UNV Myanmar Newsletter Issue 1, May 2015
www.unv.org
1
UN VOLUNTEERS IN MYANMAR
UNV Myanmar Newsletter Issue 1, May 2015
Assignment Completed 2014/2015 Mr. Milan Dinda, UNDP Mr. Nikola Duvnjak, UNDP Mr. Emmanuel Kamwi, UNDP Ms. Anna J. Saxby, UNDP Mr. M. Abul Kalam, UNDP Mr. Simon Wicheng, UNDP Mr. Darko Petrovic, WFP 3 International UN Volunteers and 4 University Volunteers being recruited
UNV Field Unit Myanmar 2
UN Building. No 6, Natmauk Road, 11211 Yangon, Myanmar
www.unv.org
UNV Myanmar Newsletter Issue 1, May 2015
UNV “Say Ta Na Won Htan” for Myanmar!
M
ingalabar! Welcome to the first UN Volunteers yanmar Newsletter
Dear colleagues, friends and volunteers, It is a great pleasure for us to present this issue of the UNV Myanmar Newsletter, the first ever been published. This No. 1 is mainly aimed at (as could not be otherwise) illustrating the outstanding difference International UN Volunteers are contributing to make in the country in support of UN Agencies and Programmes. En passant, we also wanted to seize the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our dear partners during this, our first year of working together.
First Ever UNV Myanmar Retreat- Page 6
Meet Shunlei! Page 15
IVD 2014!!– page 12
News 2014/2015 VV: Social Cohesion VV: Sexual Reproductive Health
Basic Social Services
assigned to Nargis-post relief.
In 2012, following UNDP Country Programme’s roll-out, UNV experienced a much awaited rebirth with the fielding of 10 International UN Volunteers under UNDP.
8
The first UNV Field Unit was established in January 2014, manCCR/DRR
VV: Shaping Peace
A Bit of Background on UNV Myanmar UNV Programme started operations in Myanmar in 1991 Occasional fielding of UN Volunteers. 25 UN Volunteers in 2008 (13 National, 12 International)
4-6 7
We put a lot of time and effort in this first issue because we wanted it to be special, to be memorable. We hope you like it as much as we did designing it. A very special mention to our Youth UN Volunteer, Agnethe Ellingsen (Norway), and our Online Volunteer Nilima Malla (Nepal) that went above and beyond to make this publication possible. Thanks for your commitment and dedication. You are living proof of the volunteer spirit.
We all know from experience that beginnings are never easy. Even though the UNV Programme has been active in Myanmar since 1991 through the occasional fielding of volunteers, 2014 was the year when the Field Unit was finally established in Myanmar, under the auspices of the UNV Strategic Framework 2014-2017. Working within a complicated national context and with UNV Best, going through a transformation process, we have faced many challenges and The UNV Field Unit.
Programme Focus
Inside this issue
obstacles but, thanks to hard work and the support provided by UNDP colleagues and our Portfolio Team, we have managed to go a long way forward in this first year. Undoubtedly, new tests still lie ahead but we confront them with the confidence that only having the best team behind us could give.
9
aging + 20 International UN Volunteer assignments.
In total, more than 80 International UN Volunteers have served in Myanmar to date (UNDP, UNFPA, WFP, UNHCR, etc.).
More than 400 Myanmar Nationals have served as UN VolunVV: Building Resilience
10
Letter from the Field: Kachin
11
IYD 2014
12
IVD 2014
13
teer abroad (mostly in Africa) Peace Building
Currently 14 Myanmar Nationals serving abroad as UN Volunteers (Africa and Eastern Europe).
UNVs in Myanmar as per May 2015 Youth 1
www.unv.org
14-15
UNDP
7
Volunteer Infrastructure
Myanmar Volunteering Spirit
1
2 2
WFP UNFPA UNV OCHA
3
NEWS!! NEWS!!
UNV Myanmar Newsletter Issue 1, May 2015
A NATIONAL YOUTH POLICY FOR MYANMAR
Juan (UNV PO) in action for youth policy!
As stressed in the UN World Programme of Action for Youth, the role of a National Policy on Youth is crucial in that it provides the overarching vision for all programs and activities relating to youth in one specific country. In 2014, 122 out of 198 countries had a national youth policy, up from 99 in the previous year. Myanmar is one of the 31 countries that has no national youth policy at the moment. The good news is that these numbers show that governments are increasingly aware of the need for legal and policy frameworks that respond adequately to young people’s
needs, aspirations and demands. The bad news is that, despite these advances and commitments, a number of challenges still affect the efficiency and inclusiveness of youth policies, from fragmented responsibilities for youth issues and challenged youth participation structures to the lack of reliable knowledge and absence of appropriate resources. UNV, along with other UN Agencies, is supporting the Government of Myanmar to develop and implement an inclusive National Youth Policy that will contribute to help young people to realize their full potential.
