MESSAGE FROMTHE DIRECTOR

Dear Colleagues and Friends, It is with great pleasure to present everyone Shalom Foundations Annual Report 2009. This publication highlights Shalom Foundation fervent quest to work toward sustainable peace and development for the people of Myanmar. In 2009, Shalom Foundation continued to expand its on-going programs, especially with its mediation and peace education activities. Aside from these, Shalom officially launched several new projects in response to the growing needs of its stakeholders from different parts and sectors of the country. These projects include the Civic Education for Peace, the Interfaith Youth Cooperative Action for Peace, and the Kayah Action Project. Myanmar will go through big changes within the next few months. With the Border Guard Force proposal and the upcoming parliamentary elections in 2010, Shalom Foundation vows to work harder in strengthening its strategies and approaches, especially in providing awareness to local villages about the election and how people can be involved, all in accordance to the 2008 Constitution. In line with this, Shalom Foundation will carry on its grassroots initiatives, whatever the election result may be. In this regard, we would like to extend our deepest gratitude for those who have been helping Shalom since its inception in 2000. We fervently hope for your continued support and solidarity with the people of Myanmar, particularly during this transition period. Lets all join hands in making JustPeace possible. Sincerely,

Rev. Dr. Saboi Jum Director, Shalom Foundation

BRIEF BACKGROUND
In May 2000, a group of principled ethnic leaders from different parts of Myanmar laid down the first steps to the establishment of Shalom (Nyein) Foundation. With the country deeply divided by armed conflict for nearly half a century, the group decided to establish an organization that would focus in supporting initiatives contributing in achieving peace in Myanmar. From its humble beginning nine years ago, Shalom Foundation has continued to work toward the attainment of peace and development for the people of Myanmar. Since its establishment, Shalom has been continuously making efforts in creating a space for constructive dialogue between the military government and the ethnic groups. Aside from facilitating mediation talks, Shalom has also been building the capacities of grassroots-level peace committees through its peace education programs. Community-managed development projects are also continuously being implemented in the various ethnic states. Through its partnerships with local and international organizations, Shaloms programs and projects have gradually expanded in terms of geographic reach and strategies. In 2009, Shalom Foundation continued to walk along the road less traveled the path toward a long and lasting peace in Myanmar. VISION A just and peaceful society for all people in Myanmar. GOALS People actively living and working together regardless of ethnicity and religion. A just resolution for all armed conflicts in Myanmar. Active community participation in the process of social change. Active community involvement in becoming self-sufficient and developing their own societies. Shared understanding of human dignity within the communities. OBJECTIVES To conduct peace education trainings for individuals who are potential peace builders. To actively mediated in armed conflicts. To facilitate dialogue in communities and enable them to actively participate in the peace process. To upgrade the living conditions of communities through the implementation of community-based projects.

Mediation
Shalom Foundation continues to be in the forefront in supporting the ongoing peace process between the Myanmar government and the ethnic armed groups. For several years now, mediation talks have been organized and facilitated together with the members of the Ethnic Nationalities Mediators Fellowship (ENMF). Established in 2002, the ENMF serves as a venue where different states mediation committees can share and learn from each others experiences on working towards peace. The group now consists of state-level mediators from ceasefire and non-ceasefire states of Kachin, Kayah, Karen, Chin, and Mon.

Practical Mediation and the Ethnic Nationalities Mediators Fellowship (ENMF)

OVERVIEW The ENMF is a fellowship for state-level peace mediators in various ethnic states to come together and share their experiences and learn from one another. The ENMF came out of a 2002 meeting of mediators from Chin, Kachin, Kayah, Karen, and Mon states organized by Shalom Foundation. The ENMF allows Shalom to be indirectly involved in mediation activities throughout the country and provides mediators with much needed support from fellow mediators and Shalom staff. Through the ENMF, Shalom Foundation has been able to initiate and sustain peace talks and open dialogue between the government and several ethnic armed groups. The ENMF has three to four members from every state mediation committee, except in Shan State where armed conflict still exists. One role of the ENMF in the mediation process is to plan workshops for mediators involved in the talk process ACHIEVEMENTS In 2009, ENMF members have been very active in participating in discussions, meetings, workshops, and interacting with parties involved in peace processes in several states. ENMF members have made advances in some stalled peace processes and continued and intensified dialogue in others. In April 2009, the Myanmar government proposed to transform existing ceasefire groups into a Border Guard Force (BGF). This proposal intends to divide the armed forces of the ceasefire groups in smaller units, combining them with members of the military. This plan created several new challenges to Shaloms mediation program, especially with the mediation activities between the government and Kachin Independence Organization (KIO). To address this proposal, Shalom conducted several mediation sessions with the government and the KIO mediators. These talks involved high ranking government and KIO leaders, including Northern

PHOTO: The ENMF mediators at a meeting in Myitkyina in December 4, 2009.

