Let the little children come: A summer of hope for Burmese refugee children

VALLEY FORGE, PA (06/20/2025)—Summer vacation time is difficult for Burmese children living in Indianapolis. Due to financial constraints, many of them cannot participate in camps, summer schools, or other traditional programs in the area. Disconnection from peer groups and support systems means that they often struggle with keeping their English and math skills active.

That’s where Hope Summer School organized by Hope for Tomorrow steps in. Founded in 2017 by Chin refugee Justin Thang in the south side of Indianapolis, the nonprofit builds bridges between the Burmese, Chin, and American communities through education and service. It provides a variety of programs for the Burmese community, including after-school programs for children, U.S. citizenship and English language classes, as well as application assistance.

Provided to students in first through eighth grade, Hope Summer School offers structured activities, including English, math, and Bible study, to make the summer break an enjoyable and enriching experience for the children. The partnership with 4H (Head, Heart, Hands, and Health), a national youth development program administered in Indiana by Purdue Extension, an outreach arm of Purdue University, helps expand learning beyond the classroom, fostering leadership skills, literacy development, and community engagement.

In the last eight years, Hope for Tomorrow has had approximately 2,500 students participate in their programs. They also served around 2,000 adults through their citizenship and ESL classes. Over 300 adults have received their citizenship after taking their classes.

“We believe that Christian love has the power to heal and fulfill the needs of our neighbor,” said Thang, executive director of Hope for Tomorrow. “We prioritize students from our community who need help the most and new refugees.”

One participant, seven-year-old Naw Eh, came to Indianapolis just months earlier with her family through the Welcome Corps refugee program. Shy and quiet, she struggled to speak up in her regular classroom. But at Hope Summer School, surrounded by teachers who shared her culture and faith, Naw Eh began to blossom. She proudly read aloud from a beginner English reader by the third week. On the final day of the program, she stood in front of her classmates and recited a Psalm she had memorized.

With the support from ABHMS and others, Hope for Tomorrow has been able to expand the program in 2025 to reach more children like Naw Eh; those who are not just learning a new language, but building new lives in the United States. They have been able to hire two experienced teachers and invite more volunteers, increasing the school’s capacity.

“It is a blessing and an honor to be recognized as one of Hope for Tomorrow’s partners in this important work that they do for the Burma diaspora in Indianapolis and beyond,” said Rev. Michele Turek, ABHMS’ national coordinator for Asian Ministries. On June 10, 2025, ABHMS was announced as one of the recipients for Hope for Tomorrow's Hope Partner Award.

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs” (Matthew 19:14). At Hope Summer School, these words really come to life. To support Naw Eh and other children like her, please consider donating to ABHMS through our convenient online donor portal.

By Rev. Dr. Anna Piela, ABHMS senior writer and associate editor of The Christian Citizen