2008-05 Cyclone Nargis (Myanmar)
Cyclone Nargis 10 – CTF Thailand in Myanmar – Annex 3 – BDA Volunteers
ANNEX 3 - Cyclone Nargis 10 – List of Volunteers-BDA
The following is a list of the team members consisting of medical doctors and general staff who joined the Camillian team as volunteers. The team was organized by the Border Areas Development Association (BDA).
1. Dr Wai Lwin - frank.wailwin@gmail.com
2. Dr. Wai Lynn Aung - yuo1985@gmail.com
In addition to the volunteers listed above, there were four instructors who organized the Training Course for the Village Health Workers of all 8 free clinics supported by St. Camillus Foundation Thailand. There were as follows:
- Daw Than Than Aye Maung (Dip. in Nursing S.R.N.O.N.C.(UK), B.Sc. (Nursing), UK.
- Daw Khin Zin Wei (Dip. in Nursing, B.N.Sc. (Yangon)
- Daw Aye Thandar Phyo (B. Pharm (Madalay)
- Daw Thi Thi Htwe (Dip. in Nursing, B.N.Sc. (Yangon)
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Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )A Look Back.. CTF Thailand – Myanmar Mission #1 – Part 2
In May 2008 Cyclone Nargis devastated the Union of Myanmar (also known as Burma). It caused the worst natural disaster in the country’s recorded history. At least 146,000 people died and thousands more people went missing. CTF Thailand, SOS DRS, Salute e Sviluppo and the Camillians wanted to help those who were suffering. So after a situational analysis and with outside support, CTF Thailand chose to work in collaboration with a local partner in Myanmar – the Border Area Development Association (see CTF Thailand – Myanmar Mission #1 – Part 1 in our December 8, 2008 e-newsletter).
The CTF Thailand response to Cyclone Nargis was led by Fr. Rocco Sriprasert, the Vice Provincial of the Thai Vice–Province, and Fr. Dominic Akrapan, the Director of Camillian Hospital in Bangkok. It was Fr. Dominic who first led a reconnaissance team into Myanmar in order to do a situation analysis and to find a partner with whom to collaborate. They found the BDA, the Border Area Development Association, an NGO in Myanmar. And then together with Fr. Rocco, on May 28 Fr. Dominic developed a plan and an operating budget that included emergency aid that would provide for the livelihood, temporary shelter, food and support of 3,000 families. Because the Thai medical personnel would not be allowed to go the most affected areas, Fr. Rocco decided to provide support for Myanmar health personal through training doctors and volunteers, and providing medicines. And this effort would be supported by a base of operations in Rangoon, Myanmar – an office with staff including a director, project manager, Thai coordinator, Burmese Coordinator, translators and ancillary personnel. There would be other expenses including transportation and lodging.
Responding to disasters involves gathering many types of resources: human, material and financial – from near and far. I was far away from Myanmar when on May 20 I first started to seriously considered going to Thailand and then Myanmar to help. I was in Rome at the time at the CTF coordinator’s office. I was beginning to believe that I might really be able to get into Myanmar despite the fact that since May 2, when the Cyclone struck, the government had closed the country to foreigners – particularly Americans. Even Myanmar’s neighbors from Thailand were restricted in their movements. Then on May 30 I received a discouraging e–mail from Fr. Rocco that “The Myanmar officers are quite strict with western people but they allow with limit for Thai, Indian and some Asian people. They don’t allow foreigner to enter the Irrawaddy Delta.” That news seriously dashed my hopes for going to Myanmar so I resigned myself to staying in Rome and then returning to the US to do some fundraising to support the relief effort. Given the gravity of the disaster and the ensuing need, that was the least I could do. I would also focus on trying to get Theresia Sinaga, the CTF Indonesian Coordinator, involved in the disaster response in Myanmar. Fr. Rocco welcomed both.
The preparatory work for the disaster response in Thailand and Myanmar continued. In early June Fr. Rocco sent me a list of 37 Burmese physicians (20 women and 17 men) with whom the Camillian Hospital Group Team would collaborate. They were 2 surgeons and 2 nurses from Camillian Hospital in Bangkok. These 4 would train the Burmese physicians and volunteers in the care of infected wounds, trauma and waterborne diseases.
Myanmar is divided into divisions (states) and smaller townships. Townships are composed of villages. It was the southern part of the country that was most affected by Cyclone Nargis. Fr. Rocco and the leaders of the DBA initially decided to serve primarily the people along the seashore southwest of Rangoon in the Irrawaddy Delta. They focused on 3 townships: KAWHMU; KUNGYANGON; DEDAAYE (see Yangon Division Map). In these townships they would focus on 15 villages – targeting a quantity of 3000 families.
July came and with it did a greater commitment on the part of the CTF in the US and Salute e Sviluppo to support the relief effort in Myanmar. In the US, D’Ann Fisher, Vienna Maalouf and I were already fundraising in parishes as part of the mission cooperation plan (MCP). This plan allows missionaries to enter into dioceses to speak and raise money. We went to the Dioceses of Rockford, Salinas, Syracuse, Worcester and Hartford. I even had the chance to speak at St. Ann’s Parish in Manlius , New York where I received my First Communion and was later confirmed. Praise the Lord! And Brother Luca Perletti in Rome, in his capacity as the head of the Secretariat for the Missions, was searching for funding from Caritas Italia. Brother Luca is the person with whom I most collaborate in Rome in my capacity as the CTF international coordinator. The Fr. General and the Consulta requested that the CTF provide significant financial support for the ongoing relief effort in Myanmar. We were happy to do so. We made that affirmative response official at our first SOSDRS board meeting on July 24, 25 in North Carolina. Brother Luca was in attendance along with Michael Firmin (Vice–President); Todd Binet (Treasurer); D’Ann Fisher (Secretary) and Sherman Runions.
Time passed and the Camillians in Thailand were unfortunately hindered in their plans to enter into Myanmar. According to the DBA, there were security concerns and governmental clearance problems. The Camillians did receive offers of significant financial support from Salute e Sviluppo, the CTF and the Saint Camillus Foundation in Thailand. After several months of patient waiting CTF Thailand Myanmar Mission #1 finally started on October 3, 2008. This first foray into Myanmar would last through October 10, a total of 1 week.
The delay in entering into Myanmar had allowed for a growth in the number of people who would compose the Camillian team from 5 to 8. These included:
1. Rev. Fr. Pairat Sripraseret, Vice–Provincial Superior, Camillians in Thailand
2. Rev. Fr. Dominic Ackrapan Nunthawanich, Director, Camillian Hospital, Bangkok
3. Dr. Manas Ratanachokthorani, Medical Doctor, San Camillo Hospital, Bang Pong, Rajburi
4. Mrs. Arpornphet Kongnava, Nurse, San Camillo Hospital, Bang Pong, Rajburi
5. Ms. Chadaporn Khaimarn, Hospital Administrator, San Camillo Hospital, Bang Pong, Rajburi
6. Ms. Supischa Chongpanichkajorn, Volunteer
7. Ms. Marissa Khomin Volunteer
8. Mr. Myo Thein Local Coordinator in Myanmar
The Camillian team arrived via plane in Yangon (Rangoon) on the morning of October 3, 2008. Working with the DBA, they finalized the plan for the next week. The 8–member team of CTF Thailand would be joined by 7 members of the DBA – 4 physicians and 3 other volunteers. Their mission would serve a slightly different area compared to the original plan in May/June. The focus would be on the Yangon Division – the townships of SHWEPYITHAR; HLAINGTHARYA, SOUTH DAGON, KYAUKTAN (see Yangon Division Map ) and the Ayeryawady Division – the townships of MAWKYUN and BOGALE (see Ayeyarwady Division Map )
What follows is the schedule for the mission, the ministry performed in each location and a description of the location itself. The content of this section is derived from my personal communication with Fr. Rocco.
See pictures from this mission:
Fr. Scott Binet MD, MI
International Coordinator – CTF
CTF Thailand – Myanmar Mission #1 – Part 1
From: http://www.sosdrs.org/news_story.asp?story=myanmar_mission_1
The Camillians from Thailand and their collaborators in Myanmar, with the help of CTF-SOS DRS and Salute e Sviluppo, responded to Cyclone Nargis that devastated the country of Myanmar (Burma) in May 2008.