Command commander Major General Soe Win and Military Intelligence Chief Lieutenant General Ye Myint. Through the ENMF, other ceasefire groups are also planning for mediation talks with the government regarding the BGF proposal. Another great success for the ENMF in December 2009 was the resumption of talks with the non-ceasefire group Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP). The KNPP agreed into a ceasefire agreement with the Government in 1995, but due to a misunderstanding with the local command they returned to armed struggle the same year. Aside from these, Rev. Dr. Saboi Jum, SF Director, have continued to establish networks and look for feasible solutions from other countries through sharing information and experiences on the ethnic armed struggles to the international community. WHATS NEXT? Shalom will continue to support the ENMF in their mediation efforts, as one way of working towards a holistic peace in Myanmar.

Celebration of Fifteen Years Ceasefire Agreement in Kachin State

On February 24, 2009, Shalom Foundation organized a celebration dinner in honor of the 15 years of the ceasefire agreement between the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) and the Myanmar government. The event was held in Myitkyina in the northern state of Kachin, and among the attendees were Brigadier General San Tun, the Deputy Commander of the Northern Command, together with a number of high ranking military officials, state level local authorities, key KIO leaders, religious leaders, and local network involved in the peace process. During the event, Rev. Dr. Saboi Jum convinced all parties to foster sustainable peace in Kachin State. He also highlighted the significance of the 15-year ceasefire resulting to the improvement of social services in the state. Moreover, the ceasefire has brought about meaningful coordination between the KIO and the government

Kachin Traditional Harvest Dinner

This annual dinner is organized by Shalom and held in Myitkyina in Kachin State. Shalom organizes the dinner each year in order to bring people of different ethnic groups together and create a space for mutual trust and confidence building. The dinner is also intended to promote reconciliation by celebrating and understanding identity and cultural diversity. Also, Shalom uses this opportunity to raise issues to local communities. For this year, Shalom highlighted its reforestation and community forest activities in Kachin State. This year, the events guests included KIO leaders, SPDC representatives, ENMF mediators, community leaders and civil society groups. Among those present in the event were KIO chairman Salang Kaba Zawng Hra, Northern Command Commander Major General Soe Win and Lieutenant Colonel Mangkyi Dau Hkawng, Director General of NDAK (New Democratic Army) a group who split from the KIO in 1974 and have already joined the BGF as Kachin Special Region 1. The La Sang Awng Wah group, a splinter group from the KIA now incorporated as a civil defense militia, was also present. The Kachin Traditional Harvest Dinner will also be held again in 2010.
Major General Soe Win talking with KIO chairman Salang Kaba Zawng Hra at the Kachin Traditional Harvest Dinner in December 5, 2009 (top). Some participants in the 2009 Kachin Traditional Harvest Dinner (bottom).

AnotherStep to JustPeace:
Promoting a Culture of Dialogue
OVERVIEW In order to effectively promote peace, reconciliation, and conflict transformation in the grassroots level, peace committees were established in different ethnic states through the Another Step to JustPeace (ASJ) project. Launched on the 5th anniversary of Shalom in 2006, ASJ aims to mobilize communities in forming local peace committees and, in turn, giving space for dialogue in the community on local political, economic, or social issues. Shalom Foundation helps build the capacity of these local peace committees through various trainings and workshops. ACHIEVEMENTS To date, Shalom has established 21 PEACE COMMITTEES with 162 ACTIVE MEMBERS in Kachin, Kayah, Mon, Chin, and Kayin States. FIVE REGIONAL COORDINATORS have also been assigned to help in the facilitation and coordination of the different peace committees. Using this mechanism, constant dialogue with regional state peace committees have also be mobilized. Members of these local peace committees have also been exposed to a number of trainings and workshops. Among these trainings are on strategic peacebuilding, Conflict Early Warning and Early Response System (CEWERS), laws and other paralegal concepts, and on constitution awareness. Several members have also attended relevant trainings and forums in Cambodia, Thailand, China, and the Philippines. Moreover, through this project, two books have been translated into Burmese language in 2009. These include the Peacebuilding Lexicon and Strategic Peacebuilding. Copies of these books were distributed to peace committee members and other peacebuilding practitioners. WHATS NEXT? The project now plans to extend its community mobilization activities to Rakhine and Shan states. Initial coordination with local key persons has been started. Aside from this, Shalom also intends to conduct a Peace Committee conference, so peace committee members can share and learn from the experiences of other members from other ethnic areas. More community awareness workshops and capacity building trainings are also in the works for implementation in 2010.
PHOTO: Peace committee members in a capacity building training in Yangon.

