They moved to Lewisville in 2007. A father and his four sons, ages 2, 4, 7 and 8 arrived with only a suitcase and a hefty airline fare debt to repay. The man waits for a relief representative to arrive. He trusts this person who doesn’t speak his language and whom he has never met to set his family on a path for a new life. He leaves behind his beautiful mountains, a rice farm, his village and a wife and two daughters.
His family is from the Asian country, Myanmar (formerly Burma). They lived in one of the seven states, called Chin State. For as long as he can remember they have lived in fear of persecution from the Burmese government.
In 1962 General Ne Win took control of Burma and imposed Socialism. In 1988 a democracy movement began splitting the country into those who wanted democracy and those who wanted military rule. Most of the Chin sided with democratic change and the Chin National Front was formed to fight for democracy. Support of the Chin National Front can result in 10-15 years in prison. The severity of the punishment depends on how much of a bribe the family can afford.
As a result, many Chin have fled the country. Most move to nearby Malaysia, however, there they are considered illegal immigrants. Today approximately, over 2,000 people have made their way to the US. In Lewisville there are approximately 500 people. Various government agencies, including World Relief Organization and local churches have joined forces to help this displaced group of people. First Baptist Church of Lewisville, Flower Mound and The Village Church in Highland Village have created Chin Ministries to support the relocation of these refugee families.
Fleeing their homeland for fear of brutality or death, leaving everything behind and starting a new life in a foreign country where very little is similar. One can only imagine what it must be like.
The children come to our schools, frightened, nervous but very respectful and ready to be accepted and wanting to learn. Most of the children don’t know how to read or write so we have to start at the very beginning no matter what age they are. Teachers want to do more and feel frustrated as they try to bridge the gap between our cultures.
When asked what is the most important thing the people need, we are told it is “safety and to feel wanted.” Very primitive needs to many Americans, however vital to this group of displaced villagers.
The country of Myanmar spends 1-2 percent of their national budget on education while 40 percent is spent on the army. In order to be eligible to go to school, Chin must convert from Christianity to Buddhism. They must also learn to speak only Burmese. If they don’t conform, then they must face brutality, or death. Many choose to run from the country. The closest country, Malaysia is a temporary home; due to the fact the Malaysian government does not recognize these people as anything other than illegal immigrants.
Fleeing families hide in Malaysia for as long as two years waiting for a chance to be rescued by a country providing refuge. They are living amongst other displaced fellow Chin.
Communication is difficult due to the fact that most tribes speak a tribal language and many in the tribe do not speak a common language. Within the Chin culture alone, there are 20-25 languages that are not mutually intelligible.
As a teacher of these newcomers, it is both very challenging and rewarding to educate them and to see their smiling faces and feel their warm hugs each and every day. I know that in any language this means, “Thank You”.
- Editorial written by Valorie McGilvra, a local resident and Elementary teacher for LISD
His family is from the Asian country, Myanmar (formerly Burma). They lived in one of the seven states, called Chin State. For as long as he can remember they have lived in fear of persecution from the Burmese government.
In 1962 General Ne Win took control of Burma and imposed Socialism. In 1988 a democracy movement began splitting the country into those who wanted democracy and those who wanted military rule. Most of the Chin sided with democratic change and the Chin National Front was formed to fight for democracy. Support of the Chin National Front can result in 10-15 years in prison. The severity of the punishment depends on how much of a bribe the family can afford.
As a result, many Chin have fled the country. Most move to nearby Malaysia, however, there they are considered illegal immigrants. Today approximately, over 2,000 people have made their way to the US. In Lewisville there are approximately 500 people. Various government agencies, including World Relief Organization and local churches have joined forces to help this displaced group of people. First Baptist Church of Lewisville, Flower Mound and The Village Church in Highland Village have created Chin Ministries to support the relocation of these refugee families.
Fleeing their homeland for fear of brutality or death, leaving everything behind and starting a new life in a foreign country where very little is similar. One can only imagine what it must be like.
The children come to our schools, frightened, nervous but very respectful and ready to be accepted and wanting to learn. Most of the children don’t know how to read or write so we have to start at the very beginning no matter what age they are. Teachers want to do more and feel frustrated as they try to bridge the gap between our cultures.
When asked what is the most important thing the people need, we are told it is “safety and to feel wanted.” Very primitive needs to many Americans, however vital to this group of displaced villagers.
The country of Myanmar spends 1-2 percent of their national budget on education while 40 percent is spent on the army. In order to be eligible to go to school, Chin must convert from Christianity to Buddhism. They must also learn to speak only Burmese. If they don’t conform, then they must face brutality, or death. Many choose to run from the country. The closest country, Malaysia is a temporary home; due to the fact the Malaysian government does not recognize these people as anything other than illegal immigrants.
Fleeing families hide in Malaysia for as long as two years waiting for a chance to be rescued by a country providing refuge. They are living amongst other displaced fellow Chin.
Communication is difficult due to the fact that most tribes speak a tribal language and many in the tribe do not speak a common language. Within the Chin culture alone, there are 20-25 languages that are not mutually intelligible.
As a teacher of these newcomers, it is both very challenging and rewarding to educate them and to see their smiling faces and feel their warm hugs each and every day. I know that in any language this means, “Thank You”.
- Editorial written by Valorie McGilvra, a local resident and Elementary teacher for LISD
Source : www.thenewsconnection.com
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