Conference on Hmong successful

Fresno television journalist Zoua Vang with members of the Hmong Students Asociation at the Hmong Welcome Forum. Vang explained the challenges facing newly arrived Hmong and detailed ways the university community  – employees, departments and students -- can be involved in making them part of the community and university landscape. 

By Kathy Garabed
Stone Soup Fresno, a Fresno State community partner

The Central Valley is home to one of the largest populations of Hmong outside Laos and Fresno State has taken a leadership role in determining that their destiny is on the road that leads to success, not to failure.

The university seized an opportunity to shine in its role of civic engagement by convening a conference on Sept. 7 entitled “Living Well In America: The University’s role in Hmong refugee Resettlement.” The university is creating campuswide welcome that provides acceptance and support to the new families and directs them toward the road to success. Some of the many campuswide initiatives include: preparing a Welcome Wagon package of interactions with the university, sponsoring monthly Welcome to America events and adoption of individual families. Fresno State’s Hmong Student Association, whose members are outstanding role models for the newcomers, is taking on the task of interpreters and guides and bridging the university with the newcomers.

Fresno will soon be home to 3,000 Hmong who were left behind during initial resettlement. These families come with great need but their greatest need and best chance for a successful acculturation is to feel that the wider community welcomes them and wants them to be here. Being accepted lays the foundation of good mental and emotional health and clears the path for the new learning needed for successful acculturation.