Project Rise and Mount Lebanon Baptist Church Host Annual Soul Food Dinner for Families Experiencing Homelessness

Craft Project Planned and Implemented
by the Project Rise Interns.

 

On February 26^th, the annual Project Rise Parent RISE-ing Soul food dinner was held at Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church, serving students and families experiencing homelessness. For the past 8 years, Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church has graciously hosted the event for families served by Project Rise.

Education is the ticket to achieving the American Dream for Bhutanese refugees in Akron Part 2

 

Story by Tom Crain

 

David James, Superintendent of Akron Public Schools (APS) says that several of Akron’s schools have been undergoing significant change due to the influx of refugees. “Little did any of us know the U.S. foreign policy decision made nine years ago would bring into our schools a story that is truly inspirational in an American way,” he says. “And now, with so many articles and broadcasts coming out of our refugee schools, much of America is aware.”

North High School (NHS) was waning in attendance for years and was in danger of closing altogether before refugee resettlement kicked in. Now, NHS has become known as Ohio’s most diverse public school.

Education is the ticket to achieving the American Dream for Bhutanese refugees in Akron

Story By Tom Crain

“In the beginning,  I was really freaked out,” confesses ninth grader Sabbitri about her first couple months transferring mid-year from a Nepali refugee camp school to Akron’s North High School.  “I couldn’t get the combination on my locker to work. The other high school girls had beautiful makeup and clothes and wild hairstyles in all different colors. They were always laughing and texting each other. They were so much happier and prettier than I was.”

The transition from Nepal’s refugee camp schools to America’s public schools is a challenge for most Bhutanese students like Sabbitri.  The Nepali government places a strong emphasis on its monastic-style of teaching where its Bhutanese refugees go to school, providing nine years of free education for them. Lessons are taught in British English and Nepali.

Local man brings suicide awareness with Akron’s refugee community

Amber Subba, who works as a case worker at the
International Institute in Akron. (Photo: Chris Miller)

Story by Chris Miller, The Akronist

A case worker at the International Institute is tired of seeing the depression, substance abuse and suicidal thoughts that overwhelm some of his fellow Bhutanese in Akron. The suicide rate among refugees is nearly double what it is for U.S.-born residents, says Amber Subba, (pronounced Ahm-ber), who is co-hosting a “Stop Suicide” event Feb. 28, 1 p.m. at North High School. The event will include live music, and local mental health professionals will attend to spread the message that help is available for residents battling with depression.