Civic Education for Peace

OVERVIEW/WHATS NEXT? As part of its commitment in providing an ample space for reciprocal dialogue on peace and reconciliation in the country, Shalom Foundation started to implement its Civic Education for Peace project in October 2009. This project focuses on empowering citizens in making sound decisions that may eventually contribute the gradual transformation within the Burmese society. This project primarily aims to inform its participants on their rights and responsibilities as citizens based from the 2008 Myanmar constitution. In the pilot stage, the CE project will be targeting the project beneficiaries of Shalom. The project has already organized a pool of trainers. A training curriculum is also being designed which would be ready for implementation in 2010. Shalom plans to conduct several Training of Trainers (ToT) and participants of these training shall, in turn, conduct more trainings in their respective communities. Shalom will continue to support these activities in the community level.

Partnership Programs
Shalom continues to work with various international institutions in an effort to provide a more multi-dimensional approach in advocating for peace and development in Myanmar. At present, Shalom has project in partnership with the Norwegian volunteer organization Fredskorpset and Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies (CPCS) in Cambodia.

PeaceComm Exchange Program

Now on its third year, Shalom Foundation is taking part in the PeaceComm Exchange Program of the Norwegian volunteer organization Fredskorpset. In this program, participating civil society organizations in Asia and Africa exchange its staff from different fields and professions to do development work. Shalom first participated in this program in 2007, when it sent two staff to Philippines and South Africa. In 2008, Shalom sent again two staff for a year of exchange fellowship in South Africa and the Philippines. In that year, Shalom also hosted two exchange fellows from Indonesia and the Philippines. This year, Shalom sent two of its staff to Philippines and Indonesia, while it is also hosting two participants from the same countries. The current PeaceComm partners are the Environmental Broadcast Circle of the Philippines, Peace Building Institute of Indonesia, Tarayana Foundation of Bhutan and Shalom Foundation.

The different PeaceComm exchange program batches from 2007 (top), 2008 (middle) and 2009 (bottom).

Peace Education
Shalom Foundations Peace Education program has shifted its focus with its program areas. In 2009, the Peace Education program has linked their Peacebuilding Trainings (PBTs) to other action-oriented projects of Shalom. It is hoped that this change will enable the Peace Education program to work towards peace on both an individual and community level. The four program areas now are: Peacebuilding Training (PBT), Modular Course on Conflict Transformation, Building Peace Actors in Communities, and Capacity Building for Local Trainers.

Peacebuilding Training (PBT)

OVERVIEW The objective of Peacebuilding Trainings (PBTs) is that through changes in individuals attitude and personal perceptions toward peace, they will be able to change their communities prevailing understanding on peace and conflict. The PBTs is divided into three levels and participants must complete the previous level of training before advancing to the higher levels. ACHIEVEMENTS From January to December 2009, Shalom conducted 29 PEACEBUILDING TRAININGS (PBTs) with 360 PARTICIPANTS in Kachin state and Yangon and Ayeyawady divisions. These trainings focused on concepts related to peacebuilding and conflict management. PBT has become very popular, with more and more communities requesting training from

local communities. The requests for training and the increased local financial assistance show that local communities desire and value Shalom Foundations PBT. WHATS NEXT? Peacebuilding Training is being planned to be extended to ethnic Bamar areas including Mandalay, Sagaing, Magwe, and Bago divisions starting in 2010. New training materials are also being designed that will integrate PBTs with Conflict Early Warning and Early Response System (CEWERS). The integration of CEWERS into the PBTs is designed to encourage participants to reflect on their communities and consider the importance of research and analysis of basic community data in addressing community issues and conflict.
PHOTO: Shalom staff conducting a peacebuilding training (PBT) in Singaung Village, Pathein.

Modular Course on Conflict Transformation

OVERVIEW The Modular Course on Conflict Transformation is designed to enhance the capacity of peacebuilding practitioners who are middle level leaders from different community-based organizations (CBOs), non-government organizations (NGOs), business institutions and religious groups in Myanmar. The course aims to create leaders who promote peace in their respective communities and organizations. The course is divided into four modules, with the third module held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia in partnership with the Center for Peace and Conflict Studies (CPCS). ACHIEVEMENTS In 2009, the Modular Course on Conflict Transformation had 22 PARTICIPANTS from various organizations in Myanmar. Among these organizations are Myanmar Institute of Theology, The Myanmar Times, Thingaha Gender Group, Myanmar Council of Churches, Karen Baptist Association, Diakonia, Swe Thaha Network, and Myanmar Baptist Association. Through this, participants have been able to expand their network and meet with other like-minded individuals and organizations working in Myanmar. WHATS NEXT? Now on its third year, Shalom Foundation still intends to offer the Modular Course on Conflict Transformation, with the first module starting on September 2010.