Cyclone Nargis – Background
Cyclone Nargis 10 – CTF Thailand in Myanmar – Annex 1 – Mission Agenda
ANNEX 1 - SCHEDULE OF THE JOINT MISSION IN MYANMAR
1st – 7th December 2009
Tuesday, 1/12/2009
Yangon/Border Development Association (BDA) Office, Yangon
a.m. – Arrival in Yangon check-in at Kandawgyi Hotel
1400 – Visit to BDA Office for discussion with Mr. U Than Htay, BDA staff and Coordinator of the Health Training Program
Wednesday, 2/12/2009
Yangon/Mawkyun
0530 – Departure from Yangon to Mawkyun by Express boat
1230 – Arrival in Mawkyun
1330 – 1730
- Discussion and follow-up with the Abbot of Pyisimaryon regarding all supported activities
- Training Course for Village Health Workers
Thursday, 3/12/2009
Mawkyun
0800-1200 and 1300-1730
- Training Course for Village Health Workers
- Provided blankets, rice and dried food for orphans
Friday, 4/12/2009
Mawkyun/ Yangon
0600 - Departure from Mawkyun to Yangon
Saturday, 5/12/2009
Multipurpose Center (Clinic No. 8), Karya
0900-1200 and 1300 – 1300-1600
- Training Course for Village Health Workers
Sunday, 6/12/2009
Multipurpose Center (Clinic No. 8), Karya
0900-1200 and 1300-1600
- Training Course for Village Health Workers
Monday, 7/12/2009
Yangon/Bangkok
0900 – Departure from Yangon to Bangkok
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Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Cyclone Nargis 10 – CTF Thailand in Myanmar
CTF Thailand just completed its eighth mission into Myanmar in the wake of Cyclone Nargis (5/2008). From December 1-7, 2009 the team focused on the training program that it has developed for village health workers at the eight free clinics supported by St. Camillus Foundation, the juridical entity that CTF Thailand presently utilizes to accomplish its mission.
Here is a brief look at the itinerary for the Dec 1-7 mission into Myanmar.
1st – 7th December 2009
Tuesday, 1/12/2009
Yangon/BDA’s Office, Yangon [Borderline Area Development Association]
a.m. - Arriving Yangon check in at Kandawgyi Hotel
14h00 - Visit to BDA’s Office for discussion with Mr. U Than Htay, BDA’s staff and the organizer of the Health Training Program
Wednesday, 2/12/2009
Yangon/Mawkyun
05h30 - Leaving Yangon for Mawkyun by Express boat
– arriving Mawkyun around 12h30
13h30 – 17h30
- Discussion and following up with the Abbot of Pyisimaryon of all supported activities
- Training Course for Village Health Workers
Thursday, 3/12/2009
Mawkyun
08h00-12h00 and 13h00-17h30
- Training Course for Village Health Workers
- Providing blankets, rice and dried food for orphans
Friday, 4/12/2009
Mawkyun/ Yangon
06h00 - Leaving Mawkyun for Yangon
Saturday, 5/12/2009
Multipurposes center (clinic No. 8), Karya
09h00-12h00 and 13h00 – 13h00-16h00
- Training Course for Village Health Workers
Sunday, 6/12/2009
Multipurposes center (clinic No. 8), Karya
09h00-12h00 and 13h00-16h00
- Training Course for Village Health Workers
Monday, 7/12/2009
Yangon/Bangkok
09h00 – Leaving Yangon for Bangkok
I am presently in Bangkok, Thailand at the CTF-(vice) Provinces 1 Meeting. I have been blessed to have the opportunity to listen to the Thai representatives of the CTF and Theresia Sinaga from Indonesia as they recount their experiences of the various missions into Myanmar – the joys and the difficulties. I hope to experience some of them in Myanmar myself – maybe in January. Stay tuned for news about that possibility and a more detailed report on this most recent mission of CTF Thailand into Myanmar.
Fr. Scott
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Cyclone Nargis 10 – CTF Thailand in Myanmar
THE EIGHTH CAMILLIAN MISSION REPORT ON THE AREAS
AFFECTED BY THE CYCLONE NARGIS IN MYANMAR
December 1-7, 2009
Myanmar Mission 10 was commenced for the purpose of developing a Training Program for the Village Health Workers that serve the eight free clinics supported by the St. Camillus Foundation. The mission was launched on short notice, due to some previously unknown variables.
The agenda of this mission is presented in Annex 1.
The list of Camillian Team members and the list of volunteer participants from the BDA are presented in Annex 2 and Annex 3, respectively.
Tuesday, 12/1/2009
Yangon
The Camillian team arrived Yangon in the morning; the activities commenced in the afternoon. The team discussed the tentative agenda with the local coordinator in Myanmar, following the predetermined schedule for the afternoon.
Participants at the meeting included the Camillian Team, the key staff of the Border Areas Development Association (BDA), and the coordinator of the training course. Topics of discussion, led by Daw Than Than Aye Maung (team leader) began with overviews of the content of the Program and the general situation of all four free clinic, to include a summary of ongoing activities.
The discussion included in a decision to pretest all applicants. Trainers were to perform the testing, and to prepare pretesting and training evaluations. After six months to one year, Village Health Volunteers/Workers were to receive continuing education.
Also discussed was the establishment of additional BDA-sponsored free clinics in remote border areas of Myanmar for the purpose of providing access to basic health care to the impoverished villagers in the locations. The BDA is to prepare a project proposal that will be submitted to prospective donors.
Wednesday, 12/2/2009
Yangon/Mawkyun
The Camillian Team left the hotel at 0500 in the morning for Makwyun Township by Express boat. The team consisted of eight Village Health Volunteers/Workers from all four free clinics supported by St. Camillus Foundation, Thailand. At the Yangon pier, the Camillian team met with the trainers of the Training Program and with two volunteer medical doctors. Their names are shown in Annex 3 of this report.
This was the first time the lecturers were to journey to Mawkyun, a six and a half hour cruise. The Express boat is the only form of transportation to Mawkyun. Along the way, we noticed that we were accompanied by a few patients returning home from their treatment in Yangon. One, who was using crutches, transferrred from our sizable boat to a smaller boat along the river, where a family relative awaited him. The boats stop randomly along the river, as needed, to faciliatate such situations. We deduced that optimal medical treatment for more complex medical issues can presently only be provided in Yangon.
The Training Program commenced in the afternoon. The list of participants is shown in Annex 4. This program was tailored and modified for presentation in two separate locations: Pyisimaryon (overseen by the Abbot of Mawkyun) and the Multipurpose Center, Karya Village (overseen by the BDA.) The content of the program, presented by participants from the 8 free clinics supported by the St. Camillus Foundation, covered the following topics:
1. Introduction to Nurse Aid
2. Definition of Environment
- Community Environmental Health of the Community
- Definition of Environmental Sanitation
- Water Sanitation
3. Hand washing
4. Public Relations
5. Maternal and Child Health
6. Community Aspect (Standard treatment guide for Basic Health Workers)
7. Drug Administration for Sub Centre
8. General.
While the trainers presented lectures to the participants in the classroom following the predetermined schedule, the Camillian team discussed, with those concerned, the financial details of all activities supported by the St. Camillus Foundation under the supervision of the Abbot of Mawkyun, to include recent and future receipts and disbursements.
It was noted that previously empty land that had been used for dumping had been converted into a play ground for children. The sports equipment that we had provided during our previous mission was finally being utilized! Sports were new to these children.
The children played “Takaw” (a game in which they kicked a rattan ball to one another). Fr. Rocco also explained the rules of the game of volley ball. Under his supervision, the children divided themselves into groups in preparation for the game. We watched the children happily playing volley ball, while their elders joyfully observed them participate in the novel undertaking. The Novices from the Monastery were very eager to observe the game as well; unfortunately, their status did not allow for their participation. At the end of the game, the children greeted Fr. Rocco in an elated yet humble manner, as usual. They appeared grateful for the sports equipment andfor the introduction to its usage. Fr. Rocco was satisfied with the amount of joy this small donation provided to the children who had suffered so deeply from the effects of Cyclone Nargis in this locality. He was also pleased that the opportunity provided to the children for excersize would enhance their health.
Thursday, 12/3/2009
Pyisimaryon, Mawkyun
The Training Course for Village Health Workers of the four supported free clinics continued. Simultaneously, the volunteer doctors of the Camillian Team spent the entire day providing medical treatment and services at the Pyisimaryon Clinic to about 70 persons. The President of St. Camillus Foundation, Thailand, took this opportunity to provide blankets for the winter season to the patients at the clinic and to the orphans at the Pyisimaryon Monastery. In addition, rice and dried food were provided to the orphans of this center.
In the late afternoon, Fr. Rocco played “Takraw” with the teacher and some of the older students. He hoped that when they became familar with the game, they could teach other students to play. While they played Takraw, the Novices observed with interest and laugher. This was the “happy hour” for the students and Novices at the Monastery.
The two-day Health Training Course was completed late in the afternoon. All participants were awarded a certificate of attendance. Students and trainers alike seemed satisfied with the results.
After dinner, Fr. Rocco appeared at the evening English class at the Monastery, where he viewed the educational materials that the St. Camillus Foundation had provided, taught and tested the students.
Friday, 12/4/2009
Mawkyun / Yangon /Yetain Village, Konchangone
The Camillian Team, trainers and volunteers departed from Mawkyun early in the morning for the Express boat back to Yangon. This boat was a bit smaller than the boat that had transported the team to Mawkyun, but the length of the journey was comparable: approximately seven hours. During the jouney, the Camillian volunteer medical doctors had the opportunity to speak to the coordinator of the Training Program. The experienced instructor shared her academeic knowledge, and the young volunteer doctors shared their knowledge and recounts of their experiences in the fields
After lunch, the Camillian team and volunteer medical doctors proceeded to Yetain Village, Kunchangone Township, where the St. Camillus Foundation had intervened in the rehabilitation of the local ponds, to provide access to clean drinking water for the population. The group travelled in a very small boat across the river, a mere 10-minute trip. They chose this route because they did not obtain a travel permit from the government to travel to this village. Fr. Rocco was noncommunicative, and hoped that he would be perceived as a citizen of Myanmar. Travel by boat between villages was common in the area.
