Lao Grass-root Leaders Training and Action

7/30/2019 Lao Grass-root Leaders Training and Action

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Lao Grass-root Leaders Training and Action

Annual Report 2011


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Spirit in Education Movement (SEM, Thailand)

In collaboration with

Lao Buddhism for Development (LBFD, Lao PDR)

&Participatory Development Training Center (PADETC, Lao PDR)

Sponsored by


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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

3

About GLT-L project

4

GLT-L project Areas

5

Spiritual Development and Practice for Social Engagement

6

Dhamma Sanchorn for Education (Mobile Dhamma for Education)

8

Community Development by GLT Alumni

11

Public Information and Dissemination

14

Capacity Development

17

Monitoring and Evaluation

19

Table of Content


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Executive Summary

This annual report 2011 was produced on

the implementation of the logical framework.

This year GLT-L supported and providedvarious activities for its alumni, faith-based

actors and youth volunteers such as exchange

meeting, trainings and exposure trip. There

was still focus on capacity building,

empowerment and education in 11 areas of

Laos namely Vientiane Municipality, Bokeo,

Oudomxay, Saravane, Luang Prabang,

Bolikhamxay, Sawannakhet, Xiengkwang,

Xayabouly and Khammuane and Vientiane.

Spiritual Development & Practice for Social

EngagementMore than 10,000 youth and adults

participated the meditation training course this

year. The program is successful and receives

very positive feedback; however, an

insufficient number of meditation trainers is

still a problem.

Dhamma Mobile or Dhamma Sanchorn for

EducationBuilding on the success of its moral

teaching program at schools throughoutVientiane Municipality, now the Dhamma

Sanchorn project has extended its work beyond

education. Dhamma Sanchorn monks have

important played role in environmental

preservation and climate change such as

organizing tree planting activity for schools

and hosting tree and water ordination

ceremonies for communities.

Community Development by GLT-L

Alumni

Most significantly, GLT-L enhancedtrainings for youth in the areas and it will keep

continuing in the next year. During 2011 GLT-

L pilot communities were provided with

technical support through mentoring,

monitoring, meeting and trainings. Field visits

were carried out every month. Additionally,

this year GLT-L had a chance to help

Muangkhai community which was affected by

flooding by supporting food and necessitystuff. Furthermore, an organic farming expert

was sent to help villagers planning on how to

plant for fast-growth and high-yeild after

flood.

Public Information and DisseminationGLT-L is committed to drawing

experience and learning from its work and

disseminating it to stakeholders and people

who are interested. Mostly, our publications

are related to spirituality and sustainable

development and nonprofit. This year the team

has played role beyond production of book and

other materials. It hosted the meetings,

workshop, forum and other events such as

Buddhist painting workshop. Still, a limitation

of media staff is very challenging for extended

work.

Capacity Development

In 2011 GLT-L provided a big grants and

many technical tools to support capacitybuilding in Laos. Several activities were

organized for several groups of people such as

TOT for youth volunteers, TOT for mediation

trainers, exchange meeting for community

members and etc. This is the important role of

GLT in helping to strengthen the capacity of

stakeholders in Laos.

Monitoring and EvaluationSEM is still on its duty to monitor both

financial and operational performance of GLT-

L. This year a Lao financial and accountantteam is more capable of its role but still needs

closely support from SEM in terms of

management and coordination.

Lao Grass-root Leaders Training and Action


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About GLT-L Project

GLT-L phase II is a three-year project

(2010-2012) of SEM from Thailand, in

collaboration with Lao Buddhism ForDevelopment project (LBFD) and PADECT of

Lao PDR, which aims to promote social

justice, ecological sustainability, cultural

integrity, holistic education and self-reliant

development through training and cooperation

with Buddhist monks, community leaders and

civil society actors. Has started in 2001, GLT-

L has been working for 11 provinces of Laos

namely Vientiane Municipality, Bokeo,

Oudomxay, Saravane, Luang Prabang,

Bolikhamxay, Sawannakhet, Xiengkwang,

Xayabouly and Khammuane and Vientiane.

In GLT-L phase I (2007-2009), GLT-

L has emphasized on curriculum development,

capacity building training for its partners and

alumni. Subsequently, alumni and volunteers

have been empowered and supported to work

in their communities. Phase II has been started

from 2010 in order to follow-up sub-projects

and activities of alumni and volunteers and to

extend their capacity in terms of their current

skill base. During the first half of Phase II, a

series of advanced trainings were carried out

for GLT-L alumni, monk and nun volunteers,

youth volunteers and civil society to ensure

they are capable of performing their work

activities.

All the components have been

implementing, albeit with changes and

modifications according to the situation and

follow-up feedback. Last year (2011) GLT-L

has placed more emphasis on strengthening

community groups and networks; especially inpilot areas, and providing trainings for youth

volunteers in the areas of education, ecology,

economics, agriculture and community

development.

