UNV Myanmar Newsletter

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UNV Myanmar Newsletter Issue 1, May 2015

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UN VOLUNTEERS IN MYANMAR

Assignment Completed 2014/2015

Mr. Milan Dinda, UNDP

Mr. Nikola Duvnjak, UNDP

Mr. Emmanuel Kamwi, UNDP

Ms. Anna J. Saxby, UNDP

Mr. M. Abul Kalam, UNDP

Mr. Simon Wicheng, UNDP

Mr. Darko Petrovic, WFP

3 International UN Volunteers and 4 University Volunteers being recruited

UNV Field Unit Myanmar UN Building. No 6, Natmauk Road, 11211 Yangon, Myanmar

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ingalabar! Welcome to the first UN Volunteers yanmar Newsletter

Inside this issue

News 2014/2015 4-6

VV: Social Cohesion 7

VV: Sexual Reproductive Health

8

VV: Shaping Peace 9

VV: Building Resilience 10

Letter from the Field: Kachin 11

IYD 2014 12

IVD 2014 13

Myanmar Volunteering Spirit 14-15

M UNV Myanmar Newsletter Issue 1, May 2015

Dear colleagues, friends and volunteers, It is a great pleasure for us to present this issue of the UNV Myanmar News-letter, the first ever been published. This No. 1 is mainly aimed at (as could not be otherwise) illustrating the out-standing difference International UN Volunteers are contributing to make in the country in support of UN Agencies and Programmes. En passant, we also wanted to seize the opportunity to cele-brate the achievements of our dear partners during this, our first year of working together. We all know from experience that be-ginnings are never easy. Even though the UNV Programme has been active in Myanmar since 1991 through the occa-sional fielding of volunteers, 2014 was the year when the Field Unit was finally established in Myanmar, under the auspices of the UNV Strategic Frame-work 2014-2017. Working within a com-plicated national context and with UNV going through a transformation process, we have faced many challenges and

obstacles but, thanks to hard work and the support provided by UNDP col-leagues and our Portfolio Team, we have managed to go a long way forward in this first year. Undoubtedly, new tests still lie ahead but we confront them with the confidence that only having the best team behind us could give. We put a lot of time and effort in this first issue because we wanted it to be special, to be memorable. We hope you like it as much as we did designing it. A very special mention to our Youth UN Volunteer, Agnethe Ellingsen (Norway), and our Online Volunteer Nilima Malla (Nepal) that went above and beyond to make this publication possible. Thanks for your commitment and dedication. You are living proof of the volunteer spirit. Best, The UNV Field Unit.

A Bit of Background on UNV Myanmar

UNV Programme started operations in Myanmar in 1991

Occasional fielding of UN Volunteers.

25 UN Volunteers in 2008 (13 National, 12 International)

assigned to Nargis-post relief.

In 2012, following UNDP Country Programme’s roll-out, UNV

experienced a much awaited rebirth with the fielding of 10 International UN Volunteers under UNDP.

The first UNV Field Unit was established in January 2014, man-

aging + 20 International UN Volunteer assignments.

In total, more than 80 International UN Volunteers have served

in Myanmar to date (UNDP, UNFPA, WFP, UNHCR, etc.).

More than 400 Myanmar Nationals have served as UN Volun-

teer abroad (mostly in Africa)

Currently 14 Myanmar Nationals serving abroad as UN Volun-

teers (Africa and Eastern Europe).

Programme Focus

Basic Social Services

CCR/DRR

Peace Building

Youth

Volunteer Infrastructure

UNVs in Myanmar as per May 2015

First Ever UNV Myanmar Retreat- Page 6

Meet Shunlei! Page 15 IVD 2014!!– page 12

UNV “Say Ta Na Won Htan” for Myanmar!

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2

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UNDP

WFP

UNFPA

UNV

OCHA

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NEWS!! NEWS!!

A NATIONAL YOUTH POLICY FOR MYANMAR

As stressed in the UN World Programme of Action for Youth, the role of a National Policy on Youth is crucial in that it provides the overarching vision for all programs and activities relating to youth in one specific country. In 2014, 122 out of 198 countries had a national youth policy, up from 99 in the previous year. Myanmar is one of the 31 countries that has no national youth policy at the moment. The good news is that these numbers show that governments are increasingly aware of the need for legal and policy frameworks that respond adequately to young people’s

needs, aspirations and demands. The bad news is that, despite these advances and commitments, a number of challenges still affect the efficiency and inclusiveness of youth policies, from fragmented responsibilities for youth issues and challenged youth participation structures to the lack of reliable knowledge and absence of appropriate resources. UNV, along with other UN Agencies, is supporting the Government of Myanmar to develop and implement an inclusive National Youth Policy that will contribute to help young people to realize their full potential.