From the small boat, the team took a taxi for about one and a half hour, after which they connected with a yet smaller small boat, size of 3m. x 0.80m. Following a 40 minute journey through man-made canals, they reached Yaitain Village. The Village has a population of 1,020 (256 households; 508 male; 512 female.) The village school provided for a 4th grade education. Student in grade 5 & 6, continued their education in Kunchangone Township. There are two ways to reach Kunchangone from Yetain Village. One way is to walk for nearly one hour. The village can also be reached by boat by travelling via man-made canals to a bus stop. (If the water level in the canals is not sufficient, travel by boat is not possible.) Upon reaching land, the students could access the bus and travel for another 1/2 hour to reach the school in Kunchangone. Such travel challenges prevented many villagers from continuing their education beyond grade 4.
Through the initiative of the volunteers from the BDA, the volunteers pooled some of their financial resources to provide a salary for a teacher to teach students in grade 5 and grade 6 next year. The additional education would enable the students to pass the government test required for graduation, and to continue to the next educational level. The poverty of the villagers has prevented many from receiving an education beyond the minimum. At present, there are 16 students in grade 5. The parents of some of these students contributed about US$3 for the school year, but the but the tuition was not within the budget of all. The initiative group employed a full time teacher at the rate of about US$ 50 per month. Currently, they do not have sufficient funds available, and additional funding will be required.
The Abbot of the Yaitain Monastery chaired the meeting of the Community Committee, along with another 5 members from the community, to plan the management of the funds donated by the volunteers. The Abbot and the Community Committee felt that this initiative was crucial; therefore, they had provided a bamboo multipurpose room that was used as a classroom for the meeting.
St. Camillus Foundation is prepared to pay the salary of the fifth teacher for the first academic year in the amount of US $600, and to pay for the salary of the fith and sixth grade teachers for the second year (US$ 1,200.) The Community Committee would be responsible for management of the educational funds, under the supervision of the BDA.
Saturday, 12/5/2009
Multipurposes Center, Karya Village, Yangon
The President of St. Camillus Foundation presented the training course for Basic Health Care at the Multipurposes Center at Karya Village. There were 10 participants in attendance. In addition to the participants from the 4 free clinics supported by St. Camillus foundation, one health worker from Thit Phyu Chaung Village attended. The St. Camillus Foundation had provided support to this village, and there are plans to open a free clinic there. Unfortunately, the plan has not yet been realized. It was a good sign that the village health worker from Thit Phyu Chaung Village expressed the interest and motivation to attend.
After the opening ceremony, the Camillian group immediately left the Multipurposes Center for Yay Twin Gone Orphanage Center, Hmawbi Township, Yangon Division. The distance from the village to Yangon city is about one and a half hour by car. It was noted that St. Camillus Foundation had supported a free clinic in Hmawbi Village of Dedaye Township. The Orphanage Center is located in the Hmawbi Township of Yangon Division. The orphanage has been operated by the “Sisters of St. Joseph of the Apparition”. This congregation had started their mission in Myanmar 162 years ago, and support over 100 sisters in and around Myanmar. There were 20 orphans at the center who were the victims of Cyclone Nargis. Ten girls were in the primary grades, eight were in middle school, and two were in high school.
The orphans live at the orphanage and attend the Government school under the responsibility of the St. Joseph’s sisters. The center is a small, overcrowded dwelling built through the resources of generous parishioners from the U.K. The center has no financial support from any particular donor. Occasionally, a private donation is received. The St. Camillus Foundation agreed to cover the cost of the tuition for the twenty orphans, victims of Cyclone Nargis. We were told that these orphans had only vegetables and rice for food. Meats was an occasional luxury. After viewing the small vegetable garden that served as the food supply for the center, the President of St. Camillus Foundation agreed to provide funds to cover the food expense for these orphans for a one year period, to ensure the proper growth and development of the young people. The Foundation also provided sport equipment and sportswear for the children, as well as some dried food. It also appeared that the center was in need of gardening equipment with which they could expand their garden, as well as some livestock.
The Camillian team learned that the Provincial House of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Apparition is located in Yangon. The Camillian team took this opportunity to pay a visit to the Provincial Superior Sister, Sister Marie Kyi, SJA to discuss the activities performed in Myanmar on behalf of the victims of Cyclone Nargis, and to discuss future collaboration in Myanmar. We were informed that the focus of this Congregation is placed on education, the orphanage, some health centers, caring for HIV/AIDs patients, etc. The Congregation ran 15 dispensaries (basic health centers) and 3 HIV/AIDS centers (Kyaik Kha Mee, Kalay Myo, Loikaw) around Myanmar. Another HIV/AIDS center would be established at Kaw Thaung, near the border of Thailand. Fr. Rocco informed the group that the St. Camillus Foundation had several mobile clinics in the Southern parts of Thailand, particular near the Myanmar’s border. If the the Congregation was willing to establish a clinic at Kaw Thaung, a close collaboration with St. Camillus Foundation, Thailand, was encouraged. The Provincial Superior expressed an interest in sending the staff working in their HIV/AIDS centers to be trained at the Camillian HIV/AIDS center in Thailand for two to three months for management training.
The Camillian team learned Cyclone Nargis, severely affected the Kyaik Kha Mee center. Many HIV/AIDS patients of the center were impacted more severely even than the rest of the population. It was difficult for the Sisters to shoulder the additional challenges created by the cyclone. There is a shortage of medicine and supplementary food for children living with HIV/AIDS. The President of St. Camillus Foundation decided to fund medicines and milk powder for the center.
St. Camillus Foundation, Thailand had also supported the educational grants for another six orphans affected from the Cyclone Nargis who are living with the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Apparition at the St. Emilie Convent, Orphanage in Ahlone. Five of them studying at the private high school in Yangon. They are greatlhy in need of educational funding for the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Apparition.
Sunday, 12/6/2009
Multipurposes Center, Karya Village, Yangon
The Camillian Team visited the Multipurposes Center in Karya Village to observe the training course for basic health care, and to discuss collaborative activities with the BDA staff. During the discussion, the electricity was disrupted, ad we were unable to use the computer. We were informed that such power outages are normal, and that this problem occurs several times daily. The President of St. Camillus Foundation, Thailand, suggested the purchase of generators and motors to minimize the effects of such events. The local poor and homeless children in the vicinity of the center depend on electricity in order to continue their education, particularly computer training. The President of St. Camillus Foundation agreed to provide support for a generator and motor for the center. Due to lack of electricity, the meeting was postponed until the evening, and relocated to the hotel where the president stayed.
Meanwhile, the BDA staff was conducting the training course at the center. The Training Course was finished at 1730.
The meeting of the BDA staff and Camillian team took place in the hotel. The discussion was focused on two proposals.
The first proposal addressed the funding of the Livelihood Project at Than Lyin Village and Kyauktan Village in the Yangon Division. Both villages were affected by Cyclone Nargis. A request was presented for agriculture equipment, livestock, and other assets for two areas served, in the estimated amount of US$ 16,100. A second request was made for the cost for construction for the extension of the classroom at the Multipurposes Center, Karya Village. The funds were to be used to add two more classrooms and to provide tables & benches for the class. The President of St. Camillus Foundation was unable approve the proposal due to uncertainty concerning the availability of funds. He was unable to access to the internet in order to determine whether certain funds had been released by “Salute e Sviluppo”. Thus, the decision was postponed until more information regarding finances would be available following the return to Bangkok. Funds in the amount of US$ 1,330 were disbursed, however, to cover the cost of a generator and motor. The equipment was to be purchased on Monday. The receipt for the purchase would be scanned and forwarded to the St. Camillus Foundation.
Monday, 12/7/2009
Yangon/Bangkok
The Camillian team left Yangon for Bangkok in the morning.
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Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Cyclone Nargis 10 – Annex 2 – List of CTF Participants
ANNEX 2
List of Participants from Camillian Team
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Rev. Fr. Pairat Sriprasert, Vice-Provincial Superior, Camillian Thailand
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Ms. Marissa Khomin, Camillian Volunteer
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Mr. Myo Thein, Local Coordinator in Myanmar
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Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Cyclone Nargis 9 – CTF Thailand in Myanmar (Burma)
Cyclone Nargis - Widespread Devastation
Table of Contents – Summer-Fall 2009 – CTF-SOS DRSNewsletter
Cyclone Nargis devastated Myanmar (Burma) in May 2008. CTF Thailand together with its local partner, the Border Development Association, has been working since the disaster to serve the people affected. Thus far CTF Thailand under the leadership of Rocco Pairat has executed 7 missions into Myanmar. Through their local partners they have also maintained numerous relief works – running medical clinics, the construction of schools and homes, etc. Rocco reports on the 7th mission into Myanmar that took place from November 2-7, 2009. Here is the substance of what he wrote:
Myanmar
The purpose of this mission was to visit all locations that the St. Camillus Foundation in Thailand had supported through the CTF in its the activities in Myanmar. Therefore they had arranged schedule of activities very tight with a very limited period. The program of this mission is shown in Annex 1. The list of those representing Camillians [CTF Thailand] for this joint mission included Pairat Sripraseret [Vice-Provincial Superior, Camillians in Thailand], Ms. Marissa Khomin [Camillian Volunteer], and Mr. Myo Thein [Local Coordinator in Myanmar]. The list of volunteers who joined them for the mission can be seen in Annex 2
Monday, 11/2/2009
Yangon/Multipurpose Center,Karya Village,Yangon
The Camillian team arrived in Yangon in the morning and the activities started in the afternoon. We left the hotel at noon in order to be able to reach the Multipurpose Center at Karya Village by 1300. The village and the surrounding area had many orphaned children and others who were greatly distressed as a result of Cyclone Nargis. Many had come from the affected area to stay with their relatives. The Multipurpose Center at Karya Village started operating in October 2009 to provide free education to children around the village. At the center there are students, street children, and a kindergarten for poor children. There is also a computer training center. The Center was also preparing to set up a free medical clinic to serve all poor people in the area. This place will be a leading light for the future of this poor people by providing an opportunity for them to access free education and health services. St. Camillus Foundation [Thailand] recognized the important social function of the Center for meeting the health and education needs of people. The Camillian team discussed this with the chairman at the Center and the members of the Border Areas Development Association on various joint activities in Myanmar.
