May15th, 2008
My fourth day here on the Thai-Burma border sees frustration mounting as still only limited aid from the countries of the world is being allowed to enter into Burma.
This morning, ‘Project Enlighten’, www.projectenlighten.com , has sent $4000US in emergency relief supplies, by truck, into Burma. The Burmese organization on-the-ground, ABITSU, (All Burma IT Student’s Union), has an effective ‘Cyclone Nagris Relief Response Action Plan’ in place which delivers these supplies into Burma by trucks, driven by Burmese citizens, to various relief stations within Burma. These supplies are then loaded onto smaller vehicles and boats and then transported to the delta affected areas.
100% of the money donated to ‘Project Enlighten’s Burma Cyclone Emergency Relief Immediate Action Plan’, goes directly towards purchasing aid supplies here in Mae Sot. For efficiency, drinking water is purchased in distilleries and hospitals within Burma.
As of now, the military government of Burma is allowing foreign aid workers in from five neighboring countries only, but with heavy restrictions. The military is blocking all access to foreign aid workers wanting to enter the delta affected region, where the situation is dire! An unnamed BBC reporter, who has made his way through many of the delta affected areas, has reported horrific conditions for those stranded there. He questions the fact that if he has made his way into these areas; why has the Burmese military not made the effort to go in and provide aid!
Currently, people in the delta region are living among corpses with no aid. A leading UN charity reports that over 40% of those who perished in the cyclone were children. Children did not have the strength to hold on to the trees as the powerful cyclone waves rushed over them. The force of the cyclone tore children out of their mother’s arms.
There are many lone children seen fishing for crabs and shellfish amongst the floating, rotting corpses. There are reported camps with hundreds of orphaned children throughout the region.
Monasteries in Burma have taken in many cyclone victims but the military has given the monks deadlines in which to clear them out. Many monasteries in Rangoon and the affected areas have seen no aid from the government, and they are being closely watched by the military and military intelligence.
The Burmese government has only 5 military helicopters and no heavy-lifting equipment. The US and Britain have warships in place off the Burmese coast, supplied with aid and equipment, ready to assist, but have not yet received permission from the Burmese government.
Today, the UN is holding a meeting regarding the possibility of forced intervention. Britain’s Foreign Minister has quoted that Britain would not rule out forced intervention.
UN top aid to Humanitarian Affairs, John Holmes, will be flying into Burma today with a plane-load of supplies, with the intention to meet with Burma’s top generals.
Meanwhile, Burma’s estimated 2.5 million people affected by the cyclone are only receiving limited aid, and are in danger of a second serious humanitarian crisis – death from starvation and disease.
Medicine, water, food, plastic sheeting, and mosquito nets are just some of the emergency supplies your donations to ‘Project Enlighten’ will buy that go immediately into Burma’s cyclone affected areas.
$2 buys a mosquito net, or a dozen water purification tablets. $10 buys a first-aid kit.
Any amount that you can give now will help those in the desperate delta region of Burma.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Cyclone Emergency Relief for Burmese
The Devastation in Burma
PROJECT ENLIGHTEN has donated $4000US towards Emergency Relief supplies destined for the Cyclone Devastated Region tomorrow. Please donate so we can send more!
May 13, 2008
I arrived in Mae Sot Thailand, 6km, from the Thai-Burma border two nights ago. There was heightened security at highway checkpoints and at town perimeters. The catastrophe that occurred in Burma, one of the poorest countries in the world, is now designated as the world’s most devastating natural disaster in 50 years.
As of yesterday, the UN reports that 150,000 are feared dead, 2,000,000 are in serious need of aid, and 1,500,000 are in serious danger of disease. 24,000,000 people live in the cyclone affected areas. There are 220,000 people reported missing.
The United Nations has also dire concerns over the environmental damage, and has warned of violence and mass immigration due the present military government’s neglect to allow only a minute amount of relief supplies into the country. These supplies are not reaching the affected areas. Tons of supplies that have made it into Burma are sitting impounded at Rangoon airport, including a plane-load sent by the Red Cross. Yesterday, a ship-load of supplies sent by the Red Cross sank off the delta coast. Regional commanders inside Burma have put their names on the sides of boxes of supplies sent in, saying it was a
gift from them, and then distributing it to the people in their region, not the regions of the most dire need.
The BBC has now reported that the city of Rangoon has run out of rice.
Foreign aid workers and emergency supplies have sat for days 6km away from me, ready to go into Burma.
I am here representing, and reporting, to our TEAM and Board at Project Enlighten: http://www.projectenlighten.com . As you know, this past winter I worked closely in a volunteer capacity with several Burmese organizations on the Thai-Burma border. They have networks that constantly are sending supplies from Thailand into areas of need in Burma. These organizations are now successfully taking emergency supplies from Thailand into Burma. Right now they are struggling for funding to keep those truckloads going in. They have transports that leave Mae Sot and go to four relief stations set up inside Burma. From those relief stations, smaller trucks are taking the supplies into the affected areas. They are the ones who can bypass the military and get that aid to the affected areas, because they are registered Burmese citizens.
Yesterday, I spent much of the day in meetings with ABITSU http://www.abitsu.org . Their ‘Cyclone Nargis Relief Response’ is a workable solution. They need western organizations that are willing to take on individual donations and foundation grants. ‘Project Enlighten’ is willing to channel donations from our Cyclone Emergency Relief Fund towards their relief efforts into Burma. Donations made to this fund will be issued a receipt for income tax purposes in the States. 100% of these donations go towards relief supplies going into Burma. Neither Project Enlighten, nor ABITSU, utilizes any of this money towards administrative costs.
One transport load of medicine, food, water, and supplies costs $12,000, and can get into Burma in a day, bringing aid to 50 families, or more, approximately 250 people. A smaller truck of supplies can be sent in for $4,000US. A breakdown of all the items and costs pertaining to one transport load are provided. ABITSU will provide written reports, receipts and photo documentation to ‘Project Enlighten’, which will be made available to our donors.
Any donation given to Project Enlighten at this time will go towards immediate aid that can reach the cyclone afflicted Burmese within days through Burmese run organizations such as ABITSU. I am working closely with my friends at ABITSU, who themselves have lost many family members in the cyclone disaster.
I ask that you would please consider any donation at this time of urgency, and that you please pass along this information and to your friends and family. Donations can be made online through Project Enlighten using Credit Card or PayPal. Project Enlighten is a registered 501 (c) (3), Non Government, Non-Profit Organization, in the United States of America. The latest photos on the blog show donations received today at ABITSU by Rescue Task Force in California and World Emergency Relief. All emergency supplies are presently being itemized, and receipt provided by ABITSU. These supplies will be heading into Burma tomorrow. Your donation will also be used to provide much needed supplies that can reach affected areas quickly.
I also include some photos of the devastation inside Burma.
I am stationed in Mae Sot and can be reached by cell phone anytime at 66 087-5736-189
Please make checks payable to 'Project Enlighten' and mail to:
USA:
Project Enlighten
Burma Relief Fund
1299 C South Main Street #168
Yreka, California 96097
U.S.A.
CANADA:
Project Enlighten
Burma Relief Fund
Box 53,Gravenhurst, ONP1P 1T5
CANADA
To designate funds specifically to the P.E. Burma Relief Fund, please include this on the memo line on your check or advise us through a note or email.
###
Your urgent donation is desperately
With deepest respect,
Lisa McCoy
PROJECT ENLIGHTEN has donated $4000US towards Emergency Relief supplies destined for the Cyclone Devastated Region tomorrow. Please donate so we can send more!
May 13, 2008
I arrived in Mae Sot Thailand, 6km, from the Thai-Burma border two nights ago. There was heightened security at highway checkpoints and at town perimeters. The catastrophe that occurred in Burma, one of the poorest countries in the world, is now designated as the world’s most devastating natural disaster in 50 years.
As of yesterday, the UN reports that 150,000 are feared dead, 2,000,000 are in serious need of aid, and 1,500,000 are in serious danger of disease. 24,000,000 people live in the cyclone affected areas. There are 220,000 people reported missing.
The United Nations has also dire concerns over the environmental damage, and has warned of violence and mass immigration due the present military government’s neglect to allow only a minute amount of relief supplies into the country. These supplies are not reaching the affected areas. Tons of supplies that have made it into Burma are sitting impounded at Rangoon airport, including a plane-load sent by the Red Cross. Yesterday, a ship-load of supplies sent by the Red Cross sank off the delta coast. Regional commanders inside Burma have put their names on the sides of boxes of supplies sent in, saying it was a
gift from them, and then distributing it to the people in their region, not the regions of the most dire need.
