Imagine you are a 12 year old Burmese girl. You grew up in a refugee camp after having fled with your family because of great oppression they faced under a military regime. You have had to learn a new language, eat new foods, and try to adjust to a whole new culture that is so different from what you know. Your parents struggle to earn a living and make a new life for your family. They have big dreams for you but have no idea how to help you achieve your dreams.
This is Ah Sei Ma’s story. She is a Burmese refugee who came to America in 2008. Since that time, Ah Sei Ma has learned English and has become an honor student who excels in math and science. She has dreams of becoming a doctor.
Her parents support her dream but they struggle to know where to start to help her achieve it. She is excited about the opportunity to learn from a professional woman. Ah Sei Ma said, “I think it will be good to learn about different professions and to learn how I can become a doctor.”
Ah Sei Ma’s story is not unique. She is one of a number of refugee students who live in the South Jersey area who have been resettled by Catholic Charities, Diocese of Camden, Inc.
In 2013, diocesan Catholic Charities received a grant from the state of New Jersey to assist refugee students with academic success and their families. Part of this program aims to introduce opportunities to discover educational and professional possibilities.
On April 24, at 4 p.m., Catholic Charities, Diocese of Camden, Inc. will host a girl empowerment workshop at their Haddon Avenue Office in Camden. Margaret Chin, treasurer of the Asian American Women’s Coalition, will speak to these students and their mothers about professional and educational opportunities that the students can strive for, including her organization’s scholarship program.
Chin is a retired Philadelphia high school principal whose students included refugees from Burma. She will share some success stories of Asian immigrants/refugees that have overcome obstacles to gain a better life for themselves and their families. A discussion will also take place about the need for strong parenting guidance, including enforcing rules about early bedtimes and homework.
“All parents have dreams for their children. This is particularly true for refugee parents who may not be aware of the available resources for their daughters,” said Kaitlyn Muller, program director, Refugee and Immigration Services, Diocese of Camden. “Learning from a successful professional woman from the Asian community will be an impactful experience as both girls and their mothers get inspiration and affirmation about their abilities to succeed.”
A workshop will be held later this year for boys and their fathers with a successful professional male from the Asian community.
“For more than 24 years, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Camden, Inc. have assisted the newly arrived on their individual paths of advancement toward the American Dream,” said Muller, noting that clients have become successful trades-people, business people, and contributing members of society.
If you go
The girl empowerment workshop will be held on Thursday, April 24, at 4 p.m. at the Catholic Charities offices at 1845 Haddon Ave., Camden.
A workshop directed to boys will be held later this year.
For additional information about The Refugee and Immigration Services Department Catholic Charities, Diocese of Camden, Inc. contact Kaitlyn Muller Program Director, Refugee & Immigration Services at kaitlyn.muller@camdendiocese.org.
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