Navigating the UN in Geneva
Between the 16th and 27th of March, 2009, Solen Lees Gratiet attended the Advanced Geneva Training Course in Human Rights Law and Advocacy at the International Service for Human Rights. The course, aimed at non governmental organisations (NGOs), was centred on the international legal provisions surrounding Human Rights. It also provided practical tips on how to use the systems and mechanisms set up by the United Nations to advocate in the human rights field.
According to Solen:
Solen's colleagues at the Advanced Geneva Training Course in Human Rights Law and Advocacy.
…it is important to remain involved [in the UN] because, although it can sometimes seem like swimming in mud, [SDIA is] well-placed, as a wide-reaching network both thematically and geographically, to instigate changes on different levels — and important changes can come out of participation in the United Nations. Crucial steps in SDIA's involvement, in line with our mission and guiding principles, will be to inform and support our members about different approaches to development and community work, and to encourage a rights-based approach to development that does not see the poor, vulnerable and marginalised as persons in need of “charity,” but as rights-holders, equal to all other citizens.
Read Solen's preliminary report here.
Member News
Yenge Clinic of DR Congo undertakes major vaccination campaign
If the Yenge Clinic car raise $1,700 for a motorbike, it will be able to provide innoculations for closs to 20 thousand people.
January 2009 — The main office of our Health District has just confirmed that our Clinic has been given the responsibility of vaccinating all the children in our health area which has a population of about 19,063 inhabitants. To fulfil our responsibility we will target remote districts to reach the maximum number of children. This will increase the vaccination coverage. The vaccines are easily available but, as to the financial resources to distribute them, nothing has been done. We have to provide for the cost of preparing the districts, renting the places, hiring people, transportation and coordination of the activities. For the transportation, we would really benefit from the use of a motorbike. The cost of the motorbike will be $1,700 dollars USD. Can SDIA help us with this?
Read the Yenge Clinic's request.
To donate to La clinique Yenge, click here.
A visit to Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), South Africa
In February the medical team of Wendy Neal, Luther Schutz and Lusijah Marx from the United States went to South Africa to see how Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) was working with the AIDS population.
Lusijah reports:
Read the full article here.
Lusijah, Luther and Wendy with MSF staff in Khayelitsha, South Africa.
Wendy, Luther and I were very impressed with the enormous challenge that the doctors of MSF took on and, with amazing perseverance, were able to handle. We think MSF provides a good model and that these concepts may be useful for Susila Dharma clinics. Their approach is to address health issues and to develop the infrastructure and an effective delivery system that is sustainable when they leave. Health education of both professionals and lay people is key to their approach. From the beginning they find out what backing and support they will need. In South Africa, the MSF staff knew they would have to find support from outside the government because the existing health care system was not going to be effective without a change and this process required them to be diplomatic. When it was clear that antiretroviral therapy saved lives, the government began to change its policies. At that stage MSF sought funding support from government and started training people to take over running the clinics. I believe the lesson learned here is to step back and look at the big picture. How can one be strategic, and receive crucial support, while not giving up the ideals and practice of effective, culturally sensitive treatment?
The concept of task shifting is central to effectiveness. The MSF educators told us about starting clinics in Lesotho and training many people who had never had a paid job and who could not read or write, to be effective outreach workers and health educators.
The MSF staff found a way to be a part of the culture in a natural easy way that was empowering not patronizing.
About Entrelazos Project, Argentina
A stage production of La Obra Madre.
2008 was a busy year for the Entrelazos Project in Argentina which has two main programmes: “La Obra Fantastica” and “La Obra Madre.” Camila Romero, project leader writes:
In 2008, after having worked with many different people and groups, our program “La Obra Fantastica” has added Creativity Workshops especially designed for children. These weekly workshops focus on developing creativity, imagination and experiencing a shared adventure. In these workshops, we create a space for play, fantasy and the invention of possible worlds. Through imaginary characters, a city is created, a planet with its own dreams and fantastic qualities, but also with problems and needs. The children in groups are able to construct a set of alternatives, find solutions to problems, and get ready to take action to change things in their present lives.
Our second program, “La Obra Madre,” is a programme of theatre and dance for people with special physical and mental needs. In 2008 “La Obra Madre,” working with the Association of Parents of Special Needs Children, held monthly events and performances for more than 700 students at schools in the Greater Buenos Aires area. These events and performances have helped change attitudes and allowed for much greater inclusion and acceptance of the problems of the disabled. This in turn has really motivated the disabled actors and actresses to continue their work.