The BBC has now reported that the city of Rangoon has run out of rice.
Foreign aid workers and emergency supplies have sat for days 6km away from me, ready to go into Burma.
I am here representing, and reporting, to our TEAM and Board at Project Enlighten: http://www.projectenlighten.com . As you know, this past winter I worked closely in a volunteer capacity with several Burmese organizations on the Thai-Burma border. They have networks that constantly are sending supplies from Thailand into areas of need in Burma. These organizations are now successfully taking emergency supplies from Thailand into Burma. Right now they are struggling for funding to keep those truckloads going in. They have transports that leave Mae Sot and go to four relief stations set up inside Burma. From those relief stations, smaller trucks are taking the supplies into the affected areas. They are the ones who can bypass the military and get that aid to the affected areas, because they are registered Burmese citizens.
Yesterday, I spent much of the day in meetings with ABITSU http://www.abitsu.org . Their ‘Cyclone Nargis Relief Response’ is a workable solution. They need western organizations that are willing to take on individual donations and foundation grants. ‘Project Enlighten’ is willing to channel donations from our Cyclone Emergency Relief Fund towards their relief efforts into Burma. Donations made to this fund will be issued a receipt for income tax purposes in the States. 100% of these donations go towards relief supplies going into Burma. Neither Project Enlighten, nor ABITSU, utilizes any of this money towards administrative costs.
One transport load of medicine, food, water, and supplies costs $12,000, and can get into Burma in a day, bringing aid to 50 families, or more, approximately 250 people. A smaller truck of supplies can be sent in for $4,000US. A breakdown of all the items and costs pertaining to one transport load are provided. ABITSU will provide written reports, receipts and photo documentation to ‘Project Enlighten’, which will be made available to our donors.
Any donation given to Project Enlighten at this time will go towards immediate aid that can reach the cyclone afflicted Burmese within days through Burmese run organizations such as ABITSU. I am working closely with my friends at ABITSU, who themselves have lost many family members in the cyclone disaster.
I ask that you would please consider any donation at this time of urgency, and that you please pass along this information and to your friends and family. Donations can be made online through Project Enlighten using Credit Card or PayPal. Project Enlighten is a registered 501 (c) (3), Non Government, Non-Profit Organization, in the United States of America. The latest photos on the blog show donations received today at ABITSU by Rescue Task Force in California and World Emergency Relief. All emergency supplies are presently being itemized, and receipt provided by ABITSU. These supplies will be heading into Burma tomorrow. Your donation will also be used to provide much needed supplies that can reach affected areas quickly.
I also include some photos of the devastation inside Burma.
I am stationed in Mae Sot and can be reached by cell phone anytime at 66 087-5736-189
Please make checks payable to 'Project Enlighten' and mail to:
USA:
Project Enlighten
Burma Relief Fund
1299 C South Main Street #168
Yreka, California 96097
U.S.A.
CANADA:
Project Enlighten
Burma Relief Fund
Box 53,Gravenhurst, ONP1P 1T5
CANADA
To designate funds specifically to the P.E. Burma Relief Fund, please include this on the memo line on your check or advise us through a note or email.
###
Your urgent donation is desperately
With deepest respect,
Lisa McCoy
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Lives in Limbo - The Burmese Refugee Camp
Sixty-six kilometers north of Mae Sot, set against picturesque hills, lies the encapsulated world of Mae La Refugee Camp; home to over 40,000 Burmese refugees. Some of its citizens have lived here since its conception, approximately twenty years ago. It is the largest of the Burmese refugee camps in Thailand.
It is best described as a ‘patrolled city’, as Thai Police surround its perimeters and control its gates. They are also there to guard against attacks from gunmen hiding in the surrounding border hills.
I had the opportunity to visit this camp on Saturday February 16, along with international photographer Christopher Briscoe and 2 other men. We left at 8am, and traveled in the back of a pick-up truck. Our transportation and access into the camp had been arranged prior to the trip, as unauthorized visits to the camp by foreigners are not usually permitted.
We easily passed through the police checkpoint, and drove right into the camp, where our driver waited for us. We encountered no other foreigners that day.
Our plan was to stay about four hours, because by mid-afternoon temperatures can soar to over 40 degrees Celsius. We arrived armed with our cameras and plenty of water.
Once inside, we were left to wander at will through the maze of bamboo huts along dirt paths. One can easily become lost here, as was our case on the way out.
I was astonished at how, in many ways, the camp resembled a very large rural village. There were little bamboo shops, schools, churches and homes. I even came across a ‘Workshop’ that was built by the Rotary Club of Canada! Most buildings were extremely small, and built side-by-side. There were some pump wells, but it was obvious that sanitation was a real problem here. Disease runs rampant in the camps.
Many of the Burmese in these refugee camps live their lives in limbo. They are people who cannot go back to Burma under present conditions, yet are unable to acquire citizenship elsewhere. Most of them cannot leave the camp for any reason whatsoever. The camp has a dusk curfew. I was told this was because men with guns are out on the streets.
I had opportunity to visit and interview two English speaking refugee families within the camp. Their stories are similar to hundreds of stories I have heard from other refugees.
One such family: ZM, his wife ML and their small three-year-old daughter have a little sugar cane drink stand within the camp.
In 2001, ZM was arrested at Rangoon airport for delivering letters for politicians. He spent 45 days in dark solitary confinement before being moved to a larger cell crammed with prisoners.
Upon his release he had to sign papers promising not to leave the country. His passport and Burmese identity card were taken from him. His family managed to escape Burma by risking their lives trekking through miles of mine-riddled jungles until they crossed the Burma-Thai border.
That was nine months ago. He has no idea when the UNHCR in Mae Sot will come, take his photo, and issue him a card that enables him to leave the camp confines. Apparently, at present, the UNHCR here has shut down operations for several months.
ZM was a highly educated business man in Burma. The present dictatorial military regime in Burma has taken all that way from him, and from thousands like him.
ZM lives his life day-to-day, while Burma’s 54 million inhabitants live a life of poverty, disease and fear, experiencing serious abuses of human rights. The SPDC army in Burma still practices ethnic cleansing by violently annihilating whole villages and their inhabitants. Many of these village massacres do not make it into the press. Life in many parts of Burma, are a daily struggle for survival.
Three weeks ago, KNU leader Mahn Sha was assassinated here in Mae Sot. There is fear that there will be more attacks here on Burmese who are working towards Burma’s democracy.
Thousands of families have been separated, and dare not contact their family back in Burma, as it might bring danger to their family. Burmese men and women here have openly wept in front of me, because they have not had contact with their loved ones for years.
I have two more weeks here in Mae Sot. I am kept busy teaching English 7 days a week. Everyday is an emotional challenge for me as learn more of the horrendous situations that these people have endured.
It is best described as a ‘patrolled city’, as Thai Police surround its perimeters and control its gates. They are also there to guard against attacks from gunmen hiding in the surrounding border hills.
I had the opportunity to visit this camp on Saturday February 16, along with international photographer Christopher Briscoe and 2 other men. We left at 8am, and traveled in the back of a pick-up truck. Our transportation and access into the camp had been arranged prior to the trip, as unauthorized visits to the camp by foreigners are not usually permitted.
We easily passed through the police checkpoint, and drove right into the camp, where our driver waited for us. We encountered no other foreigners that day.
Our plan was to stay about four hours, because by mid-afternoon temperatures can soar to over 40 degrees Celsius. We arrived armed with our cameras and plenty of water.
Once inside, we were left to wander at will through the maze of bamboo huts along dirt paths. One can easily become lost here, as was our case on the way out.
I was astonished at how, in many ways, the camp resembled a very large rural village. There were little bamboo shops, schools, churches and homes. I even came across a ‘Workshop’ that was built by the Rotary Club of Canada! Most buildings were extremely small, and built side-by-side. There were some pump wells, but it was obvious that sanitation was a real problem here. Disease runs rampant in the camps.
Many of the Burmese in these refugee camps live their lives in limbo. They are people who cannot go back to Burma under present conditions, yet are unable to acquire citizenship elsewhere. Most of them cannot leave the camp for any reason whatsoever. The camp has a dusk curfew. I was told this was because men with guns are out on the streets.
I had opportunity to visit and interview two English speaking refugee families within the camp. Their stories are similar to hundreds of stories I have heard from other refugees.
One such family: ZM, his wife ML and their small three-year-old daughter have a little sugar cane drink stand within the camp.
In 2001, ZM was arrested at Rangoon airport for delivering letters for politicians. He spent 45 days in dark solitary confinement before being moved to a larger cell crammed with prisoners.
