Language and education

As a small community, Karen people understand the importance of maintaining their language and literacy. Many Karen elders have found it very difficult to learn English, while young people learn it quickly, and for many of them English has become their main language.

Keeping our culture and language alive strengthens our children's identity. Children benefit from learning to value their roots and culture, and from being encouraged to embrace what makes them different while taking pride in their Karen identity.

AKO encourages parents to teach their children Karen. Karen language classes have been held during the summer holidays, and AKO committees are working to hold them every week. During the year, teachers would volunteer from the community to make this change possible.