Kwe Ka Lu

Kwe Ka Lu



Project Description
The Kwe Ka Lu is a Karen language newspaper which provides news and commentary help to give awareness to the Karen people.


Why is the Kwe Ka Lu Important?
Information for Action is one of the three major objectives for Burma Issues. Through different projects. BI works to provide information to different groups: the international community, the Thai community, etc. As BI works at the grassroots level, however, one of the most important target groups are ethnic people themselves who are involved directly with the struggle for a true peace in Burma.

Kwe Ka Lu (KKL) is the first ever Karen language newspaper designed to help give the Karen people of Burma an awareness of the situations that are affecting them, with the hope that they can use this information to develop strategies to rebuild their communities and regain the dignity and power which people everywhere deserve.

KKL was also formed with the dea that literature shapes thinking. One example is that ways of thinking between English speakers and non-English speakers are different. Based on the Karen founder of BI's international and local experience, he believes that the promotion of Karen literature will help develop their analytical thinking.

Finally, the KKL is a feiant and effective non-violent action against ethnic chauvinism which seeks to "burmanize" the KAren culture and language. While the Burmese government promotes the Burmese literature, ethnic literature is not allowed to be officially written in their own language. Language is a part of the most fundemental level of culture, retaining the Karen language and usage is essential to the preservation and development of Karen culture.
Aims