TOWARDS A DRR YOUTH VOLUNTEER NETWORK

The role of volunteerism in mobilizing and managing volunteers is an important component of any disaster risk management strategy that aims at fostering community recovery, strength and resilience in vulnerable areas. Well aware of this fact, the Myanmar Government is placing a substantial emphasis on the importance of community volunteers to reinforce their capacities in community based Disaster Risk Reduction. In this regard, the Ministry

of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement launched last year a comprehensive training schedule that has benefitted 1.300 youth volunteers (30% women) in 14 Regions and States across the country as of today. UNV, UNDP and UNICEF are working with MSWRR to better sustain this Youth Volunteer Network in accordance to our mandate. Myanmar ranks first as the 'most at risk' country in Asia the Pacific according to the UN Risk Model. Have a look at Darko’s

contribution to DRR as International UN Volunteer in Myanmar at page 9!

UNV MYANMAR IMPLEMENTING INNOVATION

ONLINE VOLUNTEERING!!!

Online volunteering does work. When the UN Volunteers team in Myanmar decided to publish its first ever newsletter, it looked for some extra help from an online volunteer in Kathmandu (Nepal). Nilima, who had previously collaborated with the UN Volunteers Nepal Field Unit on communications issues, helped out the

Myanmar team to shape this publication through a very effective collaboration with the International UN Youth Volunteer, Agnethe and UNV Programme Officer, Juan. “Nilima has been such an amazing help to make this Newsletter possible during very busy times, to contribute with her excellent skills and through her “non-UNV eyes”. That is so important because we want that EVERYBODY understands the value UNVs are adding to Myanmar and the results we deliver”, Agnethe, 70% assigned to UNFPA and 30% to UNV Field Unit in Communications and Outreach, explains. She further stresses how poor the internet infrastructure in Myanmar currently is, posing huge

challenges every day at work, but she and Nilima still managed to work together using their deep rooted volunteering spirit for making this newsletter a reality! If you would like to be an online volunteer and contribute your time and skills to a development organization that could be anywhere in the world, or your organization is looking for additional support to enhance its capacities, then please visit

www.onlinevolunteering.org ‘Everyone can make a difference. Share your skills, knowledge and ideas—from a computer anywhere in the world.’

Juan (UNV PO) in action for youth policy!

UN Volunteer Darko Petrovic (Serbia)

Myanmar connects with Nepal!

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NEWS!! NEWS!!

Publications from HQ

First Study on Volunteerism in Myanmar: CUSO, Searchers and UNV!

While there has been research on volunteerism movements in the Asian region in the past, particularly in regards to youth, there has been very little formal research that has focused on Myanmar specifically. However, as we have noticed, the concept is not new to the country being volunteerism deeply rooted in Myanmar culture. As an essential part of our mandate in advocating and promoting knowledge on volunteerism, UNV and CUSO have partnered with Searchers Myanmar in order to produce the first ever Survey

on Volunteerism in the country. The objective of the Report is to promote a better understanding of volunteerism in Myanmar, in order to demonstrate the universality, scope and reach of volunteer activities along with new trends in a country with a tumultuous past and a bright future.

The report examines important

contributions of volunteerism in fields

such as sustainable livelihoods, social

inclusion, social cohesion and disaster

risk reduction. By suggesting how

volunteerism can be taken forward,

the Report will also provide an

alternative vision of a better society

where volunteers feel fully integrated.

The New UNV Strategic Framework 2014-2017

The UNV Strategic Framework 2014-2017 constitutes the first of its kind, focusing on harnessing the power of volunteers and volunteerism to support the achievement of internationally agreed goals. The Framework guides UNV’s work over the coming four years and reflects a focus on working more systematically with UN partners to jointly deliver more impact in peace and development. Have a look at it here!

UNV Youth Volunteering Strategy 2014-2017

This was great news for UNV Myanmar! Being Youth one of our 5 top priorities, this Strategy is especially relevant! The overall aim of this strategy is to facilitate the engagement of youth in global peace and sustainable human development through volunteerism, bringing the voice of youth into the development discourse and helping young people to realize their full social, economic and human potential. Have a look at it here!

Launch of Annual Report 2013: 14 Myanmar Nationals serving as UNVs worldwide!

This report highlights UNV’s partnerships and results, and attests to the commitment, creativity and talent of our UN Volunteers, UN Youth Volunteers and UN Online Volunteers for 2013 and shows the impact our UNVs are creating through their volunteering spirit all over the world. The Report 2013 reports that 14 Myanmar nationals have been deployed to international assignments, mainly to African and European countries, while receiving 12 International UNVs at the same time. Have a read here!

CUSO, UNV and Searchers Myanmar Brainstorming session.

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SHARING UNV SPIRIT FOR CHANGE:

FIRST EVER

UNV MYANMAR RETREAT!

UN Volunteers on assignment in

Myanmar work within the challenging

context of a country coming out of

decades of oppression, security

concerns, human development

obstacles, weak state institutions and

unparalleled ethnic tensions. In order

to recognize their contributions and

strengthen the ties among them, the

Field Unit gathered all deployed

International UN Volunteers for a well-

deserved UNV Retreat last August.

Organized with the main objective of

extracting lessons learned and best

practices from their first year on duty,

the participants appreciated most from

the retreat the opportunity of sharing

stories, getting to know peer

volunteers and the good organization.