TOWARDS A DRR YOUTH VOLUNTEER NETWORK The role of volunteerism in mobilizing and managing volunteers is an important component of any disaster risk management strategy that aims at fostering community recovery, strength and resilience in vulnerable areas. Well aware of this fact, the Myanmar Government is placing a substantial emphasis on the importance of community volunteers to reinforce their capacities in community based Disaster Risk Reduction. In this regard, the Ministry
of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement launched last year a comprehensive training schedule that has benefitted 1.300 youth volunteers (30% women) in 14 Regions and States across the country as of today. UNV, UNDP and UNICEF are working with MSWRR to better sustain this Youth Volunteer Network in accordance to our mandate. Myanmar ranks first as the 'most at risk' country in Asia the Pacific according to the UN Risk Model. Have a look at Darko’s
contribution to DRR as International UN Volunteer in Myanmar at page 9!
UN Volunteer Darko Petrovic (Serbia)
UNV MYANMAR IMPLEMENTING INNOVATION
ONLINE VOLUNTEERING!!!
Myanmar connects with Nepal!
Online volunteering does work. When the UN Volunteers team in Myanmar decided to publish its first ever newsletter, it looked for some extra help from an online volunteer in Kathmandu (Nepal). Nilima, who had previously collaborated with the UN Volunteers Nepal Field Unit on communications issues, helped out the 4
Myanmar team to shape this publication through a very effective collaboration with the International UN Youth Volunteer, Agnethe and UNV Programme Officer, Juan. “Nilima has been such an amazing help to make this Newsletter possible during very busy times, to contribute with her excellent skills and through her “nonUNV eyes”. That is so important because we want that EVERYBODY understands the value UNVs are adding to Myanmar and the results we deliver”, Agnethe, 70% assigned to UNFPA and 30% to UNV Field Unit in Communications and Outreach, explains. She further stresses how poor the internet infrastructure in Myanmar currently is, posing huge
challenges every day at work, but she and Nilima still managed to work together using their deep rooted volunteering spirit for making this newsletter a reality! If you would like to be an online volunteer and contribute your time and skills to a development organization that could be anywhere in the world, or your organization is looking for additional support to enhance its capacities, then please visit
www.onlinevolunteering.org ‘Everyone can make a difference. Share your skills, knowledge and ideas—from a computer anywhere in the world.’ www.unv.org
UNV Myanmar Newsletter Issue 1, May 2015
NEWS!! NEWS!!
First Study on Volunteerism in Myanmar: CUSO, Searchers and UNV! While there has been research on volunteerism movements in the Asian region in the past, particularly in regards to youth, there has been very little formal research that has focused on Myanmar specifically. However, as we have noticed, the concept is not new to the country being volunteerism deeply rooted in Myanmar culture. As an essential part of our mandate in advocating and promoting knowledge on volunteerism, UNV and CUSO have partnered with Searchers Myanmar in order to produce the first ever Survey
on Volunteerism in the country. The objective of the Report is to promote a better understanding of volunteerism in Myanmar, in order to demonstrate the universality, scope and reach of volunteer activities along with new trends in a country with a tumultuous past and a bright future. The report examines important contributions of volunteerism in fields such as sustainable livelihoods, social inclusion, social cohesion and disaster risk reduction. By suggesting how volunteerism can be taken forward,
the Report will also provide an alternative vision of a better society where volunteers feel fully integrated.
CUSO, UNV and Searchers Myanmar Brainstorming session.
Publications from HQ The New UNV Strategic Framework 2014-2017 The UNV Strategic Framework 2014-2017 constitutes the first of its kind, focusing on harnessing the power of volunteers and volunteerism to support the achievement of internationally agreed goals. The Framework guides UNV’s work over the coming four years and reflects a focus on working more systematically with UN partners to jointly deliver more impact in peace and development. Have a look at it here!
UNV Youth Volunteering Strategy 2014-2017 This was great news for UNV Myanmar! Being Youth one of our 5 top priorities, this Strategy is especially relevant! The overall aim of this strategy is to facilitate the engagement of youth in global peace and sustainable human development through volunteerism, bringing the voice of youth into the development discourse and helping young people to realize their full social, economic and human potential. Have a look at it here!
Launch of Annual Report 2013: 14 Myanmar Nationals serving as UNVs worldwide! This report highlights UNV’s partnerships and results, and attests to the commitment, creativity and talent of our UN Volunteers, UN Youth Volunteers and UN Online Volunteers for 2013 and shows the impact our UNVs are creating through their volunteering spirit all over the world. The Report 2013 reports that 14 Myanmar nationals have been deployed to international assignments, mainly to African and European countries, while receiving 12 International UNVs at the same time. Have a read here!
www.unv.org
5
NEWS
UNV Myanmar Newsletter Issue 1, May 2015
SHARING UNV SPIRIT FOR CHANGE:
FIRST EVER
UNV MYANMAR RETREAT! Organized with the main objective of extracting lessons learned and best practices from their first year on duty, the participants appreciated most from the retreat the opportunity of sharing stories, getting to know peer volunteers and the good organization.
