OCTOBER 2009 UPDATES
- On Oct. 21-23, 2009, the Income-Generation Group (IGP) had a very productive 3 day-workshop which discussed on the current IGP studies and proposed business planning in Mae Sot. It was attended by all the MS staff such as Dawa, Cynthia, Kaw-kaw, Kid and See as well as Mitos, Aunty Nancy, Nikos and Jovy.
- The 5 day-Project Cycle Management organized by the Education and Training team was successfully conducted on October 27 to 31, 2009 in Mae Sot. It was attended by Dawa, Cynthia, Aunty Nancy, Nang Hseng, Fuji, Dina, Say Meh, Choe Khu and other members from the partner organizations.
- As part of WEAVE’s registration in Thailand, we have chosen 3 Board of Directors as founding members. They are: 1) Khun Harry Wattitayakul (Thai Tribal Craft); 2) Adjarn Sinkhon Raksakulmai (Karen Baptist Convention); 3) Khun Suraporn Suriyamonton (Indigenous Peoples Foundation).
- Five (5) Social Workers from the Ateneo de Davao University will join WEAVE as Interns from November 7 to December 15, 2009. These are:
1. Jeffrey Calamongay-for IGP, Mae Sot
2. Vincent Sorupia-for IGP, Mae Sot
3. Sheryl Ramos-for WSP, Mae Hong Son
4. Leah Aportadera-for Safehouse, Mae Hong Son
5. Kristoferson Morales-for ECD, Mae Hong Son
The Basic International Response (BIHR), initiated by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), was attended by Ms. Jovy Castro on Oct. 5-12, 2009 at Suanson Pradipat, Hua Hin Thailand. Thirty (30) participants from the countries in the Asia-Pacific region such as Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Japan, Timor Leste, Malaysia, India, Myanmar, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, China, Iran, Korea and Thailand, successfully finished the 8-day-workshop.
It was aimed at acquainting the participants with the purpose and practices of emergency management. The workshop was highly participatory and practical, focusing on techniques, tools and tips designed to help in emergency operations, with an emphasis on situations involving refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs). It was an opportunity for all participants to share experiences and lessons learned. Main themes of the workshop include: Emergency management principles; International Protection; Coordination skills among partners; Negotiating for access and respect for human rights; Safety and security in the field; Managing specialized sectors in emergencies; Managing information and working with the media and; Managing stress in yourself and others.
Special thanks
Special thanks to our sponsors and kindred individuals: Bernard van Leer Foundation, the Netherlands; Terre des Hommes, Germany in Southeast Asia; Refugee International, Japan; EMpower; Global Fund for Children; Stephanie Bernstein; Thai Tribal Craft; Australian Business Volunteers; Greater Good Foundation.
WEAVE accepts donations and grants and will match up funds up to 5,000 baht. Proceeds will be used to fund innovative and supportive projects of women’s and community based organizations that promote development and empowerment.