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Austin High School
03/12/2012
Saw Morrison
Program manager
651-788-7593 ext. 301
Karen Organization of
Minnesota (KOM)
Karen Refugees
From Burma
Introduction to Burmese
History
January 4th, 1948 – Independence
from Britain Burma has been under rule by a
Military Junta since 1962 The military government allowed
elections to be held in Burma in 1990
The National League for
Democracy (NLD) led by Aung San Su Kyi won over 80% of the vote that year (1990), but she never took office. She was put under house arrest, it still continues today
Burma or Myanmar?
• The name of Burma was changed to Myanmar in 1989. Since then, the country has remained a military dictatorship.
• The name Myanmar has ethnic overtones implying Burmese superiority. So most ethnic groups do not call their country Myanmar; they call it Burma.
Why are the Karen fleeing
as refugees from Burma? • Under British colonial rule (before
1948) the Karen supported the
British forces against the
Japanese during World War II
• Burma gained independence
from Britain in 1948. The Karen
felt abandoned and betrayed by
their former allies.
• Karen rose up against Burmese
rule in a push for self-
determination.
– Karen Insurgency began on January
31st 1949
Refugees in Burma
• The Burmese military
has committed horrific
human rights abuses
against Karen and
other ethnic groups
• Many Karen and other
refugees have to walk
for months to reach
safety in refugee
camps.
• Many do not survive
the journey.
Transportation (without gas)
In our Karen homeland there are no worries of insurance, bills,
mortgage or tax.
Villages are at risk for attacks by
the Burmese Military
• Agriculture is at the center of the Karen economy.
– Rice
– Foresting
• Those living in the hills are hunters
– Animals, birds, insects, and fish
– Extensive knowledge of forest animals and plants
– Strong beliefs and taboos regarding their
appropriate uses.
Economy
Karen Food
• Bah Bah &Heh Heh
• Elder’s eat first
• Food is grown by
farmers and water
comes from
streams and rivers
• Village
– Each village is presided over
by an elected headman (not
headwomen).
– Recognized by the local
villagers and local authority as
the political leader of the
village.
• Family Unit
– Karen families are cross-
generational, often with
grandparents, parents and
children living together under
the same roof.
– The average number of
children per family is 3 - 7.
• Gender Roles
– High Degree of equality between men and women.
– In farming communities, husband and wife often work as close partners.
– Within the family, the eldest child (son or daughter), is responsible for the parents until their death.
– Women usually control the family budget.
– All children are prized.
– A Karen family’s goal is to have a balance between the sexes, to have an equal number of boys and girls.
Family and Gender Roles
• Traditionally, Karen do not have family names.
– One name has no relationship to the others in the family
– The Karen normally address others not by name but by terms denoting a kinship relation
• The absence of surnames creates great confusion and problems
in Western countries.
• Ex: A man named Htoo
Gay might have a wife
named Eh Paw and two
children named Hla Ku
and Hser Hte
Naming
• There are no secrets among
the community, especially
within a village.
• Karen don't like talking about
themselves even to the point
of not wanting to say their
name.
• Making and sticking to strict
schedules is difficult for
many.
• Do not refer to the Karen as
Burmese. Ethnically, they are
completely different.
• The Karen don't engage in
public displays of affection.
Male to female physical contact
rare outside the home.
• Karen do not come straight
to the point. Many other
subjects might be discussed
first.
• Karen avoid confrontation.
Cultural Tips and Trends
Spiritual Beliefs • An estimated 20-30% of the Karen
are Christian, 60-70 % are
Buddhist and the rest, a small
minority, are Animists.
• 95% of the Karen Refugees in the
US are Christian.
• In 1813 American missionary,
Pastor Dr. Judathan, was the first
Christian missionary in Burma
– Seven years later, U Than
became the first baptized
Burmese
– They worked together on
missionary work in Burma
– Today many Karen are baptized
Christians
Traditional Health Care
Belief • Animism
– Example: To cure sickness, a traditional
healer may make offerings of chicken or
larger animals to drive away the spirits
causing illness.
• Certain herbs, plants, and concoctions may
also be used as cures by traditional healers,
emphasis on banishing the spirits.
• Many Karen use traditional herbal medicine
in conjunction with the medications they
receive at the pharmacy.
• Many Karen men have elaborate, tattoos
that are a mark of character and protection
against harm.
Education
Refugees Getting Water
Americans Visiting Karen
Refugees in Thailand
Karen in the United States
Unique Challenges • Karen are a new
refugee group
– In MN the Karen
were a small
percentage of overall
arrivals at 3% (2006)
– Today there are
about 5,000 Karen in
MN
– Across the US there
are 40,000+ Karen,
in 41 states
• Language
• Housing
• Jobs (different skill set)
• Transportation
• Accessing health care
• Finding resources, asking for help
Issues and Barriers
• The cultural rift between Karen and ethnic Burmese can run very deep, and
can impede comfort for Karen patients and confidentiality in the office.
• As a result, some Karen may prefer to be without an interpreter than use a
Burmese interpreter.
• However, a Karen patient will usually feel very comfortable speaking
Burmese with a Karen interpreter, a very different situation from using an
interpreter who is culturally Burmese.
• Although they are also from Burma, ethnic minorities identify themselves
with their cultural group rather than as Burmese.
Issues with Interpreters
• In the United states, Karen refugees have little understanding of the job application and interview process
– Reluctant to talk about themselves – Will downplay their skills
• Women have had little work experience outside of the home
• Most are not comfortable leaving small children in daycare settings and prefer to work different shifts from their husbands
• Those who have spent years in camps are eager to find work after many years of feeling useless.