In this report we will share our

experiences, difficulties and achievements.

GLT-L 's Strategy in short

Mission

To promote social justice, ecological

sustainability, cultural integrity, historic

education and self-reliant development

through empowerment of faith-based and

civil society actors in Lao PDR

Components

- Spiritual Development- Mobile Dhamma Teaching- Community Development- Capacity Building- Media & Publication- Monitoring & Follow-up

Core Values

- Spirituality, inter-faith, and innergrowth

- Contentment- Self-reliance- Environmental sustainability- Cultural integrity- Gender empowerment- Holistic- Social justice


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GLT-L Project Areas

MAP 1 Lao Peoples' Democratic Republic*

*Source of Map: FAO Corporate Document Repository

Work1 Meditation Training

2 Novice Ordination Summer Camp

3 Youth Training

4 Dhamma Sanchorn project

5 Community Development

6 UXO Awareness Education

7 Publication/Distribution/Academics

Areas1 Vientiane Municipality

2 Bokeo 3 Oudomxay

4 Luang Prabang 5 Xayabouly

6 Xieng Kwang 7 Bolikhamxay

8 Khammouane 9 Savannakhet

10 Saravane 11 Vientiane

1, 2, 31, 2, 4

2, 4, 6

1, 2, 3

4, 61, 2, 3, 4,

5, 6, 7

1, 2, 3,

4, 5, 6

1, 21, 2

1, 2, 4, 5

2

1

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

411


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Component 1:

Spiritual Development and Practice for Social Engagement

Annual action plans have been

produced in collaboration between GLT-L and

Lao Buddhist Fellowship Organization.

Every year more than 10,000 clergy,laity and youth from five provinces have

participated the mediation course and ethic

awareness camp conducted by the Vipassana

Masters of GLT-L. After nearly 10 years of

pioneer work in restoring the Buddhist

orthodoxy meditation method and teaching, the

past year the Spiritual Development team has

improved itself from the host into the advisor

and assessor. The team offers guidance to help

monk volunteers in different areas to organize

the training by themselves in order to make

them self-reliance in a long run.

The Spiritual Development team offers

opportunity for both male and female

participants. A number of female participants is

significantly increased in the meditation

trainings. To date nearly 100 women

volunteered to help in organizing the trainings

and camps. It is a good chance to women to

play more role in contributing to religion andsociety.

The Spiritual Development team

presents a diversity of training which varied

in length from a day to month. During the

Summer, youth and parents gathered to join

the meditation courses. Participants were

inspired to live a better life and to dedicate

to others and society.

We realize that meditation and

Dhamma can evoke self-awareness andsocial consciousness among people which is

a way to improve their capacity for social

engagement.

Summer

Ordination

camp in Luang

Prabang,

July 2011

2011 Highlights

3,950 Youth participants in the Moral

Awareness Building Camps

19 Total number of Youth Moral Awareness

Camps

5,250 youth, clergy and lay people

participated Vipassana Meditation Trainings

25 Total number of Meditation Trainings

550 Monk and Nun participants in Vipassana

Meditation Trainings

23 Monks in the Training of Trainers for

Vipassana Masters

9 Provinces of Lao PDR joined our trainings


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1.1.1 Meetings to developing curriculum

Due to a tight schedule, the meeting

cannot be held up as planned in 2011. The

meeting has been postponed to 2012 not only

for improving the curriculum but also for

assessing progress, challenges and opportunities

of Spiritual Development work.

1.1.2 Training in basic Spiritual knowledge

and ethics

- Through 2011, 19 Summer Novice

and Moral Awareness Camps were held up in

five provinces, including namely Bokeo,

Oudomxay, Saravane, Bolikhamxay and

Vientiane Municipality, and attended by 3,950

youth participants.- 25 meditation trainings were carried

out and attended by 5,250 laity and 550 clergy

Feedback from participants represented

that meditation can improve their quality of life,

behavior and interpersonal relationships.

1.1.3 Training of Trainers for the key clergy

activists

The training of trainers was held up for

23 Vipassana meditation masters at Nakoun Noi

Forest Temple. This aims to enable the

meditation instructors to use a variety of

teaching methods.

2011 Challenges

A number of MeditationTrainers is insufficient to meet religiousand social demands. Therefore a

training for new meditation trainers is

still in need. The spiritual development

team now are trying to shift up their

status from trainers to be consultants

for monks in different areas.

In some areas the provincialBuddhist Fellowship Organization do

not understand of importance of

spiritual development work.

Nakhounnoi Forest temple is now

a well-known Buddhist meditation

center and GLT-L monks have to

provide consulting for monks in other

areas. We need to help them to plan and

coordinate with concerned bodies. Weare so busy right now because people are

more interested.

