Last night at Mekong School

This morning I was waken up by alarm clock of Somsy’s mobile phone. Tiredness from graduation party last night didn’t want me to get up from bed. Then I realized that this morning Bong La and Long were leaving at 6 o’clock so I have better go to say good bye to them..

But when I came down stair, everything was still in the dark, quiet and empty. I thought that maybe it was too early and there was something wrong with Somsy’s cell phone. I went up to my bed room and sleepily asking Somsy about the time then she said “5.50!” I ran to Miao Miao’s room because she told me that she would leave very early , but she was not there! She also left?!? Dorn didn’t know what happened but at least her stuff were still there unpacked. Then we all ran to down stair straight to knock the door of Long’s room, no response! Oh, he left! I hadn’t said good bye to them!

Finally Bong La came down from his room with his lug gages. What about Mr.Long?
He slowly opened the door, looked at us like nothing happened, his hair a bit looked like bird nest cause of beer last night I think. After he realized about the time and came back later with his neat hair style as usaual while we kept talking in front of the gate. Chan Dein and Lao Zhang also joint us there.

It didn’t seem like they were leaving, eventually the hardest word came at last. What we could do was just keep saying that we will meet up again someday and keep in touch. Then the red car of Phi Pramuan brought them apart from us far way..

I had to do some thing otherwise I couldn’t stop thinking so I started clean up the yard. I felt much better because yesterday I watched 2 movies at the hospital with Somsy while my friends were working hard for preparing for party. Beautiful flowers were thrown away, yesterday they were so important for us but today they would become compose soon. Little by little, everything becomes the same again, then I heard a sound of laugh came from some where in my mind. We played badminton here for several months, earlier some people even didn’t know how to play it, I am sure they will miss it, like I am missing them now.

Breakfast went on slowly, a familiar sound of door opening comes from Anh’s room. He was still in white T-shirt with a sleepy face like everyday. We just looked at each other, didn’t know what to say then end up with a cup of coffee. Phi Ad came down and joint ‘Khao Tom’ with us. Lao Zhang tried to talk about politics among China and Vietnam, but this morning it was not very interesting for me like before.

About 9 o’clock the taxi had arrived, a hard time came again. We all went together to the front gate. Phi Pramuan also came so I was a bit busy talking to him about the mistake. I was able to shake hand with Anh for the last time. I went to “Wai” phi Ad and told her that I would call her. Miao Miao and Somsy started crying. No, don’t cry, I told myself. After that I straight to guitar and play “Duang Jam Pa song” again and again thinking that I should have sung better last night. I felt a bit confused with my own feeling like trying to hide sadness somewhere.

Taking a bath made me feel much better then I also started to pack my crazy stuff. Many times that we want to keep everything but it is impossible. I tried to keep as much as I can even though I know I will throw them away one day, but not this time. I kept looking for something to do so I thought about the students next year, what can I do for them? I designed some activities for building relationship which we didn’t do much at the beginning, but that was enough to make us have a very strong friendship like a big family.

Chan Dein ran to us once we were not ready to say another word like good bye again. We went to see him off at the gate. I hugged him like my brother then he played with Dorn like they used to plays for last several months. “Suu! Suu!” ( Fight! Fight!) it was the last word I could say to him. I promised myself that I will visit him in Kanchanaburi.

Many people kept sitting at the balcony outside, warmth was around us even there was no word. However, we couldn’t stop the time, this time Tee Pee, Miao Miao and Somsy were leaving. We left about 3.30 pm and straight to train station for Tee Pee and Miao Miao, other people were Tee Pee’s boyfriend and a Korean girl. We kept talking on the red car. Miao Miao was preparing to visit Laos, I really want to go with them if I had enough money. At least I got a small job in Laos for 6 months so I will be there soon.

Miao Miao made me cry at the train station. I do believe that I will meet her again and we will get the grant from RCSD together. Tee Pee’s boyfriend was busy with lots of lug gages of Tee Pee. I hope that I will get a wedding card from them soon.

Then it was Somsy’s turn, it was so quick so I couldn’t think about any thing much. Somsy found later that the flights was 3.00 o’clock!!! And it was 4.00 already!!! I made a big mistake, 3.00 o’clock was the time for flight not the time for leaving from home!