The UNV team that participated at the first ever UNV Myanmar Retreat!
UN Volunteers on assignment in Myanmar work within the challenging context of a country coming out of decades of oppression, security concerns, human development obstacles, weak state institutions and unparalleled ethnic tensions. In order to recognize their contributions and strengthen the ties among them, the Field Unit gathered all deployed International UN Volunteers for a welldeserved UNV Retreat last August.
personal levels, including improved access to services, strengthen relationships with the Government and promotion of volunteerism.
Not surprisingly, we find out that UN Volunteers in Myanmar contribute to a wide spectrum of social changes at the institutional, community and The retreat was also a time to analyze their own performance and achievements throughout the assignment. This Retreat provided an opportunity for volunteers to share experiences amongst themselves and to systematically reflect on the contributions they have made in benefit of their Host Agencies. Our colleague from LAO PDR Field Unit, Carla del Castillo, did a fantastic job guiding our volunteers through the “V-Methodology” to give the best of themselves. And we got to spend some time together, get to know each other better and finally have some fun by the pool!! It was great! Can’t wait for the next Retreat!!
We exchanged our experiences, knowledge and ideas on:
Basic Social Services
6
Peace Building
CCR / DRR
Youth
Volunteer Infrastructure
www.unv.org
UNV Myanmar Newsletter Issue 1, May 2015
VOLUNTEERING FOR CHANGE!
LEARNING TOGETHER, CHANGING TOGETHER: UNV IN THE LEAD OF SOCIAL
Nikola Duvnjak (Serbia), during the training
In a country such as Myanmar, continuously hindered by ethnic conflicts and social inequalities, Social Cohesion becomes an imperative key for the development of the country. Last year, a group of UN Volunteers serving under UNDP had the honor to lead a series of Social Cohesion trainings in different States and Regions, as part of UNDP’s efforts to increase partners’ capacities for social cohesion. These three-day workshops benefited 115 people from more than 30 different Organizations. We sneaked in at one of these trainings in Loikaw, capital of Kayah State, where three International UN volunteers (Moses, Milan and Nikola) were caught in action for social cohesion in Myanmar.
COHESION
each other’s real, daily life when it
to improve and make a change. It’s
comes down to understand what So-
much easier than I though it would
cial Cohesion is all about. Indeed, it is
be”, participant Khun Romuald proudly
not an easy concept to grasp and you
asserted. As one of the facilitators of
could feel it during the workshop. 30
the training, Moses further stressed
people nervously working in small
the importance of being an agent of
groups. Hovering over flip-charts, small
change: “ We expect them to be an
figures chatter and mutter, only inter-
agent of change within their families,
rupted by laughter and good-willed
within their society. That will automati-
jokes, trying to accomplish the task for
cally also result in further progress and
“Social Cohesion is also about dreaming. Everybody has the right to dream and should dream. To dream is the key to development. If you don’t dream, what would then ever change? Therefore, Social Cohesion is about everybody's right to dream and to get the opportunity to materialize them” , UN Volunteer Milan Dinda, UNDP. the day: apply their newly acquired skills to design a Community based cohesion intervention within one hour. Challenging, undoubtedly. But they all passed the test with flying colors. The importance of not only creating
sustainability for UNDP projects”. The ultimate aim of the trainings was to encourage UNDP’s partners to take forward social cohesion in their future work, above and beyond their ongoing partnerships with UNDP. Based on the evaluation of the workshop, it seems to be quit realistic: “Out of the evaluations in form of surveys and from the observations, we can say they understood the concept. We could see their honest review on own behaviour and values and their discussion about it. That’s not easy and it makes that work shop even more successful”, explains a satisfied and proud Moses.
change through their work, but being
Nikola, a Serbian national with a long
THE change in their communities was
experience on ethnic conflict related
also an important aspect highlighted
issues with OSCE, came from Sittwe,
throughout the training: ” In the past
well-known conflict-affected duty sta-
my reactions were led by emotions,
tion in Rakhine State, to facilitate the
and now, as I understand the concept
workshop. He stressed the importance
of social cohesion, I will try to under-
of participatory learning and being
stand others better, especially women,
able to exchange experiences from
and use the concept of social cohesion
www.unv.org
Peace Building
Moses Tumusiime (Uganda) in action!
7
VOLUNTEERING FOR CHANGE!
