Editorial Campaign_ What should you do as students at IPFW.

This week is final week! And then, summer semester will be started. 
Do you want to spend your summer semester as boring as this semester? 


To make university life be more active, both the school should try to make more activities and students should try to participate in those. 


Mostly, IPSGA is helping students to get information about the activities host on the campus. The events are hosted by the school which is kind of formal events. However students can feel go there by themselves and even if they go there, it is not helpful to make new friends or get relationship. Thus IPSGA should focus on the events which help students improve their relationship on campus. If you want to get the information about enjoyable events, IPSGA-Event offers those. 


As students, contacting to students will be more effective way to enjoy your university life. Students for Effective Government is technically run for the university but is run by the students who have been elected as like you. If you want to do something or have any ideas about something fun, you can suggest the idea to them who are in student government and then they can make your ideas come true. 


Here is one more thing, if you are living in the student housing, Cole Commons will help you enjoy your student life. Even if you are not living in the housing, you can still enjoy for the events at the Cole Commons. 



Still, IPFW doesn't have many activities for student's relationship and school life. However, students should try to find activities as you can and try to enjoy those!

Reviewing Burmese New Year!: The way they lead their life in America.

There was a 'Traditional Mon New Year Festival' in Mon Buddhist Temple at 6505 Decatur Road in Fort Wayne on Apr. 16 and 17. ‘The Mon Youth Organization' hosted this festival. 

The festival that took place here in Fort Wayne was in a temple that Burmese people remodeled inside to look like a traditional temple. 

Outside of the temple, there were both the American flag and the Burma flag which were waving in the wind. And small, gold Buddha, which has a little smile and his hands on his knee. He was sitting in front of the building, like he was guarding the temple from evils. 

Also, inside of the temple, there were three Buddhas. The shape of each Buddha was similar to the others. Each Buddha had a benevolent smile and was sitting in the Lotus position; one leg crossed over the other, with his hands palms up on his knees. Each Buddha wore a orange-colored shawl around his shoulder.

The middle Buddha was the biggest among the three Buddhas. Two small sizes of Buddhas were located on either side of the big statue. In front of these Buddhas, there were lots of Burmese people. They looked excited to celebrate their New Year, and they were talking in the Burmese language, which sounds like Chinese. They were yelling, but to them it was talking. It was very loud, which made people feel they were fighting when they weren’t.

Pakao Mon, who is studying nursing to enter the university, was at the festival. Mon served Burmese traditional foods, such as chicken, spicy vegetables and soup. These foods seemed to be like normal food but they smelled like special spices. 

After eating the food, the Burmese people went into the temple. At that time, in front of the three Buddhas, there were monks who were covered by brown fabric. The Burmese people were facing the monks, bowing to them and praying.

After praying, a monk was throwing candies and coins to the people sitting. That was the sweetest “rain” ever. The Burmese people tried to pick the candies and the coins. The purpose of this ceremony is for good luck. 

After finishing praying, the seven monks were sitting in the chairs next to the temple in one row and people were pouring water on the monks’ hands, which means good luck for them.

Also, around them, other people were pouring waters on each other. Burmese people were pouring the water or spraying perfume on their shoulders. Then, they mix white powder with the water and then put that on their faces like a mask. Some mischievous children painted it all over their face. 

Then all the white-faced people went to the little house to dance the traditional dances. Some guys were playing the Burmese traditional instruments that looked like a drum, a bell and a little cello. With the music, ladies were dancing by using their hands and feet. They stuck both their thumb and middle finger together and then twirled their hands. Their feet were moving back and forth. The dance fit well with the music. The guys were turning in a wide circle outside of ladies dancing. 

During the festival, there is nothing related to the American culture. Only Burmese cultural things are allowed, like the temples, the foods, and praying to the Buddha and pouring water on each other.

Keeping their country’s culture is very important, since the power of culture is tremendous. The Burmese people are keeping their own culture in America by celebrating their New Year’s Day on their date and in their own way. This is a very good attitude. Even if they are poor and do not know English very well, they at least know how to share and enjoy their holiday. “It is not only celebrating New Year’s Day, but keeping our cultures, since it is just four days out of the year,” Mon said.

When the migrants keep their own history and continue their culture, they are ready to adjust to a new culture without being confused about their own country's identity.