In cooperation with the Border Areas Development Association, the St. Camillus Foundation in Thailand supported the rehabilitation of clean drinking water ponds in the Irawaddy Delta region. Eleven ponds located in three different townships (Kawmhu Township, Kunchangone Township and Dedaye Township)
were rehabilitated by October 2009. We engaged the landless poor villagers to participate in this project as labor workers and paid them. This helped them by providing them clean drinking water and through generating income for them. The details of the beneficiaries/numbers of people from this project is reflected below.
Numbers of beneficiaries and locations for clean drinking water ponds project
| Sr. | Township | Name of the Pond | Water Storage (gallons) | Beneficiary | |
| Household | Population | ||||
| 1 | Kawhmu | Nyaungbinthar | 1,048,320 | 174 | 680 |
| 2 | Kunchangone | Masoeyain Monastery | - | - | 150 |
| 3 | Ywathayar (Tharyargone) | 168,480 | 85 | 350 | |
| 4 | Yaytain (Kanthit) | 239,616 | 98 | 120 | |
| 5 | Pegone (Bago Pond) | 175,219 | 47 | 370 | |
| 6 | Pegone (Kannyinaung) | 321,750 | 59 | 235 | |
| 7 | Wegyi (Okkan Pond) | 707,616 | 44 | 152 | |
| 8 | Dedaye | Hmabi (South Pond) | 651,456 | 96 | 166 |
| 9 | Padethargone (Minkan Pond) | 2,515,968 | 86 | 330 | |
| 10 | Thabyugone (Pond No. 3) | 312,000 | 50 | 220 | |
| 11 | Thabyugone (Pond No. 2) | 608,400 | 221 | 1,099 | |
Concerning the village’s health clinic project, the St. Camillus Foundation [Thailand] has supported 3 free clinics [Wegyiaungmingalar (Thongwa) - Kunchangone Township (Clinic No. 5)]; Thabyugone, Dedaye township (Clinic No. 6); Hmabi, Dedaye Township (Clinic No. 7), which started operating in August 2009. The last clinic was set up at the Multipurpose Center at Karya Village, Yangon Township. All these village health clinics were located near the St. Camillus Foundation supported Rehabilitation Clean Drinking Water Ponds. Before establishing any free clinic there were many meetings with the village authorities and the village health clinic supervision committee regarding the location and the administration details for the clinic including the doctors, nurses, and village health workers for each place. For each clinic, the availability of the doctors were subject to agreements established with the doctors in question. At the Thabyugone Clinic the doctor will be at the clinic for the weekdays but at the other two clinics the doctor will be there on the weekend.
The St. Camillus Foundation [Thailand] also supported the rebuilding of part of a school that was destroyed by Cyclone Nargis at Zabu Oke Shoun, Nunnery at Kyauktan. It also provided livelihood support for food and kitchen utensils for school children. The President of St. Camillus Foundation, Thailand had agreed to to support the proposal for the Multipurpose Center for Education at Karya Village in Yangon. The major support was focused on educational materials, i.e. computers, tape recorders, electronic organ, swings, see-saw, climbing-sliding, etc. This center started operating on October 1, 2009.
The total number of students at the Center was 55 is broken down as follows: kindergarten (15), first standard (7), second standard (4), third standard (7), fourth standard (8), fifth standard (5), sixth standard (1), seventh standard (6) and eighth standard (2). In addition, there are 17 students in the computer course. There are 17 sessions for each computer course. There are 10 volunteer teachers at the center. There is a plan for arranging short training course for parents and poor villagers around the center on nutrition, hygiene, good sanitation in future.
Tuesday, 11/3/2009
Yangon/Dedaye Township (Hmabi Free Clinic and Thabyugone Free Clinic)- see map
The Camillian Team left the hotel at 0500 in the morning to take a ferryboat across the river and then a taxi to Dedaye Township. It took us about two hours to reach Dedaye City. From Dedaye City we had to wait for the taxi boat to go to Hmabi Village where the St. Camillus Foundation supported a free clinic for the villagers. Along the way the river was at the low tide and our boat was too big to continue on the shallow river. Mr. Than Tun, chairman of the Hmabi local committee, therefore arranged for the passengers to change to a small boat, and the big boat with the luggage would follow. We went directly to the Hmabi Free Clinic (Clinic No. 7) with the small boat. Upon arrival the medical team started to immediately provide treatment and services to the patients. There are monthly meetings for all the chairmen of the village health committees of each of the clinic supported the Border Areas Development Association at its office in Yangon. They discuss problems faced by the clinics, the replenishment of medicines, etc. About 30 patients received service from the medical team.
We proceeded to Thabyugone Village (Clinic No. 6) by boat after lunch. It took us two hours. Unfortunately, it was low tide and our boat could not go further. All of us had to take motorbikes and the medicine box and luggage to then go with the tractor to Thabyugone Monastery. It took us about 15 – 20 minutes to reach the Monastery. After refreshing ourselves, the team immediately left the monastery by foot for about five minutes to the village’s free health clinic (Thabyugone – Clinic No. 6). There were many patients waiting at the clinic. Mr. Myo Sed Tun is the chairman of the Thabyugone village health committee. The team gave medical treatment and services until dark. The medical treatment ended up being provided under by candle light. About 50 patients received medical services.
Wednesday, 11/4/2009
Thabyugone /Bogalay Township (Lake Kapar Village & Pyin Po Gyi Village)
The Camillian Team was supposed to leave by small boat at 0515. Unfortunately the weather was very bad with strong winds, and the Abbot of Thabyugone suggested changing to a bigger boat for safety reasons. Finally, we were able to leave at 0730 with a bigger open boat without a cover. The boat had to go through a very narrow canal for about 45 minutes followed by a little wider canal for another 30 minutes before coming out to the river. We reached Dedaye City around 1100. We had to take a taxi from Dedaye City to Bogalay Monastery. Due to time constraints, we went direct to the Bogalay port to take a boat to Lake Kapar Village. We left Bogalay at 1300 and had our lunch in the boat on the way to Lake Kapar.
We reached Lake Kapar Village at 1430. There were 200 households in this village with a population of 793 (348 males and 357 females). The medical team started to provide medical treatment and services. This trip there were two physiotherapists (volunteers), and both of them helped at the clinics to give advice and services to many elderly patients. One volunteer gave counseling to one patient who had just lost her child. Other volunteers went to the classes and taught English to the students. They took charge of 3 different classes. All the students were very happy. By the end of the afternoon around 60 patients had come to get our medical services. The president of St. Camillus Foundation [Thailand] distributed rice to the villagers.
We were not able to visit Pyin Po Gyi Village due to time constraints. We just sent rice to the villagers there as planned. There were 238 households with a population of 803 (Male 428, Female 375). The Abbot of the Bogalay Monastery was in charge of the rice distribution.
Thursday, 11/5/2009
Bogalay/Mawkyun Township (Upper Kyane Lada Village (Maha Bodi Clinic) & Kwin Chaung Village)
The group left Bogalay at 0530 to get the taxi boat at 0600 to go to Mawkyun. The group arrived Mawkyun at 0900. We visited the Pyisimaryon Clinic (Clinic No. 3). St. Camillus Foundation [Thailand] distributed rice to villages of Pyisimaryon and provided sport instruments and sports clothing to the orphans and children of Pyisimaryon.
After lunch, the Abbot of Pyisimaryon and the Camillian group left Mawkyun for Upper Kyane Lada Village where the Maha Bodi Clinic (Clinic No. 2) is located. The distance was not so far: only half an hour to reach the clinic. The rice yield is better this year. The second crop will be in December. There were 208 households in this village. There were 69 farmers and the others were daily workers and fishermen. The President of St. Camillus Foundation distributed rice to villagers. Two volunteer doctors took charge of the clinic. There were 122 students in the school. This includes those from the villages nearby. Our volunteers went into their classrooms to teach them English with some simple English songs. Many were made happy for the volunteer English teachers.