You are warmly invited to visit the new Entrelazos website at: www.entrelazos.org.ar
BCU school is building two new classrooms, Kalimantan, Indonesia
Construction has begun on two new classrooms at Bina Cita Utama School in Kalimantan.
The existing classrooms at the Bina Cita Utama (BCU) School in Rungan Sari, Kalimantan hold a maximum twelve students. Now that the student body has reached 55, new classrooms are needed. This month they started building two new classrooms with the support of the MSF (Foundation), a private donor and SD Germany. Now the project has begun fundraising for a second set of classrooms that will cost $30,000. For more information contact Michael Van Der Matten, michaelvdma@btinternet.com or SDIA.
Two new volunteer teaches are arriving soon, Bryson Hains (UK) and Emilie Pez (France).
Congratulations Bina Cita Utama!
YUM inaugurates new Family Center and launches education program
Banda Aceh, February 27th, 2009
Children participate in activities ranging that include football, singing, and traditional Acehian dancing.
On the 27th of February 2009, Yayasan Usaha Mulia's (YUM's) Center for Child and Family Welfare (PKKA), which was built with funding provided by the Japan National Council of Social Welfare (JNCSW), was officially inaugurated. The Center was constructed in partnership with the government of Jaya Baru, municipality of Banda Aceh, as an effort to strengthen and support activities focused on community organization and community development — especially for women and children.
Palangkaraya, Central Kalimantan, February 11th, 2009
YUM officially launched its newest educational projects for Central Kalimantan at the Muhammad Subuh Centre in Rungan Sari, Central Kalimantan, in conjunction with Yayasan Sekolah Bina Cita Utama (BCU). These projects are funded in total by Barclays Capital, an international investment bank. Witnessed by over 150 guests, the event initiated three integrated educational projects: Government School Support, Teachers Training, and a Library Resource Center to benefit young people in Central Kalimantan. The programs are designed to enhance educational opportunities to stimulate creative and critical thinking through the application of modern teaching methods and resources. This will enable young people to later enjoy greater opportunities for their employment.
United Nations
Human Rights Council Meetings in Geneva
Katherine Carré (France, SDIA UN Representative), Frederic Richard (Austria, WSA Deputy Chair) and Amalia Rasheed (Spain, SDIA UN Representative and WSA External Relations Coordinator), attended the UN Human Rights Council meetings in Geneva recently. Amalia has written detailed reports on:
- Implementing the Rights of the Child
- The Realisation on the Right to Food
- Freedom of Religion or Belief, and Human Rights Defenders
Amalia notes:
A new family-friendly website on children's rights was presented: http://www.CyberDodo.com
The first issue of seven colourful books, available in several languages, was presented as a tool for education of children on Human Rights. Cyber Dodo, the defender of Life. With comics and games it is playfully informative and can be ordered — contact@cyberdodo.com
See also Solen Lees-Gratiet’s article on Rights Based development.
Youth Making a Difference!
As this issue of the eNews is coming out, Subud youth from the Americas just wound up a gathering in Amanecer, Colombia. From April 6 to April 12 some 60 Subud youth and their families from different countries in the region met to explore issues of concern to them and the relationship between Subud Youth and the other Wings.
Amaliah Giraldo sends this report:
The Youth Congress in Amanecer went very well. One hundred and fifty people attended, of whom 60 were youth. Some non-Subud youth were also involved in the activities. There were many activities: fun, sports, cultural activities, discussion (about drugs, sex, alcohol, World Congress), workshops given by the different Wings (SICA, SES, SYA, SD and kedjiwaan workshops). It was a highly participatory, animated, relaxed congress, with a lot of joy, in which adults integrated with the youth, with the very important support of the helpers. Many thanks for the support SDIA and SDNL have given in different forms — such as the economic support of the event, which meant we had a balanced budget.
Congratulations to SYA Colombia!
SYA/SDIA Working Retreat at Amanecer — There's still time!
Help rebuild a classroom at Amanecer and learn about alternative building techniques.
As we have some places left, we are recruiting beyond our previous deadline for the SYA/SDIA Working Retreat at Amanecer in the stunning the Andes Mountains June 12 – July 12. We would like to make this a truly international experience so, if you want a chance to contribute to the work of Susila Dharma by building classrooms and sharing with the children of the school as well as getting to know young Subud people from around the world, please apply! There may be limited financial assistance available for those who want to come but have difficulties raising the full amount, so please let us know if this is the case for you. Contact alexandra.woodward@gmail.com. if you need more information. We look forward to hearing from you!