Upon his release he had to sign papers promising not to leave the country. His passport and Burmese identity card were taken from him. His family managed to escape Burma by risking their lives trekking through miles of mine-riddled jungles until they crossed the Burma-Thai border.
That was nine months ago. He has no idea when the UNHCR in Mae Sot will come, take his photo, and issue him a card that enables him to leave the camp confines. Apparently, at present, the UNHCR here has shut down operations for several months.
ZM was a highly educated business man in Burma. The present dictatorial military regime in Burma has taken all that way from him, and from thousands like him.
ZM lives his life day-to-day, while Burma’s 54 million inhabitants live a life of poverty, disease and fear, experiencing serious abuses of human rights. The SPDC army in Burma still practices ethnic cleansing by violently annihilating whole villages and their inhabitants. Many of these village massacres do not make it into the press. Life in many parts of Burma, are a daily struggle for survival.
Three weeks ago, KNU leader Mahn Sha was assassinated here in Mae Sot. There is fear that there will be more attacks here on Burmese who are working towards Burma’s democracy.
Thousands of families have been separated, and dare not contact their family back in Burma, as it might bring danger to their family. Burmese men and women here have openly wept in front of me, because they have not had contact with their loved ones for years.
I have two more weeks here in Mae Sot. I am kept busy teaching English 7 days a week. Everyday is an emotional challenge for me as learn more of the horrendous situations that these people have endured.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
The Burmese Crisis – First Impressions, First Friends
After last week's nine-hour overnight bus ride from the Bangkok to the north-west of Thailand, I'm now into the second week of my two month stay in the border town of Mae Sot.
This is like no other town that I have stayed in – That is saying the very least!
Just walking the streets one can encounter many ethnic groups – Burmese, Thai, Muslim, etc. There is a vast array of mosques and temples. On the outskirts of town one can visit nature and wildlife reserves, scenic caves and refreshing waterfalls.
I can't wait to visit the waterfalls, because it is unbearably hot here. I spend the hours between ten and five drenched in sweat. One of my classes requires me to ride my bicycle about six km, so along with the heat, I get to battle crazy traffic on the wrong side of the road.
Mae Sot abounds in markets – a daily central market, a night market, and a huge weekly farmer's market which boasts fresh produce from the surrounding area.
Restaurants with exotic fare and food stalls abound, where one can enjoy Thai, Burmese and Indian cuisine.
There are not many hotels or guest houses in Mae Sot, as it is not designated a tourist town, but I have found a lovely guest house where I can relax amongst lush trees and tropical flowers. The 'Green Guest House' is my little paradise. My bamboo-walled room has TV, fan, private bathroom with hot water, and my own private balcony. All this for under $200 a month.
Prices are very cheap in this part of Thailand, about a third of the cost compared to other areas which tourists frequent.
My balcony is a perfect place to reflect on my thoughts and experiences. Every evening there are many things for me to reflect upon.
Presently I am teaching three two-hour English classes every weekday. I am teaching recently arrived adult Burmese refugees. Many of them have spent years in prison for incomprehensible reasons. Taking part in a peaceful protest or voicing your opinion can land one in jail for many years. In 1988 and in 1997, students and civilians who took part in demonstrations against the military were arrested, jailed, and kept in 8' x 12' jail cells, with nothing to do day and night. They were only let out five minutes per day. One of the first friends I met was just released from prison on December 28, 2007. He had spent 17 years in jail, and is now in his forties. I asked him if he was tortured in prison. His response, in exact words: 'I was tortured in every way you can imagine'. His brother, who just arrived a few days ago, has permanent brain damage as a result of his imprisonment. One of my students is a former Rangoon University professor; another is a former Baptist Pastor who was arrested for supplying food to protest students. Many of my young adult Burmese students have high school degrees and yearn for college or university but do not have the money to enroll.
The never-ending stories of injustices to humanity that these people have experienced, and still are, have left a profound effect on me. Many of my students are adults who have lost their highly educated positions, and have been separated from their immediate families for years.
Briefly summarized, in 1988 when long-time leader of the socialist ruling party, General Ne Win, stepped down, mass demonstrations for democratization took place, which were violently suppressed. A new military junta took power. Aung San Suu Kyi entered into politics to work for democratization, and helped found the National League for Democracy, and was put under house arrest in 1989. In 1990, the military junta called an election which the NLD won decisively.
Being the NLD’s candidate, Aung San Suu Kyi under normal circumstances would have assumed the office of Prime Minister. Instead, election results were nullified, and the military refused to hand over power. This resulted in an international outcry. Aung San Suu Kyi was placed under house arrest at her home in Rangoon, Burma. During her arrest she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991. In December 2007, the US House of Representatives voted unanimously 400-0 to award Aung San Suu Kyi the Congressional Gold Medal. The Parliament of Canada has unanimously passed a proposal to make Aung San Suu Kyi an honorary Canadian citizen. Canada has, in the past, only bestowed this honour to Swedish diplomat Raoul Wallenberg, Nelson Mandela, and the 14th Dalai Lama. She is the only Nobel Peace Laureate in detention in the world today.
During this military regime the people of Burma are experiencing atrocities to man not experienced in this part of the world since the Khmer Rouge era in Cambodia. The similarities frighten me.
Boys are taken from their families and forced to work for the military in the labor force. The military uses people as human mine-sweepers. Children are taken from families and used as soldiers. Once you are in the military, you can forget about ever getting out. Many of the military are victims. It goes on. Civilians and monks have been brutally beaten and killed. I have seen photos which were taken in Burma of the massacred dead, and the horrendously beaten.
The country has tried to shut down communication. There is no freedom of speech. Recent reports in the Bangkok Post state that the Burmese military Junta has stepped up arrests of dissenters since the September 2007 crisis, breaking a promise to the UN, as stated by rights group Amnesty International. The government acknowledges the deaths of thirteen people, but the UN says at least 31 are dead, and 74 missing. The junta has tightened its grip on its citizens as the world's attention has turned elsewhere. Amnesty International reports that 1,850 political prisoners are being held and 700 were arrested during and after the protests. The military enforces over 400,000 soldiers, the second largest in SE Asia. Half of the government budget is spent on the military.
Behind my guest house is a Burmese prison where numerous times throughout the day, Burmese arrive in a paddy wagon, and are put in a large one room prison, which is open on the street side for all to view. Eventually they are taken back to Burma, which is only 8 kilometers from Mae Sot. These Burmese (Karen tribe mostly), repeatedly try to flee the country, traversing though miles of mine-riddled jungle, before crossing the river into Thailand.
One of the human rights groups I am volunteering through, ABITSU http://www.abitsu.org, is giving many accepted Burmese immigrants a chance at a better life by giving them a place to live and by giving them extensive computer training. I am their first English tutor. Many of them had learned English to some degree at one point in their life. They revere their English lessons. They know that English is imperative for their future. Many of them hope to go back to Burma once the regime is not in power and democracy returns. My morning class is to a lovely group of Burmese ladies living in a safe house just outside of town. My afternoon class is to members of the NLD-LA, (National League for Democracy-Liberated Areas), which operates in the Thai-Burma border areas and abroad.
The situation in Burma is becoming worse as the world turns it attention to Iraq, Afghanistan and other larger countries experiencing the turmoil of war. Reuters has reported Sylvester Stallone's recent stand against Burma's military regime. Stallone has confronted them through the press http://www.reuters.com/article/reutersEdge/idUSL0246806820080202 . The situation merits world attention. In the words of NLD leader Aung San Suu Kyi, “Please use your Liberty to Promote Ours”.
Within a couple of days, I'll be posting pictures of my classes.
This is like no other town that I have stayed in – That is saying the very least!
Just walking the streets one can encounter many ethnic groups – Burmese, Thai, Muslim, etc. There is a vast array of mosques and temples. On the outskirts of town one can visit nature and wildlife reserves, scenic caves and refreshing waterfalls.
I can't wait to visit the waterfalls, because it is unbearably hot here. I spend the hours between ten and five drenched in sweat. One of my classes requires me to ride my bicycle about six km, so along with the heat, I get to battle crazy traffic on the wrong side of the road.
Mae Sot abounds in markets – a daily central market, a night market, and a huge weekly farmer's market which boasts fresh produce from the surrounding area.
Restaurants with exotic fare and food stalls abound, where one can enjoy Thai, Burmese and Indian cuisine.
There are not many hotels or guest houses in Mae Sot, as it is not designated a tourist town, but I have found a lovely guest house where I can relax amongst lush trees and tropical flowers. The 'Green Guest House' is my little paradise. My bamboo-walled room has TV, fan, private bathroom with hot water, and my own private balcony. All this for under $200 a month.