Building Peace Actors in the Community

OVERVIEW Beginning in 2009, the Peace Education program offered Peacemaking Trainings (PMTs) to Community Forest User Groups (FUGs) and to MAS groups or Shaloms community-managed project volunteers. In its first year, Peacemaking Training programs ran in Kachin and Kayah states, and focused on the use of the Conflict Early Warning and Early Response System (CEWERS). The main objective of the PMTs is to strengthen local communities through building the capacity of PBT alumni to enable them to organize people at the community level to talk about local issues and prevention of communal conflict. Peacemaking Training is divided into three levels. After the first level, participants plan and implement study research projects related to conflict or important issues in their local communities, with assistance from Shalom staff. After which, this research is drafted into a report.

Shalom Foundations peace education trainings.

ACHIEVEMENTS Peacemaking Trainings (PMTs) including CEWERS was conducted in Kachin state with participants from Myitkyina, Kamaing and Waimaw. CEWERS is continuously being used by was also used with Community FUGs and MAS groups. In Waimaw and Kamaing, research conducted by the participants focused on issues ranging from population and economics to intravenous drug use. In Mytikyina, the study research is still in the planning stages. WHATS NEXT? Peacemaking Training will be expanded to include Mon and Chin states. The Peace Education team will continue to tailor trainings to the needs of specific communities and provide resources and guidance for community research efforts.

ACHIEVEMENTS Several workshops and a training of trainers (ToTs) were conducted for PBT trainers in 2009. Local PBT OVERVIEW trainers continued to work alongside Shalom Staff for The objective of this program is for local trainers to be PBTs in their communities, observing Shalom staff and able to be solely responsible for Peabuilding Trainings (PBTs) in their communities. Currently, local communities actively learning through co-leading PBTs. trainings are conducted by Shalom Foundation staff WHATS NEXT? members and local trainers. In the future, the Shalom Shalom Foundations training design manual for Foundation trainer will be phased out as local capacity Peacebuilding Awareness Training has been drafted and increases, so that local trainers are providing training to will be published in 2010. The training will be a five-day their home communities. program, some of which will be integrated with CEWERS.

Capacity Building for Local Trainers

Shalom Foundations peace education trainings.

InterfaithYouthCooperativeAction for Peace (IYCAP)

OVERVIEW With the aim of fostering interfaith solidarity among young volunteers from the different religions, Shalom Foundation officially launched the Interfaith Youth Cooperative Action for Peace (IYCAP) Program this year. This program gathers Buddhist, Christian, Muslim, and Hindu youth to plan and implement small community-based projects. Through interfaith work, this project allows the youth to better understand each others faith and, in turn, slowly remove their stereotypes and prejudices towards people of different religion. At this end, the project also helps the youth to appreciate the important role they play in nation-building. Senior Buddhist, Christian, Muslim, and Hindu leaders, collectively called Interfaith Working Group (IWG), serve as the projects advisory committee. ACHIEVEMENTS To start off the project this year, a Core Active Youth (CAY) was established to serve as the implementing team of the project. The group consists of five members that were former volunteers and participants of past peace building trainings by Shalom. This group attended a capacity building program to enhance their skills and build trust and good relationship among each other. With the help of partner organizations, the CAY was trained on topics such as community management, leadership, volunteerism, and public peace concept. Youth volunteers from FIVE COMMUNITIES were initially mobilized by the CAY to participate in the interfaith cooperative activities. After this, an Interfaith Awareness Training for Youth was organized and was attended by 123 PARTICIPANTS from different religions. The volunteers were trained in interfaith awareness and other peace and conflict management courses. With the help of the CAY and the volunteers, several action point projects were implemented this year. Some volunteers ventured into small income-generating projects such as raising chicken, making handicrafts, and setting up a small coffee and snack shop. Aside from this, some volunteers participated in social-oriented activities such as summer courses for children, tree-planting, and youth fellowship activities in various communities in Yangon.
PHOTO: IYCAP fellowship activity with schoolchildren at Wayluwun Monastery in Kyauktan Village, Bago Region.

These interfaith activities allowed the youth volunteers to work together, despite their difference in faith. Through these activities, confidence and trust among each other have been strengthened. WHATS NEXT? Now entering its second year, the IYCAP plans to conduct additional skill trainings for both the CAY and its volunteers. There are also plans for exposure visits to other youth-led business and social initiatives. Proposals for new business and social activities for the year shall also be drafted and planned accordingly. The program team plans to conduct an interfaith youth forum on 2010.

IYCAP enlightened my life and reminded me of my individual and social responsibilities. Actually, I was an intolerant person before but I came to realize that I will not be able to work with the community with this kind of mindset. Although we are still having different perspectives, a good relationship and understanding has already been built with the team. I am continuously feeling warmth and comfortable working with the team. -- A member of the Core Active Youth (CAY)

IYCAP volunteers in various social-oriented and youth fellowship activities in different communities in Yangon.

