11/01/2009 08:53:03 http://www.sewausa.org/bhutanese-refugee-empowerment-project
Population in Bhutan mainly consists of two communities 
Drukpas
and Lhotshampas. In 1985 conflict between these two communities
resulted in a mass exodus of Lhotshampas to Nepal. Since then till 1994
more than hundred thousand Lhotshampas took refuge in UN camps in Nepal
living in very poor condition.
In 2008 Bhutanese refugees began arriving in the United States, what
UN describes as one of the world’s largest resettlement efforts. United
States will be resettling 60,000 Bhutanese refugees. These refugees are
in dire need of financial & material need. They also require
emotional help to make the transition in this new land.
These refugees are poor families who can’t afford to buy essential
material such as clothes and toys for children or furniture. Many have
no jobs or are students and have no income. Though VOLAGs, resettlement
agencies have been providing support including accommodation, food 
stamps,Medicaid and job search for a period of three to seven months, it is not adequate.
Though many of the refugees are educated and can speak English, they
are little exposed to western culture. Many of them have remained
unemployed. Since, the government agencies will not be able to help
them for long; there is a strong need to make them employed, so that
they can support their families and themselves.
Sewa International USA has taken up a nationwide project to help
these refugees. Currently Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Cleveland &
Sacramento chapters are working to fulfill the needs of these refugees.
Sewa International USA is providing:
- Financial help
- Essential material such as blankets, winter jackets, clothes, furniture etc.
- English and driving lessons
- Job training
- Help in transitioning to new environment
We welcome any Bhutanese refugee who need help to contact us by
email provided below. We also urge our donors to donate towards this
project.
For more information email to info@sewausa.org.
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