Prices are very cheap in this part of Thailand, about a third of the cost compared to other areas which tourists frequent.
My balcony is a perfect place to reflect on my thoughts and experiences. Every evening there are many things for me to reflect upon.
Presently I am teaching three two-hour English classes every weekday. I am teaching recently arrived adult Burmese refugees. Many of them have spent years in prison for incomprehensible reasons. Taking part in a peaceful protest or voicing your opinion can land one in jail for many years. In 1988 and in 1997, students and civilians who took part in demonstrations against the military were arrested, jailed, and kept in 8' x 12' jail cells, with nothing to do day and night. They were only let out five minutes per day. One of the first friends I met was just released from prison on December 28, 2007. He had spent 17 years in jail, and is now in his forties. I asked him if he was tortured in prison. His response, in exact words: 'I was tortured in every way you can imagine'. His brother, who just arrived a few days ago, has permanent brain damage as a result of his imprisonment. One of my students is a former Rangoon University professor; another is a former Baptist Pastor who was arrested for supplying food to protest students. Many of my young adult Burmese students have high school degrees and yearn for college or university but do not have the money to enroll.
The never-ending stories of injustices to humanity that these people have experienced, and still are, have left a profound effect on me. Many of my students are adults who have lost their highly educated positions, and have been separated from their immediate families for years.
Briefly summarized, in 1988 when long-time leader of the socialist ruling party, General Ne Win, stepped down, mass demonstrations for democratization took place, which were violently suppressed. A new military junta took power. Aung San Suu Kyi entered into politics to work for democratization, and helped found the National League for Democracy, and was put under house arrest in 1989. In 1990, the military junta called an election which the NLD won decisively.
Being the NLD’s candidate, Aung San Suu Kyi under normal circumstances would have assumed the office of Prime Minister. Instead, election results were nullified, and the military refused to hand over power. This resulted in an international outcry. Aung San Suu Kyi was placed under house arrest at her home in Rangoon, Burma. During her arrest she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991. In December 2007, the US House of Representatives voted unanimously 400-0 to award Aung San Suu Kyi the Congressional Gold Medal. The Parliament of Canada has unanimously passed a proposal to make Aung San Suu Kyi an honorary Canadian citizen. Canada has, in the past, only bestowed this honour to Swedish diplomat Raoul Wallenberg, Nelson Mandela, and the 14th Dalai Lama. She is the only Nobel Peace Laureate in detention in the world today.
During this military regime the people of Burma are experiencing atrocities to man not experienced in this part of the world since the Khmer Rouge era in Cambodia. The similarities frighten me.
Boys are taken from their families and forced to work for the military in the labor force. The military uses people as human mine-sweepers. Children are taken from families and used as soldiers. Once you are in the military, you can forget about ever getting out. Many of the military are victims. It goes on. Civilians and monks have been brutally beaten and killed. I have seen photos which were taken in Burma of the massacred dead, and the horrendously beaten.
The country has tried to shut down communication. There is no freedom of speech. Recent reports in the Bangkok Post state that the Burmese military Junta has stepped up arrests of dissenters since the September 2007 crisis, breaking a promise to the UN, as stated by rights group Amnesty International. The government acknowledges the deaths of thirteen people, but the UN says at least 31 are dead, and 74 missing. The junta has tightened its grip on its citizens as the world's attention has turned elsewhere. Amnesty International reports that 1,850 political prisoners are being held and 700 were arrested during and after the protests. The military enforces over 400,000 soldiers, the second largest in SE Asia. Half of the government budget is spent on the military.
Behind my guest house is a Burmese prison where numerous times throughout the day, Burmese arrive in a paddy wagon, and are put in a large one room prison, which is open on the street side for all to view. Eventually they are taken back to Burma, which is only 8 kilometers from Mae Sot. These Burmese (Karen tribe mostly), repeatedly try to flee the country, traversing though miles of mine-riddled jungle, before crossing the river into Thailand.
One of the human rights groups I am volunteering through, ABITSU http://www.abitsu.org, is giving many accepted Burmese immigrants a chance at a better life by giving them a place to live and by giving them extensive computer training. I am their first English tutor. Many of them had learned English to some degree at one point in their life. They revere their English lessons. They know that English is imperative for their future. Many of them hope to go back to Burma once the regime is not in power and democracy returns. My morning class is to a lovely group of Burmese ladies living in a safe house just outside of town. My afternoon class is to members of the NLD-LA, (National League for Democracy-Liberated Areas), which operates in the Thai-Burma border areas and abroad.
The situation in Burma is becoming worse as the world turns it attention to Iraq, Afghanistan and other larger countries experiencing the turmoil of war. Reuters has reported Sylvester Stallone's recent stand against Burma's military regime. Stallone has confronted them through the press http://www.reuters.com/article/reutersEdge/idUSL0246806820080202 . The situation merits world attention. In the words of NLD leader Aung San Suu Kyi, “Please use your Liberty to Promote Ours”.
Within a couple of days, I'll be posting pictures of my classes.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
First Visit to the 'Muskoka School' Site!
First Visit to the 'Muskoka School' Site – January 19, 2008..
On the way to Anlong Veng, in the dirt-poor province of Oddar Meanchey, is the rural village of Onndong bei.3 well. Forget trying to find it on the Internet, as there are hundreds of these small villages in this province. It is just off the NH67 road to the northern border of Thailand. Oddar Meanchey is unfortunately one of the most heavily mined provinces in the country and most of the mines were laid in the past 15 years. In Cambodia one in 275 people is an amputee.
Sadly, en route to this area, we reached a road block where 3 days ago three road workers were killed when their truck was blown up by an anti-tank mine. A horrific price to pay to achieve progress. There are no sealed roads. They are being worked on, but they are a mess. In the rainy season getting around this province is tough. Living in this province is tough. And it's tough seeing the people of these areas eke out a daily existence. Khmer people have no governmental social or medical assistance. Snake bites, malaria, tuberculosis, diarrhea, HIV/Aids are all killers in this country. There are no ambulances or fire departments in the rural areas.
Hope is slowly being realized by the people of this province through the help brought by numerous NGOs and World Relief Organizations. Irrigation and well projects, food and medical supplies, some demining, and schools are being built. It's really tough to know where to begin, because to get this much needed aid to the people who need them, you really need to demine first. In rural Cambodia you don't dare take a step off the side of a road or well-trod path.
Traveling with Akira, a class 3 certified deminer, certainly gave our convoy of 3 vehicles some reassurance as we took the two hour trip north of Siem Reap to Onndong bei. 3 well. Along for the journey were good friends Eugene and Mary Gallagher of Australia. They were coming to see the newly built wood school they fund raised for in a village en route. Richard Fitoussi, of the new Land Mine Museum and Relief Facility, and Bill Morse of the Landmine Relief Fund came along, as well as Phil Parry who built the wonderful new cement school near Pailin last year.
Building a school in Cambodia is a wonderful and rewarding project. The children and young adults here revere education, and devote their every waking moment to it. Parents will sell their only cow, to give their son a semester of university education. A semester here only costs $300. I have had countless students tell me their aspirations for university education, but their parents are too poor to afford the cost. As it is, children in primary and secondary school have to pay a small fee to go to school every day. This is a form of corruption, but corruption is the norm for many aspects of Cambodian life. You have to pay for what you need, but many of the everyday things that one needs, are not available, or so costly, that you buy them in the underground markets.
Schools are badly needed in the rural areas. Many well-meaning philanthropists and NGO's have started to help out in this capacity. Many have come into a rural area, and with the best of intentions, have given money to have a dilapidated school replaced, or have erected a school where one has not existed before. This does fulfill the present need, but so much more has to be considered to make the project a worthwhile and lasting project.
Onndong bei. 3 well is a larger village with an astronomical amount of 170 children attending the school there. The two buildings on the school site are built of wood, bamboo, and leaves. The wood is infested with termites. The roof and walls have large sections missing. During the rainy season, the children are drenched, and there are insects (English name yet to be determined) which fall from the roof that burrow into the children's ears. Three to four children are crammed into each school bench. The children love school and were very proud to show me the work that they do. There was only one blackboard, no books, only some exercise books for the students. Most students had the mandatory blue and white uniform. The school badly needs supplies. I am having a meeting with an NGO tomorrow morning that will hopefully get some school supplies up there soon. Many of the children who ride bicycles or walk for miles to attend school, arrive there never having had a morning meal. How can a child learn on an empty stomach? I am presently pursuing other NGO's to get information on how we can get a morning meal provided at the school site. This might have to be done on a local level. Many schools here also have medical supplies on their wish list, so they can deal with all the minor ailments of the children including head lice(big problem), cuts and abrasions, and fevers.