From Maha Bodi, the whole group went to Kwin Chaung Village (Clinic No. 4). This village had 500 farmers and 400 daily workers and fishermen for a total of 900 families. There were 131 patients waiting for our medical services. Due to time constraints the two doctors were not able to treat them all. They left the normal cases to the nurses of the clinic.
When we returned to Mawkyun Monastery, we were told that the program had to change because the Abbot was not able to take us to Ngwe Taung Yan due to unavoidable situation. Therefore, we decided to leave Mawkyun early the next morning.
In the evening after dinner, the Abbot of Mawkyun Monastery with his team and President of St. Camillus Foundation, Thailand and his team discussed future activities under the responsibilities of the Abbot. It was agreed that the Abbot would prepare the list of medicines for the 4 clinics supported by St. Camillus Foundation for the period of six months and made an agreement with the pharmacy to store the medicines after their purchase. The Abbot would buy them and prepare contractual services agreements with the health personnel for the 4 clinics for a six-month period. Another item was to buy a simple set of medical equipments from a standard list for all St. Camillus-Foundation-supported free clinics. An advance would be made to Mr. Myo Thein for these procurements. It should be made within one week time.
Friday, 11/6/2009
Mawkyun (Ngwe Taung Yan Village)/Pyisimaryon Clinic (Clinic No. 1)/Yangon
The group had to omit the program at Ngwe Taung Yan Village due to the program change as requested by the Abbot. However, because the rice had already been bought for 128 families at Ngwe Taung Yan Village, the Abbot of Mawkyun agreed to arrange for the distribution.
The group left at 0530 to take the 0600 express boat back to Yangon. We reached the city at 1230. The President of St. Camillus Foundation invited all volunteers for lunch before sending them home. In the evening, the Camillian team met with the BDA team. The chairman of the BDA volunteered to assist the Abbot of Mawkyun to prepare the report by asking the Abbot to send his staff from Mawkyun to go to Yangon. Mr. Myo Thein will coordinate this matter before the departure of the BDA Chairman to Singapore in December.
Saturday, 11/7/2009
Yangon/Bangkok
The Camillian team left Yangon for Bangkok in the morning.
The summary of the activities for this mission is provided in Annex 3.
CTF Thailand has another mission into Myanmar planned for December 1-7. Stay tuned. And pray for them and those that they are serving. The people in Myanmar are still suffering from the effects of Cyclone Nargis.
Fr. Scott Binet
Table of Contents – Summer-Fall 2009 – CTF-SOS DRS Newsletter
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Birmania – Aiuti Silenziosi dopo il Devastante Ciclone Nargis
Fratel Luca Perletti, MI - CTF Central
Sono appena tornato dalla Birmania. I Camilliani non sono presenti in questo paese. Ma il devastante Ciclone Nargis del 2008 ha suscitato un enorme coinvolgimento dei confratelli della Tailandia i quali, attraverso la rete delle loro iniziative nel campo della emergenza, hanno iniziato una presenza discreta e silenziosa, ancorché efficace a favore delle popolazione della Area del Delta, le maggiori vittime del Ciclone.
Nel fare questo, i confratelli si appoggiano all’unica istituzione riconosciuta universalmente nel Paese: i monaci buddisti. Quello che segue è un breve resoconto di una rapida visita al Paese e la testimonianza della ammirazione per il ruolo giocato dai monaci nel processo di compattazione e di ricostruzione del Paese. [box]
La visita a questo Paese – che si estende nella penisola indocinese per tutta la sua lunghezza – è stata preceduta da notizie ed informazioni che mi hanno messo in guardia, suggerendo attenzione e riservatezza degni di una storia di spionaggio.
Il regime dittatoriale in vigore dal 1962, è molto cauto nell’ammettere visitatori stranieri – ai quali diverse zone del Paese sono ancora interdette – e quando lo fa non vuol che essi si immischino in questioni religiose né in opere sociali, figurarsi in faccende politiche: condizione unica per entrare in Birmania è l’espresso desiderio di fare turismo, portando valuta pregiata alle casse statali!
Nonostante simili premesse, l’ambiente birmano si presenta, con mia grande sorpresa, cordiale, amichevole, accogliente: caratteristiche che vanno a braccetto con il caldo benvenuto con cui si è accolti nel nuovo aeroporto di Yangoon.
Del regime non si avverte nemmeno la presenza, se non fosse per i numerosi quartieri militari sparsi attorno alla capitale.
La gente appare serena, disponibile, non aggressiva o pronta ad “assaltare” ogni turista. La meraviglia che suscita la dignità con cui la gente vive questo stato di cose la dice lunga su quanto il regime è riuscito ad entrare nel vissuto e nella pelle della gente, indottrinandola silenziosamente senza dover ricorrere ad una presenza brutale ed aggressiva.
A questo Paese martoriato dall’uomo ed in perenne lotta con la natura – basti pensare che nel periodo dei monsoni in cui non si vede che acqua!- non manca la forza del sorriso, il senso del rispetto e della propria identità, frutto di una spiritualità assunta come regola di vita!
A differenza della Tailandia, infatti, il buddismo in Birmania sembra avere maggiormente e più in profondità segnato l’anima individuale e collettiva, il cui tratto eloquente è la pagoda, tra tutte quella di Shwedagon: uno stupa dorato (monumento buddista) nella cui sommità sono incastonati 5448 diamanti e 2317 tra rubini, zaffiri e topazio. Di quest’anima sono custodi i monaci e le monache congregati in monasteri, veri e propri centri di spiritualità, ma anche di cultura, di aggregazione e di coesione del tessuto sociale e civile, simili come funzione alle abbazie medioevali, attorno alle quali ferveva la vita del villaggio. Laddove regna il vuoto delle istituzioni civili, i monaci rappresentano un vero e proprio punto di riferimento: una risposta ad uno stato oppressivo ed assente, nemico della propria gente.
A loro si deve la messa in atto di opere sociali, soprattutto educative a favore degli orfani, degli interventi di emergenza, dei “comitati cittadini”.
C’è qualcosa di veramente umano- e dunque cristiano- nella vita di questi monasteri i cui monaci si guadagnano il rispetto popolare non solo per la santità della vita personale (come nel buddismo tailandese), ma per il ruolo di guida e di pastori che svolgono.
Particolare interesse i monaci lo rivelano verso la salute popolare, anello di contatto con i Camilliani tailandesi che di questi progetti si sono fatti parzialmente sostenitori.
La collaborazione tra monaci buddisti e Camilliani ha dato vita ad una serie di Health Centre (Centri di Salute) rurali in grado di dare risposte immediate ai bisogni di salute: il sistema sanitario di questo Paese, infatti, è inesistente visto che alla Salute sono stanziati solo il 3% del già magro PIL. I Centri di Salute fungono da prima e immediata risposta alle esigenze di salute della popolazione del Delta, costretta a ore di navigazione prima di raggiungere un – comunque insufficiente – ospedale pubblico.
Nei Centri di Salute, alcune donne del villaggio – istruite nell’arte infermieristica – accolgono i malati e cercano di portare sollievo alle più comuni e semplici malattie, preparando così la strada ai professionisti della salute (infermieri specializzati e medici), che, a cadenza regolare, visitano i vari Centri di Salute. Progetti molto semplici e dai costi contenuti in grado però, di non lasciare inevasa la richiesta di assistenza e di costruire in futuro condizioni di vita migliori.
La sfida è molto grande poiché qui, più che altrove, è evidente il legame tra povertà, malattia e sottosviluppo.
L’aver messo la salute al centro della propria azione “pastorale” non può che ulteriormente rafforzare l’influenza dei monaci buddisti ed offrire una speranza di vita migliore!
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Cyclone Nargis 6 – CTF Thailand – Myanmar Mission #6
Table of Contents – Summer-Fall 2009 – CTF-SOS DRS Newsletter
CTF Thailand Myanmar Mission #6 was conducted for the purpose of both monitoring projects previously implemented on behalf of the victims of Cyclone Nargis in Bogolay Township and evaluating the results of completed projects. Three new locations were added to the existing list of villages supported and maintained by CTF Thailand and its collaborators.
Participants from the Camillian team included: Pairat Sripraseret (Vice-Provincial of the Camillians in Thailand); Ms. Marissa Khomin (Volunteer) and Mr. Myo Thein (Local Coordinator in Myanmar).
The team visited 6 locations: Pyisimaryone Monastery, Upper Kyane Lada Village and Kwin Chuang Village in Mawkyun Township; Ngwe Tang Yan Village, Paun Tel Village Tract and Oke Tube Village in Bogolay Township (see CTF Thailand – Myanmar Mission #1 – Part 1)
Medical Services were provided to about 585 patients. Villagers were also provided with rice, cooking oil and medicines. Financial support was provided for the continuance of a housing project in the vicinity of Pyisimaryone Monastery and for the medical clinic in the area. The clinic in Ngwe Tang Yan Village and Upper Kyane Lada Village also received financial support.
The Mission
The CTF Thailand mission began in Yangon on May 9, 2009 with a meeting at a hotel with Mr. U Maung Maung Soe Tint, the Chairman of the Border Areas Development Association (BDA) and the founder of Civil Society Initiative (CSI), and with Ms. Daw Moe Moe Soe, Livelihood Project Manager.