UNV Myanmar Newsletter Issue 1, May 2015
Volunteering for “a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every birth is Basic Social Services
safe,
Youth
Agnethe conducting focus group discussions at one of Mary Stopes International’s Youth Centers
An estimated 70% of the population lives in rural areas in one of today’s low-income economies: Myanmar. That also means that most of the approximately 16 million young people aged 10-24 also are living in rural areas. Although the mandate of UNFPA is quite clear, stating “to create a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every birth is safe and every young person’s potential fulfilled”, it is a challenge to implement this mandate in a country which has lived in isolation for “Reproductive Health is not only a Human Right, it is from my understanding the key of all Human Rights. If the reproductive health of your mother is too poor, you won’t probably be born or die very young, if not your mother even dies during your birth, and therefore never get the chance to make use of all the human rights you have as a human being.” UNV Agnethe, assigned to UNFPA
decades. The country is still dominated by social hierarchical structures, applying traditional cultural approaches when it comes to gender equality and all aspects of reproductive health. The economic and social consequences related to poor reproductive health such as early marriage, unsafe abortion, HIV infections, STI and maternal mortality require much more attention. For example, Myanmar has a very high rate of maternal mortality, and 8
and every young person's potential is
Fulfilled” estimated one out of three pregnant woman who die, are dying from unsafe abortions, and mainly girls aged 15-19. The International Youth UN Volunteer, Agnethe Ellingsen, was assigned to support UNFPA’s mandate in Myanmar, supporting the monitoring and evaluation of UNFPA’s youth programme in rural areas in both conflict- and non-conflict areas, aiming to develop a new strategy which is adapting to the rapid socioeconomic changes, especially impacting youth, and especially rural youth, in terms of new behavior, increasing risky environments and general changes of perceptions which times of transitions are causing. That of course also includes applying more innovative approaches, for shaping the rapid changes the country and the society is currently going through. Agnethe explains about the challenge on how to communicate what negative impact for a family, a community, a State and a country, poor reproductive health has. As reproductive health is a long-term issue it is not easy to see results or impacts immediately. And here it is where UNFPA and UNV are meeting each other at crossroads: the impact of volunteerism. One of many crossroads between UNFPA and UNV is the sustainability of volunteer networks. In UNFPA’s case, it is especially related to peer educators, conducting trainings and outreach activities related to reproductive health. One of the objectives of Agnethe’s main task, is to support the development of a new strategy which is integrating local and/ or national youth volunteers in the monitoring and evaluation of UNFPA supported youth projects in rural areas. In that way they will gain useful skills and become empowered to take
Youth UN Volunteers creating Innovation! The aim of employing Youth UNVs is simply that they are fresh in mind, open for ideas and are perfect for sending out in the field, such as for monitoring, evaluation and all research related tasks. With a great contributing from our Youth UN Volunteer, UNFPA Myanmar won a Proposal for a comprehensive Innovation Project. Trust the youth, employ youth UNVs and let the future be rocked by innovation!
their healthy future in their own hands, by actively shaping the development of their own communities. They will become change makers! Delivering results as peer educators will bring directly results in improving reproductive health in their communities and that again will benefit the country of Myanmar. Agnethe further explains that the skills they will learn as peer educators are even useful for their family businesses, in which most of rural youth volunteers are currently employed in” Young people learn how to plan, improve and measure results. It does not need to be complicated at all. It can be so simple but make such an impact. And it opens eyes of opportunities”. She further explains that through UNV, as a young person, she got the chance to share, experience and contribute with her academic, professional and social skills directly on the ground, and that she knows that all the rural youth volunteers also are eager to do the same, they want to learn, contribute and share. That is also strengthening the foundation for creating an environment approachable for innovative ideas, as youth are always the first ones to be open for new ideas. And they are shaping the future of Myanmar. UNV is proud to be part of this sustainable dedication and are looking forward to see UNFPA’s new youth programme in rural areas of www.unv.org
VOLUNTEERING FOR CHANGE!
PEACE BUILDING
UN Volunteers Supporting ELECTIONS, ROL and A2J in MYANMAR
Christina Beninger (Canada) in action!
As Myanmar undergoes unprecedented reforms, rule of law is emerging as a key issue. As part of its democratic governance work, UNDP has been supporting rule of law and access to justice (ROL/A2J) activities at national level and in Mandalay Region and Shan State since 2013. UN volunteers have been playing a key role in this work from the beginning. As the Rule of Law and Access to Justice Officer for Mandalay Region, International UN Volunteer and Canadian lawyer Christina Beninger is responsible for the devel-
Sylvain Ollier (France) in front of the Myanmar Election Commission!
Myanmar is going through a phase of rapid and unprecedented change and the 2015 general elections will certainly be one of major highlights of the year. All eyes are on Myanmar and the running up to the elections since they might change the direction of the reforms the Government started back in 2010. The work of all assigned UNVs in Myanmar might be affected by the results of the elections, although in different ways. Luckily, we have a privileged witness to help us better understand this one-in-a-lifetime event. Elections are always a huge volunteer exercise in general, both in terms of organi9
UNV Myanmar Newsletter Issue 1, May 2015
opment and implementation of the ROL/A2J program in Mandalay Region alongside her national colleagues. This work focuses on supporting the capacity building of justice sector actors – judges, law officers, police and lawyers – while also promoting access to justice initiatives with civil society and the wider community. Despite some challenges due to the sensitivity and complexity of rule of law issues, the program has made some important pro“I feel privileged to have this opportunity to contribute, through UNV, to this work during such an important time of change in Myanmar”.