There were three government funded teachers, one of which was the director. Grades one and two are taught in one building, three and four in the other. Half of the 170 attend in the morning, the other half in the afternoon. I was glad to hear that the teachers were government funded, mainly because grade completion certificates issued by government funded teachers will be recognized for future enrollment, otherwise the students have to 'buy' their way into future education. Government funded teachers are also teachers with the proper credentials and education to teach.
Using Akira as my interpreter, I spoke to the village chief to ask that a letter be drawn up to state in writing that they want the school replaced, that the school is in fact on village land (not private, which could have devastating results), and that we have permission from the Chief, the commune, and the province, that the school can be replaced. Yesterday I found out that it is the responsibility of the school director to get special forms and building specifications from the province. So when I go back up to the school site in March with Akira, I'll make sure that is being dealt with. Another question I am pursuing is whether a government contractor has to be used. I don't thinks so, but I have to check this out.
The chief, teachers and villagers were elated at the prospects of a new school building. It will also make work for some of the local village men.
One reason this is such an ideal site for the 'Muskoka School' is because somebody, or some organization, put in a large well and toilets only meters away from the school! It would have cost about $1500 for this project. When I go back up in March, I will find out from the chief who implemented that project.
It would be quite easy to just erect a solid wood school for $3500 on this site and walk away quite pleased. But, in Cambodia it is illegal to build with wood. It has to be bought in the underground market. Thirty years ago Cambodia had 75% forest land, now it only has 3%. One of the environmental horrors of war.
So the one-room school building will be built out of brick and cement. It will cost approximately $5000 - $10,000, but it will be built to government specifications, it will last, and it will be safe for the children and the environment. The cost is more than first realized because of the remote area in which it is located. But this is a village where 170 children come from miles around to attend school in two buildings that are falling apart. Careful planning will have to be taken into consideration so that down the road the second school building on the site can be replaced. Something else I m looking into. Doing it any other way would be a waste of time, money and effort. The 'Muskoka School' will be a prototype, and a learning experience for me, on how a government approved school building project is implemented. No easy feat in Cambodia, but it can be done. It is my vision to build a school building every year.
Building the school cannot commence until the rainy season starts in June. Lots of water is needed to mix the cement. It never rains in the dry season.
Presently $3700 has been raised by the generous citizens of Muskoka. That money will go a long way towards the building supplies. Upon my return the beginning of April, I will be holding a couple of fund raising events to raise the rest by the beginning of June. In the meantime, anyone wishing to contribute towards this project can email me at mccoy@vianet.ca or telephone my husband Carl at 705-687-8538. Upon my return in April, I will also be available for speaking engagements, accompanied by a Powerpoint presentation.
On the way to Anlong Veng, in the dirt-poor province of Oddar Meanchey, is the rural village of Onndong bei.3 well. Forget trying to find it on the Internet, as there are hundreds of these small villages in this province. It is just off the NH67 road to the northern border of Thailand. Oddar Meanchey is unfortunately one of the most heavily mined provinces in the country and most of the mines were laid in the past 15 years. In Cambodia one in 275 people is an amputee.
Sadly, en route to this area, we reached a road block where 3 days ago three road workers were killed when their truck was blown up by an anti-tank mine. A horrific price to pay to achieve progress. There are no sealed roads. They are being worked on, but they are a mess. In the rainy season getting around this province is tough. Living in this province is tough. And it's tough seeing the people of these areas eke out a daily existence. Khmer people have no governmental social or medical assistance. Snake bites, malaria, tuberculosis, diarrhea, HIV/Aids are all killers in this country. There are no ambulances or fire departments in the rural areas.
Hope is slowly being realized by the people of this province through the help brought by numerous NGOs and World Relief Organizations. Irrigation and well projects, food and medical supplies, some demining, and schools are being built. It's really tough to know where to begin, because to get this much needed aid to the people who need them, you really need to demine first. In rural Cambodia you don't dare take a step off the side of a road or well-trod path.
Traveling with Akira, a class 3 certified deminer, certainly gave our convoy of 3 vehicles some reassurance as we took the two hour trip north of Siem Reap to Onndong bei. 3 well. Along for the journey were good friends Eugene and Mary Gallagher of Australia. They were coming to see the newly built wood school they fund raised for in a village en route. Richard Fitoussi, of the new Land Mine Museum and Relief Facility, and Bill Morse of the Landmine Relief Fund came along, as well as Phil Parry who built the wonderful new cement school near Pailin last year.
Building a school in Cambodia is a wonderful and rewarding project. The children and young adults here revere education, and devote their every waking moment to it. Parents will sell their only cow, to give their son a semester of university education. A semester here only costs $300. I have had countless students tell me their aspirations for university education, but their parents are too poor to afford the cost. As it is, children in primary and secondary school have to pay a small fee to go to school every day. This is a form of corruption, but corruption is the norm for many aspects of Cambodian life. You have to pay for what you need, but many of the everyday things that one needs, are not available, or so costly, that you buy them in the underground markets.
Schools are badly needed in the rural areas. Many well-meaning philanthropists and NGO's have started to help out in this capacity. Many have come into a rural area, and with the best of intentions, have given money to have a dilapidated school replaced, or have erected a school where one has not existed before. This does fulfill the present need, but so much more has to be considered to make the project a worthwhile and lasting project.
Onndong bei. 3 well is a larger village with an astronomical amount of 170 children attending the school there. The two buildings on the school site are built of wood, bamboo, and leaves. The wood is infested with termites. The roof and walls have large sections missing. During the rainy season, the children are drenched, and there are insects (English name yet to be determined) which fall from the roof that burrow into the children's ears. Three to four children are crammed into each school bench. The children love school and were very proud to show me the work that they do. There was only one blackboard, no books, only some exercise books for the students. Most students had the mandatory blue and white uniform. The school badly needs supplies. I am having a meeting with an NGO tomorrow morning that will hopefully get some school supplies up there soon. Many of the children who ride bicycles or walk for miles to attend school, arrive there never having had a morning meal. How can a child learn on an empty stomach? I am presently pursuing other NGO's to get information on how we can get a morning meal provided at the school site. This might have to be done on a local level. Many schools here also have medical supplies on their wish list, so they can deal with all the minor ailments of the children including head lice(big problem), cuts and abrasions, and fevers.
There were three government funded teachers, one of which was the director. Grades one and two are taught in one building, three and four in the other. Half of the 170 attend in the morning, the other half in the afternoon. I was glad to hear that the teachers were government funded, mainly because grade completion certificates issued by government funded teachers will be recognized for future enrollment, otherwise the students have to 'buy' their way into future education. Government funded teachers are also teachers with the proper credentials and education to teach.
Using Akira as my interpreter, I spoke to the village chief to ask that a letter be drawn up to state in writing that they want the school replaced, that the school is in fact on village land (not private, which could have devastating results), and that we have permission from the Chief, the commune, and the province, that the school can be replaced. Yesterday I found out that it is the responsibility of the school director to get special forms and building specifications from the province. So when I go back up to the school site in March with Akira, I'll make sure that is being dealt with. Another question I am pursuing is whether a government contractor has to be used. I don't thinks so, but I have to check this out.
The chief, teachers and villagers were elated at the prospects of a new school building. It will also make work for some of the local village men.
One reason this is such an ideal site for the 'Muskoka School' is because somebody, or some organization, put in a large well and toilets only meters away from the school! It would have cost about $1500 for this project. When I go back up in March, I will find out from the chief who implemented that project.
It would be quite easy to just erect a solid wood school for $3500 on this site and walk away quite pleased. But, in Cambodia it is illegal to build with wood. It has to be bought in the underground market. Thirty years ago Cambodia had 75% forest land, now it only has 3%. One of the environmental horrors of war.
So the one-room school building will be built out of brick and cement. It will cost approximately $5000 - $10,000, but it will be built to government specifications, it will last, and it will be safe for the children and the environment. The cost is more than first realized because of the remote area in which it is located. But this is a village where 170 children come from miles around to attend school in two buildings that are falling apart. Careful planning will have to be taken into consideration so that down the road the second school building on the site can be replaced. Something else I m looking into. Doing it any other way would be a waste of time, money and effort. The 'Muskoka School' will be a prototype, and a learning experience for me, on how a government approved school building project is implemented. No easy feat in Cambodia, but it can be done. It is my vision to build a school building every year.
Building the school cannot commence until the rainy season starts in June. Lots of water is needed to mix the cement. It never rains in the dry season.