My face turned pale, I tried to do something otherwise Somsy had to take a bus home. Fortunately we were able to change the flight. Lao Zhang was the happiest one then he kept singing along the way back. I was also very happy because I didn’t want to stay alone tonight. We celebrated by going to have Som Tam and Kai Yang at our favorite place. There were many many people still but today it seemed like only Tin was able to talk more than us. I asked Non to stay with us, at least to see his smile make me feel a bit better.

Time for dinner came but there was no sound of buffalo bell by Phi Ad today. Lao Zhang said “Eat! Eat! Eat!” but no one really wanted to eat, only tried to accompany Lao Zhang. I looked at the living room and there was no Chan Dein lying down there, my tear started to come out. Phi Ad was not in front of television waiting for Jumong. There was no Vietnamese song from Anh’s computer. Only the sound of sigh from us time to time. Somsy got message from Long, we were so happy but that also made us miss him more.

Tin is the last one who said good bye to us today. I wanted to say more but felt like there is no word anymore. Tomorrow I am leaving by bus to Khonkaen, I will meet my family tomorrow. Many friends might be at home now, I wish they all are happy and I know they miss us too.

Tonight the restaurant nearby has a small party and they play very nice songs but it sounds so sad for me today. It would be better if I had more friends around me now. Only mosquitoes and Non who tries to be around me during this hard time..

Tomorrow my life will go on like everybody. I will do what I can do and what I want to do. I hope that our friendship will be with us forever like the flow of Mekong River. Only our hands will make our dream come true, not for us but the poor people along there.

And I will meet them all again from watershed to the mouth of river, my Mekong friends..

Ae

21 December 2007
8.26 PM
Chiangmai, Thailand

Pla in Laos!

Toward along journy

At the basin of Mekong River

At Akha village

In solidarity with Mekong Students

submit the petition letter to Chinese Government

Journay of a thousand miles must begin with a simple step

Introduction with student from Keng Sae Tang village

Mekong School make marit to Aka School

Observation the potential flood area by Keng Sae Tant Dam

The villager explain the way of villagers respect on the sprit for fighting anti Dam in Keng Sae Tant

Discussion with Takonyom Youth at P'Tin hometown

Anaconda

The story was happened while every body were sleeping like child, but me I could not sleep at all, because some idea came up in my head and pulled my cool hand to pick up a blue pen and bring out the white paper, then pulled my legs to step out from the bed room. Because a short and little girl were sleeping. So I stepped my feet down stair slowly, I did not want to wake Miao Miao up.
The first sign that came up in my head while I closed my eyes and take a long breathe was “Green”
I would like to say this word “Ngam Lai” (very beautiful). We drove from the feet of the mountain to the top. Luxury cars are moving, I sat inside the car and near window, and I looked out from the window and saw wonderful place, thick forests, long and curve way. I just imagine and feel like I was on the back of anaconda who are moving up and down, curve and straight a long the remote area up to the highest mountain in the wonderful land, fresh air, peaceful, and people are friendly and very kind, smile on their faces made me fall and fall and fall in love with this warm and peaceful village.
The village are surrounding by mountains, natural atmosphere and Sakura bloom in December, waterfall and streams, which villagers build micro-hydro power for their village and transfer to the city.
No doubt, why people are in love with Mae Kam Pong village.
It so beautiful, charming and unique, quirky and joyous for living things those are around. It’s impossible to erase it from my memory; I stuck in Mae Kam Pong village.
We walked through the thick forest and aim to the waterfall, very high waterfall. The waterfalls crawl down from the mountain, and dropped her big drop into the earth. And keep crawl a long the way it wants to make streams in the forest, it seems never stop crawling. I saw the big drop keep spring a long and streaming through the village down to the low land to feed all living things in the world.
Some of us get tired and sit in the small cabin while some of us keep walking up to the top of the waterfall, 15 minutes later we were on the top, I browsed my eyes around down to beyond. “Oh! I am the king, king of the jungle” said I
The rain sprayed her tear around the forest and dropped the pure tear on my cheek, a moment the rain gone and we all down to join with our team.
Time for us to say goodbye, the forest looked sad and blue, then she cried and dropped her tears all over us. We all got wet and started walking down to the cars in the village.
I lost my heart there, it is astrayed somewhere in the jungle, and I will come back and find where my heart is!

