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Erroll (57), Sarah (35), Mo (14), Christian (13) and Peter (9) arrived in Portland on Tuesday, March 4th. Prior to moving to the US, Errol had 10 years of schooling and spent 15 years as a medical supply technician in the resistance forces battling the Burmese government. Sarah has had 5 years of schooling and worked 3 years as a midwife (two of which were in the refuge camps). They both spent 20 years as internally displaced persons, living in the forests and in the streets. Their children grew up in these conditions. Prior to arriving in the US they spent two years in a refugee camp where Errol was the head of security. When the family arrived in Portland, our Sangha assisted the family in getting to their required social service appointments (thank you to those who helped with their transportation.) During this time, they received medical exams, social security cards and food stamps. They received information about ESL classes and the children were tested to determine the best way to transition into the public school system. Both Errol and Sarah received training on how to use the bus system and attended their first employment support meeting. Currently the two older children are enrolled in a summer program in ESL at Marshall High school. Olga (from SOAR) is looking for a similar opportunity for Peter the youngest child. Olga credits the family structure and good parenting with the achievements in education of all the children. Soe's Family Profile Pictures
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