I just went to help five temples in

Saravanh to start the meditation

training and then I went to Phonxai

district in Bokeo. Although local

authorities have a better understanding

for our movement; we still need more

joint working and co-operation from

them.Venerable Bountavee SibounhuengA GLT-L alumnus and Meditation Trainer


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OUTPUT II : Dhamma Sanchorn for Education

Role of Dhamma Sanchorn

Building on the success of its moral

teaching program at schools throughoutVientiane Municipality, now the Dhamma

Sanchorn project has extended its work beyond

education. Dhamma Sanchorn monks have

played role in

1) building relationship among temples,

schools, communities and families through fair

school activities

2) conserving natural resources through tree

and water ordination ceremonies and green

campaign at school

3) working with marginalised people like blinds

and former drug users

4) bringing drug and alcohol prevention in two

schools of Vientiane Municipality

5) providing capacity building training for

monk volunteers in terms of education and

agriculture

6) support young people to improve their

personal and social skills and to play role in

social work.

Focus AreaAlthough the project mainly takesplace in Vientiane Municipality, it supports for

a network of Dhamma Sanchorn in other

provinces namely Vientiane province, Xieng

Kuang, Bokeo and Udomxay by providing

training, advice and follow-up.

2.1 Curriculum revision and

improvement- Two consultation meetings on

curriculum revision were held up at Xieng

Yuen Monastery, Vientiane Municipality

during 26-27 March 2011. 15 head monks of

the project have participated and discussed how

to improve teaching approach and Dhamma

contents. The structure and contents of

curriculum have been regularly reviewed and

discussed among the head monks and in 2012

the rough draft will come out.

- A meeting for an action plan and task

division at Jom Trai Monastery was attendedby 56 monks 6th February 2011. In the meeting

the team designed the work plan for the whole

year and to ensure the programme is moving in

the right direction the mid-year meeting will be

held on 30 July 2011.

- An annual conclusion conference was

held up on 17th

December 2011 in order to

measure impact and outcomes and to analyse

challenges.

2011 Highlights

-35 Schools in moral teaching program

-21 Dhamma Variety Talks-7 School Dhamma Fairs-39,700,000 kips raised for schools-2 follow-up visits conducted for the teams

in Bokeo & Oudomxay

-2 Green Schools-1 Novice Ordination Camp-1 Youth Training-2 schools joined White and Green

Campaign

Challenges-Approximately, it is one monk per fiveschools and there are still many schools

requesting regular moral teaching

-Monks need to study further on BuddhistOrthodoxy Dhamma so that they can apply

with their class

-Monks need to understand how to hostDhamma Variety Talk

-A number of monk volunteers isdecreasing due to a lack of social

consciousness. Thus this is important that

Dhamma Sanchorn project and other

concerned bodies to take this into account.


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Monks, Community Members, NGO staff and government authorities participate

the tree ordination ceremony at Toulakhom District, VTE- 4th

June 2011.

Novices are practicing mindful sleep at Phouphalee

temple18 June 2011

Students perform traditional dancing and parents come to

cheer them up at Nongbuathong tai primary school.

A monk is hosting Dhamma Variety Talk for teachers

and students at Phosi Secondary School -4 Apr 2011.

Children are painting pictures of Buddhas stories at Dhamma

Sanchorn Exhibition on Visakhas day 24 OCT 2011


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2.2 Dhamma Sanchorn Education for schools and communities

2.2.1 Dhamma Sanchorn teachingMore than 70 monk volunteers (45

*

monks in Vientiane Municipality) involve

Dhamma Sanchorn Education and have moralteaching class once a week for 59 primary

schools in Vientiane Municipality (35 schools),

Xieng Kuang, Oudomxay and Bokeo. In a year

more than 5,000 students have the opportunity

to learn and practice Buddhist Dhamma.

Because of its reputation for leadership

in moral education management, many new

schools show a high demand for joining the

project.

2.2.2 Conduct white & green campaign

for two schoolsAt the first half of the year the

campaign of White school or alcohol and drug

free was conducted for two schools. Then the

second half it was the Green campaign. Under

the Green campaign two school joined in

natural preservation activities such as tree

planting and attending the Dhamma talk in

terms of environment.

2.2.3 Dhamma Sanchorn teaching at

school fairSeven Schools Dhamma Fairs were

organized and participated by 2,962 students,

teachers and parents. The fairs can raise

39,144,000 kips for schools and build the inter-

relation among monks, temples, communities

and schools.

2.2.4 Tree and Water Ordination

Now Dhamma Sanchorn recognizes that

climate change is now a priority development

issue at international level. Thus monks play

more role in environmental preservation and

education.

A tree and a water ordination ceremonies

were conducted by Dhamma Sanchorn monks

in collaboration with temples, schools and

communities with local authorities as

witnesses. Two ceremonies were organized at

* 45 is the number of monks under the umbrella of

Dhamma Sanchorn project but that of monks whohost Buddhist moral teaching at schools in Vientiane

Municipality is actually more than 100.