The editorial campaign: Are you satisfying with your school life in IPFW?

Students have dreams about their university life since that's going to be their first and new life!

Students, who came to IPFW as their university, also have expectation that cheerful school life after extricating from high-school. However, the results fell short of their expectations since atmosphere in IPFW is so quiet and boring. 

What's the problem in IPFW? There is nothing to do and lack socialization.

On the other hands, there are no activities for socializing on the campus.

Since the university doesn't have activities for socializing, it is hard for students to make new friends. 

Well, even if students have some friends, and ready to enjoy their university life, the problem is that how could they enjoy their university life actively? 

Socializing on the campus so hard! IPFW should offer various activities on campus. 

Interviewing Burmese Refugee, Min Aung Wuin

On April 15, I interviewed one Burmese Refugee who is one of students of my friend, Rachel Miles. 

One of friends of Miles, Nicole used to teach the Burmese Refugees but she had to go to Egypt for mission trip. Thus, Nicole asked Miles to teach them instead of her, Miles is still teaching them so far. 

Actually, Min Aung Wuin, the person who I interviewed is not a Miles' student. He is one of the student's husband. Since the person who I supposed to interview, can't speak english very well, it was hard for us to communicate each other. 

Min Aung, Wuin came to Fort Wayne before 7 years ago from the Burmese Refugee camp in Thailand. He protested against the Burmese government for democracy. When he is in the revolution, one of his friend was caught by government military and then sent to a jail. Wuin ran away but later, he was kicked out Burma. 

Wuin said "Refugee champ is not good." He was in there for 4 years. When he was in there, UNHR(The UN Refugee Agency) supplies them with foods and clothes. As I imagine, the Refugee camp is full of confusion such as disorder. But in the Refugee Camp, there is the Develop Community. And Burmese people divide specific role to a person. For example,there is a Header and a secretary and so on.

After 4 years, he was sent to North Carolina. A NGO in New York City helped him financially. After that, since in Fort Wayne, here are lots of Burmese people, Wuin chose Fort Wayne to move. But since he CHOOSES Fort Wayne, he can't get any helps from any organizations. Thus since he has be dismissed, he doesn't have job. 

Actually, Wuin is not Burmese. He is Mon. In Burma, there are different ethnicities. Burmese is the most big ethnic group  and Mon is another group. Min Aung Wuin which is the Burmese name and he has Mon name, Asoka. They have different cultures and using different languages. When different ethnic persons are talking, they are usually using Burmese' language. 

I was able to watch some video clips about the government in Burma's corruptions and the situation in Burma.  Some soldiers raped women and wanted money from people. Also, when Burmese students are going to school, there is huge tuition since the military want them to pay for security fee. With this horrible situation, some people ran away from Burma and go to the Refugee camp by themselves. 

Wuin said "People can't talk about the government." During interviewing, I feel pity for Wuin, think the Burma's problem. Where is the democracy in Burma? Actually, North-Korea is similar Burma's situation. But South-Korea where I came from, experienced like this situation in 1970-80's. Now, we got the democracy and we are remembering the past for democracy is HISTORY. However, sadly, the history is going on in Burma. 

Enjoying the Burmese' New Year Festival!

There will be 'Traditional Mon New Year Festival.' in Mon Buddhist temple 6505 Decature RD., Fort Wayne on April.16 and 17.


We know 'Burmese' refers to the nation of Burma. But that's common wrong knowledge. In Burma, there are several different kinds of ethnic group. 'Mon' is one of the ethnic groups.


The Mon Youth Organization' is going to host this festival. If you go there, you can experience Burma's culture. Actually, since in Burma now, very hot, they are spreading water to each other to celebrate New Year day and away the summer hot. But since Fort Wayne is kind of chilly, spreading water is not going to be happen. 
Also, there will be lots of Burma's traditional foods and games. And since the main religion in Burma is Buddhism, there will be also ceremonies of Buddhism such as Dharma truth of Buddhism.


Traditionally, before noon, Youths usually offer alms to the monks and their parents who are observing the precept at the temple. In the afternoon they pour water each other. In the evening, they respectfully return to the temple and Buddhist moment for lighting incense and candle to pay their homage to clear off what they had been done from the past to be gone and be better for the future.


