Girls' empowerment talk targets 'future success stories'

Ah Sei Ma is only in seventh grade, but the 14-year-old bilingual refugee wants to know which colleges to consider. Her mother and aunt have urged her to become a doctor.

"I want to fulfill their dreams and my dream to come together," she said, behind a pair of rhinestone-specked glasses. "And to help people out who need it."

On Thursday, the Oaklyn student heard an important message from Margaret Chin of the Asian American Women's Coalition: "You're going to be somebody someday. And if I can do it, you can do it."

Ma was among 40 girls and parents who gathered to hear Chin speak at a girls' empowerment workshop held at Catholic Charities' Camden office. Most of the families in attendance fled to Thailand to escape political unrest in Myanmar, and have received government assistance to help them settle in South Jersey.

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Camden has worked with area refugees since 1975, helping families and children adjust to American life, support their education and obtain jobs, said program director Kaitlyn Muller.

The nonprofit resettles about 100 clients each year, mostly arrivals from Myanmar and Iraq, as well as Pakistan, Cuba and eight other countries.

Last year, Catholic Charities received a grant to support refugee students enrolled in local school districts. About 28 refugee students attend Somerdale schools; 22 attend Oaklyn schools.

Thursday's program was the first girls' empowerment workshop; another workshop for boys will be held later this year.

"We want to see them climb that ladder that their parents dream for them," said Muller. "We want to inspire young girls now and young boys at another event ... to think of college and professions."

A retired Philadelphia school principal with a home in Voorhees, Chin arrived from China more than 40 years ago as a high school senior. She spoke to the crowd through a Burmese translator.

"I'm an immigrant girl," Chin said. "I know how you feel ... I didn't know anyone in this country when I came.

"You are the future success stories. You will be successful, too."

Her advice was simple: Be assertive and brave when speaking. Don't look down at the carpet, a sign of respect in their culture. Here, it's better to look into people's faces.

"You have to learn how to speak up and speak your mind," Chin said.

"Remember, you are the success story. You are in the country of opportunities."

While students struggle to assimilate, Chin advised them not to forget their native language, culture and customs. She encouraged parents to talk with their daughters and support their aspirations, while still maintaining discipline.

The message resonated with the parents.

Choi Ma of Oaklyn said she wants all six of her children to get a good education and become successful adults. With her daughter, Ah Sei, acting as translator, the 40-year-old said she and her husband want their kids to become "more than they became."

For the seventh-grader, that's the best encouragement.

"It makes me feel really good," she said, "because I know she's there for me, and they gave up their life for us to be someone better."

Reach Kim Mulford at (856) 486-2448 or kmulford@cpsj.com. Follow her on Twitter @CP_KimMulford