2005 National Conference

25th Annual National Association for the Education and Advancement of Cambodian, Laotian, and Vietnamese Americans (NAFEA) Conference

“30 Years of Transformation: Understanding the Needs of Southeast Asian Americans and Refugees”

April 21 – 23, 2005
Seattle, Washington

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Understand the Needs of Southeast Asian Americans

As the 30th anniversary of the first wave of Southeast Asian Refugees in the United States, this year’s conference theme of “30 Years of Transformation: Understanding the needs of SE Asian Americans and Refugees.” will address issues, challenges and opportunities facing Southeast Asian Americans today. The conference focuses on providing the necessary training and information to those whose leadership will influence policy makers, educators, and service providers working with the Southeast Asian population.

Conference Overview

Vietnamese, Cambodian, Lao and Hmong are among the special population served by refugee organizations across the states. Within these language groups are students whose challenges are both linguistic and academic and whose parents are not actively involved in the education of their children. Especially troublesome are the economic, social, and political contexts that make difficult our attempts to address differences and oppressions in schools and society. The 25th Annual Association for the Education and Advancement of Cambodian, Laotian, and Vietnamese Americans Conference on understanding the needs of Southeast Asians will offer rare opportunities to exchange ideas, develop resources, build networks, and explore possibilities for new directions in preparation to bridge the connection with a diverse group of educators, parents, students, and social workers who share commitments and priorities.

This conference will offer strands on Education, Community Development, Social & Cultural Issues that are critical to supporting both the learning environments and parental and community involvement. Not only will this conference focus on Southeast Asian Americans, but will also offer strands for service providers to understand the needs of all refugee populations. Participants will hear from parents and students regarding barriers they face within the community/school to reach their full potential and to reap full economic and social benefits.

Conference Highlights

• Cross-Cultural Exchange
• United States Department of Education Updates
• Preparing Educators to Address Homophobia and Heterosexism in Schools
• Refugee Updates