Not surprisingly, we find out that UN

Volunteers in Myanmar contribute to

a wide spectrum of social changes at

the institutional, community and

personal levels, including improved

access to services, strengthen

relationships with the Government and

promotion of volunteerism.

The retreat was also a time to analyze

their own performance and

achievements throughout the

assignment. This Retreat provided an

opportunity for volunteers to share

experiences amongst themselves and

to systematically reflect on the

contributions they have made in

benefit of their Host Agencies.

Our colleague from LAO PDR Field

Unit, Carla del Castillo, did a fantastic

job guiding our volunteers through the

“V-Methodology” to give the best of

themselves. And we got to spend some

time together, get to know each other

better and finally have some fun by the

pool!! It was great! Can’t wait for the

next Retreat!!

NEWS

We exchanged our experiences, knowledge and ideas on:

Peace Building Basic Social Services

CCR / DRR Youth Volunteer Infrastructure

The UNV team that participated at the first ever UNV Myanmar Retreat!

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In a country such as Myanmar, contin-

uously hindered by ethnic conflicts and

social inequalities, Social Cohesion

becomes an imperative key for the

development of the country. Last

year, a group of UN Volunteers serving

under UNDP had the honor to lead a

series of Social Cohesion trainings in

different States and Regions, as part of

UNDP’s efforts to increase partners’

capacities for social cohesion. These

three-day workshops benefited 115

people from more than 30 different

Organizations. We sneaked in at one of

these trainings in Loikaw, capital of

Kayah State, where three International

UN volunteers (Moses, Milan and Niko-

la) were caught in action for social co-

hesion in Myanmar.

Nikola, a Serbian national with a long

experience on ethnic conflict related

issues with OSCE, came from Sittwe,

well-known conflict-affected duty sta-

tion in Rakhine State, to facilitate the

workshop. He stressed the importance

of participatory learning and being

able to exchange experiences from

each other’s real, daily life when it

comes down to understand what So-

cial Cohesion is all about. Indeed, it is

not an easy concept to grasp and you

could feel it during the workshop. 30

people nervously working in small

groups. Hovering over flip-charts, small

figures chatter and mutter, only inter-

rupted by laughter and good-willed

jokes, trying to accomplish the task for

the day: apply their newly acquired

skills to design a Community based

cohesion intervention within one hour.

Challenging, undoubtedly. But they all

passed the test with flying colors. The

importance of not only creating

change through their work, but being

THE change in their communities was

also an important aspect highlighted

throughout the training: ” In the past

my reactions were led by emotions,

and now, as I understand the concept

of social cohesion, I will try to under-

stand others better, especially women,

and use the concept of social cohesion

to improve and make a change. It’s

much easier than I though it would

be”, participant Khun Romuald proudly

asserted. As one of the facilitators of

the training, Moses further stressed

the importance of being an agent of

change: “ We expect them to be an

agent of change within their families,

within their society. That will automati-

cally also result in further progress and

sustainability for UNDP projects”.

The ultimate aim of the trainings was

to encourage UNDP’s partners to take

forward social cohesion in their future

work, above and beyond their ongoing

partnerships with UNDP. Based on the

evaluation of the workshop, it seems

to be quit realistic: “Out of the evalua-

tions in form of surveys and from the

observations, we can say they under-

stood the concept. We could see their

honest review on own behaviour and

values and their discussion about it.

That’s not easy and it makes that work

shop even more successful”, explains a

satisfied and proud Moses.

LEARNING TOGETHER,

CHANGING TOGETHER: UNV IN

THE LEAD OF SOCIAL COHESION

VOLUNTEERING FOR CHANGE!

“Social Cohesion is also about dream-ing. Everybody has the right to dream and should dream. To dream is the key

to development. If you don’t dream, what

would then ever change? Therefore, Social Cohesion is about everybody's

right to dream and to get the oppor-tunity to materialize them” ,

UN Volunteer Milan Dinda, UNDP.

Peace Building

Nikola Duvnjak (Serbia), during the training

Moses Tumusiime (Uganda) in action!

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Volunteering for “a world where every

pregnancy is wanted, every birth is

safe, and every young person's potential is

Fulfilled”

Basic Social Services

Youth

An estimated 70% of the population lives in rural areas in one of today’s low-income economies: Myanmar. That also means that most of the ap-proximately 16 million young people aged 10-24 also are living in rural are-as. Although the mandate of UNFPA is quite clear, stating “to create a world where every pregnancy is wanted, eve-ry birth is safe and every young per-son’s potential fulfilled”, it is a chal-lenge to implement this mandate in a country which has lived in isolation for

decades. The country is still dominated by social hierarchical structures, apply-ing traditional cultural approaches when it comes to gender equality and all aspects of reproductive health. The economic and social consequences related to poor reproductive health such as early marriage, unsafe abor-tion, HIV infections, STI and maternal mortality require much more atten-tion. For example, Myanmar has a very high rate of maternal mortality, and