Kern village, Toulakhom district, Vientiane on

4/6/2011 and Lak 35 village, Xaythani district,

Vientiane Municipality on 13/7/2011.

2.2.5 Public lectures in schools and colleges21 Dhamma Variety talks were hosted at

schools and colleges in Vientiane Municipality,

Bolikhamxay, and Xayabouly. More than

10,000 students and teachers attended the

lectures

2.2.6 Training for youth in communities

Novice Summer and youth trainingCamp was held up at Phouphalee temple in

Bolikhamxay for 100 boys during 17-23 June

2011. Ten volunteer monks involved to

organize the camp which is joined by 100 boys

and 70 girls. Some very positive feedback from

the teachers and parents has been received.

Dhamma Sanchorn project is

passionate about working with young people.

Have experienced several years in teaching

children and youth, now monks can play better

role as facilitator in raising moral behavior and

social consciousness among them throughcreative and meaningful activities such as

telling stories, preaching, group discussions,

and meditation. In the course youth had a

chance to improve their self-awareness, loving

kindness and social consciousness. This is not

only very beneficial for them but also for the

society which they live.

2.3 Other activities

2.3.1 Three Dhamma exhibitions were

conducted. Details as follow:

1) Childrens day two mobile

exhibitions were conducted at Sompanya

school and department of Education of Ministry

of Education on 31 May 2011

2) Visakhas day (the celebration of the

birth, enlightenment and departure of the

Buddha) and 3) was hosted at Thaat Luang

temple from 18 to 24 October 2011.

850 lay people and 59 monks visited

the exhibitions.


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Component 3: Community development by GLT Alumni

3.1 Community Development

in two pilot areasNow GLT-L has been supporting for

two communities in Laos as the pilot areas of

community development project including

Kangkhon village of Saravane province and

Muangkhai village of Khammouane province.Kangkhone is lead by Ven. Sounthone

Janthavangso and Muangkhai is leadd by Ven

Somjit Sanyajitto and both of them are GLT-L

alumni. In a holistic view, these two pilot

communities are now capable of managing

their own funds and activities and GLTs dutyis to empower and support them.

3.1.1 Community Meeting and

ExchangeThe first half of year the project is

dedicated to organizing experience and

knowledge exchange between two pilot

villages. Two exchange meetings were held up

for GLT-L pilot during 24-28 January 2011. 90

people and three monks from both villages and

representatives of LBFD and GLT-L attended

the meeting to share their experience, strength

and challenges.

3.1.2 Community development

fundsGLT-L has provided grants to support

two pilot villages since 2010. Have planned by

community committee in collaboration with

GLT-L, in Muangkhai a grant has been used to

establish a rotating micro-credit fund. Women

from 62 families have access to credit to run

their small weaving business and their

accumulated profits are added to the fund.

Whereas in Kangkhon a micro-credit fund is

mostly circulated in organic farming.

To ensure the micro-credit can play

more effective role to reach economic

sustainability and community development,

GLT-L has brought new approaches, training,

such as training on accounting system forvillage fund, and then constantly deliver

follow-up visit to communities.

3.2 Follow-up and Support3.2.1 Monitoring visit by LBFD staffMonitoring visit was not organized this

year; however, five unofficial visits were

conducted along with follow-up activities for

UXO prevention team in five province namely

Vientiane Municipality, Oudomxay, Saravane,Savannakhet, Xieng Kwang and Khammouane.

Vilayvanh Sanyamo a LBFD coordinator for

community development unit- is observing womens

weaving group during his follow-up visit on 15/12/11.

In collaboration with the alumni, GLT-L has integrated sustainable development into its

project. GLT-alumni are constantly supported and followed up. The project increases involvement

of villagers in sustainable development and knowledge exchange was held for the pilot sites.However, much more attention are required to ensure that communities needs are met.


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3.2.2 Meeting/experience exchange

45 of GLT-L alumni attended the

alumni exchange meeting at NakounnoiForest Temple during 9-11 December 2011.

The meeting encourage alumni to reflect upon

their experience and knowledge. At the meetingparticipants had a chance to represent their

projects and tried to draw their experience and

learning on how to make their community self-

reliant in a sustainable way.

Furthermore, Lao intellectuals including

Mr.Sombat Somphone-Director of PADETC,

Mrs. Dara Kalaya and Mrs. Duangduane

Bunyavong and Dr. Sisaliew Savengseuksa

attended the meeting to discuss the topic of role

of Buddhist Monks and the survival of

societies.

