Education Matters: 1st Lao mini conference focuses on educational opportunities
FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE) – The Office of the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools held its first Lao mini conference focused on educational opportunities. Many Lao young people will tell you their lives are a balancing act, and they strive to maintain their cultural traditions and work to meet the high expectations of their elders.
“Expectations are there, but we’re trying to educate the parents that it’s okay. Listen to your children and let them be happy,” said Diane Phakonekham, the CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central California.
Phakonekham was one of the speakers at the first Lao community mini-conference.
“It’s our opportunity to just match or provide them an introduction to services, resources, and opportunities so that their children can fulfill their bright futures,” said Dr. Michele Cantwell-Copher, the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools.
Parents and elders joined students as they were presented with information on when and how to apply for college, and learned more about financial aid and how to seek out resources.
Elders in the community said they attended to learn how they could help their children.
“We don’t have no knowledge about the American system or how it works, at least get information to them on how to apply for school and apply for financial aid. It’s really important,” said Dr. Bounlath Souksavong Han the President of the Lao Community Center.
Students say they are happy to have support from the Lao community and understand why their parents push them to get an education.
“My grandparents say I don’t want you working out in the fields. I don’t want you doing this. I want you to be able to have a job where you can be in the air conditioning or have your own time or work on your schedule,” said Nevaeh Gonzales, a student at Sunnyside High School.
The county office migrant education department reached out to the Lao community to help put on the conference and organizers say it’s about building relationships.
“Coming with the migrant background I knew that we had to get to the parents first. We’ve got to get them to trust and understand what our goals are. I’m so happy and so proud. The fact that they’re here talking about how to help their children,” said Ruben Castillo, the Executive Director of the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools.