estimated one out of three pregnant woman who die, are dying from un-safe abortions, and mainly girls aged 15-19. The International Youth UN Volunteer, Agnethe Ellingsen, was assigned to support UNFPA’s mandate in Myanmar, supporting the monitor-ing and evaluation of UNFPA’s youth programme in rural areas in both con-flict- and non-conflict areas, aiming to develop a new strategy which is adapting to the rapid socioeconomic changes, especially impacting youth, and especially rural youth, in terms of new behavior, increasing risky environ-ments and general changes of percep-tions which times of transitions are causing. That of course also includes applying more innovative approaches, for shaping the rapid changes the country and the society is currently going through. Agnethe explains about the challenge on how to communicate what negative impact for a family, a community, a State and a country, poor reproductive health has. As reproductive health is a long-term issue it is not easy to see results or impacts immediately. And here it is where UNFPA and UNV are meeting each other at crossroads: the impact of volunteerism. One of many crossroads between UNFPA and UNV is the sustainability of volunteer net-works. In UNFPA’s case, it is especially related to peer educators, conducting trainings and outreach activities relat-ed to reproductive health. One of the objectives of Agnethe’s main task, is to support the development of a new strategy which is integrating local and/or national youth volunteers in the monitoring and evaluation of UNFPA supported youth projects in rural are-as. In that way they will gain useful skills and become empowered to take

their healthy future in their own hands, by actively shaping the develop-ment of their own communities. They will become change makers! Delivering results as peer educators will bring directly results in improving reproduc-tive health in their communities and that again will benefit the country of Myanmar. Agnethe further explains that the skills they will learn as peer educators are even useful for their family businesses, in which most of rural youth volunteers are currently employed in” Young people learn how to plan, improve and measure results. It does not need to be complicated at all. It can be so simple but make such an impact. And it opens eyes of oppor-tunities”. She further explains that through UNV, as a young person, she got the chance to share, experience and contribute with her academic, professional and social skills directly on the ground, and that she knows that all the rural youth volunteers also are eager to do the same, they want to learn, contribute and share. That is also strengthening the foundation for creating an environment approachable for innovative ideas, as youth are al-ways the first ones to be open for new ideas. And they are shaping the future of Myanmar. UNV is proud to be part of this sustainable dedication and are looking forward to see UNFPA’s new youth programme in rural areas of

Youth UN Volunteers creating Innovation! The aim of employing Youth UNVs is simply that they are fresh in mind, open for ideas and are perfect for sending out in the field, such as for monitoring, evaluation and all research related tasks. With a great con-tributing from our Youth UN Volunteer, UNFPA Myanmar won a Proposal for a comprehensive Innovation Project. Trust the youth, employ youth UNVs and let the future be rocked by innovation!

“Reproductive Health is not only a Human Right, it is from my understanding the key of

all Human Rights. If the reproductive health of your mother is too poor, you won’t probably be born or die very young, if not your mother

even dies during your birth, and therefore never get the chance to make use of all the human rights you have as a human being.”

UNV Agnethe, assigned to UNFPA

Agnethe conducting focus group discus-sions at one of Mary Stopes International’s

Youth Centers

www.unv.org


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As Myanmar undergoes unprecedent-ed reforms, rule of law is emerging as a key issue. As part of its democratic governance work, UNDP has been sup-porting rule of law and access to jus-tice (ROL/A2J) activities at national level and in Mandalay Region and Shan State since 2013. UN volunteers have been playing a key role in this work from the beginning. As the Rule of Law and Access to Justice Officer for Man-dalay Region, International UN Volun-teer and Canadian lawyer Christina Beninger is responsible for the devel-

opment and implementation of the ROL/A2J program in Mandalay Region alongside her national colleagues. This work focuses on supporting the capaci-ty building of justice sector actors – judges, law officers, police and lawyers – while also promoting access to jus-tice initiatives with civil society and the wider community. Despite some chal-lenges due to the sensitivity and com-plexity of rule of law issues, the pro-gram has made some important pro-

gress. In Mandalay, this work includes supporting local justice actors with capacity building training, such as in fair trial standards and legal English, and hosting round tables on rule of law to promote knowledge sharing and dialogue. UNDP is also working closely with university law departments to strengthen clinical legal education

through practical skills training and community outreach. The Mandalay office also played a lead role in sup-porting a high-profile Rule of Law Pilot Project providing in-depth training to lawyers, law teachers and community actors in Mandalay and Lashio. As part of UNDP’s focus on women’s justice issues in Mandalay, Christina is actively supporting the development of a one year pilot project to support a civil society organization in promoting women’s access to justice. To lay the groundwork, UNDP hosted a workshop to bring together justice actors with civil society representatives to gain knowledge on women’s access to jus-tice, especially in gender-based vio-lence cases, and discuss strategies to improve responses. Christina explains that “although we are still at the early stages, the UNDP ROL/A2J program has made important steps forward in supporting rule of law both locally and nationally. “

UN Volunteers Supporting ELECTIONS,

ROL and A2J in MYANMAR

“I feel privileged to have this opportunity to contribute, through UNV, to this work during such an important time of change

in Myanmar”.