- Camillian Team at Pyisimaryone; Upper Kyane Lada
A progress report reflected that technical and/or administrative challenges necessitated that modifications be made to the locations previously designated for the Big Pond Project. The purpose of this project is to rehabilitate and purify the ponds in the Delta Region so that the water can be used for drinking purposes. Out of 14 ponds initially targeted for rehabilitation, 11 were “relocated” to three different townships [different ones were chosen]. The team arranged to visit the Kawmhu Township and Kungyangon Township where the rehabilitation of ponds had been initiated.
Previous negotiations included the formation of two medical clinics with reserved funds in the amount of US $6,000. Plans for the proposed clinic at Thit Phyu Chaung and Delaye were postponed due to the death of the Abbot.
In lieu of the former agenda, the BDA proposed the “Village Health Clinics Project,” with the goal of servicing the six villages in the Delta Region where CTF Thailand was sponsoring the Big Pond Project. Final decisions are awaiting approval.
The last two days of the mission were set aside for a meeting in Yangon between the CTF Team and the BDA team to discuss future plans for the joint collaborative program, the upcoming mission in July, and plans for a CTF mission in September.
- Kungyangon
Immediately following the discussion, the CTF team departed from Yangon to Mawkyun Township where they were joined by a team of volunteers and staff organized by the BDA. Volunteer health care staff included Dr. Wai Lwin, Dr. Wai Lynn Aung, Dr. Win Naing Oo, Mr. Min Ko Oo, Mr. Khun Thein Zaw Tun, Ms. Ei Thantay Myint (Sandra) and Ms. Yadano Phyo (Laura). A number of community members also offered their services.
The teams traveled by car and by boat. Traveling through rugged terrain on unfinished roads, they took the express boat to Mawkyun where the missionary activities commenced. Commutes to nearby smaller villages often required travel in small boats, as they are more easily maneuvered. Traveling challenges included low tides, heat, and insects.
The team spent their nights at the villages, at the Pyisimaryone Monastery, and at the Kandawgyi Hotel – when back in Yangon.
In Mawkyun, the team attended to the medical needs of the Pyisimaryone Clinic, a healthcare facility supported by the CTF. Subsequently, they departed for Kungyangon, Kawmhu Township to address the Big Ponds Project with BDA staff and engineer U Than Htay.
- CTF Meeting in Kungyangon
In Ngwe Taung Yun Village, Bogolay Township, the Abbot and the president of St. Camillus Foundation visited the housing project supported by the CTF and its collaborators. The project consisted of 10 simple housing units. During a previous inspection, 4 of the units had been completed. The team visited the remainder of the supported houses. Five of these new dwellings housed families consisting of four, six, three, four and four persons, respectively. The remaining new dwelling will be occupied by Mrs. Daw Lone Tin and her daughter, Ms. Lay.
All houses are located within one kilometer of the Monastery. One of the homes is a bit more remote than the others, requiring 10 minutes travel time by boat. The family members of all houses were very pleased and grateful for the support received and for the accommodations.
In Kwin Chaung Village, Mawkyun Township, one of the new sites added to the CTF mission route, the team focused on the lack of medical services in the vicinity. The village is home to about 800 inhabitants (300 families.) The village maintains an existing village committee of 16 members. In addition, there were 6 monks and 11 novices to support community activities. The Chief Abbot of Pyisimaryone had supported the building of a sizable monastery school (300m. x 800 m.) supported by APEF (Asia Peace and Education Foundation.) The Abbot of Kwin Chaung Monastery had placed a request, through the Chief Abbot of Pyisimaryone Monastery, to the St. Camillus Foundation for assistance with the foundation and support of a small medical clinic in the community.
- Tel Chuan Village
On May 12, 2009 a meeting was held for the purpose of discussing joint collaboration efforts. Notable decision-makers present included: U Cin Tita Likara (Chief Abbot, Pyisimaryone Monastery); U Kari Ya Winta (Abbot of Kwin Chaung Monastery); Pairat Sriprasert (President, St. Camillus Foundation Thailand); Myo Thien (Local Coordinator); Marissa Khomin (Saint Camillus Foundation of Thailand).
The Saint Camillus Foundation of Thailand agreed to provide the foundation for a basic clinic at the Kwin Chaung Village, which would operate under the immediate supervision of Abbots U Kari Yan and U Cin Tita Likara. This included the construction of the clinic on land provided by the local government and funds in the amount of US $1,500 – for the expenses associated with the erection of the clinic as well as operating expenses for one month. Subsequently, the St. Camillus Foundation will provide support in the amount of US $500 each month until December 2009. Prior to the completion of the construction, medical services will be provided within the all-purposes facility of the local monastery.
- Village Water Reservoir; Paun Tel Village
As in previous negotiations, the chief abbot will arrange for medical personnel and staff to operate the clinics. The chief abbot will submit quarterly reports to the St. Camillus Foundation. The Pyisimaryone Monastery and Saint Camillus Foundation will jointly monitor and evaluate operations periodically.
In addition to other services, farming tools were provided for 100 families in the Kwin Chaung Village locality.
In Ngwe Tang Yan Village, Bogolay Township, Longgi, a type of traditional attire to be worn during the upcoming rainy season, was presented to 148 families – one set per family.
Following the scheduled agenda, the team returned to Yangon on May 14 and departed the following day for Bangkok.
The team participants were greatly inspired by the reception and gratitude they received from the villagers for services, supplies and housing provided. Likewise, the promise of successful future plans and the progress realized within the context of their meetings provided encouragement and hope to all who participated.
by Susan Stefanski – Assistant Editor
The Catholic Catechism Teaches. . . .
An increased sense of God and increased self-awareness are fundamental to any full development of human society. This development multiplies material goods and puts them at the service of the person and his freedom. It reduces dire poverty and economic exploitation. It makes for growth in respect for cultural identities and openness to the transcendent (Catechism, 2441).
References:
The Fourth Camillian Mission Report on the Areas Affected by the Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar (May 9, 2009 – May 15, 2009)
Catechism of the Catholic Church. (1997). New York: Doubleday, p. 646.
Table of Contents – Summer-Fall 2009 – CTF-SOS DRS Newsletter
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CTF Thailand Myanmar Mission #2 – Part 2
Table of Contents – Summer-Fall 2009 – CTF-SOS DRS Newsletter
CTF Thailand and CTF Indonesia Collaborate
Nearly a year after the landfall of Cyclone Nargis in May, 2008 the populations of Thailand and Myanmar continue to feel the effects of the catastrophe on their livelihoods and quality of existence. The CTF, in collaboration with other organizations, responded to the disaster by providing for the following needs of the affected: medical, the disbursement of supplies and funding, the provision of agricultural equipment, consolation in the form of spiritual and emotional support. See Recent Disaster Response: CTF Thailand – Myanmar Mission #1 – Part 1.
Myanmar
In our previous report on the efforts of CTF Thailand and CTF Indonesia (Myanmar Mission 2 – Part 1) in the Camillian Task Force SOS DRS April 2009 Newsletter, we discussed both the preparations required for the success of Mission 2 and some of the challenging delays our team encountered due to governmental intervention and the uprisings at the Suvarnabhumi Airport. We also recounted the efforts of Theresia Sinaga at the Camillian Home for People with Disabilities as she awaited authorization to travel.
The Joint Mission to Chiangrai
Finally, despite interruptions, God interceded on behalf of both His suffering people and the Camillian team. The latter was finally able to solidify travel arrangements for a mission into Myanmar scheduled for December 14 through 19. As the team awaited for final clearance to travel into the country, though, the partners of the Camillians in Myanmar and 23 BDA volunteers, under the leadership of Mr. Myo Thein, commenced with the previously proposed activities. In Kyauktan (near Yangon), they served the Zamburatanar Nunnery School where they provided medical services and provided an enjoyable afternoon for the young students by serving a lunch consisting of rice, chicken curry, preserved fish and other savory fare.
Meanwhile, the Camillian team in Thailand decided to zealously serve the Lord and their neighbors by helping the cyclone-affected populations in Chiangrai, Thailand. This area is located in the forested hill country of Thailand near the Myanmar border. The residents there often sport traditional Thai attire yet speak Burmese (Myanmarian). Luckily, students were present to translate. In their subsequent communication, team members expressed both feelings of joy for the opportunity to serve and alienation (as they were unable to access the internet to communicate with others regarding their activities!).
In her correspondence Theresia Sinaga highlights how activities commenced in Chiangrai on December 7 with the celebration of the Eucharist. Afterwards, the Camillian team ministered to the needs of about 100 patients through two mobile clinics.
The 40 mobile-clinic team members consisted of three doctors: Dr. Chusak Pankerd (Camillian Hospital, Bangkok), Dr. Manas Ratanachokthorani, and Dr. Pusha Nakrue (San Camillo Hospital). There were also a dentist, nurses and volunteers from the two hopitals – Camillian and San Camillo. During four days they served approximately 100 residents in two villages – predominantly children.
Theresia Sinaga reported that the populations of the remote farming villages they served were living in poverty. Road conditions left much to be desired. Although clean water was available, a cold climate and a lack of funds for supplies contributed to less than optimal hygiene. Baths were often a weekly luxury for the villagers. Common maladies included skin diseases and infestation by lice. Medical services in the locality are limited to those provided annually by mobile clinics.
