Hlaing Tharyar West Project
World Vision update on the relief effort in Myanmar…
Thought I’d share with all of you the update I received from World Vision as part of my sponsorship of a young girl in the Hlaing Tharyar province of Myanmar (Burma) The devestation caused by Cyclone Negris is yesterday’s news in the West but for the Burmese people the destruction is still being felt. What economy the area had was given a double whammy by both the cyclone and the global economic downturn and it is been through the work of charities rather than the Burmese government which has seen some of the area’s economic and physical infrastructure slowly recover.
World Vision has helped develop community spirit and learning through programmes highlighting child protection, social responsibility, food distribution and disaster risk reduction. A number of events have been held and recently over 25,000 children took part in the Universal Day of the Child in the Bogale Township. It was a chance for all the young children affected by the cyclone to play games and take part in role plays highlighting more serious issues. More than 40,000 people saw their homes damaged or destroyed in the area and this must have been a great boost for the community spirit.
Reading the report it is obvious that the charity places a great deal of attention on child welfare and education, according to UNICEF the enrolement rate for primary schools is 80% in Myanmar but the drop out rate equates to less than 55% of children completing their primary school term. This goes hand in hand with the major problem of child trafficking and the parents of sponsored children have been given guidance on the tell tale signs of potential risks to their children.
My sponsored child, May Mi Mi is still going to school and seems to be growing up rapidly, she still wants to become a teacher and I’ve got the feeling she’ll make it…
Miles,
It is as we often say that today’s news (good or bad) are tomorrow’s fish and chip paper.
We hear of disasters and unless we are affected we tend to forget about the aftermass.
I think that the media should take a wider and more responsible role in their reporting. They, together with aid agencies, should provide periodical updates on these areas. When people in their generosity give help and support they should know what respective governments have provided and how aid has been implemented.
Huge amounts of monies have been given to disaster funds and development aid but too little reporting has shown us the outcome. People will lose faith and willingness to support.
Best wishes to May Mi Mi.
Anne
September 2, 2010 @ 10:17 pm
Anne,
A great coment, very valid points indeed. I sometimes feel as though we are waiting for one disaster to ‘top’ another. The news has focused on Pakistan and it is indeed an horrendous tradgedy but what of Niger? The problem with Niger is that it is a peniless state in the African continent and that’s that.
People need to have trust/faith in both government and aid agencies if public help is to be maintained and I think they’ve some way to go on this.
The problem is when a government has a self inflicted label for corruption the public simply do not trust where their money will end up. That in itself is a tradgedy.
Miles
September 2, 2010 @ 11:30 pm
I totally second every comment by Anne - especially the non-reporting aspect. People should be kept informed how aid is channelled into various sectors. It does seem as though our planet is a little pi**ed off at the moment though doesn’t it??!!
The corruption problem is indeed a very valid one though - and the perception of it unfortunately is usually true. My husband has worked in many different parts of South America and Africa and encountered it first-hand in many places - although he did make the comment that in Africa at least they were up front about it whereas in Brazil the Government tries for the perception of legitimacy and instead introduces “fees” for everything - same, same!! When I hear his stories of terrible deprivation I feel selfishly glad to be living in Britain!!
Lol Lynn ♥
September 3, 2010 @ 11:28 am
Lynn,
Thanks for a great comment, this is a real issue isn’t it? These poor countries which have been ravaged by war, famine and climate issues are all too often run by corrupt politicians squeezing the finances for all they’re worth. But what’s the answer? Do we impose our Western belief’s on them as we have tried (and failed) to do in Iraq and Afghanistan? But you’re right, why pay money into something you end up questioning the legitimacy of?
Miles
September 3, 2010 @ 6:05 pm
I really regret that there is no solution to many of these problems. No matter how unpalatable it is to us “Westerners” I really believe that we have no right to interfere with another Country. We should take a Star Trek “Prime Directive” stance!!
On a separate but related note (for anyone still wondering why we “rescued” the Country from the Taliban) - isn’t is peculiar that it’s just come to light that Afghanistan has oil!!
Lol Lynn♥
September 3, 2010 @ 8:02 pm
Miles,
If only all humans could have the best of life’s basic requirements and it wouldn’t matter if they didn’t want to join in with the money grabbing tactics of the West. Trouble is in every culture there’s always a corrupt, selfish element who will exploit everyone where possible….. channeled in the right direction over here we’d call it a ruthless business sense and hand out a top notch job and solid gold pension
Here’s to you and your efforts to help a little person who really needs it.
Cid
September 3, 2010 @ 8:32 pm
Cid,
Thank you, a lovely comment. Couldn’t agree more….
Miles
September 4, 2010 @ 7:56 pm