Myanmar is going through a phase of rapid and unprecedented change and the 2015 general elections will certain-ly be one of major highlights of the year. All eyes are on Myanmar and the running up to the elections since they might change the direction of the re-forms the Government started back in 2010. The work of all assigned UNVs in Myanmar might be affected by the results of the elections, although in different ways. Luckily, we have a privi-leged witness to help us better under-stand this one-in-a-lifetime event. Elec-tions are always a huge volunteer exer-cise in general, both in terms of organi-

zation and participation and one UN Volunteer is contributing with his pro-fessional and social skills to this histor-ic chapter of Myanmar history! International UN Volunteer Sylvain

Ollier (fully funded by the French Gov-

ernment and lawyer by career) has

been serving as Information Officer

under the UNDP Democratic Govern-

ance Unit in Yangon since January

2015. His main responsibility consists

in collecting information from a wide

variety of stakeholders and provide

briefings on all issues relating to the

upcoming general elections in Myan-

mar including the Constitutional Re-

view Process, technical preparations

for the elections undertaken by the

Union Election Commission, Political

Party preparations, or election obser-

vation. To carry out the work, Sylvain

has developed and maintain good rela-

tions with many different interlocu-

tors, such as Government Authorities,

international institutions or Civil Socie-

ty. In addition, Sylvain assists UNDP’s

Democratic Governance Unit in the

launching of an electoral support pro-

gramme.

The main challenge Sylvain is facing is

the lack of available information and

previous research on Myanmar’s ad-

ministrative, political, and legal frame-

works. During decades, such infor-

mation has not been widely and freely

shared with the public and only recent-

ly there has been a certain break with

the past. Having extensive experience

in election observation missions in the

Former Soviet Union, Sylvain stresses

that elections are always fascinating

and intense events, but even more so

in such a complex and diverse country

as Myanmar. “I feel very privileged to

bring, through UNV, a modest contri-

bution to this exciting process”.

These general elections will only be

the second in 25 years and their out-

come will be an important barometer

of the future political direction of My-

anmar. This is indeed an historical

event and UNV is glad to be a part of it.


PEACE BUILDING

Christina Beninger (Canada) in action!

Sylvain Ollier (France) in front of the Myanmar Election Commission!

www.unv.org


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As many of its neighbors - Myanmar is also highly vulnerable to increasing extreme weather events that, com-bined with other factors, could under-mine the resource base on which My-anmar’s economy and society are based. Between 2008 and 2013, the country suffered a terrible toll at the hands of nature that remained largely unknown. In those five years, the country suffered at least eight major natural calamities that killed more than 141,000 people and affected 3.2 million. The worst of these was Cy-clone Nargis in May 2008 that killed more than 130,000 and affected 2.4 million, not only painfully proving the need for disaster risk reduction in the

country but also creating opportunities to undertake actions at all levels to reduce disaster risks. Rakhine State in Myanmar is deemed as one of the regions at greatest risk from natural disasters in the country. World Food Programme (WFP) is the main humanitarian organization providing food assistance in the State but, additionally to the relief assis-tance, it is also implementing a wide range of asset creation activities to

help the most vulnerable populations to build common assets based on the communities’ greatest needs. Ranging from dam renovation to road construc-tion to locally replicable erosion con-trol activities, WFP provides ways to strengthen community resilience in the face of environmental shocks.

Darko Petrovic (Serbia) is an Interna-tional UN Volunteer Programme Officer responsible for one of these integrated asset creation projects that WFP is implementing in Ba Gone Nar, a village tract located in the Buthidaung Township and composed of both Rakhine and Muslim communities in the far north of the State. Following a proposal submitted by the community to the WFP Office last year, “the pri-mary problem to address is that the paddy fields used by these villages are situated in a natural flood plain that gets submerged in water throughout the rainy season reducing dramatically the plain’s arable area and, hence, undermining the communities’ liveli-hoods”, Darko explains. Therefore, the project envisaged a broadening of the existing canal structure and its strengthening by erosion control measures to reduce the incidence of flooding and enable a greater cultiva-tion and better yields of the flood affected monsoon paddy.

In a commendable exercise of owner-ship, the project discussions were led by the Administrator of the Done Chaung Village (Rakhine) jointly with village elders and community mem-bers from neighboring Muslim com-munities. “If all goes well, we envis-age increased or improved cultivation on around 200 acres of monsoon pad-dy and people from both Rakhine and Muslim communities are supposed to benefit”, underlines Darko. In a context such as Rakhine’s, where the ethnic tensions are beyond palpa-

ble, initiatives like this are aimed to promote collaboration and interaction among communities, giving a complete new meaning to community resilience.

As Darko points out, “what amazed me the most was that in a highly politi-cized and somewhat charged context of Rakhine State, you actually still can find communities where the social fabric seems to be in-tact and where people prefer cooperation to confron-tation, especially on development is-sues. The leadership of the Rakhine village administrator, his constructive interaction with both communities, and his insistence to make the project a success is very commendable and inspires hope. We need to support it.”