Trauma Management (FearTreatment) Program

OVERVIEW On its steps towards peace in Myanmar, Shalom Foundation continued to carry out its Trauma Management (Fear Treatment) Program in 2009. This program aims to bring about inner peace for people traumatized by armed conflicts, natural disasters, disabilities, and domestic violence, among others. Through its network of local therapists, this program helps adults and children from different parts of Myanmar to cope up with their mental/emotional wound from their traumatic experiences. Local trauma healers trained by Shalom Foundation regularly conduct house visits to different villages to assess trauma patients in the area. Once identified, the therapist shall diagnose the patients type of trauma and carry out the appropriate healing exercises. The whole healing process lasts for about ten to 20 sessions which are usually conducted on the patients house or in the church area. With the help of experts from Germany and United Kingdom, more than 200 volunteer trauma healers have now been trained all over the country. These trauma healers are assigned to the different healing centers that were established by Shalom Foundation in the states of Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Mon, Shan, and in Yangon Division. ACHIEVEMENTS In the field visits in 2009, local therapists have discovered that many people in ethnic communities have been suffering from fear disorders and psycho-trauma, social phobia and depression. All of these are perceived to be caused by the increasing ethnic tensions in their communities. With this program, a total of 386 PATIENTS were treated by Shaloms network of trauma healers. Of these,
PHOTO: Through Shalom Foundations network of local therapists, more patients from remote villages are being reached.

224 ADULTS and 162 CHILDREN were included. After the healing sessions, 279 TRAUMATIZED PERSONS have already recovered. This was based from the assessment of the local trauma healers using the IES (Impact of Event Scale) scores analysis. After the healing sessions, the patients were observed to be more at peace with themselves and have a better outlook in life. Because of this, most of them have regained the trust and confidence with and from their families and communities. Most of them are able to work again and become productive members of the community. Aside from the healing sessions, 40 TRAUMA CARE AWARENESS TRAININGS (TCATs) have also been conducted in 2009, having a total of 1,356 PARTICIPANTS. These trainings are aimed at raising the awareness of villagers on trauma and its effects on the patients. Because of these trainings, people, even from remote villages, were able to help identify trauma patients in their communities and encouraged those patients to get competent help from the local healing centers. WHATS NEXT? Due to a large number of patients visiting the local healing centers, the program plans to train more local therapists and conduct trauma caregiver trainings. Shalom will also continue coordinating with local health offices, community-based organizations, and youth correction centers, in order to conduct more TCATs in other areas.

STORIES OF CHANGE I am a victim of a landmine explosion and I have lost my right leg in November 2009. I felt hopeless and desperate to end my life because of my disability. Then, I met with a local therapist who helped me recover and heal from my suffering. I was deeply hurt and thus I had ill feelings towards people then. Now, my attitude has been changed and I found inner peace within me. -- A 51-year-old man from Laiza, Kachin State I was a victim of human trafficking in Thailand. I worked as a domestic helper and I was sexually abused by my houseowner. When I arrived back home in Pha-an, I didnt want to meet or talk with anybody, even with my family and neighbors. I kept myself alone and didnt attend worship services. After receiving the treatment from a local therapist, I have gradually changed. I now feel comfortable talking with my family and I have started attending worship services again. -- A 28-year-old woman from Pha-an, Karen State No one was home when Aye, 22 years old from Yangon, came home one night after buying groceries for her small store. She, then, took a bath and fixed her hair in front of the mirror. Then, her stepfather got home drunk and raped her. Her mother witnessed what happened when she got home that night and killed her husband with her own hands. Her mother was sentenced to prison for seven years. After that traumatic experience, Aye hated all men. She trusted no one. She became aggressive and felt like she was guilty and even tried to commit suicide. After three months of healing treatment, she started to talk to others. She still cried when she told her story to her healer. Now, she got back to her normal life again and was running her small business. Two lovers from the border areas in Kachin State were forcefully separated by their families. Still madly in-loved with each other, the couple decided to see each other in secret. After a few days, the brother of the boy went to look for them and saw the couples bodies in a house and it seemed like they shot each other. The boys brother could not believe his own eyes. After what happened, he could not eat, sleep, and had nightmares. One of local therapists was able to meet him. After building trust with him, the therapist helped him by giving him the treatment. Every time he feels stressed or traumatized, he continue to practice the healing methods he learned from the therapists. Eventually, that young man recovered from his trauma and started to work again.

Shalom Foundations trauma healer at a healing session.

