for mental health discussions and resources in Somali community. Language is the starting point.
• Created with consultation from cultural and language teachers. 
• Funded by a grant from the Waterers Funding Initiative Fund for artists and cultural bearers.
• First 30 decks of Kalsooni were purchased by Caafimaad Collective – a “Trauma-informed, Wellness-Centered—Healing Organization Focused on decreasing the barriers to self-care and empowering Somali women through the ARTS” for each of their 2021 cohort members. 
• Available for North America December 15th and worldwide shipping in early 2022, inshaAllaah.
• Goal of Kalsooni Cards: Facilitate using positive, uplifting language in all community spaces – homes, schools, masjids/dugsis, non-profit and community centers, therapy clinics, hospitals, workplaces and more.
• Interviews about Kalsooni cards in St. Cloud Times, Somali TV and BBC Somalia news. 
• Kalsooni cards were created locally with Saint Cloud printer Rengel Printing.

Are you ready to order your deck of Kalsooni affirmation cards?