Asked about the sustainability and future prospects for such projects Dar-ko concludes: “These projects will only succeed if they are fully owned by both communities and the benefits are clearly defined and agreed upon to everyone’s satisfaction, we need to be very sensitive to everyone’s views. But definitely, as they are aimed to spur local development, capacity and resili-ence to shocks, they have a bright fu-ture in northern Rakhine. We will have a lot of work to do”.

BUILDING RESILIENCE

TOGETHER

“On top of the violence between Buddhists and Muslims that the region has been suffering for years, cyclones and floods

regularly cause severe destruction in the coastal towns.”

CCR/DRR


Darko Petrovic (Serbia), front row on the right

corner, with Muslim and Rakkhine villagers in

their first meeting last September. On blue shirt

and red longyi, the village tract administrator.

UNV Darko, WFP, in action in Paddy

fields in Ba Gone Nar!

www.unv.org


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People learn lessons throughout their

life, regardless of their age. I learned,

as an International UN Volunteers,

that there could be many ways to

persuade people into the streams of

peace and development if you have

their ‘recognition’. People usually

recognize a person important in many

ways; by his/her commitment and

dedication, how he/she deals with

people, where you come from etc.

The inspiration to work with the youth

in Myanmar, actually started to con-

ceive in my mind during the UNV de-

briefing at Yangon UNDP. When I just

arrived at the duty station, I started to

review the complex situation and role

of Myanmar youth, their role in the

society, their problems etc. Though you

have a Youth network, which under-

stands the challenges of youth (drugs

trade and abuse, unemployment, mi-

gration etc.), their limited abilities to

address their issues are even more

strengthened by the many gaps includ-

ing access to government support, po-

litical participation and so on.

Being a less than a 3 months old volun-

teer, I have learned that people value

you and would try to follow your steps

only when you initiate things through

creativity and novelty. My short stint

with the youth groups in Shan State

really proved to be of an effective liai-

son as our relationship made them to

rethink their organizational structures

that would get them recognition

among the masses and the govern-

ment. Youth and youth groups in the

region have this adamant perception

that its impractical to meet and build

better relationship with the govern-

ment. Youth justify themselves quoting

empirical evidence. They say that they

were never recognized!

I personally held three meetings with

the youth groups, along with col-

leagues from UNDP Output 2 who are

working with the Township Legal

Groups (TLGs) and are also aware of

the government procedures with re-

gard to Civil Society Organizations

(CSOs), and tried to link them with oth-

ers who are actively working in the

development of a Myanmar National

Youth Policy. I also facilitated a

meeting with the UNV Programme

Officer who is part of the National

Youth Policy Taskforce, in order to pro-

vide the youth groups with a clearer

understanding of the evolving and

emerging developments in the domain

of youth and development. Though the

youth in Shan state are not actively

engaged, they passed the message

through the UNV program officer, that

they have concerns that are contextual

and ethnically sensitive.

The feedback on the association of

UNV and UNDP was impressive as they

expressed that they would be mobiliz-

ing the youth groups in the whole Shan

State to have their own specific state-

ments and also would increase their

voluntary activities in the region to get

the ‘recognition’ through which they

could lobby for their needs and to voice

their concerns.

I am so excited about the coming

months, the progress, the challenges,

and especially the elections and their

impact on Myanmar youth!

Myitkina, 20.March 2015

“Recognizing Youth as The WHEEL towards Sustainable democratic CHANGE”

By: Dhaanish Mohammed (Sri Lanka) Host Agency: UNDP. Duty Station: Myitkyina (Kachin State)

A LETTER FROM THE FIELD:

Peace Building

Youth


Dhaanish Mohammed (Sri Lanka). Livelihoods and Social

Cohesion Coordinator.

www.unv.org


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Last 10th August, more than 600 stu-

dents and other enthusiastic young

people came out to the Yangon Uni-

versity to celebrate International

Youth Day (IYD), marked under the

slogan “Mental Health Matters”.

The multitudinous event -made possi-

ble through the collaboration of UN

Volunteers, the Yangon Youth Net-

work and nearly 20 other Youth-

related Organizations- was packed

with discussions on how to empower

youth towards a healthy society, giv-

ing an in-depth look into the growing

youth scene in Myanmar. A special

focus was put on how to prevent the

use of social media (Facebook, for

instance) to instigate social tensions

and other challenges faced by disa-

bled young people, young migrant

workers and young LGBT collectives.

But it wasn’t all. The celebrations

were livened up by a variety of con-

certs, games and even a talent show

organized by some of the participant

Organizations.

The first International Youth UN

Volunteer assigned to Myanmar Ms.

Agnethe Ellingsen, actively contrib-

uted to the event and supported the

UNV Field Unit team in advocating for

volunteerism.

