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Highlight: HOMESPUN
Youth have been learning the traditional craft of weaving from community elders through KOSD's pilot program called HOMESPUN. Sessions began with participants sitting in a circle, the facilitator held a bundle of yarn and explained why she wanted to learn more about weaving, then, while holding on to one end of the string of yarn, she passed it to another participant in the circle who then explained their reasoning for being involved. Around and around this went until everyone had shared their motivations. Answers varied from "getting better at weaving," "learning how to make detailed designs such as flowers," to "learning to weave to become a teacher," "share tradition and pass it on so it doesn't disappear," and "to promote our culture and make sure the new generation carries it on." Participants started with learning the basics; picking out thread and materials to build a loom, setting up the loom, setting up the thread, etc. Then they moved on to learning the actual process of weaving; starting with the big bamboo loom and then transferring to the more portable back-strap loom. HOMESPUN will continue as a weaving circle and hopes to create many items that can hopefully be available for purchase. Youth have voiced eagerness to sell goods for fundraising purposes and outreaching to potential retail shops who may sell their items for them. They are also researching online avenues to market and sell their creations. Stay tuned!
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Highlight: FiRST GENERATiON THiS SEASON
First Generation youth group participated in many meetings and events this season. Here is a highlight of their major accomplishments! Meetings centered around educational enhancement and included topics and workshops aimed at successfully passing the California High School Exit Exam, as well as preparing for college and careers after high school. Community service activities included participating in the planning and implementation of the Benefit Concert & Art Fair, Karen New Year Fundraising, Colina del Sol park clean-up, and KOSD Toy Drive outreach. Social enhancement activities have also been a focus this season such as activities aimed at generating healthy relationships and support networks. An Appreciation Party, honoring the youth's valuable contributions to KOSD's fundraising efforts and a Halloween Costume Party and Movie Night was arranged at our office and soccer games within the community and across states took place.
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Hightlight: SPORTS TOURNAMENTS AND TEAM BUiLDiNG
KOSD Youth are involved in a number of sports programs in City Heights; we encourage all participation that builds life skills, leadership, team work, relationship fostering, healthy lifestyles as well as providing positive outlets for youth who are in desperate need of such opportunities. Soccer is a definite favorite for KOSD youth, reminding them of their outlet back in the refugee camps many originated from. Since other refugee youth have a similar experience, it is a great avenue to build friendships with other youth who can relate to the difficulties of rebuilding their lives in a whole new environment. The soccer field provides an even playing field so to speak. Recognizing the diversity of the refugee populations in San Diego, California, the sports program also seeks to support students in transcending perceived racial, ethnic, religious, linguistic and geographic divides amongst one another. Soccer uses its universal language to provide a perfect platform upon which to build this international community. Youth, along with community leaders, plan sports tournaments, often in KOSD's backyard of Colina del Sol Park. Sometimes these tournaments are used to raise funds for youth programs, sometimes they are in celebration of cultural events, and sometimes they are just for fun and team building:)
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Highlight: COVERED CALIFORNIA
KOSD staff are certified with Covered California™ to assist people through the Affordable Care Act changes to their health care. Case Managers can help people navigate the healthcare marketplace, learn the differences between plans, and assist through the signing up process. Enrollment has already begun, and individuals must be signed up prior to March in order to escape a fine for not having health coverage. According to Covered California™ "millions of Californians will be able to choose affordable, quality health insurance coverage offered through Covered California™ that will take effect January 2014. You will also be able to learn if you qualify for Medi-Cal. Covered California is a new, easy-to-use marketplace where you and your family may get financial assistance to make coverage more affordable and where you will be able to compare and choose health coverage that fits your needs and budget. By law, your coverage can't be dropped or denied even if you have a pre-existing medical condition or get sick." Indeed, many of KOSD client's who did not previously are now eligible for Medi-Cal or other subsidies. KOSD has made it a top priority to ensure these clients have assistance in finding the best possible coverage with this new system! In addition, the Health Task Force of the San Diego Refugee Forum meets at KOSD's office, allowing for our staff to stay as up to date as possible with these issues, especially in relating them to the particular needs of our clients.
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Hightlight: BENEFiT CONCERT & ART FAiR AND KOSD ON KPBS!
On Friday, November 8th, 2013, KOSD partnered to put on a Benefit Concert and Art Fair to raise funds for our First Generation Youth Group! The event was a huge success! Local musicians performed and local artists donated their works to be available for bidding in our silent auction. Youth were also able to perform traditional Karen songs, give speeches about their experiences, and display their works of art as well. A huge thank you to La Maestra for providing materials and space for youth to get creative for the event! Thank you Mosaic San Diego for being such a fantastic venue! And THANK YOU to all the performers and participants who gave their skills and talents to benefit the youth of KOSD, the event would not have been possible without you! Additionally, the event gave KOSD amazing exposure. The Chair of our Board, Andrew, and our Youth Programs Coordinator, April, appeared on KPBS to share about KOSD, their stories and spread awareness for the benefit concert! We are so thankful for this opportunity, if you didn't get a chance to view the interview yet, check it out here! |
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Highlight: AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM
KOSD's After School Program has been in full swing this year. Helping youth with their school work is the program's first priority. And the primary objective was to create a structured and fun recreational environment for the youth to engage with themselves and one another. Additionally, youth are encouraged to grow socially as well. Youth have received help in all levels of math, English, science, history, and foreign languages such as Spanish and French. Youth got to paint with arcylics and water paints! They learned origami, made snowflakes and other festive decorations, and played fun learning games aimed at reading comprehension and sight word recognition. Next year, youth will plant seeds to be transplanted in a nearby garden; the fruits of their labor will be brought back in for snacks and field trips will be taken to provide opportunities for youth to nurture their plants themselves. Youth are building a community together; discovering what they are thankful for in their lives, learning how to navigate their new environment, and creating goals they hope to help each other reach.
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