3.2.3 Funds for GLT alumni initiated

projects.Last year GLT-L provided funds for

two small project including the Buddhist youth

training in Oudomxay and Bokeo. In Bokeo the

Novice Summer camp was carried out during 6-

16 June 2011 for 100 youth whereas in

Oudomxay the training was held up during 15-

28 June 2011. The trainings were great

accomplished and they could make a significant

donation from the general public and youth's

parents to run their own activities next time.

Furthermore, GLT-L provided a small

subsidy to other activities. Firstly, it supported a

youth volunteer to start the 'Nature Cure' course

during 28-29 August 2011. This course was

aimed to educate people to live in harmony with

nature; however, the course was cancelled by

the authorities on the starting date. This is oneof the important lessons that we have learned: it

is necessary to cooperate more with other

organizations in Lao context. Secondly, GLT-L

supported for a small training course on organic

mushroom cultivation organized by a GLT

alumnus in Nokhounnoi Temple.

Bounterm Sibounhueng and his monk students meet with

their visitors15/3/2011.

3.2.4 Strengthening of Community Moral

through Buddhist College

The Xaidontai library

for learning culture & religion

The Xaidontai library is organised by

Mr.Bounterm Sibounhueng and his family

and supported by GLT-L. The library does not

only serves the communities as the resource

centre but also provides Buddhist learning

programme consisting of Buddhas teaching,

Buddhist rhythmic intonation, Lao Dhamma

Script, Public Speaking and Lao customs and

traditions. Approximately 200 of clergy and lay

people attend the library and the learning

program each month.

Furthermore, the library provides the

training on how to host Dhamma radio

programme for monks or anyone who has

interest. Now it is in a long plan to shift up the

library to the project of Lane Xang or Lao

Heritage Preservation under the umbrella of

GLT-L.


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Challenges in Muangkhai

- Floods - Last year more than

500 acres of the land was drowned in a

water depth of one meter. Due to all field

crops damaged by flooding, GLT-L has

delivered food, water and other

necessities for villagers which were

donated from our network namely GLT-

L alumni in Vientiane, PADETC andother general donors.

Moreover, we sent the staff to

advise them how to grow fast-growing

and high-yielding plants. From the

positive point of view, this can build a

stronger relationship between GLT-L

project and villagers because they can

see how we put a great effort into

helping and supporting them.

Challenges in Kanghone

-It needs to find motivatedpeople who can assist Venerable

Sounthone. The practice of organic

farming in the community has brought a

small conflict among organic farmers

and chemical fertilizer traders.

-It is necessary to emphasize thespiritual development practice in the

community along with other activities inorder to improve their self- and social

consciousness.

AboveA title sign of Khammouane village is under the water.

Below-GLT-L staff offer donated stuff for villagers15/8/11.

Vansi Patummavong, an expert in organic farming of GLT-L,

has a meeting with Kangkhon villagers.


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Component 4: Public Information and Dissemination

4.1: Newsletters and Books

4.1.1 Production and publication of

Newsletters

Two issues of Buddhist Newsletter

(Jod Mai Khao Chao Pud) were released 3,000copies for each. The newsletters were

distributed to GLT-L alumni, educational

institutions, NGOs, and Buddhists all over the

country. While quality of our publication is

increasing, it has not been without challenges.

The newsletters is still very time-consuming

with a limited number of staff and a number of

monks and community workers are not very

capable of interpreting their experience in terms

of writing skills.The first issue (vol.3, no. 7) has the

main theme of Celebration of Lao Astronomy.

The second (vol. 4, no. 8), covering the work of

Lao artist produced at Buddhist Art Workshop

in India, has the main theme of the Lao Monk

College and its process of building human

capital.

4.1.2 Production and Publication of books on

Dhamma and Social Engagement1) Lao Astronomy (Horasad Lao) by

Prince Phetsarath has been released 1500

copies last year. The book was published to

honour the author, Prince Phetsarath, who was

a scholar and scientist in Lao history.

2) The Buddhist Discipline whichpresents a standard criteria for conducting

lives., written by P.A. Payutto*

and translatedby Monk Tony Saengsulin

**is on the process

of publishing and will be released 3,000 copies.

3) Buddha's Teaching Methods whichpresents which provides the methods and

strategies of Buddha's teaching. This book is

another work of P.A. Payutto and is translated

by Dara Kanlanga, a Lao intellectual, writer

and consultant of GLT-L.

* Ven P. A. Payutto is a well-known Thai Buddhist monkand scholar.** Ven Tony Saengsulin is a GLT alumnus.

This component of GLT-L project is aimed to increase communication and experience

exchange among GLT-L alumni, social workers, development practitioners and Buddhists

through radio programs, publication and audio-visual materials.Our printing materials, non-printing and radio programs have been used to promote

Buddhist way of life, sustainable development, social awareness, environmental preservation

and etc.

