The Badger Rock Center (BRC), a project of Center for Resilient Cities (CRC), was awarded a $20,000 grant from the Jane Perego Fund, a component of the Madison Community Foundation. The funds will be used to support the Hmong Language and Culture Enrichment Program, a year-round program offered at the Center.
Now in its fourth year, the Hmong Language and Culture Enrichment Program (HLCEP) is the first of only two programs in the nation concentrating efforts on increasing Hmong language proficiency and appreciation for Hmong culture. Designed to keep the Hmong language and culture relevant in today’s world, the program provides participants a historical look at what it means to be Hmong. The program runs throughout the school year and culminates in a 6-week summer immersion program concluding with a completion ceremony comprised of skits, songs, awards,and food highlighting the Hmong experience.
Badger Rock Center is a project of Center for Resilient Centers. Located at 501 E. Badger Road on Madison’s South Side, it is a groundbreaking, energy-efficient facility that houses the Badger Rock Neighborhood Center, Badger Rock Middle School, a public charter school focusing on cultural and environmental sustainability, urban agriculture, and community-based learning and the Madison farm operations of Growing Power, Will Allen’s nationally renowned nonprofit organization that provides equal access to healthy, high-quality, safe and affordable food for people in all communities.
The annual Hmong Gala, a fundraiser to support HLCEP, will be held on Saturday, April 30, 5-8 p.m. at Badger Rock Center, 501 E. Badger Rd in Madison. The Gala includes a cultural meal, Hmong performances and an opportunity to learn more about HLCEP. More information and registration is available here.
HLCEP was established to provide linguistic and cultural learning that would enhance success in academia and mainstream society for Hmong students. On average, elementary student participants increased their knowledge of reading and writing in Hmong from 23% on their pretest to 67 percent on their post test,an increase of 44 percent. Middle school students increased their knowledge from 42% on their pretest to 88% on their post test, an increase of 46%. Increasing the students’ knowledge of their language, culture, and history increases the students’self-esteem, pride, and self-confidence resulting in a positive impact on their academic scores. Research shows that students who are conversant in their native language and culture score higher in academia.
Madison Community Foundation (MCF) uses its local knowledge and assets to inspire giving, support meaningful initiatives and connect people for the common good. MCF works to make the Greater Madison area a vibrant and generous place where people help each other thrive.