The UNV stand was taken over by

scores of curious young people and

kept blissfully busy from the very start

to the end of the event. Not surprising-

ly, the UNV Team finally lost their voice

after having answered hundreds of

questions about UNV, its mandate

and how to become a volunteer, only

interrupted by exchange of jokes with

the young visitors and interviews by

the media covering the successful and

colorful event. Thanks to all those that

stop by our stand!!!

2014, A YEAR OF CELEBRATION!

V.I.

www.unv.org


13

TOP 5 NEWS 2014/2015 IMPACTING UNVs IN MYANMAR!

A YEAR OF CELEBRATION, 2014!

INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER DAY 2014!

The International Volunteer Day is viewed as a unique chance for volun-teers and organizations to celebrate their efforts, to share their values and to promote their work among their communities, non-governmental or-ganizations (NGOs) and United Nations agencies, government authorities and the private sector. To mark IVD2014 in Myanmar, the first being supported by the FU, 42 youth and volunteers organizations (both

national and international) came to-gether on December 7th to celebrate a Volunteer Festival in Yangon. Between 800 and 1.000 visitors had the oppor-tunity to learn more about our activi-ties and community engagement, in-teracting directly with our partner VIOs through 35 information sharing booths, allowing for informal discus-sions on volunteerism and develop-ment in a festive atmosphere in Peo-ple’s Park.

A total of 1.500.000 kyats (1.500USD) was raised by the Organizations through different activities to support children from IDP camps in Kachin and northern Shan State and many people expressed interest in continuing their support to our partners beyond IVD. As a spokesman from our partner

YBVN said: “Volunteers are unpaid, not

because they are worthless, because

they are priceless”.

“Volunteers are not paid not because they are worthless but because they are priceless”

V.I.

www.unv.org


14

Myanmar, the golden country of volunteerism

Volunteerism is a fundamental source

of community strength and resilience

that exists in all societies throughout

the world. Volunteerism is expressed

through a wide range of activities, in-

cluding traditional forms of mutual aid

and self-help, formal service delivery,

campaigning and advocacy, as well as

other forms of civic participation.

Myanmar, like most countries in the

world, has traditional forms of volun-

teerism that are closely associated

with mutual aid. The Myanmar tradi-

tional form of volunteerism is known

as “Ah-myar ah-kyo-saung, ko-ah-kyo-

aung", which if directly translated into

English, means "benefiting oneself in

serving for the benefits of others".

That’s the reason why volunteers are

highly valued and respected among

the general population. “Say Ta Na

Won Htan” , translated as

“Volunteerism”, is deeply rooted in

Myanmar culture and tradition. After

decades of isolation, the year 2014

was a special time to open the Field

Unit: a time when traditional under-

standing of volunteerism met moderni-

ty. Youth and volunteerism are our

top priorities and so the strengthening

of national volunteer networks is one

of the main goals for the UNV Field

Unit. Indeed, supporting further devel-

opment of volunteer networks and-

partnerships are now more important

than ever before so they can adjust

better to the new contexts and seize

all opportunities this new chapter will

offer them. All aspects of daily life, as

well as the economic and political con-

text, are rapidly changing in new direc-

tions, and it is sometimes a challenge

to blend the past with the present and

the future of this country. Let’s hope

Myanmar wont loose this praise-

worthy tradition

Demonstrating true volunteerism spirit,

Myanmar youth participating in the UN-

FPA supported Youth Development Pro-

gram (YDP), created a voluntary Blood

Donation Emergency Group. UNV visit-

ed the Emergency group on occasion of

INTERNATIONAL BLOOD DONATION DAY 2014 the celebration of the World Blood

Donation Day to show support to the

Group and to get to know more about

what drives these inspiring young peo-

ple. The YDP aims to reach out to

young people to increase their

knowledge of basic sexual and repro-

ductive health and motivate them to

adopt healthy lifestyles and be part of

a happy family environment. As to its

origins, the Blood Emergency Group

was created in the aftermath of cy-

clone Nargis in 2008 in response to the

shortage of blood supply and be-

tween 2009 and 2014. They provided

n impressive 148 lifesaving donations.

“We understood the need for an orga-

nized Blood Donation Emergency

Group continuing after the cyclone as

well”, Dr. Htet Aung Kyaw (26) says. He

further stresses, that “Volunteerism

and the wish to give a part of yourself

for helping others, is part of our tradi-

tion and our culture. Fortunately, we

do not have a real blood or organ do-

nation problem here in Myanmar”, he

says. However, he addresses the im-

portance of continuously promoting

donation to ensure a regular supply of

blood in case of emergency. For exam-

ple, every three years, there is a Den-

gue fever outbreak and the need for

blood donations therefore peaks at

such times. In order to adapt to these

changes in the demand and to ensure

a timely, accessible and sufficient sup-

ply of blood, they are cooperating with

other youth blood donation groups, to

ensure that supplies are maintained.

Furthermore, he explains how the YDP

is teaching the youth how to follow a

healthy lifestyle hence making it possi-

ble to become a blood donor.

V.I.

MYANMAR VOLUNTEER SPIRIT

Dr. Htet Aung Kyaw and his team, YDP, pre-sented their Blood Emergency Group!

www.unv.org


15

MYANMAR VOLUNTEER SPIRIT

V.I. ACTING FOR CHANGE!

