Kapwa at VCU

Members Benefits

The objective of Kapwa at VCU is to empower youth to create social change and intentionally address the concerns of the Filipino/x immigrant community. From artists and musicians to educators, farmers, and healthcare workers, Filipinos play significant roles in American society. Yet, far too often, Filipinos are excluded and underrepresented in school curricula and popular media. Without spaces to address the distinct experiences that Filipino immigrants and their families face, this has led to years of silence, intergenerational trauma, and unmet health and welfare needs. Kapwa aims to finally provide that space for youth to acknowledge, discuss, and critically analyze the experiences they, their families, and communities face as Filipino Americans and how it connects to broader trends in Filipino and Filipino American history. By doing this analysis, we aim to identify root causes of issues faced by the Filipino immigrant community and what can be done in order to avoid repeating past mistakes. On top of learning history, youth will also explore the ways that professionals in the past and present use their skills and talents to create initiatives that empower and address the distinct needs of the Filipino community. Youth will access the necessary tools to use their own passions to do the same. Along the way, Kapwa aims to provide a meaningful, safe space for youth to gain the support they need to start to heal and feel proud and empowered in their Filipino/Filipino American identity.