Connecting Cultures’ corner
“CONNECTING CULTURES’ CORNER,” a monthly newsletter supplement!
An increasing number of individuals who are victimized by torture in their homelands are currently re-settling their lives in Vermont and the greater New England area. The impact of such torture can be far-reaching, not only affecting individuals who have directly experienced trauma but extended families and communities within which these individuals exist. Failing to adequately address these issues can lead to re-traumatization, poverty, discrimination, and unsuccessful reintegration.
Connecting Cultures is a direct partnership between psychological and social work services (Vermont Psychological Services), legal services (Vermont Asylum Assistance Project), physical therapy services (DeePT), and the University of Vermont. Our goal is to provide survivors of “torture” as defined by the T.V.P.A. with holistic, integrated, and effective services in a culturally relevant, client-centered context.
Every month, VAAP will publish this Connecting Cultures’ Corner supplement to its monthly newsletter, sharing highlights from our treasured partners! Learn more at https://www.connectingculturesvt.org/.
Useful ResourceS
This month we highlight Fentanyl Education Resources Available in 12 Languages. The nonprofit Addiction Policy Forum explains the risks of fentanyl exposure and outlines steps communities and families can take to prevent overdose. The evidence-based resources are available in 12 languages to ensure all communities have access to the information.
This month we also highlight the importance of taking care of ourselves and preventing vicarious trauma and burnout. Check out this free resource on Humanitarian Wellness from Insight Collaborative here.
Expand Your Knowledge: The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
Language spoken: DRC is one of the most linguistically diverse countries in the world, with over 200 languages spoken in the country. While French is the official language and widely used in education and government, there are four national languages: Kikongo (Kituba), Lingala, Swahili, and Tshiluba.
Greeting: "Hello" in Lingala is "losáko."
Geographic info: The DRC is in the center of Africa, straddling the equator. The DRC is the largest country in sub-Saharan Africa and the second largest on the continent (Algeria is the largest).
Population: The population size in the DRC is 110,033,739.
Life expectancy: Life expectancy is 62 years old.
Religious composition: The State department estimates that about 1.5% of the DRC population is Muslim and about 96% (95.8%) Christian.
Congolese in Vermont: Congolese Community of Vermont (CCVT) is an association of Congolese and Congolese Americans originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo living in Vermont, mostly in Chittenden County, with a high number in Burlington, Winooski, Colchester, and surrounding municipalities. In July 2021, over 200 Congolese adults attended the CCVT General Assembly.
Overview of conflict in DRC: Armed attacks and clashes are the primary cause of displacement within the DRC, with over 80% of displacements resulting from these conflicts. In 2023, nearly one million people were displaced due to a surge in attacks on civilians by non-state armed groups. The DRC faces a lack of access to basic services, including education and health. The DRC has seen an increase in human rights violations, including widespread gender-based violence. The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that at least 25,000 children work in the DRC's cobalt mines which is used by many Western-based software manufacturing companies.
Refugee statistics and conflict: The DRC is home to over 529,000 refugees and asylum-seekers and there are around 5.6 million people internally displaced in the DRC, with over 4 million in the eastern provinces. From 2008–2019, it is estimated over 65,500 Congolese refugees arrived in the United States.
Difference between the Republic of Congo and Democratic Republic of Congo: Name: The name Congo comes from the Bakongo kingdom where a Bantu tribe lived near the Congo Rriver in the 14th and 15th centuries. European colonialists carved up the kingdom based on the Congo River basin during the late 19th century which is why there is the Republic of Congo and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Both countries were colonized for their resources, and both experienced atrocities during this time. Both countries gained independence in the 1960s.
Congolese music hosted by Dr. Jules Wetchi: Click here to explore Congolese music with host Dr. Jules Wetchi, a parishioner of St. Joseph Cathedral in Burlington who emigrated from Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2013, is on the air with the African Variety Shows he created on Big Heavy World Radio (105.9). The purpose of the show, which airs Wednesdays at noon in French, is to inform African Vermonters about news and important health information, while also celebrating and creating space for African culture in Burlington by sharing African music.
Upcoming Events by other vt organizations
All who are interested in learning more about Palestinian liberation and intersecting struggles/causes, as well as what the struggle for liberation looks like in Vermont. This is a space both for seasoned organizers and for those new to the cause, for strategizing, learning from each other, and deepening collective work. Thanks to the People’s Kitchen, the conference will provide a Halal lunch including vegan options for all attending. The organizers encourage everyone who can to donate to the People’s Kitchen to support their work.
Event: Vermont Palestine Conference
Date: Saturday, October 19, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Location: 20 Allen Street
Price: Free
Registration link here.
Get ready for an inspiring and impactful day on October 30, 2024! Join NAMI Vermont members, dynamic speakers, passionate advocates, supportive peers, dedicated family members, and engaged community members at the Killington Grand Resort in Killington, Vermont, for an unforgettable experience.
Event: NAMI Vermont 2024 Conference: Together for Mental Health
Date: October 30, 2024
Time: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Location: Killington Grand Resort Hotel and Conference Center, 228 East Mountain Road, Killington, Vermont
Price: Varies
Register here.
Social Work Spotlight: Rosalie Wright-Lapin
Areas of Interest: Trauma-informed social work; mind/body therapy; holistic case management; working across cultures and languages.
Rosalie’s thoughts on working with Connecting cultures: I have been with Connecting Cultures in various roles since 2019. I am fortunate to have learned a tremendous amount about working with refugees, asylum seekers and immigrants throughout my time here. I have had the opportunity to work as a case manager, therapist and supervisor at Connecting Cultures, and appreciate how truly interdisciplinary the clinic is. Each role has allowed me to grow and learn as a clinician and as a human. The work is constantly evolving, which keeps me engaged and focused on always improving as a provider and staying up to date on best practices. I have found Connecting Cultures and our close partners AALV to be some of the most supportive organizations I have ever worked for.
Favorite book/artist/movie/inspirational quote: "If you have come here to help me you are wasting your time, but if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together." ~ Lilla Watson