Volunteer camp in Usaha Mulia Abadi, Mexico
Volunteers work on reforestation in Mexico.
Usaha Mulia Abadi, an SDIA member project working on sustainable community development and nutrition in Mexico, is hosting a volunteer work camp this July in conjunction with the volunteer organisation Sijuve and the Mexican Department of Foreign Affairs. The programme will last two weeks and is open to both Subud and non Subud youth. The cost of participation is €170 (Euro) plus airfare. If you feel you would like to join in, please contact Rasjidah Flores, rasjidah@hotmail.com, and see the Get Involved! blog on the SDIA website.
African Youth Foundation: A call to NGOs for volunteers
This interesting opportunity came our way recently…
The African Youth Foundation (AYF), in partnership with the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), is entitled to send volunteers to partners in some African countries. The volunteer service is intended to make an effective contribution to development policy, information and education in terms of “global learning”. It also contributes towards nurturing a new generation of development workers.
Partner organizations in Africa who are interested in receiving volunteers may sign in here.
Approved organizations and projects are published on the AYF website.
The African Youth Foundation (AYF) is a non-profit development organization based in Bonn, Germany. AYF was established in 2000 to aid young African people in the Diaspora and in Africa, as well as Europeans with African ancestry to undertake projects that will enable them to obtain skills necessary for their future livelihoods.
UN Habitat Opportunity Fund
Urban-based, youth-led organizations in developing countries that are working to improve the living conditions of their communities can now apply for financial assistance from UN-HABITAT. The Opportunities Fund for Urban, Youth-Led Development will award up to $5,000 for small projects and up to $25,000 for large projects run by eligible organizations that are led by young people, aged 15 – 32 years.
Do you know anyone who would be interested? Please pass this message on.
Application details are now available at www.unhabitat.org/opfund
Conferences
Conference on Trust and Integrity in the Global Economy: Switzerland, July
The global commercial system is a dominant force in our world and it depends on trust. That trust has collapsed and we are experiencing an unprecedented crisis.
Bailing out the system is not an answer. Can we each be part of finding more fundamental solutions? At the Trust and Integrity in the Global Economy (TIGE) Conference at Caux, Friday the 24th to Wednesday the 29th of July 2009, people from many walks of life will come together out of a desire to offer future generations a sustainable world in which to live.
Conference Aims:
Conference brochure : click on image.
- To encourage human-centred practices and decision-making in response to the global “meltdown,”
- To reshape business around core values, based on personal transformation, integrity and visionary leadership,
- To look at the role of the media in fostering trustworthy practices in the global economy,
- To focus on strategies to meet the needs of all people, for food, work and well-being.
Conference Objectives are to bring together people with a real passion and willingness to take responsibility and initiate positive action in relation to the Conference Aims, and to create a framework and open space in which initiatives can be developed.
Learn more about the Conference on Trust and Integrity in the Global Economy.
The Role of Higher Education in Human Development, Oxford UK, September
Recently there has been a process of reconceptualising and reevaluating the importance of higher education institutions (HEIs) in promoting social and cultural change as well as economic growth in the developing world. The conference organizers are inviting papers that explore the positive role of universities and other higher education institutions in various areas.
Please send your abstract (no longer than 250 words) ASAP online using this link: http://www.cfbt.com/UKFIET/submitabstract.aspx
Contact: Scherto Gill, Guerrand-Hermes Foundation, scherto@ghfp.org.
From the office: Two SDIA meetings
Zone 3 gathering in Poio, Spain
SDIA will be sponsoring a number of interesting workshops for those attending the Zone 3 gathering in Poio, Spain May 23 – 31 . Solen Lees Gratiet will give two workshops — one on Volunteering and one on Taking a Rights-based approach to Development. Laura Lesley, SDIA Board member will give a workshop on Showing our Corporate Social Responsibility in Subud: Join the ESP! More information to come.
SDIA Annual General Meeting, July 3 – 5
The SDIA Members’ and Annual General Meeting will take place in at Loudwater Farm, England from July 3 – 5. All members and interested individuals are warmly invited to come and participate in setting goals for the SD International Network for the coming 4-year period. For more information contact Cassidy Sterling: cassidy@susiladharma.org
The SDIA Network eNews is published once a month from information sent in to the office.
We welcome news items. Deadline for submissions is the middle of each month.