Orphan Boy the Farmer: Hmong Agricultural Safety Book and Guidelines

Michele A. Schermann, Research Fellow
John Shutske, Professor and Extension Agricultural Safety and Health Specialist
Cha Yang, Writer
Kao Lee Thao, Illustrator
Xai Xiong, Graphic Designer

Objective

Publish, promote and evaluate of a book containing original artwork and injury prevention guidelines for Hmong children communicated through folktales developed during a CDC-funded research project.

Need or Impact

This project originated from the development of research-based child safety guidelines for Hmong farming families. One outcome of that work was that Hmong parents are accustomed to learning through traditional folktales that include well-known Hmong characters. This publication was developed as a vehicle for disseminating our newly created, folktale based guidelines.

Status

Complete. The book and guidelines were evaluated through work described in the research section of this annual report. As of December 2005, 340 books have been sold or distributed. Although this project is complete, promotion of the book in the Hmong farming and gardening community continues. Stories are being read on Hmong radio along with discussion of agricultural safety and health topics.