Burmese Parents Summer Enrichment Program

Michigan Nightlight: In your view, what makes your program innovative, effective or remarkable? 
Martha Thawnghmung, Executive Director of the Burmese American Initiative: The innovation is in drawing out the basic creativity of the Burmese people in a new environment. Burmese people have excellent survival skills. For example, a few people have learned to "survive" by selling Burmese ware to other Burmese, and some people have continued the tradition of hiring tutors for their children. Everybody gains and everybody pays; it's an exchange of goods for services at a very basic level.
 
What was the best lesson learned in the past year?
The best lesson learned during the summer enrichment program was that the whole family has to be considered for a program to be successful.

For the families we work with, buy-in from the head of the household determines how readily and fully the rest of the family will participate. 

For the families we work with, buy-in from the head of the household determines how readily and fully the rest of the family will participate.
 
The man of the house plays an important role. On one weaving day, I went to pick up some women at their apartment complex. One woman came out to the car. Her husband came out with the baby. The child was too young for preschool, and the husband refused to watch the baby. Despite her eagerness and excitement, and despite the eyes of several women supporting her, she stayed behind to comply with her husband's request. Next time, I will get buy-in from the head of household.
 
What was the hardest lesson learned in the past year?
The hardest lesson learned was that the family hierarchy has to be respected. The families still operate in the top-down social order and that has to be respected.
 
What really differentiates this program?
What really differentiates this program is the value we place in the creativity and resiliency of the participants. We recognize the importance of giving the participants an outlet for their creativity.

What really differentiates this program is the value we place in the creativity and resiliency of the participants. We recognize the importance of giving the participants an outlet for their creativity. 

We show we value their creativity through words and actions. Not only did we learn about what they wanted to try or do, we provided them the opportunity, plus transportation, to do what they said they wanted to.
 
What are the keys to success for your program?
The keys to success for the program are a lot of support from other agencies and buy-in from the head of the household. With this program we needed support from the United Educational Credit Union (funding for the summer program), the ETC ARTS Studio and staff, Woodlawn Preschool, as well as other individuals to provide the transportation.