Hmong Language Camp in Brooklyn Park Strives to Preserve Culture

A Brooklyn Park summer day camp is focused on preserving the Hmong language and culture.

iStrive Hmong Summer Camp began 19 years ago at Concordia University but has since moved to North Hennepin Community College in Brooklyn Park to serve the growing Hmong population.

Students ranging in age from four to eighteen are learning the Hmong language and discussing topics that aren’t usually discussed in typical classrooms.

Program facilitators say the 10-day camp is critical to preserve one’s mother tongue and connect with family members.

“Not being able to communicate in the language of your parents, in the language of your elders, is a missing gap in your own identity puzzle and language is so important in relationship building with anybody,” said program facilitator Pang Yang.

There are 250 students currently enrolled in the program. To learn more, visit the MN Zej Zog Facebook page.

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