Here are the schedules for the 'Traditional Mon New Year Festival'


The 'Traditional Mon New Year Festival', May, 16 on Saturday.
10:30a.m. - Receiving precepts
11:00a.m. - offering alms to the Buddhist monk and continuously serving variety of delicious food to the guest.
1:00p.m. - Traditional games, Sankran New Year Dance and Live Music Band. 
8:00p.m. - Sankran - Dhamma - Talk


The 'Traditional Mon New Year Festival', May, 17 on Sunday
Receiving Precepts
Offering alms to the member of the Mon Buddhist Monks and luncheon time. 
1:00pm - Special respect and gifts for the elder, New Year chanting and merit sharing.
2:00p.m. - New Year bath of the Buddha statue and the Sangha followed by Sangkran Bath of Love celebrated by all New Year participant.
4:00 p.m. - Prize giving ceremony for the winner of the 1373 Mon New Year Game.
5:00 p.m. - Bring Blessed.


Come and enjoy it !

So.. How many Burmese people were killed from the earthquake?

There was an earthquake that took place in the Northeastern part of Burma that had the magnitude of 6.8. Fortunately, one of my Burmese friends' relatives and families are safe now. 

It has been about one month after the earthquake. So far, there are many assuming about victims in Burma. Times news has published that there are at least 120 people were died. However, BBC news says, at least 72 people were killed. 

Times : http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2061387,00.html

BBC news : http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-12852237

Even each media has different surveys. No one knows clearly how many people were killed by the earthquake yet. The reason is that the Burmese government never declared how many people were killed. Why doesn't the Burmese government announce the situation in Burma after earthquake? And if there are lots of people who died, it should state its position. 

The Church for Burmese people, New Life Lutheran Church.

In Fort Wayne, there is New Life Lutheran Church. 

          New Life Lutheran Church, 2424 S Coliseum Blvd, Fort Wayne, Allen, Indiana 46803-2940


The church is for Burmese people. But the church members are mixed between American and Burmese. Some of Burmese can speak english, but others can't do that. For them who don't know english, when pastor is giving speech in english, the church members are translating the speech in Burmese language. 
Juju and Thiri come from Burma 6 years ago are doing translation at the church for volunteer.

Now, James Keller is the pastor of the church. However, Pastor James Keller didn't start the church. Keller said he felt that God wanted him to work with Burmese community so he started reaching out to them and that's how he started working with them. 

When I first visited this church, I was able to meet Keller's 8 children. Every sunday, they come to church with Keller. One thing that I really impressed was that these American children get along with Burmese children very well. And by growing in this situation which means they can be exposed by different culture, they have broadened insights and don't have any unbiased view toward minority people. As I posted before, some people even don't know the differences between refugees and migrant and have preconception toward Burmese people. Contrary to that, these 8 children have lots of Burmese friends and know about Burmese language little bit.

Since it is the only church for Burmese people, many Burmese people come to church. Even if  it varies weak to weak, on average, about 60 people are worshiping with church members. If the church has special occasions, up to 300 people come to church. 

For example, the thanks giving day in last year, the church host the party that serves food for Burmese people. Like that way, New Life Lutheran Church is not only doing worship for American and Burmese together but is sharing the attachment together. That's the purposes of New Life Lutheran Church.

Burmese' Happy New Year!

It's time of the year in Burma.
April.16 is actual new years day. However, from April 9 to 12, there is a festival for fun and celebrate new years. The festival is known as Maha Thingyan. Thingyan means transit of the sun from pisces to aries. Su Myahla, who comes from Burma said, "Only 4 days to go and then 4 days of fun and craziness."

During the festival, people prepare traditional foods and share those. And as you can see the picture, people spread water each other. That's how Burmese celebrate their new year. They throw water at people and it happens everywhere for four full days.

Check more detail here,  http://www.thingyan.org/

Do you interest in Burmese Refugees?

There is the Burmese Integration class at IPFW. Adam Dircksen who comes from Ft. Wayne, Ind is teaching this class.

The class basically team-teaching, so with him, Hannah Entwisle is also teaching this class. She used to work at United Nation and she asked Dircksen to teach the Burmese Integration class together. Thus Dircksen started to teach this class from about March, last year.

