Our work
At The Urban Village, we empower continuing generations of Karen and Karenni youth to
CONNECT, HEAL, and LAUNCH.
Our village stands in solidarity with the Karen and Karenni people by providing culturally relevant programs on top of our space that acts as a launchpad for community-led movements. The Urban Village works with and empowers local Karen and Karenni youth, scholars, artists, musicians, entrepreneurs, and leaders to serve their community through by empowering them in their unique skill sets.
Urban Village Programs
COnnect
We believe connecting starts inward with self, then bravely grows outward into relationships that reach across divides. Our youth need opportunities to explore their cultural heritage, history, and homeland in order to understand their identity as they go out into the world as connectors and peacemakers.
HEAL
Given the realities of violence and displacement our community has faced, we believe creating opportunities for youth to engage with and heal from past and present traumas/hurts/injustices are absolutely necessary for a more robust and sustainable launch.
LAUNCH
This is our calling. Our village incubates dreams and future leaders. We don't stop at a nurturing environment, we intentionally carve out and engage opportunities that tactically allow youth to grow and thrive beyond our village.
About Summer Camp
Creating a space with guided opportunity for cultural connection and community healing. We will partake in traditonal Karen games, food, and fun as participants will be promted to interact with the following questions...
1. MY HISTORY - “What is my history? How can I learn more?”
2. MY EXPERIENCES - “What is my story in this history? Have I been wounded by my experiences? What can I do to heal?"
3. MY IDENTITY - “Am I proud of my identity? What am I proud of and why?
4.MY RESPONSIBILITY - “What is currently happening in Myanmar/Kawthoolei? What can I do about it? What is my responsibility to my community here and there? What is my responsibility to the next generation?”