Trauma RecoverySupport Project for NargisVictims

OVERVIEW Shalom Foundation was among the first to respond to the victims of Cyclone Nargiss deadly wrath in May 2008. Mindful of the trauma and other adverse psychological impact to the storm survivors, trauma healers were immediately deployed to the Ayeyawady region immediately after the storms aftermath. These trauma healers were mobilized to conduct trauma recovery activities to severely-affected communities. Aside from these, volunteer trauma caregivers from the communities were also trained to help Shaloms trauma healing efforts. ACHIEVEMENTS In 2009, the project was implemented in 62 VILLAGES in the Delta Region, 27 villages in Mawgyun and 35 villages in Labutta. In total, 3504 TRAUMATIZED PEOPLE have worked with Shaloms trauma healers. With this, 2692 PEOPLE HAVE RECOVERED from their trauma, roughly 77 PERCENT of the Shaloms Nargis trauma patients. These people have finally restored their sense of hope and their desire to be productive and have also improved their relationships with family and with their communities.
PHOTO: Volunteer trauma healer working with children in Labutta Township, Ayeyarwady Region.

Through the project, local social workers and potential youth volunteers were trained to provide trauma recovery services to their own communities. These participants assisted the trauma healers, especially in promoting trauma care awareness, collecting data from the traumatized persons and organizing them to meet the project team. FOUR HEALING CENTERS were also built to easily reach out potential clients and give them close treatment. The project brought up awareness of trauma healing to many villagers by providing leaflet for disaster survivors and setting up village discussions on trauma healing. The project team also distributed some healing assistances to the villagers such as longyis, shirts, lamps, rain covers, school supplies, and other supplies. Moreover, the villagers actively participated in various community activities like joining worship service, repairing village road, and building bridges. WHATS NEXT? The project still plans to continue its trauma recovery efforts in the region. However, the project is now shifting its focus in building the capacity of the communities in providing trauma healing to villages, and preparing them for trauma first aid, in case of another disaster.

Reforestation andCommunity Forest in KachinState Program

OVERVIEW Shalom Foundation continues to implement its community-based forest development and reforestation project in an effort to help restore patches of forest areas in Kachin State. Since 2005, Shalom has been organizing various communities to carry out forest conservation efforts. This project primarily advocates for the use of agro-forestry, an approach that is known for its economic and ecological benefits. The agro-forestry technique of planting different crops in a single land area provides farmers more income, thus, encouraging them to continuously participate in the conservation activities. This method also reduces the risks of soil erosion and degradation and, in turn, provides long term benefits for the community living within the area. Several Forest Users Groups (FUGs) from participating villages have already been established. Members of these village committees are continuously consulted in drafting sustainable forest management plans for their own communities. Trainings on forest and natural resource management and other agro-forestry techniques have also been conducted with the help of local partner organizations.
PHOTO: Forest plantation activity with Shaloms volunteer FUG.

ACHIEVEMENTS As of 2009, a total of TWENTY (2O) VILLAGES in Kachin State have been implementing community reforestation activities. In total, TWENTY-FOUR (24) NURSERIES have been established in the 20 project sites. From these nurseries, seedlings of hardwood tree species and other fruit-bearing trees have already been replanted, covering a total of 1139.5 ACRES of forest area. These forest areas were maintained and protected by FUGs from 1543 HOUSEHOLDS. THREE (3) FUG CLUSTERS were also established to build capacity linkages among the different village FUGs. Regular meetings were conducted by the FUGs and the cluster FUGs in order to share their experiences and lessons from the field. FUGs members also participated in various trainings in order to enhance their knowledge and skills in forest management. One of these trainings is a peace-building training where they were introduced to the Conflict Early Warning and Early Response System (CEWERS). Using this system, they were able to identify and discuss several conflict issues on the project implementation. Other trainings that were conducted were on participatory green mapping and civic education. Aside from these, FUG leaders also had an exposure trip to Pyin

Oo Lwin in Mandalay Division where they learned more on different forest management technologies and forest-related income generation activities. Through this project, FUG members have been observed to participate more in the decision-making processes in their villages, even on issues not related to the reforestation project. Also, communities have continued to protect their forest areas, since most of these communities are dependent on local forest resources as their source of livelihood. There has also been a marked improvement on the coordination with the Forest Department in Kachin State, through the regular monitoring by township level forest department on the project sites. WHATS NEXT? Shalom now plans to extend the project to more villages in Kachin State. Also, Shalom has been working to establish a FUGs web, a network of FUG villages for continuous coordination and capacity building through knowledge and experience sharing from different villages. Skills development trainings on livelihood opportunities from the reforestation efforts are also being explored.

After the ceasefire agreement was established between the government and the KIO, many foreign businesses came here for illegal logging saying that they have legal permission from the authorities. They exploited our local resources and we were not able to stop them. At first, they took timber, followed by other forest resources such as bamboo and rattan. Then, they cut all the trees to make charcoal. We, the local people, were very much affected. The forest is our life and we lost it. But now, we have support from Shalom Foundation to implement a community forestry project to restore our forest again. The project is helping us to gain recognition from local authorities for access to our lands, so that we can now protect our forests. -- FUG leader from Wu Yan village

Community forest monitoring and nursery raising activities in remote villages in Kachin State.