After her return to Bangkok and prior to departing for the December mission into Myanmar, Theresia reported she was very much moved by the Holy Spirit as she witnessed both two Camillian brothers taking their final vows and later the ordination of three Camillian priests.
Into Myanmar
The team flew from Bangkok into Myanmar via Thai Airways. The option of driving would have added many hours to the journey, and the passage through security checkpoints presented the hazard of even more delays. Officials are reluctant to allow visitors to travel outside of Yangon. Even donations on behalf of the population were restricted. By mandate, disbursements to the needy could be made only through the local authorities.
Upon the arrival of the team in Myanmar, Fr. Rocco met with the Chairman of the BDA and Ms. Daw Moe Soe (founder of the CSI) regarding the arranged programs and future joint collaboration with the BDA and the CSI. The participants discussed the medical and agriculture needs of the affected Myanmarian population, including the feasibility of providing a water purification system to satisfy the immediate need for drinking water.
Subsequently, the Camillian team members embarked upon their journey to Bogolay. When they arrived at the pier, the team was greeted by CSI volunteers, who arrived armed with supplies, medication, and two boxes of Safe Delivery Kits donated by UNFPA. They crossed the Yangon River to Bogolay by ferry and then transferred to a taxi with four bald tires and no air conditioning. Traveling for 5 hours via roads that were under construction, the passengers braced themselves during the turbulent journey. They were moved with compassion as they observed the local citizens using the polluted river water for washing and drinking purposes.
When the team arrived at the temple in Bogolay, they utilized candles and a car battery for power and light. For three nights, eleven people slept on the temple floor on straw mats beneath the protection of mosquito nets. The following day, the team commenced on their mission to offer assistance to a series of local villages that had been affected by the wrath of Nargis.
Kapana Village
Population: 646 (158 families)
Elementary students: 164; Teachers: 5
Lake-Kapar Village
Population: 762 (195 families)
Subsistence: Farming, fishing
Travel Time: 1 hour+ (2 km)
The team departed from the pier near the Bogolay Temple along with the temple Abbot in a small boat laden with oils, onions & candles for distribution. Along the way, Fr. Rocco observed that the palm trees along the river banks were bare except for a few young leaves. The mature leaves had been used for construction following the disaster.
The village school had collapsed during the Cyclone and had been replaced with two small tents covered with plastic. The temperatures within were stifling. Residents had been waiting in vain for governmental support for new construction for over a year (estimated at US $17,000). When activities were concluded, team members realized that the tides had relocated their vessel: they trudged about a kilometer with their supplies before they were able to depart.
Pin Lai Thein Village, Bogolay Township
Population: 724 (132 Families)
Students: 200
Travel Time: 2 hours
The following day, while the team gulped down a hurried meal, obliging villagers assisted by loading supplies onto the boat. Upon arrival, the team discovered that the school consisted of a temporary shelter. Although CTF Thailand had previously provided some financial support for renovation, the need for a new temple and community facility was evident.
Oak Tube Village, Bogolay Township
Population: 2080 (410 Families)
Students: 180 (5 teachers)
Patients: 150
Subsistence: Farming, fishing
The team performed medical services in the monastery compound, which doubled as the school. Once again, tidal influences prevented a timely departure. The team worked into the wee hours and staggered to their boat in darkness, with only a few flashlights to illuminate their path. Upon arriving in Bogolay, the exhausted missionaries were left with only one hour to recuperate until their scheduled departure to the next location.
Ngwe Taung Yan Village, Bogolay Township
Population: 534
Patients: 120
Travel time: 2 hours
Upon arrival, the fatigued missionaries were greeted by the Abbot of Pyisimaryone Monastery, U Cin Tita Likara. In the Burmese culture, monasteries serve the communities in numerous capacities. They function as schools for underprivileged children and as points of distribution for supplies and shelter during disasters. “According to the social welfare department, 740 monasteries were destroyed and 3,235 monasteries were badly damaged when Cyclone Nargis made landfall on May 2 and 3 (See MYANMAR: Cyclone-hit monasteries in need).
The monks themselves often receive more respect and credibility than the village officials for maintaining, spiritual social and material balance within their communities. Thus, the Abbott is a key reference person for identifying the needs of the members of his community.
CTF Thailand had previously provided support to Ngwe Taung Yan Village for the erection of a clinic and housing. The team was pleased at the efficiency with which the clinic was operated. Since its grand opening on November 26, 2008, it has provided free services to 346 patients, and saved 4 lives. Medical services are provided by physicians and volunteers on a rotating schedule under the supervision of the Abbot. Fr. Rocco provided the Abbot with an advance for the expenses of medications for another three months, as per agreement.
Upper Kyane Lada Village, Mawkyun Township
Population: 944 (218 Families)
Students: (Government Primary School): 120 (Grades 1-8)
Patients: 200
Subsistence: Farming
Upon arrival to Upper Kyane Lada Village by boat, the team was welcomed by Abbot Dhama Tarmi of Maha Bodi Monastery. The team discovered that nearly every house in the village had been destroyed by Cyclone Nargis. The nearest health care facilities, accessible only via a narrow path through a field, were 6 km away.
On December 17 – Fr. Rocco, Myo Thein, U Cin Tita Likara, Marissa Khomin and U Dhama Tarmi discussed future collaboration. The St. Camillus Foundation of Thailand agreed to provide help in conjunction with the Pyisimaryone Monastery to facilitate the construction of a medical clinic with basic medical equipment, medical supplies and medications, along with a commitment to support the clinic with medications for one year. Abbott U Cin Tita Likara agreed to provide management, quality control, quarterly reporting and technical support. The clinic was to be modeled after the existing facility in Ngwe Taung Yan Village. The Pyisimaryone Monastery and the St. Camillus Foundation agreed to evaluate and monitor the clinic.
Upper Katha Bond Village, Mawkyun Township
Population: 350 (families - 100)
Students: 95
Pyisimaryone Monastery, Mawkyun
The group returned to Pyisimaryone Monastery where the Abbot had arranged for Fr. Rocco Pairat to distribute stationary to over 1,000 students at the monastic school that receives educational grants from the Camillians in Thailand. The subsequent voyage to Bogolay lasted two hours.
Thit Phyu Chaung Village, Bogolay Township
Population: 970, (families – 167)
Students: (Government Primary School- Grades 1- 5): 70
Patients: 60
There are no communication mediums between Thit Phyu Chuang Village and the rest of civilization. Thankfully, the prior arrival of two volunteers ensured the proper organization of activities. No time was squandered with formalities.
The local school had been completely destroyed by the savage Cyclone. It was replaced by a sweltering temporary shelter. The need for a new building, at an estimated cost of 166 Lakhs, was apparent.
Three children of the village were orphaned by Nargis’ tirade. Ms. May Yamon Soe (age 15, grade 10) and Ms. Thue Tar Khin (age 11, grade 7) live with their grandmothers. Mr. A Shin Thiha (age 12) is living in the monastery as a novice. All three require educational support.
The team provided medical services and supplies: oil, onions and candles. There were no latrines in the village so arrangements were made to provide funds for the purchase of plastic latrines for every family in the village. Arrangements were also made to provide support for the construction of a bridge from Thit Phyu Chaung Village to Ma Ye Ywar Village, at the request of the head of the village committee.
Fr. Rocco Pairat visited the temporary school and a piece of land that had been donated to the community to build a clinic. One of the villagers has been attending a three- month nurse assistant training course in Yangon with the support of CSI volunteers. Upon completion of the training, she plans to return to the village and provide for the basic health care needs of villagers. Fr. Rocco felt that it would be agreeable to explore the possibility and logistics of future funding for the village.
Return to Yangon
Following another arduous 2-hour cruise and a 3-hour taxi-ride, the team arrived in Yangon just in time to rid themselves of the rural dust that had accumulated during their ride and then board their flight back to Bangkok.
Despite the challenges, the team had realized many of its goals. Theresia Sinaga’s correspondence indicates her satisfaction with the mission in spite of the hardships.
She reports, “I was happy to meet people from other countries and to share in their experiences. I feel that I have been blessed to have made so many new friends that I made in the service of the Lord. As a missionary, I would like to invite and encourage others to give of their time in missionary service as well. As Jesus said, ‘Whatever you do to the least of my brothers (and sisters,) you do unto me.’ We should think about and pray concerning this message.”
Theresia Sinaga – CTF-SOS DRS Indonesian Coordinator
Susan M. Stefanski, Assistant Editor, CTF- SOS DRS Online Newsletter
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The Catholic Catechism teaches. . .