Presently $3700 has been raised by the generous citizens of Muskoka. That money will go a long way towards the building supplies. Upon my return the beginning of April, I will be holding a couple of fund raising events to raise the rest by the beginning of June. In the meantime, anyone wishing to contribute towards this project can email me at mccoy@vianet.ca or telephone my husband Carl at 705-687-8538. Upon my return in April, I will also be available for speaking engagements, accompanied by a Powerpoint presentation.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Grand Day for Cambodian Land Mine Museum and Relief Facility
Cambodian dignitaries, team workers from around the world, facility staff and children all came together to celebrate a significantly special day for the Cambodian Land Mine Museum and Relief Facility.
On Thursday, January 10, 2008, a ceremony took place in which the facility was presented its official organization licensing certificate. In Cambodia, this certificate, difficult for most organizations to achieve, is imaginably more difficult to attain for an organization which has defused land mines on display. But this facility, an eight year project implemented by Canadian documentary filmmaker Richard Fitoussi of Bayfield, Ontario, is more than just a Land Mine Museum. It is also the home to Akira, his family, and the 22 child land mine victims which presently live there.
As part of the 'Team', I was delighted to be a part of this momentous day. The ceremony saw 23 noted dignitaries on the stage, and the event was covered by Time Magazine (Canadian Edition).
At 9:30am, after the opening remarks, we all rose to respect the Cambodian National Anthem. Richard Fitoussi then thanked everyone for making this day possible, and proceeded by reading a letter recently presented to him by Lloyd Norman Axworthy, PC, OC, OM, Ph.D, MA., who's greatest success was the Ottawa Treaty, an international treaty to ban anti-personnel land mines. He also campaigned against the use of child soldiers and the international trade in light weapons.
In his letter, Dr. Axworthy speaks of keeping a landmine from Bosnia in his office as a stark reminder of the devastating cruelty of this man made weapon. He noted that as of October 2007, 156 state dignitaries have signed the Treaty, and that 40 million land mines have been destroyed since the Treaty's implementation. Dr. Axworthy thanked and congratulated the Facility for the success of all its endeavors.
The Deputy Governor of Siem Reap was the next dignitary to take to the podium and offer his congratulations, followed by His Excellency, Secretary General of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority, Mr. Sam Sotha. In 1997, Sam Sotha was in attendance at the signing of the Ottawa Treaty. He spoke on how hard Cambodia, and other NGO's in place, work constantly to clear land mines. He stated that the government has to work hard to assist the victims, and acknowledged the help the new Facility gives to children injured by land mines. His Department worked hard to check, and double-check, every landmine at the Museum, to ensure that they were defused. He applauded Fitoussi and Akira for their tremendous work, and then ceremoniously handed them the official licensing certificate.
The children were next in line to be honored for their scholastic achievements, as each one in turn was presented with an Oxford Khmer/English dictionary. They were presented by Asad Rahmen & Olivia Lorge of Project Enlighten www.projectenlighten.org , the NGO which raises funds towards scholarships for these children. Richard Fitoussi Sr., along with wife Corrine, next presented gifts to the Facility staff and educators.
Tol and Voleak, two resident children of the facility gave heartwarming speeches of how the facility has given them the opportunity for a better education, resulting in hopes for a rewarding future.
Local police and military were also in attendance, and Akira presented the local police with a gift of hand held radios, insuring the Facility's immediate communication with the police, should the need arise.
Ending the morning's celebration was one final speech, given by the man who's dream made this all possible – Akira. Akira's never-ending vision, 'To Make My Country Safe for My People', is a vision shared by many in Cambodia. Akira has never stopped acting on his vision, resulting in many years of having personally defused and removed landmines. He has also taken into his family uncared for children of land mine casualties. I was personally touched when he stressed his strong desire to build more schools in the rural areas of Cambodia lacking schools. Within the next week I will personally be able to share this desire with Akira as we go to visit the Cambodian countryside to view the site for the future 'Muskoka School', funded by the generous citizens of Muskoka.
He is a man of many visions, and thanks to all of those who made this New Facility possible. The Facility is solely run on donations. It presently has a very small schoolroom that only comfortably seats 5 children. The Relief Facility is presently fundraising to build a new, larger schoolroom. Donations can be made through the Cambodian Land Mine Museum and Relief Facility's website at: http://www.cambodialandminemuseum.org/
On Thursday, January 10, 2008, a ceremony took place in which the facility was presented its official organization licensing certificate. In Cambodia, this certificate, difficult for most organizations to achieve, is imaginably more difficult to attain for an organization which has defused land mines on display. But this facility, an eight year project implemented by Canadian documentary filmmaker Richard Fitoussi of Bayfield, Ontario, is more than just a Land Mine Museum. It is also the home to Akira, his family, and the 22 child land mine victims which presently live there.
As part of the 'Team', I was delighted to be a part of this momentous day. The ceremony saw 23 noted dignitaries on the stage, and the event was covered by Time Magazine (Canadian Edition).
At 9:30am, after the opening remarks, we all rose to respect the Cambodian National Anthem. Richard Fitoussi then thanked everyone for making this day possible, and proceeded by reading a letter recently presented to him by Lloyd Norman Axworthy, PC, OC, OM, Ph.D, MA., who's greatest success was the Ottawa Treaty, an international treaty to ban anti-personnel land mines. He also campaigned against the use of child soldiers and the international trade in light weapons.
In his letter, Dr. Axworthy speaks of keeping a landmine from Bosnia in his office as a stark reminder of the devastating cruelty of this man made weapon. He noted that as of October 2007, 156 state dignitaries have signed the Treaty, and that 40 million land mines have been destroyed since the Treaty's implementation. Dr. Axworthy thanked and congratulated the Facility for the success of all its endeavors.
The Deputy Governor of Siem Reap was the next dignitary to take to the podium and offer his congratulations, followed by His Excellency, Secretary General of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority, Mr. Sam Sotha. In 1997, Sam Sotha was in attendance at the signing of the Ottawa Treaty. He spoke on how hard Cambodia, and other NGO's in place, work constantly to clear land mines. He stated that the government has to work hard to assist the victims, and acknowledged the help the new Facility gives to children injured by land mines. His Department worked hard to check, and double-check, every landmine at the Museum, to ensure that they were defused. He applauded Fitoussi and Akira for their tremendous work, and then ceremoniously handed them the official licensing certificate.
The children were next in line to be honored for their scholastic achievements, as each one in turn was presented with an Oxford Khmer/English dictionary. They were presented by Asad Rahmen & Olivia Lorge of Project Enlighten www.projectenlighten.org , the NGO which raises funds towards scholarships for these children. Richard Fitoussi Sr., along with wife Corrine, next presented gifts to the Facility staff and educators.
Tol and Voleak, two resident children of the facility gave heartwarming speeches of how the facility has given them the opportunity for a better education, resulting in hopes for a rewarding future.
Local police and military were also in attendance, and Akira presented the local police with a gift of hand held radios, insuring the Facility's immediate communication with the police, should the need arise.
Ending the morning's celebration was one final speech, given by the man who's dream made this all possible – Akira. Akira's never-ending vision, 'To Make My Country Safe for My People', is a vision shared by many in Cambodia. Akira has never stopped acting on his vision, resulting in many years of having personally defused and removed landmines. He has also taken into his family uncared for children of land mine casualties. I was personally touched when he stressed his strong desire to build more schools in the rural areas of Cambodia lacking schools. Within the next week I will personally be able to share this desire with Akira as we go to visit the Cambodian countryside to view the site for the future 'Muskoka School', funded by the generous citizens of Muskoka.
He is a man of many visions, and thanks to all of those who made this New Facility possible. The Facility is solely run on donations. It presently has a very small schoolroom that only comfortably seats 5 children. The Relief Facility is presently fundraising to build a new, larger schoolroom. Donations can be made through the Cambodian Land Mine Museum and Relief Facility's website at: http://www.cambodialandminemuseum.org/
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
First Visit to the new Landmine Museum and Relief Facility
Thursday, January 3, 2008
After a week and a half of planes, airports, hotels, buses, and cars on some very bumpy roads, I've settled into my very nice room at the Green Town Guesthouse in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Yesterday, I made the long-awaited first visit to the new location of the Landmine Museum and Relief Facility. It was a 32km pleasurable journey by tuk-tuk from Siem Reap.
It is this new facility which, through its outreach programs, has built schools in the rural areas of Cambodia lacking a school, or requiring a replacement school.
I arrived in the early cool of the morning, and no sooner walked through the entrance, to be met by Akira himself. Akira, founder of the Landmine Museum, was a former conscripted Khmer Rouge soldier, who since the war, has made it his goal to “Make My Country Safe for My People'. This he has been doing by removing landmines on a continual basis. Akira is a licensed and accredited de-miner.