gress. In Mandalay, this work includes supporting local justice actors with capacity building training, such as in fair trial standards and legal English, and hosting round tables on rule of law to promote knowledge sharing and dialogue. UNDP is also working closely with university law departments to strengthen clinical legal education zation and participation and one UN Volunteer is contributing with his professional and social skills to this historic chapter of Myanmar history! International UN Volunteer Sylvain Ollier (fully funded by the French Government and lawyer by career) has been serving as Information Officer under the UNDP Democratic Governance Unit in Yangon since January 2015. His main responsibility consists in collecting information from a wide variety of stakeholders and provide briefings on all issues relating to the upcoming general elections in Myanmar including the Constitutional Review Process, technical preparations for the elections undertaken by the Union Election Commission, Political Party preparations, or election observation. To carry out the work, Sylvain has developed and maintain good relations with many different interlocutors, such as Government Authorities, international institutions or Civil Society. In addition, Sylvain assists UNDP’s
through practical skills training and community outreach. The Mandalay office also played a lead role in supporting a high-profile Rule of Law Pilot Project providing in-depth training to lawyers, law teachers and community actors in Mandalay and Lashio. As part of UNDP’s focus on women’s justice issues in Mandalay, Christina is actively supporting the development of a one year pilot project to support a civil society organization in promoting women’s access to justice. To lay the groundwork, UNDP hosted a workshop to bring together justice actors with civil society representatives to gain knowledge on women’s access to justice, especially in gender-based violence cases, and discuss strategies to improve responses. Christina explains that “although we are still at the early stages, the UNDP ROL/A2J program has made important steps forward in supporting rule of law both locally and nationally. “
Democratic Governance Unit in the launching of an electoral support programme. The main challenge Sylvain is facing is the lack of available information and previous research on Myanmar’s administrative, political, and legal frameworks. During decades, such information has not been widely and freely shared with the public and only recently there has been a certain break with the past. Having extensive experience in election observation missions in the Former Soviet Union, Sylvain stresses that elections are always fascinating and intense events, but even more so in such a complex and diverse country as Myanmar. “I feel very privileged to bring, through UNV, a modest contribution to this exciting process”. These general elections will only be the second in 25 years and their outcome will be an important barometer of the future political direction of Myanmar. This is indeed an historical event and UNV is glad to be a part of it. www.unv.org
UNV Myanmar Newsletter Issue 1, May 2015
VOLUNTEERING FOR CHANGE!
BUILDING RESILIENCE TOGETHER help the most vulnerable populations to build common assets based on the communities’ greatest needs. Ranging from dam renovation to road construction to locally replicable erosion control activities, WFP provides ways to strengthen community resilience in the face of environmental shocks.
UNV Darko, WFP, in action in Paddy fields in Ba Gone Nar!
As many of its neighbors - Myanmar is also highly vulnerable to increasing extreme weather events that, combined with other factors, could undermine the resource base on which Myanmar’s economy and society are based. Between 2008 and 2013, the country suffered a terrible toll at the hands of nature that remained largely unknown. In those five years, the country suffered at least eight major natural calamities that killed more than 141,000 people and affected 3.2 million. The worst of these was Cyclone Nargis in May 2008 that killed more than 130,000 and affected 2.4 million, not only painfully proving the need for disaster risk reduction in the “On top of the violence between Buddhists and Muslims that the region has been suffering for years, cyclones and floods regularly cause severe destruction in the coastal towns.”
country but also creating opportunities to undertake actions at all levels to reduce disaster risks. Rakhine State in Myanmar is deemed as one of the regions at greatest risk from natural disasters in the country. World Food Programme (WFP) is the main humanitarian organization providing food assistance in the State but, additionally to the relief assistance, it is also implementing a wide range of asset creation activities to www.unv.org
Darko Petrovic (Serbia) is an International UN Volunteer Programme Officer responsible for one of these integrated asset creation projects that WFP is implementing in Ba Gone Nar, a village tract located in the Buthidaung Township and composed of both Rakhine and Muslim communities in the far north of the State. Following a proposal submitted by the community to the WFP Office last year, “the primary problem to address is that the paddy fields used by these villages are situated in a natural flood plain that gets submerged in water throughout the rainy season reducing dramatically the plain’s arable area and, hence, undermining the communities’ livelihoods”, Darko explains. Therefore, the project envisaged a broadening of the existing canal structure and its strengthening by erosion control measures to reduce the incidence of flooding and enable a greater cultivation and better yields of the flood affected monsoon paddy. In a commendable exercise of ownership, the project discussions were led by the Administrator of the Done Chaung Village (Rakhine) jointly with village elders and community members from neighboring Muslim communities. “If all goes well, we envisage increased or improved cultivation on around 200 acres of monsoon paddy and people from both Rakhine and Muslim communities are supposed to benefit”, underlines Darko. In a context such as Rakhine’s, where the ethnic tensions are beyond palpa-
CCR/DRR
ble, initiatives like this are aimed to promote collaboration and interaction among communities, giving a complete new meaning to community resilience. As Darko points out, “what amazed me the most was that in a highly politicized and somewhat charged context of Rakhine State, you actually still can find communities where the social fabric seems to be in-tact and where people prefer cooperation to confrontation, especially on development issues. The leadership of the Rakhine village administrator, his constructive interaction with both communities, and his insistence to make the project a success is very commendable and inspires hope. We need to support it.” Asked about the sustainability and future prospects for such projects Darko concludes: “These projects will only succeed if they are fully owned by both communities and the benefits are clearly defined and agreed upon to everyone’s satisfaction, we need to be very sensitive to everyone’s views. But definitely, as they are aimed to spur local development, capacity and resilience to shocks, they have a bright future in northern Rakhine. We will have a lot of work to do”.
