Troubling findings from a report compiled by South Asian Youth Action or SAYA show that 55 percent of New York City’s South Asian American youth live in poverty.
According to the story in the Daily News, that’s even higher than the equally troubling city wide average of 51 percent.
South Asian American youth are typically from an immigrant family whose parents struggle to survive in low paying jobs. The students are also at high risk of bullying and often run into trouble navigating the educational system.
The key to pulling South Asian youth out of this cycle may be the education system.
“Schools are going to play a critical role in the success of low-income South Asian youth,” said Udai Tambar of SAYA. “Parents need support in learning how to navigate the school system here.”