The new facility is comprised of a Landmine Museum, offices for the Cambodian Landmine Museum Relief Fund, a home for Akira, his family, and 18 child landmine victims. There is a kitchen, small school room, bathrooms, and a play yard in this safely fenced-in facility. The children have all their needs met, and have supervision by hired Khmer staff. All thanks to Canadian documentary filmmaker Richard Fitoussi who spent seven years of his life working towards the creation of this new facility for Akira.
Akira and I had ample time to have preliminary discussions regarding the 'Muskoka School' project. He was delighted with the fact that approximately $3800 had been raised towards the building of a school. He said that should build quite a big school. Many, many areas need a school, but two in particular came to mind – Oromchek Village and Jrung Village. I have not had a chance yet to find these remote areas on a map yet, but will post a precise location once I find out. Akira said that sometime before January 24th we would make a journey to that site. I will be posting pictures of that, once the trip is made. Then a bank account will be set up for Akira to buy the supplies and hire local Khmer people to build the school.
It's a very exciting first step in the 'Muskoka School' project!
After a week and a half of planes, airports, hotels, buses, and cars on some very bumpy roads, I've settled into my very nice room at the Green Town Guesthouse in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Yesterday, I made the long-awaited first visit to the new location of the Landmine Museum and Relief Facility. It was a 32km pleasurable journey by tuk-tuk from Siem Reap.
It is this new facility which, through its outreach programs, has built schools in the rural areas of Cambodia lacking a school, or requiring a replacement school.
I arrived in the early cool of the morning, and no sooner walked through the entrance, to be met by Akira himself. Akira, founder of the Landmine Museum, was a former conscripted Khmer Rouge soldier, who since the war, has made it his goal to “Make My Country Safe for My People'. This he has been doing by removing landmines on a continual basis. Akira is a licensed and accredited de-miner.
The new facility is comprised of a Landmine Museum, offices for the Cambodian Landmine Museum Relief Fund, a home for Akira, his family, and 18 child landmine victims. There is a kitchen, small school room, bathrooms, and a play yard in this safely fenced-in facility. The children have all their needs met, and have supervision by hired Khmer staff. All thanks to Canadian documentary filmmaker Richard Fitoussi who spent seven years of his life working towards the creation of this new facility for Akira.
Akira and I had ample time to have preliminary discussions regarding the 'Muskoka School' project. He was delighted with the fact that approximately $3800 had been raised towards the building of a school. He said that should build quite a big school. Many, many areas need a school, but two in particular came to mind – Oromchek Village and Jrung Village. I have not had a chance yet to find these remote areas on a map yet, but will post a precise location once I find out. Akira said that sometime before January 24th we would make a journey to that site. I will be posting pictures of that, once the trip is made. Then a bank account will be set up for Akira to buy the supplies and hire local Khmer people to build the school.
It's a very exciting first step in the 'Muskoka School' project!
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Big Thanks to Bracebridge UCW Church Groups and Gravenhurst Rotary Club for their $1000 Donations!
A Big Thanks to the Bracebridge UCW Church groups, who presented me with a cheque for $1000 towards the building of the 'Muskoka School'. Our goal of $3500 has been realized thanks to generous donations of $1000 from the Gravenhurst Rotary Club and the many generous citizens of Muskoka. The presentation took place Wednesday, December 5th, at The Soup Kettle Luncheon at the United Church in Bracebridge.
I will be leaving Canada on December 24th and arriving in Cambodia on January 1st. Upon arrival I will implement the building of this school. More information on this project can be reading the August entry at the bottom of this page. Throughout my 3 months stay in SE Asia, updates, with pictures, on this project will be posted regularly on this site.
During the last week of January I will be heading for the Thai/Burma border to do some volunteer work for newly integrated Burmese refugees in Mae Sot, Thailand. I'll be there February through March. Before I head back to Canada, I'll head back to Cambodia to check on the school building project.
The whole northwest border of Thailand is heavily mined, and with the recent crisis in Burma, there are now about 150,000 refugees in camps in this area. Many of them are orphaned children. The government of Thailand grants them refugee status, but they cannot attain Thai citizenship, and therefore are ineligible to any Thai social benefits. I have to say I am quite compelled to go help out. It is a horrid situation. Many landmine victims come across this heavily mined border area. I'm presently in touch with several NGO's and human rights organizations, in that area. In the border town of Mae Sot, I will be teaching an English evening course to adults through the organization ABITSU http://www.abitsu.org/ . I will probably be teaching refugee children in the daytime. I'll keep you updated.
I have one more little fundraiser, I am presently initiating:
Gravenhurst resident Norm Rippon's son, Norman Edward Rippon, co-author of an excellent English Grammar book 'Improve Your Child's Spelling', has donated 132 new copies of this book destined for Cambodian children and Burmese Refugees. I can't take them with me. So, I've taken a box to the Post Office to find out the cost to have them shipped to my destination in Cambodia. For $3, a person can sponsor one of these books to be shipped. People can call me at 687-8538 or email me at mccoy@vianet.ca , if they would like to sponsor a book. If they would like their name placed in the book, I would be happy to do so. I will be distributing the books to Cambodian child landmine victims at the Cambodian Landmine Museum and Facility near Siem Reap, and to adult and child refugees learning English along the Thai/Burma border. Some will also be save for the 'Muskoka School'.
I conclude but inserting a little more info on the current crisis on the Thai/Burma border from reputable sources.
From Refugees International September 2007:
Humanitarian Situation
According to statistics gathered by the U.S. Committee for Refugees, Thailand hosted over 408,000 refugees and asylum seekers at the end of 2006, nearly all from neighboring Burma. In addition to the camp populations, it is estimated that another two million Burmese are living as so-called "illegal" or "economic" migrants. Given Burma's systematic human rights abuses against ethnic Burmese, it is likely that as many as half of these “migrants” have fled a well-founded fear of persecution. The ethnic Burmese Shan population has found itself particularly susceptible to such policies. While Thailand allows Karen and Karenni ethnic Burmese to reside in refugee camps, the country has labeled the Shan illegal immigrants and consistently pursues a policy of denied entrance and deportation for this population. Populations denied access to the camps suffer from a lack of assistance and protection. In addition to the Burmese, there are also 13,000 Lao Hmong living in refugee-like circumstances.
As a host country, Thailand's record is mixed. Thailand is not a signatory to the UN Refugee Convention, and though the country generally allows refugees to enter, asylum seekers fleeing human rights abuses are often not granted the same protections afforded individuals fleeing fighting. In early 2004 the Thai Government reestablished the Provincial Administration Boards or PABs, defunct since 2001, to take over the role of the Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in determining which individuals from Burma would be eligible for asylum in Thailand. Since then, however, the Thai Government has denied a large number of claims from Burmese asylum seekers, either because of a failure to meet the narrow qualifications for refugee status set forth by the PABs (recognizing only those who have fled to escape fighting), or simply because of the fact that they did not reside within refugee camps officially recognized by the state. In 2007 alone, the U.S. Committee for Refugees estimated that as many as 10,000 Burmese, including roughly 100 from recognized refugee camps, were deported from Thailand each month after their cases had been reviewed and they were found to not have legitimate claims for asylum.
From the International News Safety Institute:
Landmines
Both the military junta and non-state armed groups have continued to use antipersonnel mines extensively.
Myanmar’s military forces and non-state armed groups have used landmines consistently throughout the long-running civil war. Mine use continued in 2005 and 2006 in Karen (Kayin), Karenni (Kayah) and Shan states.
Landmines in Burma are concentrated mainly on its borders with Thailand, Bangladesh and India, and in eastern parts of the country marked by decades-old struggles by ethnic minorities for autonomy. At least nine out of 14 states and divisions in Burma suffer from some mine contamination, primarily antipersonnel mines. Burma is also affected by explosive remnants of war (ERW).
The borders with Thailand and Bangladesh are extensively mined. The border with India has some mined locations adjacent to Mizoram and Manipur states. In Chin state on the border between India and Burma, parts of Thangzang township are reported to be extensively affected, particularly near Dawn village, and in Than Tlang township, mines laid along the Tio river have led local inhabitants to abandon farmland.
The tri-border area between India, Burma and Bangladesh is reported to be extensively mined. The former Chin National Front/Army headquarters, Camp Victoria, was based in the tri-border area, and both Indian forces and the CNF say that the area surrounding the camp remains heavily mined. The adjacent area of Palehwa, in Chin state is mined, and mine casualties have occurred in both military and insurgent forces.
I will be leaving Canada on December 24th and arriving in Cambodia on January 1st. Upon arrival I will implement the building of this school. More information on this project can be reading the August entry at the bottom of this page. Throughout my 3 months stay in SE Asia, updates, with pictures, on this project will be posted regularly on this site.