Darko Petrovic (Serbia), front row on the right corner, with Muslim and Rakkhine villagers in their first meeting last September. On blue shirt and red longyi, the village tract administrator.
10
UNV Myanmar Newsletter Issue 1, May 2015
VOLUNTEERING FOR CHANGE!
A LETTER FROM THE FIELD: “Recognizing Youth as The WHEEL towards
Peace Building
Sustainable democratic CHANGE” By: Dhaanish Mohammed (Sri Lanka) Host Agency: UNDP. Duty Station: Myitkyina (Kachin State)
society, their problems etc. Though you have a Youth network, which understands the challenges of youth (drugs trade and abuse, unemployment, migration etc.), their limited abilities to address their issues are even more strengthened by the many gaps including access to government support, political participation and so on.
People learn lessons throughout their life, regardless of their age. I learned, as an International UN Volunteers, that there could be many ways to persuade people into the streams of peace and development if you have their ‘recognition’. People usually recognize a person important in many ways; by his/her commitment and dedication, how he/she deals with people, where you come from etc.
Being a less than a 3 months old volunteer, I have learned that people value you and would try to follow your steps only when you initiate things through creativity and novelty. My short stint with the youth groups in Shan State really proved to be of an effective liaison as our relationship made them to rethink their organizational structures that would get them recognition among the masses and the government. Youth and youth groups in the region have this adamant perception that its impractical to meet and build better relationship with the government. Youth justify themselves quoting empirical evidence. They say that they were never recognized!
The inspiration to work with the youth in Myanmar, actually started to conceive in my mind during the UNV debriefing at Yangon UNDP. When I just arrived at the duty station, I started to review the complex situation and role of Myanmar youth, their role in the
I personally held three meetings with the youth groups, along with colleagues from UNDP Output 2 who are working with the Township Legal Groups (TLGs) and are also aware of the government procedures with regard to Civil Society Organizations
Dhaanish Mohammed (Sri Lanka). Livelihoods and Social Cohesion Coordinator.
www.unv.org
Youth
(CSOs), and tried to link them with others who are actively working in the development of a Myanmar National Youth Policy. I also facilitated a meeting with the UNV Programme Officer who is part of the National Youth Policy Taskforce, in order to provide the youth groups with a clearer understanding of the evolving and emerging developments in the domain of youth and development. Though the youth in Shan state are not actively engaged, they passed the message through the UNV program officer, that they have concerns that are contextual and ethnically sensitive. The feedback on the association of UNV and UNDP was impressive as they expressed that they would be mobilizing the youth groups in the whole Shan State to have their own specific statements and also would increase their voluntary activities in the region to get the ‘recognition’ through which they could lobby for their needs and to voice their concerns.
I am so excited about the coming months, the progress, the challenges, and especially the elections and their impact on Myanmar youth! Myitkina, 20.March 2015
11
2014, A YEAR OF CELEBRATION!
UNV Myanmar Newsletter Issue 1, May 2015
V.I.
Last 10th August, more than 600 students and other enthusiastic young versity to celebrate International
instance) to instigate social tensions The UNV stand was taken over by and other challenges faced by disa- scores of curious young people and
Youth Day (IYD), marked under the
bled young people, young migrant
people came out to the Yangon Uni-
slogan “Mental Health Matters”. The multitudinous event -made possible through the collaboration of UN Volunteers, the Yangon Youth Network and nearly 20 other Youth-
kept blissfully busy from the very start workers and young LGBT collectives. to the end of the event. Not surprisingBut it wasn’t all. The celebrations ly, the UNV Team finally lost their voice were livened up by a variety of con-
after having answered hundreds of certs, games and even a talent show questions about UNV, its mandate organized by some of the participant and how to become a volunteer, only Organizations.
interrupted by exchange of jokes with
with discussions on how to empower
The first International Youth UN
the young visitors and interviews by
youth towards a healthy society, giving an in-depth look into the growing
Volunteer assigned to Myanmar Ms. the media covering the successful and Agnethe Ellingsen, actively contrib- colorful event. Thanks to all those that
youth scene in Myanmar. A special
uted to the event and supported the stop by our stand!!!
related Organizations- was packed
12
focus was put on how to prevent the UNV Field Unit team in advocating for volunteerism. use of social media (Facebook, for
www.unv.org
UNV Myanmar Newsletter Issue 1, May 2015
A YEAR OF CELEBRATION, 2014!
INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER DAY 2014!
TOP 5 NEWS 2014/2015 IMPACTING UNVs IN MYANMAR!
V.I.
The International Volunteer Day is viewed as a unique chance for volunteers and organizations to celebrate their efforts, to share their values and to promote their work among their communities, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and United Nations agencies, government authorities and the private sector. To mark IVD2014 in Myanmar, the first being supported by the FU, 42 youth and volunteers organizations (both
national and international) came together on December 7th to celebrate a Volunteer Festival in Yangon. Between 800 and 1.000 visitors had the opportunity to learn more about our activities and community engagement, interacting directly with our partner VIOs through 35 information sharing booths, allowing for informal discussions on volunteerism and development in a festive atmosphere in People’s Park.
A total of 1.500.000 kyats (1.500USD) was raised by the Organizations through different activities to support children from IDP camps in Kachin and northern Shan State and many people expressed interest in continuing their support to our partners beyond IVD. As a spokesman from our partner YBVN said: “Volunteers are unpaid, not because they are worthless, because they are priceless”.
“Volunteers are not paid not because they are worthless but because they are priceless” www.unv.org
13
MYANMAR VOLUNTEER SPIRIT
V.I.
UNV Myanmar Newsletter Issue 1, May 2015
Myanmar, the golden country of volunteerism
Volunteerism is a fundamental source
aung", which if directly translated into
of the main goals for the UNV Field
of community strength and resilience
English, means "benefiting oneself in
Unit. Indeed, supporting further devel-
that exists in all societies throughout
serving for the benefits of others".
opment of volunteer networks and-
the world. Volunteerism is expressed
That’s the reason why volunteers are
partnerships are now more important
through a wide range of activities, in-
highly valued and respected among
than ever before so they can adjust
cluding traditional forms of mutual aid
the general population. “Say Ta Na
better to the new contexts and seize
and self-help, formal service delivery,
Won Htan” , translated as
all opportunities this new chapter will
campaigning and advocacy, as well as
“Volunteerism”, is deeply rooted in
offer them. All aspects of daily life, as
other forms of civic participation.
Myanmar culture and tradition. After
well as the economic and political con-
decades of isolation, the year 2014
text, are rapidly changing in new direc-
was a special time to open the Field
tions, and it is sometimes a challenge
Unit: a time when traditional under-
to blend the past with the present and
standing of volunteerism met moderni-
the future of this country. Let’s hope
ty. Youth and volunteerism are our
Myanmar wont loose this praise-
top priorities and so the strengthening
worthy tradition
Myanmar, like most countries in the world, has traditional forms of volunteerism that are closely associated with mutual aid. The Myanmar traditional form of volunteerism is known as “Ah-myar ah-kyo-saung, ko-ah-kyo-
of national volunteer networks is one
INTERNATIONAL BLOOD DONATION DAY 2014 the celebration of the World Blood
for helping others, is part of our tradi-
Donation Day to show support to the
tion and our culture. Fortunately, we
Group and to get to know more about
do not have a real blood or organ do-
what drives these inspiring young peo-
nation problem here in Myanmar”, he
ple. The YDP aims to reach out to
says. However, he addresses the im-
young people to increase their
portance of continuously promoting
knowledge of basic sexual and repro-
donation to ensure a regular supply of
ductive health and motivate them to
blood in case of emergency. For exam-
adopt healthy lifestyles and be part of
ple, every three years, there is a Den-
a happy family environment. As to its
gue fever outbreak and the need for
origins, the Blood Emergency Group
blood donations therefore peaks at
was created in the aftermath of cy-
such times. In order to adapt to these
clone Nargis in 2008 in response to the
changes in the demand and to ensure
shortage of blood supply and be-
a timely, accessible and sufficient sup-
tween 2009 and 2014. They provided
ply of blood, they are cooperating with
Demonstrating true volunteerism spirit,
n impressive 148 lifesaving donations.
other youth blood donation groups, to
Myanmar youth participating in the UN-
“We understood the need for an orga-
ensure that supplies are maintained.
FPA supported Youth Development Pro-
nized Blood Donation Emergency
Furthermore, he explains how the YDP
gram (YDP), created a voluntary Blood
Group continuing after the cyclone as
is teaching the youth how to follow a
Donation Emergency Group. UNV visit-
well”, Dr. Htet Aung Kyaw (26) says. He
healthy lifestyle hence making it possi-
ed the Emergency group on occasion of
further stresses, that “Volunteerism
ble to become a blood donor.
