The Sustainable Impact Makers International (SIMI) has strongly condemned the killing of 15-year-old Ghanaian student Javits Frimpong. In a statement, SIMI's Founder and President, Dr. Evelyn Botwe, expressed deep concern over the loss, highlighting the organization's work with immigrant and Ghanaian communities. The organization emphasizes that safety, belonging, and emotional wellbeing are crucial to health. Dr. Botwe also shared a personal experience of being a young immigrant with hopes and potential.
Dr. Botwe recounted a traumatic experience from her past, where her 13-year-old brother was threatened with a knife and had his money taken. She noted that such experiences have a lasting impact on families long after the immediate danger has passed. The organization urges the Ghanaian community to channel their anger into seeking answers to critical questions. These questions include who takes responsibility for ensuring a child's safety when they report bullying or threats.
SIMI is calling for the development of an Immigrant Student Safety and Belonging Action Plan in collaboration with African and other immigrant youth, parents, schools, and community organizations. The plan aims to address the safety concerns of immigrant students. Dr. Botwe emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to ensure students' safety and wellbeing. The organization believes that this plan can help prevent similar incidents in the future.
The proposed action plan includes several key recommendations. These recommendations include documented safety plans when a student reports credible threats or repeated bullying, with a named staff contact and prompt follow-up. The plan also suggests accessible family communication, funded prevention and healing, and independent review and public accountability. Additionally, the plan calls for youth and immigrant representation in implementation and evaluation.
SIMI has also made requests to various city and diplomatic offices. The organization has asked Ghana's Embassy and Consulate General in New York to designate a family liaison and provide bereavement and practical assistance to the family. SIMI has also requested that the Office of the Mayor review how previously reported concerns were handled and provide funding for culturally responsive counselling and community partnerships.
Furthermore, SIMI has called on the Office of the Public Advocate to co-sign the call and help ensure the community is heard. The organization has also asked the Borough President to convene a community meeting with Ghanaian youth and families within 30 days. These requests aim to ensure that the necessary support and actions are taken to address the safety concerns of immigrant students.
The killing of Javits Frimpong has sparked outrage and concern within the Ghanaian community. SIMI's call for an Immigrant Student Safety and Belonging Action Plan is a response to this incident. The organization's efforts aim to prevent similar incidents in the future and ensure that immigrant students feel safe and supported in their communities.
Key points
- SIMI calls for an Immigrant Student Safety and Belonging Action Plan to address safety concerns of immigrant students.
- The organization requests that city and diplomatic offices provide support and take action to address the safety concerns of immigrant students.
- The proposed action plan includes recommendations for documented safety plans, accessible family communication, and funded prevention and healing.
