Vermont's Independent Voice
Browse News
Browse Arts + Life
Browse Food + Drink
Browse Cannabis
Browse Music
Browse On Screen
Browse Events
Browse Classifieds
Browse Personals
Published July 2, 2019 at 10:00 a.m.
On June 19, 22 Burlington parents, many clad in colorful garb that reflected their cultural backgrounds, crossed the stage of the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts in Burlington to accept certificates that declare them graduates of Parent University.
The innovative program, which serves primarily New American families, was created in 2015 by Ali Dieng, a Burlington city councilor and the Burlington School District's family outreach coordinator. It aims to engage parents with their children and the community by providing workshops and classes that teach skills, including navigating the school system, using the internet, applying for a job, and budgeting.
The latest session took place after school five days a week for 11 weeks and focused on substance-abuse prevention. With the help of community partners like the Burlington Police Department, Turning Point Center of Chittenden County and the Vermont Department of Health, the group discussed topics like marijuana legalization, how prescription medication can lead to addiction and secondhand smoke.
The graduation ceremony — featuring performances by Jeh Kulu and the Bhutanese Nepali Cultural Heritage Dance Group and a menu including samosas, dumplings and Ben & Jerry's ice cream — was meant "not only to celebrate the accomplishments of the parents, but to celebrate the diversity that we have here," said Dieng.
This article was originally published in Seven Days' monthly parenting magazine, Kids VT.
More By This Author
About The Author
Alison Novak
Bio:
Alison is the former managing editor at Kids VT, Seven Days' parenting publication and writes about education for Seven Days.
Alison is the former managing editor at Kids VT, Seven Days' parenting publication and writes about education for Seven Days.
Speaking of...
-
Burlington’s “Lost Mural” Is Restored to its Original Glory
Jun 22, 2022 -
First Bite: May Day Does Industry Night Right in Burlington’s ONE
Jun 21, 2022 -
Amtrak Train to Depart Burlington for First NYC Run on July 29
Jun 16, 2022 -
Burlington Is Storing Critical Computer Hardware in Decrepit Memorial Auditorium
Jun 15, 2022 -
Soundbites: Bobby Rush Got Raw; Juneteenth Music; Tim Bridge Peaces Out
Jun 15, 2022 - More »
Comments
Comments are closed.
Since 2014, Seven Days has allowed readers to comment on all stories posted on our website. While we’ve appreciated the suggestions and insights, the time has come to shut them down — at least temporarily.
While we champion free speech, facts are a matter of life and death during the coronavirus pandemic, and right now Seven Days is prioritizing the production of responsible journalism over moderating online debates between readers.
To criticize, correct or praise our reporting, please send us a letter to the editor. Or send us a tip. We’ll check it out and report the results.
Online comments may return when we have better tech tools for managing them. Thanks for reading.