Dr. Htet Aung Kyaw and his team, YDP, presented their Blood Emergency Group!
and the wish to give a part of yourself 14
www.unv.org
MYANMAR VOLUNTEER SPIRIT
UNV Myanmar Newsletter Issue 1, May 2015
“GIRL VOLUNTEER POWER”!
ACTING FOR
CHANGE!
country in a range of forums worldwide,
given to me. We must exert ourselves in
such as the Youth Policy Forum 2014 in
order to give in the same measure as we
Baku, Azerbaijan, supported by UNV. Shun-
have received and are still receiving from
lei is one of those volunteers who are vol-
our community and from the world”. When
unteering because they are addicted to
it comes to the volunteerism itself in Myan-
volunteerism. She cites James Matthew
mar, Shunlei is clear that also here changes
Barrie’s words, saying “Those who bring
are needed. She explains that volunteerism
sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep
in Myanmar needs to become more out of
it from themselves”. The reason why she
intrinsic motivation from oneself, and not
especially focuses on youth in her volun-
from somebody who told them to volun-
V.I.
teer or just volunteering because friends Shunlei, one of the dedicated young national females UNV is supporting!
Shunlei is currently Education Project Manager serving at the youth-led and
“All mankind addicts at least one thing in their life. I volunteer because I want to volunteer. That’s because I am addicted to something precious, volunteerism, and it is a drug we can never get rid of.”
are volunteering. Moreover, she points out the generation gap of attitude. “Currently volunteers can be divided into two groups: Firstly, kind-hearted well-wishers, drivers for humanity and secondly, those who
youth-focused volunteer organization
work for their academic reference or for
Voluntary Internship Program, founded
teering, is because she IS a youth, and
career development. The first type was the
by herself and other young people to
“youth is a motor of change, not only agent
common understanding of the past dec-
work on volunteerism and promote
of change, and a motor needs dynamic
ades. Now in this age of technology and
young people as active, informed and
movements”, she says, while referring to
contemporary education age, among all
responsible citizens. Today, her volun-
the huge amount of young people in Myan-
competitive living styles, the later one is
teerism is contributing directly on policy
mar, estimated to around 30% of the total
too frequent. And it needs to be changed!
level, addressing youth issues and right
population. “I volunteer to take responsi-
for youth in Myanmar, representing her
bility for the affluence that has been
INCREASING LIVELIHOODS THROUGH SOCIAL COHESION
….WE ASKED THE GIRLS… How can UNV support national volunteerism in Myanmar?
community, ranging from reporting skills to rice planning, from project planning and
1. UNV can work on advocating for volunteerism policy works such as advocating universities to run volunteer centers. 2. UNV can play as key organizer of volunteerismthemed youth events and with volunteerism awareness agenda at many different youth events.
development to social cohesion, and gives an wonderful example on how her volunteering commitment and the skills she gained through it, directly are making an impact in her community: In her village, there are mainly two ethnic groups who do Lu Lu Aye, one of the dedicated youth volunteers working with UNDP implementing partners
not like each other. UNDP provided 125
Lu Lu Aye was one of the most dedicated
to distribute the money. However, the two
participants at the UNDP workshop on
ethnic groups argued against each other to
Social Cohesion, organized and facilitated
have all money alone by themselves. She
by UN Volunteers in the capital of Kayah
used her skills and negotiated with both
State, Loikaw. Just until recently, Loikaw
sides, which led to the distribution of the
had hardship duty station status, based on
money based on the ethnic groups size
the armed ethnic conflicts in Kayah State.
which then resulted in the construction of
000 USD for road construction in the village, and her NGO had a discussion on how
Through her volunteering work she gained two roads. The community was very happy a lot of skills which she is bringing back to about Lu Lu Ayes skills and contribution her organization and especially to her
www.unv.org
and committed that much trust to her that
3. UNV can support youth volunteer groups to be sustainable and assist with technical and financial supports with mentorship role. 4. UNV can connect young strong national volunteers to international youth volunteers and let them exchange the strategy, tactics and approaches of promoting volunteerism.
she is responsible at the next project, which will on rice plant training, to take the lead. That alone was not only a success. Lu Lu Aye explained that through the social cohesion training she learned from UNDP, how she will use the social cohesion skill son the next project, aiming the implementation of one project together instead of two based on ethnic size, as that would be based on exactly what social cohesion is!
15
UNV Myanmar Newsletter Issue 1, May 2015
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all those that have supported the work of the UNV Field Unit and UN Volunteers in Myanmar during this time, contributing to achieve the results highlighted in this Newsletter: UNV Host Agencies in Myanmar: UNDP, WFP and UNFPA. Nilima Malla (Nepal), Online Volunteer for Design and Layout Our Portfolio Team (Rafael and Naroth) at UNV HQ in Bonn Our UNDP colleagues in Yangon. All our amazing UN volunteers across the country, who have rocked this amazing first year of the UNV Field Unit!! Our local partners: Yangon Youth Network, Yangon-based Volunteer Network and Searchers Myanmar, for helping us understand how volunteerism can improve other’s lives.
www.unv.org
16