Community Celebrates 2nd Anniversary of BACI
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Community Celebrates 2nd Anniversary of the Institute
July 31, 2013 –INDIANAPOLIS, USA: Burmese American Community Institute (BACI) celebrated its second anniversary with Annual College and Youth Summit where more than hundred community members participated.
The event was held in conjunction with the successful completion summer research program where 23 scholars investigate the issues and challenges facing their community and produce academically written report with action and policy recommendation ready to be implemented.
The researchers utilize Participatory Action Research (PAR) model as they study issues important to their own community, including secondary migration of the refugees to central Indiana, the student college going rate and their motivation, small business and economic self-sufficiency, health and nutrition, and social media and youth.
Indianapolis’ Director of International and Cultural Affairs Jane Gehlhausen told students and their parents, “We want you to be a part of our community and to succeed in our community.”
Perry Township Trustee Daniel T. Moriarty described how his own ancestors came to the United States from Ireland hoping to improve the family’s fortune and future. “No one can take your education from you,” said Moriarty. “There is no goal that you can’t achieve.”
Motivational speaker Krish Dhanam described how ethnic minorities are often discouraged in their own communities to broadcast their own accomplishments. “Some traditions are worth giving up in order to take you to new heights,” Dhanam said.
Burmese American Community Institute Executive Director Elaisa Vahnie said the research about college and motivation revealed there was about 100 percent increase of the high school graduates college going rate from 2011 to 2012 at 42% and 15 percent increase from 2012 to 2013 at 15% who plan to attend college. “We plan to continue to conduct a longitudinal study about this topic, and we are pleased at the rising number of students who are planning to attend college in the future.”
“Much works to be done to catch up with the national college going rate”, Vahnie added.
As part of the scholars program, the students took leadership and educational tour to Washington D.C. where they met with congressional offices, the officials at the U.S. Department of State, the USIAD, and the White House initiative.
Educational institutions, schools, organizations, and individuals are honored at the event for their outstanding collaborative partnership, contributions, and dedicated services.
The Secondary Migration study with BACI Upward College Summer found there are over 10,000 refugees from Burma currently making Indianapolis their new home while the City of Fort Wayne has another 5000 which makes Indiana a state that hosts one of the largest Burmese communities in the US.
The Burmese American Community Institute was founded in 2011 to assist the refugee community from Burma with their integration and long-term sustained development.
Contact: Elaisa Vahnie, Executive Director, Burmese American Community Institute.
velaisa@baci-indy.org
812.929.7193