Buddhist Newsletter, vol.4, No. 8

Handbook for Mankind by Buddhadasa Bhikkhu


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4) Handbook for Mankind, which is acollection of Dhamma lectures by Buddhadasa

Bhikkhu - a well-known and influential Thai

monk, is on the process of publishing as well.

The book is translated by a Lao monk, Ven

Bountavee Muangkhamsi.

4.1.3 Books on social development

GDP-centred Development andHuman Centred Development by Dr

Sisaliew Savengseuksa, a member of Lao

National Assembly and director of Lao

Agriculture Product Company, was released

1000 copies. It points out the pros and cons of

two development approaches.

4.2 Radio Programs and Website4.2.1 website

http://www.laobdp.org is another tool to

disseminate GLT-L goals and movement.

Stories and experience of Lao faith-based

actors are presented through the website along

A cover of audio-CD of Intonation on UXOsit is

a material for raising awareness among villagers.

with a number of photos. This year the website

has been improved and updated to be more

multimedia-friendly design.

4.2.2 Radio ProgramTwo radio programs have been still

hosted to feature news and movement ofLBFD. Firstly, Siang Tham Song Thang

(Dhamma lightening up the way), hosted byVenerable Sithonh Xayavongsone and

Venerable Athipatay Maytryjit, is broadcast

every Saturday night focusing on how Buddhist

Dhamma can be applied into daily life with the

phone-in service. Secondly, Ruang Lao ChaoPud (Voices from Buddhists) broadcastsevery Sunday, hosted by GLT-L youth

volunteers, bringing Buddhism Dhamma to

discuss in a way that appeals to a new

generation and to feature movement in the

Socially Buddhist Engagement.

4.3 Other Activities

4.3.1 Publication of Non-Printing

Audio CD- Lao Intonation aboutUXO effects

DVD -the Documentary ofdevelopment project launched in Kangkhon

village of Saravane province

DVD -the biography of the lateVenerable Pan Anando and his 100 year-

birthday celebration ceremony.

Audio CD- Venerable SalyKantasilos preaching

4.3.2 Organizing a Meeting & Event

1) Celebration of the book Lao

Astronomy and the opening of Prince

Pethsarath Rattanavongsa Library at Sisaket

Temple was held during 25-26 February 2011.

It was attended by GLT-L alumni, Lao seniormonks, Lao scholars and general public.

2) Reproduction of BuddhistPainting workshop for Lao artists was

conducted at Sisaket Temple during 7-13 July

2011 and participated by 13 artists of

Department of Fine Arts, Ministry of

Information and Culture and two monks. The

workshop was aimed to recover Lao style-

Buddhist art. More than training on Buddhist

style-drawing, the workshop provided the

understanding of Buddhist Dhamma so that

participation can apply knowledge to make

their art meaningful. Furthermore, this

workshop can help recovering the Lao

Buddhist style drawing before it will disappear

from the next generation.

After the workshop ended, two of

participations were selected to join the

Buddhist Art workshop in India.
http://www.laobdp.org/http://www.laobdp.org/http://www.laobdp.org/


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Lao artists are painting at Buddhist PaintingWorkshop at Sisaket Temple, 7-13 July 2011

3) In collaboration with Norwegian

Church Aid in Vientiane Cap, GLT-L hosted

the conclusion meeting for monks who work

for UXO awareness education in the risky

areas during 13-14 December 2011 at Thaat

Luang Temple, Vientiane. We also invited

people from concerned organizations to jointhe meeting including from Religion For Peace

(RFP), National Regulatory Authority for the

UXO, Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic

Enterprise (COPE) and the Christian Gospel

Center in Vientiane.

The meeting reaffirmed the basic

duties and commitment of monks in terms of

UXO awareness education. The participants

from every organizations not only shared their

experiences and learnt but also offer theadditional options to assist this work such as

NRA will be the source of information and

transportation while COPE will provide

orthosis and prosthesis for people who were

injured because of UXOs. The cooperation

among these organizations will make the work

future brighter.

Monks are presenting their work of providing

UXO awareness education for people in their

areas on 14 December 2011


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Component 5: Capacity Development

5.1 Training of Dhamma Sanchorn teams

5.1.1 Training of Trainers workshop- The advanced Training-of-Trainer

course was provided for 18 head monks during

16-21 September 2011 at Phu Kao Kwuay

temple, Vientiane Municipality. The course

was designed to provide understanding of

education method for raising critical

consciousness, structure of power in society,

self-awareness enhancement through learning.Also, participants had an opportunity to

improve their teaching and communication

skills.

5.1.2 Workshops and training for new

Dhamma Sanchon network1) 14

thTraining of Trainers was

conducted by monk trainers for 20 new monk

volunteers seven experienced monks during 7-

11 May 2011 at Nakhounnoi Temple, Vientiane

Municipality.