Primary Education Enhancement Program:

Child-centered Approach in Teaching and Learning Process
OVERVIEW The CCA project primarily aims to strengthen the capacity of primary school teachers from remote villages in the ethnic states on effective teaching and learning methods. Using the child-centered approach, teachers are trained to use education techniques that encourage active learning among their students. Starting as a pilot project in 2006, the CCA project has been successfully expanded to various primary schools in remotes areas in Kachin State in coordination with the local education officials. Aside from honing the skills of the teachers, CCA also focuses on promoting the involvement of the community in improving their local education system. In 2009, CCA extended its activities to several Mon national schools in Mon State. ACHIEVEMENTS In Kachin State, a total of 260 COMMUNITY-BASED SCHOOLS are currently implementing the CCA in primary school classrooms. Aside from this, 350 TEACHERS have been trained with the CCA methodologies, so that they can also apply these in their respective schools. School supplies were also distributed to 17,990 PRIMARY STUDENTS to help them with their studies. In Mon State, 437 TEACHERS have been trained on the CCA techniques. With the help of the Mon National Education Committee, most Mon national schools have started practicing CCA in classrooms. Furthermore, basic school and teaching-learning materials (TLMs) have been distributed, benefiting a total of 24,778 PRIMARY STUDENTS. These materials include textbooks (in Myanmar and Mon languages), exercise books, pencils, crayons, etc. MINI-LIBRARIES IN 33 SELECTED MODEL SCHOOLS have also been established to improve reading habits of the children. Shalom Foundation has maintained regular coordination with local education officials, school committees, and parents to ensure the successful implementation of the project. Livelihood support projects have also been implemented with the help of the
PHOTO: Community-based school teachers at a CCA training in Myitkyina.

local school committees. These projects include rubber plantations, livestock breeding, and seasonal cash crop plantations. Primary school teachers from the project sites have been observed to be more creative in developing their lesson plans and teaching learning materials. CCA teaching methods, such as using games and songs, have also encouraged the active participation of students. Parents are also much more active in supporting the educational activities in schools.

WHATS NEXT? The CCA project intends to train more primary school teachers from community-based schools in remote areas. Moreover, additional skills development trainings, especially for the livelihood support projects, and awareness trainings are also planned to encourage more participation from the community in the education improvement activities.
CCA trainings for primary school teachers in different villages from Mon and Kachin states.

KayahAction Project
OVERVIEW/WHATS NEXT? The continuing conflict situation in Kayah State has resulted in the much stalled development in the area, affecting thousands of Kayah nationals. Because of this, Shalom is now planning to implement the Kayah Action Project starting in 2010. The project hopes aims to enhance the villagers understanding on action project planning with special emphasis on sustainable agricultural development. The project specifically aim to to improve food security in the area and to provide income and livelihood for the villages. The project plans to educate communities on the use of agro-forestry and organic farming in agricultural lands. Agro-forestry basically involves planting a mixture of fruit-bearing trees and other woody perennials in a single area. Known for its ecological and economic benefits, the use of agro-forestry and organic farming shall provide villagers with a stable income while preserving the health of their land. Capacity building trainings shall be conducted starting next year. These trainings will cover discussions on agro-forestry, nursery management, use of fertilizers and organic fertilizers, and basic agribusiness management techniques. Aside from these, a demonstration agro-forestry farm will also be established.

MASYouth Fellowship Program

OVERVIEW For three years now, Shalom Foundation has maintained its pledge in supporting and facilitating grassroots development initiatives through its MAS Youth Fellowship Program. Highlighting the importance of participatory decision-making processes in the community, the project continues to mobilize marginalized villages in Kachin and Kayah states, addressing issues such as education, health, and livelihoods. With this, Reflect Circles (RC) have been established in each village to facilitate the planning and implementation of development activities. Conscious of the vital role of youth in community development, Shalom has also trained a number of young leaders, through its network of local organizations. After attending various capacity building trainings, these fellows are sent to different villages to help the RCs in their activities. ACHIEVEMENTS In 2009, a total of 39 FELLOWS have been mobilizing and facilitating community-based projects in 87 VILLAGES in Kachin and Kayah states. Another 30 NEW FELLOWS have been trained this year to support the RCs in the different villages. With these, RCs have continued to identify and address several community issues based on their consultations with the community. Shalom has been working with various organizations and groups in Kachin and Kayah states in monitoring the activities of the fellows. Collectively, they are called Operational Work Groups (OWGs). In 2009, Shalom worked with about 20 ORGANIZATIONS AND GROUPS in Kachin and Kayah States. Among these groups are the Kachin Baptist Convention, Shan Literature and Culture Group, Karuna Myitkyina, Urban Rural Mission, Anglican Diocese, Sasana Shakat Youth Group, Mingalar Foundation, Bhamao Local Development Organization, Karenni National People Labour Front, Karenni National Peace and Development Party, Karenni National Democratic Party, Karuna Loikaw, Kayah Baptist Association, Kayah Phu Baptist Assiocation, Kehto Bo Youth Group, and Kayah Literature and Culture Group. All in all, there are 1,674 RC MEMBERS in Kachin State and 1,284 RC MEMBERS in Kayah State. Aside from
PHOTO: MAS fellows at the Third Fellowship Program in Myitkyina in November 9, 2009.

