Education

Smoothing the way for parents and children with our programs, we see Hmong families sorting through the mysteries of American education with powerful results: kids reading on grade level, receiving scholarships, earning degrees, parents understanding and supporting, people finding themselves happy in life and contributing to their communities.

The traditional beliefs of the Hmong are a dramatic departure from the ideologies of Western education. Hmong parents allow formal teachers to take on the full role, while they remain separated from the educational development of their own children. But the demand for hard work is the same. Transplanted with traditional beliefs in an American system, Hmong children are subject to high expectations with little support. Because traditional parents believe they can’t begin learning until age seven, these youngsters often begin far behind the curve. Without preschool and parental support, and with a multitude of cultural challenges, it is all the more miraculous to see these children succeeding.

With Stone Soup Fresno programs, Hmong families are embracing education as the road to success:

Early Childhood Education

A jump-start to success. We are connecting the curious nature of kids with a colorful world of possibilities. Play group, preschool (56k video or 300k video), culture camp. Even four-year-olds are navigating computers and beginning to grasp scientific principles. Phonics are a big boost for limited literacy families, providing language development so children fit in more comfortably and see the many windows of opportunity open to them in our community.

Educational Enrichment

Maintaining the momentum. Sustaining with social and emotional support. Our programs range from after-school to Saturdays and summers. What began as an alternative to vulnerable youth has become so much more, with overwhelming participation. Friendships among children and volunteer mentors are extending decades into adulthood.

Parent Education

Preparing partners. Overcoming the impression that youngsters aren’t ready to learn. If parents cannot be their child’s first teacher, we encourage them to bring their children to programs where they can learn. We are nurturing the role of parents as partner for academic careers that foster great promise.

Leadership Equipping a new generation of parents. We are creating a positive cycle for life, work, leadership and scholarship. Filling in gaps of day-to-day details. Customs, courtesies, responsibilities. The stuff of which success is made.

Cultural Competency

Closing the circle: Training the outside world to issues of inclusive community. We are a welcome resource to the professional community. Expanding cultural knowledge and know-how among organizations and businesses.