“Goodbye Mae Kam Pong Village,
I am sure we will meet again in the near future
No matter how far we are and
No matter how long will we meet?
Our hearts beat as one.
I will miss you.” Buzzing in the dept of my heart

Blue fingers

welcome water ceremony at Syan Pay Kong east of Hopone town, southern shan state, Burma.

People make ceremony in the forest on the mine kone mountain rage, southern shan state, Burma.

It is the brightest hours also the longest and endless time in our soul( *-* )

Field work from Ban Hin Latt Nai, Chiang Rai province

Sign your endorsement to BRN's petition letter

http://www.petitiononline.com/brn2007/petition.html

NGO strategy meeting on Chinese investment on 3-6/11/2007 at Bangkok

Unity is Energy! Go to friends for advice.

Vocation on 30 of October 2007 at Howe Tine Tao Lake

Sign the petition letter

Dear friends,
As you all know that in Burma, China-owned corporations arerapidly raising their investment in energy sector, particularly inhydropower development projects. Indeed, those investments are not environmentally friendly, ecologically unsustainable, and the benefitswould definitely flow to military regime's pocket. Moreover, therewould be dramatic negative impacts to environment, society and economy of the community, where large dams are going to be built.
The following letter is requesting the Chinese government to take suchactions regarding their investments in Burma,
1.Carrying out comprehensive environmental and social impact assessments (EIAs and SIAs) on projects abroad and make those publiclyavailable, in order to adequately determine the feasibility ofprojects before concluding any agreements.
2. Keeping affected communities informed from the outset of all plans regarding hydropower development projects and involved indecision-making regarding those projects. This includes publiclyreleasing dam feasibility studies, investment and financialagreements, MOUs, MOAs, and clear information regarding responsible parties.
We, Burma Rivers Network, need your solidarity. If you agree pleasesend your organization's endorsement at this address –burmariversnetwork@gmail.com, before 19, November, 2007. Yourendorsement should include your organization name and organizationalemail address or directly can sign at http://www.PetitionOnline.com/brn2007/petition.html
In solidarity
Burma Rivers Network

Burma Rivers Network is comprised of representatives of differentethnic organizations from potential dam affected communities in Burma. Our mission is to protect the health of river ecosystems and sustainbiodiversity, rights and livelihoods of communities.

Happy Birthday to you Long.

1 of NOVEMBER

* Has a lot of ideas
* Difficult to fathom
* Thinks forward
* Unique and brilliant
* Extraordinary ideas
* Sharp thinking
* Fine and strong clairvoyance
* Can become good doctors
* Careful and cautious
* Dynamic in personality
* Secretive
* Inquisitive
* Knows how to dig secrets
* Always thinking
* Less talkative but amiable
* Brave and generous
* Patient
* Stubborn and hard-hearted
* If there is a will, there is a way
* Determined
* Never give up
* Hardly become angry unless provoked
* Loves to be alone
* Thinks differently from others
* Sharp-minded
* Motivates oneself
* Does not appreciates praises
* High-spirited
* Well-built and tough
* Deep love

Compound of Sydney University

Smile is the key of open the door for friendship.

While Kunthea attending conference in Sydney

A bold attempt is half success.

Rasisalai Dam site

Demonstration Image at Rasisali Dam site on 2-5 October

picture of affected people from Rasisalai dam and Hua-na dam in 2-5 octorber at Rasisalai Dam

Mekong School Application Form

Mekong School Application

Please give us the following information. If you do not want to send this information or you have any questions, you may contact us by email at mekong@earthrights.org.

Name:………....………........…………………………………………………………………

Date of Birth: …....……… Age:……… Sex: M / F Religion: ……………………

Ethnicity:……………...………………… Nationality: …………………………………

Languages that you can speak: ……………………………………………………………………

Marital Status: Single  Married 

Contact Information: (Please give at least one of the following.)

Address: ……………………………………………………………………………………
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Telephone: ………………………………

Fax: …………………......………………..

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Education

Highest Education Level Completed:……………………………………………………………..

What schools have you attended?

Name: ……………………………………… Location:………………Dates: ……………....


Name: ……………………………………… Location:………………Dates: ……………....


Name: ……………………………………… Location:………………Dates: ……………....


