Myanmar Diaspora Group in the US to Volunteer at Hakha College
INDIANAPOLIS, USA, May 23, 2018—For the first time in its history, the Burmese American Community Institute, BACI, is sending volunteer teachers to Myanmar. A recent graduate of Indiana University Bloomington and two students from the University of Indianapolis will help implement the English and Leadership Development Program at Hakha College.
The ELDP is a distinctive 100-hour highly interactive program designed for college students in Myanmar who wish to improve their academic English proficiency, critical thinking, problem solving skills, civic engagement, and leadership qualities.
“We are excited about this unique partnership in Myanmar, and we hope that this collaborative effort can serve as a model for future endeavors and as a platform for more multifaceted engagements with various entities in Myanmar through which we can share intellectual and other resources from the United States”, says Elaisa Vahnie, Executive Director of BACI.
Hakha College Campus Tour for BACI delegation Dr. Ro Ding, Mr. Elaisa Vahnie, Mr. Lian Sang was guided by Dr. Aye Aye Ngun and faculty members at the college during the BACI Myanmar trip in January 2018.
This project comes to fruition after years of BACI advocacy and conversations with stakeholders about the need for designing mechanisms through which the Myanmar diaspora can contribute to the development of their motherland.
BACI has upheld its strong beliefs in the philosophy of two-way street engagement and in the power of people-to-people relations. BACI also promotes the critical roles that the Myanmar expatriates and repatriates alike have to take now in the long-term development of the Southeast Asian nation. The institute has been encouraging the diaspora Myanmar groups of Chin, Kachin, Karen etc., faith-based and other grassroots organizations and entities, to take part in an effort that contributes back to Myanmar’s development as a nation.
“We have always said that we are fortunate to be in the land of opportunity and freedom that offers a world class education and resources. At the same time, with a clear conviction we have assumed the responsibility of helping local Burmese youth get an education so that they can contribute back to the society wherever they are— here or inside Myanmar. This include creating a college-aspiring culture as well as designing and developing mechanisms through which these resources can be channeled effectively. That is why we are working collaboratively together with the concerned ministries and partners to achieve this common goal”, said Vahnie.
Among other Myanmar initiative projects, this year’s English and Leadership Development Program is set to run from June 1st to 30th. The program’s curriculum includes college and career readiness activities, citizenship instructions, community and volunteer service opportunities, writing workshops, public communication preparation, and formal presentations.
“Many Burmese have received their college education here where we had the privilege of playing a small role in the past seven years. We believe that with the new skills and knowledge they have obtained, now is the time to start helping the people of Myanmar back home,” said Mr. Lian Sang, Programs Director at BACI.
After several years of constructive and principled engagement, BACI has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Myanmar Ministry of Education as well as formed partnerships with various institutions and agencies inside the country.
During the signing of MoU, U.S. Ambassador to Myanmar, Scott Marciel, said, “The United States is a perfect partner because we have a relatively large community of people from Myanmar who now live in the US, and the Burmese American Community Institute is a great example of how that community in the United States, with its natural, cultural, and family ties to this country can help us work together to build our partnership.”
The ceremony of the signing of MoU between BACI and the MOE on March 9, 2018 at Yangon University, Myanmar.
At the ELDP this year, students will build resumes, read assigned leadership-focused literature, complete advanced essay writing and scholarship applications, learn about opportunities to engage in their community, in addition to other personal development activities. The students will also volunteer tutoring the middle school and elementary school students in Hakha.
“My team and I are incredibly excited about engaging students and faculty members at Hakha College. We look forward to learning and working together with the community in Hakha”, said Rebekah Edmonds, Lead Instructor of the BACI volunteer team.
Sui Tin Tial, Dim Man, and Rebekah Edmonds have each created support raising accounts through GoFundme.com for their work in Chin State. Anyone can contribute to their efforts by visiting their personal sites at the links below.
Sui Tin Tial | Dim Man | Rebekah Edmonds|
The Burmese American Community Institute (BACI) is a non-profit organization founded in 2011 that provides educational and vocational support to the Burmese community in greater Indianapolis. The BACI also support community members regionally, nationally, and globally through new initiatives, collaborative and strategic partnerships, and advocacy.
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