During the last week of January I will be heading for the Thai/Burma border to do some volunteer work for newly integrated Burmese refugees in Mae Sot, Thailand. I'll be there February through March. Before I head back to Canada, I'll head back to Cambodia to check on the school building project.
The whole northwest border of Thailand is heavily mined, and with the recent crisis in Burma, there are now about 150,000 refugees in camps in this area. Many of them are orphaned children. The government of Thailand grants them refugee status, but they cannot attain Thai citizenship, and therefore are ineligible to any Thai social benefits. I have to say I am quite compelled to go help out. It is a horrid situation. Many landmine victims come across this heavily mined border area. I'm presently in touch with several NGO's and human rights organizations, in that area. In the border town of Mae Sot, I will be teaching an English evening course to adults through the organization ABITSU http://www.abitsu.org/ . I will probably be teaching refugee children in the daytime. I'll keep you updated.
I have one more little fundraiser, I am presently initiating:
Gravenhurst resident Norm Rippon's son, Norman Edward Rippon, co-author of an excellent English Grammar book 'Improve Your Child's Spelling', has donated 132 new copies of this book destined for Cambodian children and Burmese Refugees. I can't take them with me. So, I've taken a box to the Post Office to find out the cost to have them shipped to my destination in Cambodia. For $3, a person can sponsor one of these books to be shipped. People can call me at 687-8538 or email me at mccoy@vianet.ca , if they would like to sponsor a book. If they would like their name placed in the book, I would be happy to do so. I will be distributing the books to Cambodian child landmine victims at the Cambodian Landmine Museum and Facility near Siem Reap, and to adult and child refugees learning English along the Thai/Burma border. Some will also be save for the 'Muskoka School'.
I conclude but inserting a little more info on the current crisis on the Thai/Burma border from reputable sources.
From Refugees International September 2007:
Humanitarian Situation
According to statistics gathered by the U.S. Committee for Refugees, Thailand hosted over 408,000 refugees and asylum seekers at the end of 2006, nearly all from neighboring Burma. In addition to the camp populations, it is estimated that another two million Burmese are living as so-called "illegal" or "economic" migrants. Given Burma's systematic human rights abuses against ethnic Burmese, it is likely that as many as half of these “migrants” have fled a well-founded fear of persecution. The ethnic Burmese Shan population has found itself particularly susceptible to such policies. While Thailand allows Karen and Karenni ethnic Burmese to reside in refugee camps, the country has labeled the Shan illegal immigrants and consistently pursues a policy of denied entrance and deportation for this population. Populations denied access to the camps suffer from a lack of assistance and protection. In addition to the Burmese, there are also 13,000 Lao Hmong living in refugee-like circumstances.
As a host country, Thailand's record is mixed. Thailand is not a signatory to the UN Refugee Convention, and though the country generally allows refugees to enter, asylum seekers fleeing human rights abuses are often not granted the same protections afforded individuals fleeing fighting. In early 2004 the Thai Government reestablished the Provincial Administration Boards or PABs, defunct since 2001, to take over the role of the Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in determining which individuals from Burma would be eligible for asylum in Thailand. Since then, however, the Thai Government has denied a large number of claims from Burmese asylum seekers, either because of a failure to meet the narrow qualifications for refugee status set forth by the PABs (recognizing only those who have fled to escape fighting), or simply because of the fact that they did not reside within refugee camps officially recognized by the state. In 2007 alone, the U.S. Committee for Refugees estimated that as many as 10,000 Burmese, including roughly 100 from recognized refugee camps, were deported from Thailand each month after their cases had been reviewed and they were found to not have legitimate claims for asylum.
From the International News Safety Institute:
Landmines
Both the military junta and non-state armed groups have continued to use antipersonnel mines extensively.
Myanmar’s military forces and non-state armed groups have used landmines consistently throughout the long-running civil war. Mine use continued in 2005 and 2006 in Karen (Kayin), Karenni (Kayah) and Shan states.
Landmines in Burma are concentrated mainly on its borders with Thailand, Bangladesh and India, and in eastern parts of the country marked by decades-old struggles by ethnic minorities for autonomy. At least nine out of 14 states and divisions in Burma suffer from some mine contamination, primarily antipersonnel mines. Burma is also affected by explosive remnants of war (ERW).
The borders with Thailand and Bangladesh are extensively mined. The border with India has some mined locations adjacent to Mizoram and Manipur states. In Chin state on the border between India and Burma, parts of Thangzang township are reported to be extensively affected, particularly near Dawn village, and in Than Tlang township, mines laid along the Tio river have led local inhabitants to abandon farmland.
The tri-border area between India, Burma and Bangladesh is reported to be extensively mined. The former Chin National Front/Army headquarters, Camp Victoria, was based in the tri-border area, and both Indian forces and the CNF say that the area surrounding the camp remains heavily mined. The adjacent area of Palehwa, in Chin state is mined, and mine casualties have occurred in both military and insurgent forces.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
GIANT GARAGE SALE RAISES OVER $800!
OVER $800 RAISED TOWARDS ‘THE MUSKOKA SCHOOL’!
A school Building Project in Rural Cambodia funded by the generous citizens of Muskoka, Ontario, Canada
August 28, 2007
In the developing country of Cambodia it does not take much to make a big difference in the lives of children! It only costs approximately $3000 to build a large one room concrete school in a rural area of this country, and this goal can be easily achieved. A big chunk of money towards the building of such a school was raised at the 2nd Annual Landmine Kids Giant Garage Sale held on Saturday August 4th in Gravenhurst. So many generous people donated their unneeded items towards this cause, and many volunteers showed up to lend a hand for the morning. A BIG THANKS to all of you!
The yard sale was also used as a depot for people to drop off their pennies towards this cause. After all was said and done we had a grand total of just over $800 from items sold at the sale and pennies.
In January 2008 Diane Harrop and I will return to Cambodia to implement the building of a school in Cambodia. This school will be built in an area of Cambodia which lacks a school, or which has a dilapidated, bug-infested school requiring replacement. The building of this school will also provide some temporary; much needed work for men in these rural areas. Upon completion, this school will be dedicated to the generous citizens of Muskoka, by hanging a sign proudly above its entrance; ‘THE MUSKOKA SCHOOL’ !
We are halfway towards our $3000 goal, so keep saving those pennies. Anyone wishing to donate towards this worthwhile project, or to have some pennies picked up, please call Diane Harrop 684-8859, Lisa McCoy 687-8538, or Mary Kerfoot 641-8773. Many thanks again to everyone from the three of us.
To find out more or to donate, email mccoy@vianet.ca
Lisa McCoy
*Pictures on this page show a school built by Phil Parry from London, England. The school is dedicated to his mother Lorna Parry. It opened in 2006 and is located in Malai, near the Thai/Cambodian border.
Photos by Lisa McCoy
A school Building Project in Rural Cambodia funded by the generous citizens of Muskoka, Ontario, Canada
August 28, 2007
In the developing country of Cambodia it does not take much to make a big difference in the lives of children! It only costs approximately $3000 to build a large one room concrete school in a rural area of this country, and this goal can be easily achieved. A big chunk of money towards the building of such a school was raised at the 2nd Annual Landmine Kids Giant Garage Sale held on Saturday August 4th in Gravenhurst. So many generous people donated their unneeded items towards this cause, and many volunteers showed up to lend a hand for the morning. A BIG THANKS to all of you!
The yard sale was also used as a depot for people to drop off their pennies towards this cause. After all was said and done we had a grand total of just over $800 from items sold at the sale and pennies.
In January 2008 Diane Harrop and I will return to Cambodia to implement the building of a school in Cambodia. This school will be built in an area of Cambodia which lacks a school, or which has a dilapidated, bug-infested school requiring replacement. The building of this school will also provide some temporary; much needed work for men in these rural areas. Upon completion, this school will be dedicated to the generous citizens of Muskoka, by hanging a sign proudly above its entrance; ‘THE MUSKOKA SCHOOL’ !
We are halfway towards our $3000 goal, so keep saving those pennies. Anyone wishing to donate towards this worthwhile project, or to have some pennies picked up, please call Diane Harrop 684-8859, Lisa McCoy 687-8538, or Mary Kerfoot 641-8773. Many thanks again to everyone from the three of us.
To find out more or to donate, email mccoy@vianet.ca
Lisa McCoy
*Pictures on this page show a school built by Phil Parry from London, England. The school is dedicated to his mother Lorna Parry. It opened in 2006 and is located in Malai, near the Thai/Cambodian border.
Photos by Lisa McCoy
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