2) Training course on Organic

Fertilizer was conducted on 23rd

October 2011

for 23 Dhamma Sanchorn monks at Panyanivej

ecology center, Vientiane Municipality. Now in

Lao PDR farmers have been using a lot of

chemical fertilizer and pesticide and it is

harmful not only to their health but also to

environment. Monks aim to demonstrate

organic fertilizer production techniques for

students and people who are interested.

5.1.3 Dhamma Sanchon volunteer training1) Training-of-Trainers was carried

out for 13 Lao young people of the 1st

generation of GLT-L youth volunteers during

28 July1 August 2011. The training was heldup in the Phu Long forest temple of

Chaiyaphum, Thailand in order to give them a

chance to study work and life of venerable

Pisarn Wisalo*as well.

* Phra Pisarn Wisalo is the abbot of Phu Long forest

temple and the director of Putthika Network. He haswritten many books on Buddhism and Thai society and

involved in socially Engaged Buddhism in Thailand

We aim to strengthen training, organizing, and mobilization capacities of the Lao Buddhist

for Development (LBFD) and its associated GLT alumni networks to manage and implement

education and community development activities and programmes.

2) In collaboration with Action with Lao

Children (ALC), Donkoi Child Development

Center (DCDC) and National University of Laos(NUOL), GLT-L has launched the social work

practicum program for student from faculty of

Social Sciences of NUOL and to raise social

awareness among them during February July

2011. The activities were designed and

organized by the 1st

generation GLT-L

volunteers.

During the program, new youth

volunteers had a chance to assist Dhamma

Sanchorn project; for example, they organized

activities for blind people at Tongpong school

which Dhamma Sanchorn monks go for

teaching every Sunday.

Dhamma Sanchornmonk participate learning activity in

TOT course on Phukao Kwuay temple, VTE18/8/11

Students from National University of Laos voluntarily

help Dhamma Sanchorn to organize the activity for

Blind people at Tongpong school on 25 SEP 2011.


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5.2 Training of community development teams5.2.1 Training courses to community leaders

1) Training of Fund Administration

for community members of Muangkhai washeld during 5-8 December 2011. A resource

person is the head manager of the community

fund at Nakhounnoi village, Vientiane

Municiaplity.

2) Training on new techniques of

mat-weaving was held during 13-17 December

2011 for Muangkhai village.

3) Training on how to produce a high

yield of rice in a small area was held for

Kangkhon people during 25-26 and for

Muangkhai during 28-29 November 2011. This

is a good chance to insist that organic farmingis very productive.

4) Youth Leadership and

Community Building training was provided

from 24 to 26 December 2011 for youth leaders

in different provinces namely Vientiane

Municipality, Khammouane, Saravane, Luang

Prabang, Xieng Kwang, and Savannakhet. The

training was designed and organized by the 1st

gen-youth volunteers of GLT-L. This not only

aim to strengthen the capacity of youth but also

to build the relationship among youth

volunteers in different areas.

5.2.2 Study trips for community study on

sustainable developmentThis activity is combined with 5.2.1

due to the limitation of budget.

5.2.3 Study trip to Thailand for community

leaders from two pilot areas.An exposure visit to Thailand was

conducted during 5-15 May 2011 for six

monks, two nuns, and one community leader in

order to improve their motivation and

experience on sustainable development. The

group visited several alternative in Thailand

including Inpaeng community (expert in

traditional medicine), Sisa Asoke (representing

self-reliance and sustainable agriculture), the

Organic farming and traditional silk-weaving

community group and finally they visited the

Satja Sasom Sub or Veracity Saving group.

This trip can motivate them to initiate new

activities.

A girl from Kangkhon village, Saravanh

province, is joining the game-based learning

during 26 December 2011.

5.2.4 Advance training courses to alumniThis year the advance training was

provided especially for alumni who work for

raising awareness of UXOs among people inrisky areas as below:

1) TOT was held for alumni monks

who work for spiritual development and UXO

awareness education during 18-27 February

2011 at Nakhounnoi Forest Monastery, VTE.

2) TOT was held up for 15 monks and

two nuns from four provinces including

Xiengkhuang, Khammuane, Savannakhet,

Saravane and Vientiane Capital at Nakhounnoi

Forest Monastery from 20 to 30 April 2010.

Most of participants are GLT-L alumni and

have experience with social work and after the

training they have been sent to transfer their

trained knowledge and skills such as impact of

UnExploded Ordnance, peer education and

counseling to other monks and villagers in

risky areas.


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OUTPUT VI : Monitoring and Evaluation

To ensure the quality and sustainability of the project, GLT-L has realized that monitoring

and evaluation is very important. Thus these activities were constantly carried out in 2011 through

follow-up visit and reporting.

6.1 Monitoring & reporting

6.1.1 Program Advisory Support &

Mornitoring by SEM program directorIn 2011 the first visit of the SEM

program director, Somboon Jungprempree ,

was organised during 1-3 April to attend the

first half yearly meeting together with the

excusive board of LBFD. The second visit

was hosted during 21-22 December 2011 in

order to attend the annual meeting.

