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San Diego
is home to a diverse community of refugees and immigrants.
This provides a welcoming environment and a social network.
Community support is available to new refugees through
community-based organizations and religious institutions, as well
as through programs provided in the community programs. The
Alliance for African Assistance is well known and respected in the
area for its refugee programs. The
Alliance for African Assistance has an established and respected
resettlement program that supports a diverse community of refugees and
immigrants in San Diego. |
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Key
Outcomes of the Program
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Increased understanding of the Myanmar
community interests, needs, and assets.
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Strengthened unity and respect for
the diversity of Myanmar culture.
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Skill building in leadership and
civic engagement necessary for mobilization, community problem
solving, and political voice.
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Preserved cultural identity with a sense
of cohesion and community that promotes healthy behaviors
while removing barriers to acculturation.
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Social capital and networks that
provide access to social supports and economic opportunities.
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An organized coalition of Myanmar
community members guided by a basic organizational structure to
establish a decision-making process among the group
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Building
a Healthy
Myanmar Community
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to
build a healthy
Myanmar community that will recognize shared customs and
values, build leadership skills, encourage civic engagement, and create
social capital
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Need Based Approach |
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The need
for the Building a Healthy
Myanmar Community
project is particularly urgent due to the
recent resettlement of this community and need for social capital in San
Diego.
A
majority of Myanmar in the area have been resettled in San Diego from
refugee camps in Thailand and Malaysia. The lack of English competency,
financial literacy, and community organization leaves the Myanmar
especially vulnerable to exploitation and lack of self sufficiency.
It is
the goal of this project to assess the needs and assets of the Myanmar
community and to provide a way to fill the gap. This need based approach
will ideally include the help and support of Myanmar Community, the faith based community, and other service providers in the
area. |
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Creating Roots to Grow
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In
order for the Building a Healthy
Myanmar
Community Project to be successful, the
Myanmar community has to create roots from
which to grow.
Through
community organization efforts, the Myanmar community will be provided
with the tools and resources to become active members in the
community at large. These efforts will become the foundation for the
growth and sustainability of the Myanmar community. |
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The California Endowment
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This
project is funded by the California Endowment. The goal is to ensure
Myanmar engagement in the future California Endowment Building Healthy
Communities: Planning for Partnership 10 year strategic plan in the
City Heights area.
For more
information about the Building Healthy Communities: Planning for
Partnership 10 year strategic plan or the California Endowment please
visit:
http://www.calendow.org/
The
Alliance for African Assistance recognizes the Burmese as a population
comprised of various cultural, linguistic, and religious identities.
We are working to help
all come together to find a voice for action. |
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JEN CORDARO
Community
Organizer
5952 El Cajon
Blvd San Diego CA 92115
Tel:
619-286-9052 Ext.252 Fax: 619-286-9053
E-mail:
jen@alliance-for-africa.org
Web:
www.alliance-for-africa.org |
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