radz at han is a project that aims to provide a public space for the Hmong community in Laos. The project will be a museum and space that can be used for cultural learning, growth, and preservation.
The idea is to preserve Hmong culture in Laos by providing public space that can be used for cultural learning, growth, and preservation.
Over the past 20 years, over 1.4 million Hmong have migrated to neighboring countries because of conflicts between the Lao government and Hmong rebels.
As a result, the culture of Laos has been significantly eroded. The borders have closed and tens of thousands seek refuge in nearby countries.
The Hmong community in Laos is dispersed because of family separation due to long periods of time spent away from each other during migration, as well as changing social status.
This means that there are small numbers of children who are growing up without families to support them, or older people who are alone because their family members are living elsewhere.
Facts about radz at han :
1.The project is presently located in Han Village.
This village is 5 kilometers east of Xieng Khouang province. The area is home to the Hmong communities in Xieng Khouang.
The village covers an area of about 2 kilometer square. It is surrounded by the mountains and situated at an elevation of 850 meters above sea level.
2.The community has around 20 households .
In that each family is doing its best to cope with social, economic, and health conditions resulting from large-scale migration.
The community estimates that there are around 100 people living in the area (2012).
3.The community is growing rapidly .
Many children are growing up without families to support them.
The community is growing rapidly, with many young people searching for better education opportunities outside the community.
4.Migration has broken down family ties.
During the 20-year period of militarization in Laos, Hmong leaders have sought to protect their villages and only allow their children to travel with them when moved to another village or province under different leadership.
Hmong refugees who migrate do so because of high unemployment, family violence, poverty and poor living conditions in Laos.
Families may separate when they move to host countries because they cannot afford housing in an area where there are no Hmong households present.
5.The Hmong community is dispersed .
Hmong refugees who migrate do so because of high unemployment, family violence, poverty and poor living conditions in Laos.
Families may separate when they move to host countries because they cannot afford housing in an area where there are no Hmong households present.
6.The elders’ cultural knowledge is preserved through the project .
Members of the community have helped preserve Hmong culture through a number of activities.
Elderly members of the community have produced a theater play that was played on a local television station and during a cultural fair organized by the University of Laos in 2011.
7.The project is currently in the process of furthering the establishment of an outdoor museum .
The outdoor museum will provide space for public use and exhibition space to preserve Hmong’s cultural identity in Laos by encouraging young people to learn more about their heritage.
The museum will be a place for elders with a great knowledge of Hmong culture to share their knowledge with young people in the community.
8.Radz at Han is run by a group of young volunteers.
This suggestion was made following a brainstorming session when visiting with members of the community in 2011, hearing that young people wanted a place to use for recreational activity.
9.The project will not interfere with government programs for cultural preservation .
Radz at Han will not interfere with government programs for cultural preservation by providing space that is independent of the government.
These programs are limited in both usage and scope, thereby limiting the use of these spaces by Hmong migrants who wish to preserve their culture.
10.Community involvement is important .
It is important to involve local people in the process of preserving Hmong culture by creating a space for learning and community use where they can contribute at an early stage through their knowledge.
This will happen through long-term relationships between volunteers working on the project and others within the community.
11.The project is supported by the Lao government.
Radz at Han is not supported or sanctioned by the Lao government, but it has been suggested that the project would be well received by those in power if it achieves its goals and provides a public space where cultural knowledge and identity can be preserved.
12.The project relies on community engagement .
A key part of this project is to develop projects that will enhance Hmong cultural identity, or potentially provide opportunities for young people, or elders to engage with young people within the community.
