October 15 — Hear from Naw Phaw what it means for Indiana to become a leading destination for refugees from Burma
Learn what we can do to help these newcomers integrate into our communities. Even better, discuss what they can do to help make our communities better.
When: Wednesday, October 15 11:00-12:30 PM (stay for lunch)
Where: North United Methodist Church 3808 N Meridian St Indianapolis, IN 46208
Part of the Mid-North Shepherd Center’s “Domestic Decisions” series.
This is from a NUVO feature on Naw Phaw:
A native of Mali, a small island off the coast of Burma, Naw Phaw has discovered that the best way she can help her own people is by living in Indiana. Prior to becoming a resettlement coordinator for Exodus in April, Phaw worked for the refugee resettlement agency as a contract interpreter. Currently there are approximately 2,000 Burmese immigrants and refugees from two ethnic groups, the Chin and Karen, living in Indianapolis. Despite sharing both a native country and the site of their relocation, the groups, each of which has its own language and distinct culture, don’t relate to each other.
As it turns out, Indiana is one of the top three sites in the U.S. for Burmese refugees, who began arriving in this state 10 years ago. Other large Burmese communities are located in Fort Wayne and Bloomington. A community of nearly 1,300 Chin live in Perry Township on Indy’s Southside, while the Karen live in Washington Township, primarily in the Nora area. Thanks to her upbringing by a Karen mother and a Chin father, Phaw speaks both languages, as well as several Chin dialects, in addition to Burmese, the official language of Burma.
Phaw, who has lived here for two years, came to Indianapolis after her husband, who is also Burmese and a Baptist minister, was invited by the local Chin community to become their pastor. Currently, the congregation worships and holds fellowship at a host church on the far Southside. The couple, which has a 4-year-old son, met while attending a Bible college and lived in L.A. for three years prior to moving to Indy.
Given the fact that Burmese refugees comprise over 80 percent of the caseload at Exodus, Phaw’s job and her role as a minister’s wife mean that her involvement with the community is sometimes 24/7. Phaw, however, says she wouldn’t have it any other way, since many of her clients and church members speak little English and so need her help in securing employment, meeting doctor’s appointments, opening bank accounts and even learning how to drive.
How have she and her countrymen been received in the Indy area? “People are very lovable, welcoming and they smile. I find that very encouraging. People are also patient and at places such as hospitals and government offices, they are very friendly.”
Phaw added, “The people in my country are suffering. It’s important that the whole world knows about it. Ask your government to get involved and also please send donations to the United Nations for refugee relief or to Exodus.”