What trainings or workshops have you attended?

1. Name of Training:………………………………………....…………………………………

Organized by: ……………....………….... Location:………………………Dates: ……………....

2. Name of Training:………………………………………....……………………….…………

Organized by: ……………....………….... Location:………………………Dates: ……………....

3. Name of Training:………………………………………....……………………… ……………

Organized by: ……………....………….... Location:………………………Dates: ……………....

4. Name of Training:………………………………………....……………………………………

Organized by: ……………....………….... Location:………………………Dates: ……………....

5. Name of Training:………………………………………....……………………… ……………

Organized by: ……………....………….... Location:………………………Dates: ……………....

6. Name of Training:………………………………………....……………………… ……………

Organized by: ……………....………….... Location:………………………Dates: ……………....

Work History

Where are you currently working? (Name of Organization) ……………………………………….

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Address:

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Current Position:……………………………………………………….......……………………...

Responsibilities/Duties: ………………………………………………………...................……….

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How long have you worked here? …….…………………...………………………………………

What other jobs do you or did you have? These can be paid or unpaid positions.

Job title: ……………………………………… Organization:………...………………………….

Location: ……………………………………… Dates:………………………............……………

Responsibilities/Duties: …………....……………………………………………………………….

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Job title: ……………………………………… Organization:…..……………………………….

Location: ……………………………………… Dates:………………………............…………...

Responsibilities/Duties: …………....………………………………………………………………

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Job title: ……………………………………… Organization:…..……………………………….

Location: ……………………………………… Dates:………………………............…………...

Responsibilities/Duties: …………....………………………………………………………………

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Name of the persons writing your recommendation letters:

1. Name: …………………………………………….. Organization: ……………………………

Address: ……………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………….

Telephone: …………………………………………………………………………………………

Email Address: ……………………………………………………………………………………..


2. Name: ……………………………………………..... Organization: ………………………….

Address: ……………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………….

Telephone: …………………………………………………………………………………………

Email Address: ……………………………………………………………………………………..



Please return to the following addresses by March 10, 2008:
Contact Person: Mekong Program Coordinator
E-mail: mekong@earthrights.org
Mail: P.O. Box 123
Chiang Mai University
Chiang Mai 50202 THAILAND


Application Essays

Please answer the following questions in short essays (3 paragraphs each, no more than 350 words) (1 to 2 pages each) and send to us by post or e-mail by March 10, 2008.. (Please answer in English).


1. What problems do you think happen to people and the environment from large-scale hydropower development projects? Explain these problems in detail using your own words. Give specific examples of problems you know about when possible.



2. During the ERS program you will be asked to investigate an issue relating to hydro-development, water issues, and international financial institutions. Think about your own experiences with these topics, what problem or issue would you like to learn more about? Please explain how and where you could find information about this topic. (In your own words, answer this question in English)




3. What difficulties do civil society organizations face in the Mekong basin when they campaign on issues relating to hydro-development, water issues, and international financial institutions? How do you think these difficulties could be overcome?




I certify that I wrote these essays by myself. Signed __________________________

Please return to the following addresses by March 10, 2008
Contact Person: Mekong Program Coordinator
E-mail: mekong@earthrights.org
Mail: P.O. Box 123
Chiang Mai University
Chiang Mai 50202 THAILAND


ERS Mekong Training Program 2008

RECOMMENDATION FOR ………………………………………………………
(Name of Applicant)


SECTION 1:

Name: ………………………………………………………
Name of organization ………………………………………………………
Responsibility within organization ………………………………………………….......

SECTION 2:

Please answer the following questions:

How long have you know the candidate?: ………………………………………………..
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Please explain your relationship to applicant:
………………………………………………………………………………………………
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Please comment on why you support the applicant’s candidature for the ERS Mekong program:
………………………………………………………………………………………………
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Please comment on the applicant using his or her knowledge about Human Rights and the Environment in the future:
………………………………………………………………………………………………
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SECTION 3:

Please give an assessment of the applicant skills and abilities in the following areas.

Please write a number between 1 and 5.

Note: 1 = Not sure / 2 = Poor / 3 = Good / 4 = Very Good / 5 = Excellent

Applicant’s ability to remain independent: (.………)

Applicant’s level of maturity (……….)

