Karenni Youth Program
The Karenni Youth Program (KnYP) is a small nonprofit organization led by seven young adults who are first-generation immigrants and students. The program strives to provide resources and opportunities for Karenni youth and other immigrant youth in the community, in the hope of advocating for the youth through educational, professional, and personal development opportunities that empower them to thrive in their communities.
Community Driven
Our Story
The story of the Karenni community is one of resilience, strength, and hope. For decades, the Karenni people in Myanmar (Burma) have faced civil conflict and ethnic persecution, forcing many to flee their homeland in search of safety. Families left everything behind to rebuild their lives in refugee camps along the Thai-Myanmar border, where many of today’s Karenni youth were born and raised before resettling in the United States.
Arriving in the U.S. brought new opportunities as well as new challenges. Learning a new language, adapting to unfamiliar systems, and navigating the pressure to assimilate while preserving cultural identity has not been easy. Yet through these experiences, the Karenni community has remained strong and united.
In Indianapolis, Karenni youth are finding strength in their roots. Embracing our heritage through language, traditional practices, community events, and stories passed down by elders helps us stay grounded while building a future in a new home. Our culture gives us pride, connection, and a sense of belonging that extends beyond borders. This is why our organization exists: to honor our past, support our present, and build a brighter future. Through collective action, we strive to uplift Karenni youth and families, strengthen community bonds, and ensure our story continues for generations to come.
Our Foundation
Our Mission
To empower Karenni youth in Indianapolis by providing culturally responsive programs that support mental health, promote educational and professional growth, and foster a strong sense of identity and belonging. We strive to bridge the gap between cultures and create a supportive community for future generations of Karenni Americans.
Our Vision
A thriving community where Karenni youth are confident, connected, and equipped to lead—embracing their heritage while navigating new opportunities, and building a future grounded in both cultural pride and personal success.
Our Uniqueness
There is a large population of Karenni immigrants in Indianapolis, but there are no resource centers or youth programs that cater to the needs of Karenni youths. Some of the needs in the community include, but are not limited to, mental health advocacy, college readiness, exploration of career pathways, and a sense of belonging in the Karenni community and elsewhere. We recognized these needs while growing up as Karenni Americans who had to pave the way for others to come. As teenagers, we grappled with embracing American cultures while also preserving our own Karenni culture. The duality of these two distinctly different cultures can sometimes leave us lonely and misunderstood. As a youth program, we strive to provide a community that focuses on personal development through events and activities that bring us closer to each other and our culture, as well as our community.
Projects
We hosted a Community Car Wash at First Baptist Church, offering free car washes while accepting donations in support of our youth programs. Our dedicated youth volunteers took the lead washing cars and promoting the event with signs around the church property. Thanks to the incredible community turnout and generosity, the event was a great success, raising over $500 to support future youth initiatives
Community Car Wash Fundraiser
In 2025 winter, KnYP hosted a bake sale fundraiser to support Karenni youth, and it was a huge success. We are grateful for the support, lessons learned, and the opportunity to grow as a community through both the challenges and wins.
December Bake Sale
This year, KnYP hosted its futsal tournament to bring the community together through sport and teamwork. The event was a huge success, with two teams taking home the championship, and we are grateful for the support, lessons learned, and growth from both the challenges and victories.
Futsal Tournament
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