these, Shalom also has 147 VILLAGE VOLUNTEERS in Kachin State and 89 VILLAGE VOLUNTEERS in Kayah State. To date, basic infrastructure projects and literacy projects for children and adults have already been implemented. Furthermore, saving loan groups have been established in some of the communities. The funds collected are then used for community livelihood initiatives, such as livestock breeding and opening of retail shops, to gather more funds to be used for the other activities. WHATS NEXT? Looking forward, the project hopes to expand to more marginalized villages around the country. However, the project still intends to continue monitoring the existing project sites and move towards the implementation of the action plans that were developed in 2009.

Continuous support and assistance shall also be maintained, especially in strengthening the capacity RCs and fellows. Coordination among and within communities will also continue by creating a network or village clusters.
Table 1. MAS fellows action projects by sector.

Protracted Relief and RecoveryOperation in KachinState:

Food-for-Work Project in collaboration with the UN World Food Programme
OVERVIEW Shalom has been supporting communities in Kachin State through its Food-for-Work (FFW) project in coordination with the United Nations World Food Programme (UN WFP). Primarily integrated with the Community Forestry project, the FFW project specifically addresses the long-standing issue of food security in the communities. This is done by distributing food supplies to communities who help in infrastructure and livelihood improvement activities intended to improve the living situation in their villages. Since 2008, the project has mobilized communities to identify and work on a particular activity based on their existing community assets. After this, food aid distributions to these communities are organized with the help of food monitors and village food management committees. Trainings on warehouse management and logistics for food distribution are also being conducted. ACHIEVEMENTS The FFW activities in 2009 have covered a total of 37 VILLAGES with 4,084 PARTICIPANTS. These villagers participated in SEVEN DIFFERENT ACTIVITIES meant to improve the existing community assets. As a result, about 650 METRIC TONS of rice and other non-food items where distributed to the villagers. The following are the community improvement activities finished in 2009: a. One bridge constructed; b. One canal constructed; c. Two primary schools constructed; d. Two road renovated; e. 300 toilets built; f. 221.5 acres of farm/cultivated land developed; and g. 2,816 acre of forest area replanted. WHATS NEXT? More food aid distribution and basic infrastructure activities are being planned and organized in line with the projects expansion in 2010.

Financial Report

AboutAdministration
Working in a country like Myanmar, Shalom Foundation operates in a rapidly changing environment. Just within the last few years, Shalom experienced major growth in both the number of program activities and its staff members. In 2009, Shalom has a total of 13 operating projects around the country. Alongside this, Shalom now has a total of 94 staff members in its offices in Yangon and in Myitkyina in Kachin State and regional offices in Kayah, Mon, and Chin states. With this, Shalom has been sending some of its staff members abroad for capacity building trainings, with which, the goal is to grain practical skills and access new ideas relating to peace and conflict in the global arena. With its growing number of staff and projects, Shalom underwent a major change in its organizational structure in 2009. The new structure was designed to bring about a more effective way of implementing Shaloms programs and projects. Shalom has five offices a head office in Myitkyina, liaison office in Yangon, and three regional offices in Chin, Mon, and Kayah states. The three regional offices act as field offices for Shaloms projects especially for mediation, peace education, and other development projects.

CONCLUSION
Shalom continues to be in the forefront in supporting the ongoing peace process through its mediation, peace education, and other development works. For nine years now, Shalom has been organizing and facilitating mediation talks and has been building the capacities of grassroots peace committees. Aside from these, development projects are continuously being implemented in the ethnic states of Kachin, Kayah, and Mon. As a result of its peacebuilding efforts since 2000, Shalom has been gradually seeing the changes in the attitudes, perception, and behaviors at the individual or personal level of the people involved in Shaloms activities. The interest and participation of our stakeholders have also gradually increased. This is of great importance to Shaloms future programs and also especially with the impending general elections in 2010. This year, Shalom has been able to work with both key people such as high-ranking military and government officials, as well as leaders of ethnic armed group through the mediation program. With its peace education program, Shalom has also been working to change the perspectives of its project beneficiaries in the grassroots level toward peace and social change in their own communities. Also in 2009, Shalom has ventured into helping various communities through its community-managed development projects. All these activities embody Shalom Foundations multi-level and holistic approach in working toward peace in Myanmar.