Supporting Third-Culture Children in Minneapolis
Welcome to The Urban Village, a transformative space that Jesse Phenown discussed on a recent podcast. This remarkable community hub addresses a pressing issue faced by Knyaw and Karenni youth—an increasing disconnect from their heritage and identity. The Urban Village serves as a haven for these individuals, offering programs that foster connection, healing, and personal growth. By embracing their unique mission, The Urban Village empowers young people to reclaim their cultural identity, navigate the challenges of a dual heritage, and pursue their dreams with unwavering support.
“Resettlement is not always a smooth process; it can be deeply traumatic! We try to create space to unpack some of those wounds and safely embark on a journey of healing.”
“What we've since grown into is really understanding that our unique work within the community is in this this emerging generation. We're hearing from [Knyaw and Karenni] elders a genuine fear around a growing disconnect between them and their kids. And I think a lot of that stems from the realities of what’s more commonly described as being a ‘third culture kid.’ You know, growing up having parents who are fully Knyaw speaking, who dress and act and eat fully, like they did back in the refugee camp or back in Kawthoolei. And then you're in their home, and you're experiencing that as a child. But you're going to school, and you're experiencing broader American culture. I think that kids end up with confusion around, ‘I don't feel quite Knyaw or Karenni enough, but I don't feel quite ‘American’ enough… whatever that means. I think then they find themselves in this third space of bouncing in between.
We've seen how that leads to some deep feelings of disenfranchisement, and not being understood, really by anybody! So, we've taken it upon ourselves here at The Urban Village to be a space for those kids. Our mission is to accompany these youth as they ‘connect, heal, and launch.’ Our hope is that that connection really starts with a connection to themselves, a connection to their identity, whatever they come to believe that to be, but that they feel a sense of connection. Hosting our programs in The Urban Village actually provides a really cool opportunity for young kiddos who maybe weren't even born here in the US or don't remember their time in Thailand or Myanmar. They look around and they see art that depicts a Knyaw village, and they're curious. They get to learn about what everyday life is like in that village just by viewing that painting. It offers an opportunity for connection to oneself more deeply. That's a big part of what we do.
We host a summer camp that focuses on exploring the concept of identity, intersection and identity. We've called that ‘Knyaw Camp.’ We're really excited about our second year of that coming up next summer. And then, we do a variety of different programs that are oriented towards healing. A lot of the Knyaw and Karenni youth have experienced some traumas, even secondary trauma from their parents. Resettlement is not always a smooth process; it can be deeply traumatic! And so we try to create space to unpack some of those wounds and safely embark on a journey of healing, and doing that around and with people who can relate and understand.
Those two lead up to our last missional pillar, which is ‘launch.’ We believe that a more connected youth, one who is on a journey of healing, is prepared for a more robust launch. For us, that looks like just being good listeners at The Urban Village and hearing, ‘Okay, where do you want to go? What are your dreams? What do you want to do with your life?’ Providing support to get there. We have some after school programs; we have a scholarship program; we have a fiscal sponsorship program. Ultimately, and generally, to be a part of dreams of young people in this community.”