BACI Celebrates Community Achievements
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 21, 2014
BACI Celebrates Community Achievements in Central Indiana
INDIANAPOLIS – The Burmese American Community Institute (BACI) held its annual open house where a group of women and high school students were honored for their achievements.
In his opening speech, Indiana Sen. Brent Waltz reminded the audience immigrants built the United States, and newcomers from Burma have also much to offer their new community. Waltz also commented the success of the programs implemented by BACI.
“Each level of government has a unique set of obligations to engage and to assist this population effectively,” Waltz said.
More than ten refugee women from Burma were trained to become licensed home childcare service providers under the Institute’s Microenterprise Development Project. Programs Associate Lian Sang praised the women for their commitment and passion for childcare.
“As a person who has been very closely working with them [the women], I know how hard they have been working with the training modules and the love they have for our community and children,” said Sang.
The microenterprise program not only empowers women to be self-sufficient economically and help contribute to the development and care of their children and the children of others, but also to bring the positive economic impact on the whole community by increasing the families’ incomes.
Thirty-five high school students who completed Study and Life Skills Training, part of the Institute’s Upward College Program, were also honored. The Institute reported that 100 percent of high school seniors attending the college preparation program were admitted into colleges, including prestigious institutions such as Indiana University-Bloomington.
“The unprecedented number of the participants who are admitted into competitive universities is only a testament to the level of efforts the students and the hard work of our volunteers and program team members,” said Lian Ceu, program manager.
The Upward College Program had been implemented in partnership with Professor Fengyi Kuo and her graduate class at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI).
City of Indianapolis Director of International and National Affairs Jane Gehlhausen, reiterated Mayor Gregory Ballard’s commitment to make Indianapolis a welcoming city. Gehlhausen remarked how the Chins and BACI have contributed to making Indianapolis a global city.
“Mayor Ballard is very passionate about making sure that our city is advancing on a global level,” she said.
Perry Township Trustee Daniel Moriarty, Marianna K. Foulkrod of Community Programs at University of Indianapolis, San Hlei Thang, President of Chin Community of Indiana all noted the importance of collaborative partnerships nurtured by BACI with community organizations.
Other dignitaries in attendance included City Councilor Jack Sandlin, Judge Robert Spears and leaders from a variety of organizations and communities.
“All achievement is a direct result of a collective effort towards achieving our common goal, and for the good of our shared society. Many have played their own unique roles,” said Elaisa Vahnie, BACI executive director.
Dr. Ro Dinga, Board Chair of BACI, challenged the community members and leaders that together we can build a strong community.
“All community members including education and community leaders, let us build strong and self-sufficient community here, and if we are strong here, we can also rebuild a strong community and country in Burma,” said Ro Dinga.
The Institute in partnership with the University of Indianapolis, Chin Community of Indiana and Falam Christian Church of Indianapolis held a day of community service on the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. After a commemoration ceremony giving respect to Dr. King, the students participated in three separate locations painting and cleaning.
The evening program concluded with a special prayer offered by Rev. Dr. Stephen Hre Kio, Founding Board Chair of BACI and Senior Pastor at the Indiana Chin Baptist Church.
BACI can be reached at email info@baci-indy.org or call 317.731.5537.
