Winnebago Area Literacy Council’s Executive Director Dr. Chu May Paing was a guest on local podcast, THE KOSH. In conversation with host Timber Smith, they discussed a range of topics from Dr. Chu’s personal journey to the work and mission of WALC. See the full description of the podcast and how to listen below.
“This episode features an insightful interview with Dr. Chu May Paing, a cultural anthropologist and the Executive Director of the Winnebago Area Literacy Council (WALC). Dr. Chu discusses her personal history as a first-generation immigrant from Myanmar and emphasizes WALC’s vital mission in serving the Fox Cities region’s substantial refugee and immigrant population with critical resources like English and citizenship classes. A key thematic focus centers on the need to expand educational understanding beyond traditional methods to embrace concepts like digital literacy and civic literacy to better navigate modern society. Throughout the discussion, Dr. Chu stresses the emotional toll and bureaucratic complexity of the legal immigration process, urging listeners to approach all newcomers with genuine empathy and welcoming spirit by attending community events like the Immigration Learning Circles.”