Additioinally, the purpose of the visits was tofollow up project performance and to guide

the future plan.

In the annual meeting it was

suggested that GLT-L should have a

systematic evaluation conducted by an expert

to assess 10 years of GLT work in Laos by

2012.

6.1.2 Financial Adivsory Support &

Financial Monitoring by SEMThe financial and accountant staff of

SEM carried out the monitoring visit in Laos

on 9-11 June 2011. The visits enhanced the

skills of the Lao team in book keeping and

financial management. This year there was

only one because the Lao team has been

greatly improved and moreover the follow-up

activity was done by phone and email through

the whole year.

6.1.3 Annual Financial Audit

The audited financial statements of GLT-L

were monthly submitted to SEM and by 2012the statements should be submitted by an

external auditor in order to improve

operational efficiency and accountability.

6.1.4 Documentation and Reporting

GLT-L is responsible for

documenting and reporting to donors on how

it runs the project and how fund allocated.

Each sub-project has produced a separate

report which is based on meeting, training,

event and follow-up activity. When the

project is launched for six months and a year,

along with data collection procedure all mini-

reports will be combined and analyzed into a

mid-year report and an annual report,

respectively. Sometimes the quality mini-reports

will be published through Buddhist Newsletter

or other books in order to publicize the ideas

and activities of GLT-L to public.

6.2 Review meetings

6.2.1 Quarterly and Annual meetings

The quarterly meetings for the excusive

committee and staff were held three times this

year. The meetings were held on 26 April, 7

August, 21-22 December 2011.

The main findings from the first

meetings were related to the role of alumni

monks in raising awareness of UXOs for people

in risky areas. It was represented that GLT-L

alumni in different areas are potential to work

for this project; however, relevant trainings and

support are necessary.

The second meeting represented the

half year progress of each sub-project,

difficulties and solutions and future plans.

The third meeting was aimed to assess

not only a whole year's work but also to review

work backwards based on the five-year plan;

whether or not GLT-L reach its goals. In brief,

GLT-L has made active progress in delivering

spiritual development training and practicing

sustainable development; however, it cannot

reach some expected outcomes; for instance, it

planned to have three pilot communities under

the development unit to demonstrate the

sustainable development but right now GLT-L

works for two communities. The findings from

the meeting suggested that it is necessary to

perform the official and systematic monitor and

evaluation in order to measure the outcomes and

the project's capacities.

Furthermore, staff meeeting is usuallyheld every month in order to share work

experience among staff. All achievements,

challenges and solutions were jointly discussed.


21/22

7. Organisational Development and Operation SupportA vacation trip was organized for

LBFD and GLT-L members to travel in Laos

together during 22-29 January 2012 in order

to strengthen their relationship and to energize

their workforce.

8. Extra Activities

1) An exposure trip to Europe of

the vice president of LBFD

From 18 to 30 June 2011 the Vice-

President of LBFD - Venerable Sithonh

Xayavongsone had the opportunity to visit

various European organisations namely the

European Buddhist Union (EBU) of

Netherland, the Catholic Committee againstHunger and for Development (CCFD) of

France, and Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) of

Norway. Venerable Sithonh has gained

knowledge and experience on how to manage

socially Engaged Buddhist organization.

2) International Workshop

* Ven Sithonh attended the

conference of the International Network of

Engaged Buddhists (INEB) in Bodhgaya,

India from 26-29 October 2011.* Two Lao artists, who were chosen

from the reproduction of Lao-style Buddhist

painting workshop, were sent to attend the

Buddhist Art Workshop in India from 19 t0

25 October 2011.

3) The exposure trip of Buddhist

Sangha from Myanmar to Laos

This year LBFD had a chanceto welcome two groups of Myanmar Sanghaduring 16-21 October and 25-28 March 2011.

The visit was conducted by SEM and partners

and assisted by LBFD staff. The visitors had

the opportunity to know various non-profit

organisations in Laos, including LBFD,

Saydontais Community Library, Action Laos

for Children, Cooperative Orthotic and

Prosthetic Enterprise (COPE), Somsanga

Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre and

Don Koi Children and Youths DevelopmentCentre.

A painting of a Lao Buddhist woman byChaleunphone Phonnabouth - a Lao artist who

attended the Buddhist Art Workshop in India.

Myanmar Sangha is visiting BDP on 25 Mar 2011.


22/22

666 Charoen Nakorn Road, Bang Lumpoo Lang,

Klongsan, Bangkok 10600 Thailand

Tel. (+66 2) 438 9331 -2 Fax. (+66 2) 860 1278

Email: [email protected]

Website : www.semsikkha.org , www.snf.or.th

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Lao Grass-root Leaders Training and Action

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