“GIRL VOLUNTEER

POWER”!

Shunlei is currently Education Project

Manager serving at the youth-led and

youth-focused volunteer organization

Voluntary Internship Program, founded

by herself and other young people to

work on volunteerism and promote

young people as active, informed and

responsible citizens. Today, her volun-

teerism is contributing directly on policy

level, addressing youth issues and right

for youth in Myanmar, representing her

country in a range of forums worldwide,

such as the Youth Policy Forum 2014 in

Baku, Azerbaijan, supported by UNV. Shun-

lei is one of those volunteers who are vol-

unteering because they are addicted to

volunteerism. She cites James Matthew

Barrie’s words, saying “Those who bring

sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep

it from themselves”. The reason why she

especially focuses on youth in her volun-

teering, is because she IS a youth, and

“youth is a motor of change, not only agent

of change, and a motor needs dynamic

movements”, she says, while referring to

the huge amount of young people in Myan-

mar, estimated to around 30% of the total

population. “I volunteer to take responsi-

bility for the affluence that has been

given to me. We must exert ourselves in

order to give in the same measure as we

have received and are still receiving from

our community and from the world”. When

it comes to the volunteerism itself in Myan-

mar, Shunlei is clear that also here changes

are needed. She explains that volunteerism

in Myanmar needs to become more out of

intrinsic motivation from oneself, and not

from somebody who told them to volun-

teer or just volunteering because friends

are volunteering. Moreover, she points out

the generation gap of attitude. “Currently

volunteers can be divided into two groups:

Firstly, kind-hearted well-wishers, drivers

for humanity and secondly, those who

work for their academic reference or for

career development. The first type was the

common understanding of the past dec-

ades. Now in this age of technology and

contemporary education age, among all

competitive living styles, the later one is

too frequent. And it needs to be changed!

….WE ASKED THE GIRLS… How can UNV support

national volunteerism in Myanmar?

INCREASING LIVELIHOODS

THROUGH SOCIAL COHESION

Lu Lu Aye was one of the most dedicated

participants at the UNDP workshop on

Social Cohesion, organized and facilitated

by UN Volunteers in the capital of Kayah

State, Loikaw. Just until recently, Loikaw

had hardship duty station status, based on

the armed ethnic conflicts in Kayah State.

Through her volunteering work she gained

a lot of skills which she is bringing back to

her organization and especially to her

community, ranging from reporting skills

to rice planning, from project planning and

development to social cohesion, and gives

an wonderful example on how her volun-

teering commitment and the skills she

gained through it, directly are making an

impact in her community: In her village,

there are mainly two ethnic groups who do

not like each other. UNDP provided 125

000 USD for road construction in the vil-

lage, and her NGO had a discussion on how

to distribute the money. However, the two

ethnic groups argued against each other to

have all money alone by themselves. She

used her skills and negotiated with both

sides, which led to the distribution of the

money based on the ethnic groups size

which then resulted in the construction of

two roads. The community was very happy

about Lu Lu Ayes skills and contribution

and committed that much trust to her that

she is responsible at the next project,

which will on rice plant training, to take the

lead. That alone was not only a success. Lu

Lu Aye explained that through the social

cohesion training she learned from UNDP,

how she will use the social cohesion skill

son the next project, aiming the imple-

mentation of one project together instead

of two based on ethnic size, as that would

be based on exactly what social cohesion

is!

“All mankind addicts at least one thing in

their life. I volunteer because I want to

volunteer. That’s because I am addicted to

something precious, volunteerism, and it is

a drug we can never get rid of.”

1. UNV can work on advocating for volunteerism policy works such as advocating universities to run volunteer centers. 2. UNV can play as key organizer of volunteerism-themed youth events and with volunteerism aware-ness agenda at many different youth events. 3. UNV can support youth volunteer groups to be sustainable and assist with technical and financial supports with mentorship role. 4. UNV can connect young strong national volunteers to international youth volunteers and let them ex-change the strategy, tactics and approaches of pro-moting volunteerism.

Lu Lu Aye, one of the dedicated youth volun-teers working with UNDP implementing part-ners

Shunlei, one of the dedicated young na-tional females UNV is supporting!

www.unv.org


16

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all those that have supported the

work of the UNV Field Unit and UN Volunteers in Myanmar during this time, contributing to

achieve the results highlighted in this Newsletter:

UNV Host Agencies in Myanmar: UNDP, WFP and UNFPA.

Nilima Malla (Nepal), Online Volunteer for Design and

Layout

Our Portfolio Team (Rafael and Naroth) at UNV HQ in Bonn

Our UNDP colleagues in Yangon.

All our amazing UN volunteers across the country, who

have rocked this amazing first year of the UNV

Field Unit!!

Our local partners: Yangon Youth Network, Yangon-based

Volunteer Network and Searchers Myanmar, for helping us

understand how volunteerism can improve other’s lives.

Documents

UNV Myanmar Newsletter