Employment in the U.S.
Tips for Working with the
Karen
• Karen are trusting partners and very willing to work with you
• Devote time to educating parents
• Explaining with pictures or images are helpful
• Spend time explaining your project
• Friendly and Listen
• Ask Karen about their Religion, traditional, individual or spiritual
beliefs.
• Always have an interpreter who speaks Karen present.
VOLAGS
• Agencies contracted by the U.S. Department of State to
provide resettlement case management services
• VOLAGS also provide some form of employment
counseling or training, Refugee Cash Assistance, some
immigration services and other specialized services for
refugees and immigrants
• In Minnesota these agencies are: Catholic Charities,
International Institute of Minnesota, Lutheran Social
Services, World Relief Minnesota, and Minnesota Council
of Churches
Housing Support Helping Families Apply for Public Housing and/or Find
Safe, Affordable Housing
Immigration Social Security & Green Cards
Learning about health care & law
system in the United States
Refugee families are organized and recruited to participate as volunteer or coordinator in community activities
Karen Distribution in the
Twin Cities • Roseville Area:
– 167 Families; 1386 Individuals
• Saint Paul Area:
– 372 Families; 2540 Individuals
• Approximately 1074 Individuals are spread around the state for their
jobs. Many are in the areas of:
– Worthington
– Marshall
– Albert Lea • Totaling 5,000 Karen in Minnesota
72%
28%
Red: Roseville, Blue: Saint Paul
Karen in Minnesota Public
Schools • In the 2010-2011 School Year St. Paul
Public Schools had about 1,300 Karen
Students, Roseville area about 240
• Karen Student are in: – Arlington High School
– Como Park High School
– Washington Technology Magnet Middle School
– Roseville Area Middle School and High School
– Fair View
– Harding High School – Leap International School
– And Various Elementary Schools
Karen New Year
Karen Language • Two kinds of Karen Language (the difference is in pronunciation)
– Sgaw Karen
– Pwo Karen
• In Thailand Sgaw and Pwo will speak Thai as the common language;
In Burma, Burmese is the common language
• Sentences include a word or expression to specify the time of action • English words ending in consonants are problematic for the Karen
because the sounds do not exist in their language
Da bluu (Crazy ) :(
Da bluet (Thank you) :)
Learn Karen
Mission
The Karen Organization of Minnesota’s
mission is to enhance the quality of life
for Karen and other refugees from
Burma in Minnesota
KOM Organizational
Overview • KOM is the first Karen 501(c)(3) Nonprofit
Organization in the USA, founded in 2008
• Our Mission: To enhance the quality of life for Karen and other refugees from Burma in Minnesota
• The Karen are concentrated in the St. Paul Area
• KOM has grown from 4 people staff to 17 staff, with 12 Karen staff
• Many partners including: World Relief Minnesota, Southeast Asian Refugee Community Home, Vietnamese Social Services of Minnesota, MDH for Health Education, St. Paul Police Department, etc…
• Employment Services
• Social Services
• Trainings
• Orientations
• Education Services
• Community Health Services
• Community Farming Program
• Youth Services
• Community Involvement
KOM SERVICE OVERVIEW
Building Strong Relationships with Employers in Minnesota!
• Connection to Prospective
Employers
• Job-Readiness Training
• Resume Development
• Application Assistance
• Transportation to/from interviews
• Translation Services
• Vocational Training Placements
• Bus Cards
• Uniforms
• Follow Up with Placed Clients
Employment Services
Connecting Karen and Burmese Refugees to Minnesota
• Safe & Stable Housing
• Immigration/Legal
Services
• Mainstream Services &
Programs
• Independent Living
• Civic Participation
Social Services
Showing the Way for Self-Sufficiency
• Financial Literacy
• Bus Training
• Law Enforcement
• Leadership (Adult &
Youth)
Trainings
Mass Orientation
Cultural Integration
Housing Orientation
Orientations
Ensuring Families Function Independently
Growing Minds of Children & Adults Alike
• English Language
Learning
• Family Education
– English Classes for
Parents
– Assist with Enrollment in
Early Childhood Education
for Children
• Health Education
Education Services
Improving Quality of Life • Eliminating Health
Disparities Initiative – Heart Disease and Stroke
– Breast and Cervical Cancer
• Screening Access
• Health System Navigation Services
• Health Education
• Mental Health Referral and Assistance
Community Health Services
Restoring Agrarian Activities for Refugee Farming
Communities
• Beginning Farmers
Training
– Big River Farms
• Elder Gardening
– Big River Farms
• Gardens of Eden
– Elder Gardening with local
area churches
Community Farming Program
Restoring Agrarian Activities for Refugee Farming
Communities
• Beginning Farmers
Training
– Big River Farms
• Elder Gardening
– Big River Farms
• Gardens of Eden
– Elder Gardening with local
area churches
Community Farming Program
Youth Services
Preparing Youth for a Bright Future
Academic Tutoring
Social Education
Leadership Training
Mental Health Education, Referral and Assistance
WRIST TYING CERMONY ~ MARTYRS DAY ~ KAREN
NATIONAL DAY ~ KAREN NEW YEAR CELEBRATION
Community Involvement
KAREN NEW YEAR CELEBRATION
Community Involvement
ADDRESS: 1394 Jackson St., Suite 324
St. Paul, Mm 55117
OFFICE HOURS: 8:30AM – 5:00PM
PHONE: 651-788-7593
WEBSITE: www.mnkaren.org
KAREN ORGANIZATION
OF MINNESOTA
Have Questions?
Call: 651-788-7593#301
E-Mail:
Thank You!