Applicants ability to grow and develop skills and experience (……….)

Applicant’s ability to act responsibly and take responsibility for own actions: (……….)

Applicant’s level of motivation: (……….)

Applicant’s tolerance of difference and diversity in race, religion, gender, sexual orientation etc.: (……….)

Ability of applicant to foster friendly and productive community relations: (……….)

Ability of applicant to apply knowledge and skills to real life situations: (……….)

Ability of applicant to communicate openly and reasonably: (……….)

Ability of the applicant to work in team settings: (……….)

Applicant’s experiences/interest in human rights & environmental issues: (……….)

Applicant’s ability to communicate in the English language: (……….)


Please use the following space to make any other relevant comments about the applicant:

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I ------------------------ certify that (Name of Applicant) -------------------------- is a strong and suitable candidate for admission into the EarthRights Mekong School training program for the year 2008.
Signed: ………………………………………………………………………………….
Date: …………………………………………………………………………………….

Please return to applicant or send directly to
Contact Person: Mekong Program Coordinator
E-mail: mekong@earthrights.org
Mail: P.O. Box 123
Chiang Mai University
Chiang Mai 50202 THAILAND

Mekong School Announcement

Applications are now being accepted for the Mekong School


The EarthRights School (ERS) - Mekong is a unique training programming for activists from the Mekong Region (Yunnan/China, Burma, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam) whose work focuses on environmental issues and human rights. The seven month-long training program uses experiential learning methods to equip participants from the region with skills required to conduct research, gather data, and effectively campaign around environmental issues affecting the region. The training will take place in Chiang Mai, Thailand from June to December of 2008. Housing, transportation, and a modest living stipend will be provided to successful candidates.

This year the Mekong School will focus on large dams, infrastructure projects, and international financial institutions (IFIs). The program will provide students with research, writing, and intercultural skills, and substantive knowledge and experience to voice their individual and collective concerns about IFI-funded projects, and related transparency and participation issues within the Mekong basin. Graduates of the program will form a strong network of environmental advocates who, acting together, can effectively campaign on behalf of affected communities who are currently underrepresented.

The goals of the EarthRights School-Mekong 2008 session are:

· for students to understand both the negative and positive impacts of current and past international financial institution-funded projects and how affected communities in the Mekong region and other nearby countries have responded;
· to develop relevant knowledge and develop students’ practical skill base in research, advocacy and campaign work; and
· to develop strong relationships, networks and concrete campaign plans for implementation upon graduation and return to respective countries.

The training program is divided into two months of instruction in the classroom followed by a two months practicum in which participants will return to their home countries to undertake research and documentation work on key projects. After the practicum, the participants will return to the school for a two month session focussing on media messaging, advocacy and campaign planning.

Applications will be accepted through March 10, 2008. For more information and an application form, please contact the Mekong School Coordinator at mekong@earthrights.org.

Global Day of Action "Peace for Burma"

Mekong's second batch generation

Mekong's Generation!

Enjoy with a small lake created by heavy rain at Chankhee office

The way of local people depand on water resource in part of Shan State reported by Khun Chankhee

Mining site nearby Taunggyi in Shan State where Khun Chankhee did a research!

Damage of the Environment!

Thai Volunteer Exchange!

Welcome to cooperate!

Behalf of Alimni program I am kindly requests some of your activities record in term of to post on our Mekong Alumni Blog. Please feel free send to shiningsom@gmail.com Thanks for your operation.

River for Life!

Free Flow Deep and Wide Salween

I shall pass through this life but more
any good, therefore, that I can do
The green world and peaceful life that I am able create for the new generation!
Let me do it now
Let me not defer or neglect it.
I would like to embraces and deliberate peaceful to the world while I live.
For I shall not pass this way again.
Only the enthusiasm can find the goal
Let mother Salween give nourishes to my heart
To achieve and reach my aim I need extra strong spirit and courage plus further support from you
By free flow runs deep
let me say I got a perfect life because of
what the river has done for me
So Mom continuous flowing deep and wide
You are the spice of our life!

By Shining

Mae Ping

By Sengphouxayi

Three of Alumni in Vientiane,Laos!

Getting involved with second batch of Mekong students!

Meeting at CMU!

Inernational Green Socut Youth meeting