One of purpose of this class is that understanding policies that make Burmese refugees situation.
Another purpose is looking at inner culture communication. For example, since some American people don't know culture differences between Burma and America, they still don't know the differences between refugees and migrant.

Mmigrant come to United State with private reasons. They are joining family members who already live in United State or they are seeking work as economic immigrants.

Refugees are forced to leave their country. They come from refugee camps. Protesting against government with political reason or practicing religions are the reason why Burmese kicked out of their country. And then, they sent to refugees located to Thailand. And people who are not accepted from Thailand government, are sent to third country such as Australia, Europe and America. However Burmese refugees don't know where are they going to go. Thus they even don't know the culture of a place. It is hard for them to adjust to new culture and even find job.

Ft.Wayne government doesn't financially support Burmese Refugees. But they give information for Burmese refugees to get a job. Also, an agency, 'Catholic Charities of Fort wayne' helps Burmese refugees get an apartment, a food and a job. Nowadays, Ft. Wayne govenment doesn't accept Burmese refugees anymore. But if their family already live here, they can come to Ft. Wayne.

But there is the problem. The process refugees go through is extremely hard and complicated. There are lots of differences among Burma government, Thailand government, United Nation and local places with laws and policies. The local places, like Ft.Wayne, Federal court in United State and even volunteer agency have different policy. For example, United State accept of UN's policy but not accept Thailand's one which how do they are allowing refugees.

Dircksen said, how refugees go through this process and how they lead their life are important and American people try to understand that.

We should try to know Burmese Refugees situation and understand that without biased view toward them. They may have hard time in new place and need a help. If you are IPFW students, taking the Burmese Integration class will help you understand the situation.

Earthquake in Myanmar!

The 6.8 magnitude earthquake hit the northeastern side of Myanmar twice.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS short) reported that the 6.8 magnitude earthquake happened in 6.2 miles under water around north-east of Nepido, Myanmar.

Fortunately, since the epicenter of the earthquake came from the innermost part of the interior, there is no worry about the tsunami.

However, the borderland with Myanmar, Thailand and Laos were also able to feel the earthquake. This area called 'Golden triangle' that is an area of around 367,000 square miles that overlaps the mountains of Burma, Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand. It has been one of the most extensive opium-producing areas of Asia. Most of the world's heroin came from the Golden Triangle.

This second earthquake is huge more than usual earthquake and then the building away 479 miles from Myanmar in Bangkok was shaking.

So far, there is at least 10 people die.

Recently, a portent of a natural disaster around east-asia area often happens. Since the earthquake and the tsunami happened in Japan, the whole world feel scared and sad. If the Myanmar's earthquake occurs another tsunami, that will be very serious situation. I hope that there is no more natural disaster.

Situation with Burmese Refugees.

Burma, known as Myanmar is a country in Southeast Asia. The nation of Burma who used to live in the long distance place from America, now, a lot of them reside America.

Ft. Wayne, IN is not an exception. There are lots of Burmese people. Some of them came here for study abroad but others came from refuges in Burma's border. There are political reasons with latter persons.

Burma's economic regime is capitalism, however, since the country has been controlled by the military government, Burmese people are forced to follow the military's order and decision. For example, Aung San Suu Kyi, the person who is a Burmese opposition politician was detained for remaining imprisoned at home by the government.

Related to this, there was anti-democracy protest against the government in 2007. Like Aung San Suu Kyi, normal people who protested against the government, were kicked out from Burma and sent to the refuge which is located to the border of the country.

In the refuge camp, people receive emergency food and medical aid. Until the time that it is safe for refugees to go back to their country, they can stay in the camp. However, some people who will not able to return to their house can be resettled in "third countries," such as America, Europe and Austrailia away from the border.

American people has some biased mind toward ALL of  Burmese people. One of friend of mine, Su Myahla came from Burma for study abroad in IPFW said, she experienced tha American person treated her really rude and ignored her since the person thought Myahla came from the Burmese Refuges. "The nation in third countries has prejudice to all the Burmese. And of course, all refugees are not rude or has not bad attitude even if they are not educated."

Thus, I think especially an office or department operating something for refugees should try to help American to remove their stereotypical minds about the Burmese refugees by doing social campaign. If that will be happened, refugees don't have to feel discrimination.