Community
Reflections on the Virginia Tech Tragedy
At Korean Women's Association of Washington
(KWA) Community Center
May 19th, 2007
The
Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs In collaboration with the
Office of the Governor held roundtable meeting for the Community Reflections
on the Virginia Tech Tragedy at the KWA (Korean
Women's Association of Washington) Community
Center in May 19th, 2007, 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. The Special Guests speakers
were: Deputy Chief of Staff, Governor Chris Gregiore's Office, Joyce
Turner, and Vice President Pro Tempore, Higher Education Committee Members
Chair, Senator Paull Shin. Senator Paull Shin and Deputy Chief of Staff
both expressed their condolences to the victims, their families and
friends who have lost loved ones. Senator Paull Shin addressed that
The Washington State is making an extra effort to bringing up the early
learning education K-12 & higher Education and working harder with
Medical, Psychological needs and mental illness support.
KWA
President Sandra Englund appreciated to the Senator Paull Shin, Deputy
Chief of Staff Joyce Turner, and Ellen Abellera, executive director
for the state’s Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs, Governor
Chris Gregoire for their support and making this event possible. She
mentioned that she sees positive reactions support from the communities,
the Washington State Governor, Senators, President, even from the Korean
President. KWA President, Sandra Englund expressed special thanks to
the United States of America that they are not dealing as one person's
nationality instead, they have warried Cho's illness and seeking for
better resolutions in order to prevent for others.
Kathy
Baros Fiedt Commission Chair for Human Rights Commission made special
comments that the children need parents care and educating them in order
to preventing the violation. KWA Board, Kyong Sook Said that we need
brothers and sisters program. KWA President Sandra Englund said that
we do have many programs like YMCA, Youth Group Program, and After school
program which many children can involve these programs to keep them
busy and for their education. In fact these programs may need more budget
to support.
It
reminded me that the American Montessori Society education for all children
which they are start from birth to 18 years based on the following concepts:
The aim of
Montessori education is to foster competent, resonsible, adaptive citizens
who are lifelong learners and problem solvers.
Ellen
Abellera, executive director for the state’s Commission on Asian Pacific
American Affair mentioned that South Korea President Roh Moo-hyun expressed
his deepest condolences and addressed to participate in a 32-day fast,
one day for each victim.
In
Washington State, Governor Chris Gregoire
ordered to
all state agencies lowering of the Washington
State and United States Flags until the morning of Monday, April 23,
2007, in memory of the victims of the Virginia Tech tragedy.
Korean
American Communities in Washington State, outpouring of support from
the community leaders from Korean American Tacoma, Seattle, KWA, include
Korean American Coalition for and many others for victims at Virginia
Tech.
The
community and business leaders would like to see the school safety rules
apply however it
is continue to proceeding the
Gun-Free Schools Act the control and supervision of the local educational
agency for the purpose of student activities approved and authorized
by the local educational agency.
Photos
and Reported by Sandra Englund, May 20th, 2007
References:
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