Burma: homeland to our resettled friends
Due to unrest in Burma for the last 60+ years, an estimated 1 - 4 million people have been displaced from their homes. This internal conflict has forced over 200,000 people from different ethnic groups into refugee camps in neighboring countries. Once in the camps, people can apply to seek refuge in developed countries around the world. Over 300 have found their home in Boise, Idaho... and more are coming in just about every week! They come seeking a safe place to live and raise families, where they will not be persecuted or threatened.
There are people from several different states within Burma that have been impacted by this turmoil. People who have resettled in Boise are mainly from three different states: Chin, Karen and Karenni. Each people group has a unique dialect, cultural heritage and traditions.
Within the country of Burma, Burmese is only one language of many. Many
people in Burma do speak Burmese, but some only speak the native
language from their home state. One challenge we have as we help our resettled friends has been finding common languages and dialects to communicate effectively.
To learn more about our friends from Burma: ** Free Burma Rangers ** Karen Konnection ** Partners Relief and Development |
Boise Refugee Resources
There are three refugee agencies with offices in Boise, Idaho. These agencies serve our refugee friends by assisting them with housing, English language and cultural training and job placement for the first 6-8 months that they are in the United States.
** Agency for New Americans (Mountain States Group is parent organization)
** International Rescue Mission (IRC)
** World Relief
Due to budget limitations , after that time the newly resettled refugees are unfortunately pretty much on their own. Some people groups are able to hit the ground running at this point, but many are not. This is usually where we come in! The Culture Connection Ministry at the Vineyard comes alongside those agencies and assists the refugee families beyond those 8 months until they are able to stand on their own and feel comfortable with their new home in America.
** Agency for New Americans (Mountain States Group is parent organization)
** International Rescue Mission (IRC)
** World Relief
Due to budget limitations , after that time the newly resettled refugees are unfortunately pretty much on their own. Some people groups are able to hit the ground running at this point, but many are not. This is usually where we come in! The Culture Connection Ministry at the Vineyard comes alongside those agencies and assists the refugee families beyond those 8 months until they are able to stand on their own and feel comfortable with their new home in America.
Map of Burma
Why do we call this country Burma and not Myanmar? The ruling party in 1989, after suppressing a majority uprising, changed the name. Many countries do not recognize the name change.