“All men are bound to seek the truth, especially in what concerns God and His Church, and to embrace and hold onto it as they have come to know it.” This duty derives from “the very dignity of the human person.” It does not contradict a “sincere respect” for different religions which frequently “reflect a ray of that truth which enlightens all men,” nor the requirement of charity, which urges Christians to treat with love, prudence and patience those who are in error or ignorance with regard to the faith. (Catechism of the Catholic Church – 2104) |
Table of Contents – Summer-Fall 2009 – CTF-SOS DRS Newsletter
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CTF Thaïlande – Myanmar Mission 6
Table of Contents – Summer-Fall 2009 – CTF-SOS DRS Newsletter
9-15 Mai 2009
Le double but pour lequel la Mission du CTF Myanmar Thaïlande a été fondée est d’une part pour travailler aux projets déjà existants en faveur des victimes du Cyclone Nargis dans la municipalité de Bogolay et d’autre part pour évaluer les résultats des projets accomplis. Trois nouvelles localités se sont ajoutées à la liste existante des villages soutenus et maintenus pas CTF Thaïlande et ses collaborateurs. Les participants de l’équipe des Camilliens incluaient: Pairat Sripraseret (Vice-Provincial des Camilliens en Thaïlande); Mlle. Marissa Khomin (Volontaire); and Mr. Myo Thein (Coordinateur Local à Myanmar).
Myanmar (Burma)
L’équipe a visité 6 localités : le Monastère de Pyisimaryone , le village de Kyane Lada Supérieur et le village de Kwin Chuang municipalité de Mawkyun ; le village de Ngwe Tang Yan , le village de Paun Tel Tract et le village d’ Oke Tube municipalité de Bogolay (cf. CTF Thailand – Myanmar Mission #1 – Part 1.)
585 patients ont reçu des soins médicaux. Les villageois ont également bénéficiés de riz, d’huile de cuisine et de médicaments.
Une aide financière a été donnée pour la continuation d’un projet de logement près du monastère de Pyisimaryone et pour la clinique médicale dans la région. La clinique de Ngwe Tang Yan et de Kyane Lada Supérieur a également bénéficié d’un soutien financier.
- Camillian Team with Abbot, Pyisimaryone; Upper Kyane Lada
La Mission du CTF Thaïlande a commencé le 9 Mai 2009 à Yangon lors d’une rencontre à un hotel avec Mr. U Maung Maung Soe Tint, Président de l’Association du Développement des Régions Limitrophes(BDA) et le fondateur de l’Initiative de la Société Civile (CSI), et avec Mlle. Daw Moe Moe Soe, Manager du Projet Moyen d’Existence.
Le rapport du progrès nous montre que les défis techniques et administratifs ont eu besoin de modifier les localités désignées auparavant pour le Projet Grande Mare. Le but de ce projet était de réhabiliter et de purifier les mares de la Région Delta afin que l’eau ait pu être utilisée pour la rendre buvable. Des 14 mares ciblés au début pour la réhabilitation, 11 ont été relocalisés à trois différentes municipalités [ils ont choisi des mares ciblés differents]. L’équipe s’est organisée pour visiter Kawmhu et Kungyangon où a commencé la réhabilitation des mares.
Les négotiations précédentes incluaitent la formation de deux cliniques leur réservant le fond d’une somme de 6.000 dollars americains. Les plans pour les cliniques de Thit Phyu Chaung and Delaye ont été renvoyés à plus tard à cause de la mort de l’Abbé.
Au lieu du programme précédent, le BDA a proposé le « Projet des Cliniques pour Village » afin de les 6 villages dans la Région Delta où le CTF Thaïlande sponsorise le Projet Grande Mare. Les décisions finales attendent l’approbation.
Les deux derniers jours de la mission furent réservés pour la rencontre entre l’équipe CTF et le BDA afin de discuter des plans futurs pour un programme de collaboration, la prochaine mission de juillet et les plans d’une éventuelle mission CTF en septembre.
- Kungyangon
Immédiatement après la discussion l’équipe CTF parti de Yangoon pour la ville de Mawkyun, où se sont joints une équipe de volontaires et du staff organisé par le BDA. Le staff de Volontaires Soins de Santé incluait : Dr. Wai Lwin, Dr. Wai Lynn Aung, Dr. Win Naing Oo, Mr. Min Ko Oo, Mr. Khun Thein Zaw Tun, Mlle. Ei Thantay Myint (Sandra) et Mlle. Yadano Phyo (Laura). En plus un nombre de membre de la communauté ont offert leur service pour d’autres fonctions missionnaires.
Les équipes ont voyagé en voiture et en bateau. Passant par des terrains accidentés et des routes non terminées, les équipes ont pris le bateau express pour Mawkyun où ont commencé les activités missionnaires. Pour se déplacer aux petits villages d’alentour il fallait souvent prendre de petites barques car on y navigue bien. Les défis du voyage incluaient les marées basses, la chaleur et les insectes.
L’équipe a passé ses nuits dans les villages, au Monastère de Pyisimaryone et à l’hotel quant à Yangon.
A Mawkyun, l’équipe s’est occupée des besoins médicaux de la Clinique Pyisimaryone, une facilité de soins soutenus par le CTF. Ensuite ils sont partis pour Kungyangon, municipalité de Kawmhu pour s’adresser au Projet Grandes Mares avec le staff BDA et l’ingénieur U Than Htay.
- Meeting in Kungyangon
Au village Ngwe Taung Yun, municipalité de Bogolay, l’Abbé et le Président de la Fondation St.Camille ont visité le projet de logement soutenu par le CTF et ses collaborateurs. Le projet consiste en 10 unités de maisons simples. L’inspection précédente 4 unités des maisons avaient été terminées. L’équipe a visité le reste des maisons à compléter. Cinq de ces nouvelles demeures logeaient des familles de quatre, six, trois, quatre et quatre personnes. Les autres nouvelles structures seront occupées par Madame Daw Lone Tin et sa fille Mlle. Lay.
Toutes ces maisons sont situées à distance d’un kilomètre du Monastère. Une seule maison est un peu plus loin des autres, demandant 10 minutes de voyage en bateau. Tous les membres des familles étaient ravis et reconnaissants pour le soutiens et les logements qu’ils ont reçus.
Au village de Kwin Chaung, municipalité de Kwin Chaung, un des nouveaux sites ajouté à la route de la Mission CTF, l’équipe s’est concentrée sur le manque de service médical aux alentours. Le village est constitué de 8oo habitants (300 familles). Le village maintient le comité du village de 16 personnes et en plus 6 moines et 11 novices à devoir soutenir. L’Abbé Responsable du Monastère de Pyisimaryone avait soutenu la construction d’une école importante de (300m x 800 m.), aidé par APEF (Fondation Asiatique de Paix et Education).
L’Abbé du Monastère de Kwin Chaung avait fait la demande par l’intermédiaire de l’Abbé Responsable du Monastère de Pyisimaryone, à la Fondation St.Camille pour assister à la fondation et au soutien d’une petite clinique dans la communauté.
- Le reservoir Paun Tel Village
Le 12 mai 2009, s’est tenu une réunion ayant pour but de joindre les efforts de collaboration. A remarqué étaient présent les personnes décisives : U Cin Tita Likara (Abbé Responsable, Monastère de Pyisimaryone); U Kari Ya Winta (Abbé du Monastère de Kwin Chaung); Pairat Sriprasert (Président, Fondation St. Camille Thaïlande); Myo Thien (coordinateur local); Marissa Khomin (Fondation St. Camille Thaïlande).
La Fondation St. Camille Thaïlande a consenti à pourvoir à la fondation d’une clinique de base au village de Kwin Chaung , qui sera tenu sous l’immédiate surveillance des Abbés U Kari Yan and U Cin Tita Likara. Ceci inclut la construction de la clinique sur un terrain donné par le gouvernement local et les fonds d’une somme de 1.500 US dollars pour les dépenses associées à l’érection de la clinique, et également les dépenses d’un mois. Ensuite la Fondation St. Camille pourvoira chaque mois à la somme de 500 US dollars jusqu’à décembre 2009. Avant le complètement de la construction, des services médicaux seront donnés pour les facilités du monastère local.
- Tel Chuan Village
Comme dans les négociations précédentes l’Abbé en Chef s’occupera du personnel médical et du staff qui travaillera en clinique. L’abbé en Chef soumettra un rapport trimestriel à la Fondation St. Camille. Le Monastère de Pyisimaryone coordonnera et évaluera périodiquement les opérations ensemble avec la Fondation St. Camille.
En plus des autres services des outils d’agriculture ont été fournis à 100 familles du village de Kwin Chaung .
Au village de Ngwe Tang Yan Village, municipalité de Bogolay , Longgi, un type de vêtement porté traditionnellement durant la saison des pluies a été donné à chacune des 148 familles, un set par famille.
Suivant son programme l’équipe est revenue à Yangon le 14 mai repartant le jour suivant pour Bangkok.
L’équipe des participants a été vraiment inspirée par la réception et la gratitude qu’elle a reçue des villageois pour leur service, les provisions et le logement donné. De même, la promesse du succès des plans futurs et du progrès réalisé dans le contexte des réunions, ont encouragé et donné de l’espoir à tous les participants.
Traduit par Gervais Dubé (Canada)
Table of Contents – Summer-Fall 2009 – CTF-SOS DRS Newsletter
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )CTF Thailand/Myanmar Cyclone Mission #5
March 8 – March 15, 2009
During the next five days, the participants served seven locations in Bogolay and Mawkyun. Team members provided medical services and distributed supplies to the villagers. The team physicians worked well into the night providing services to patients – prior to thanking the Lord in prayer and falling asleep surrounded by mosquitoes!
In Bogolay, the team provided supplies and services, procured samples of pond water for testing, and visited the four newly-erected dwellings funded through Camillian efforts. In addition, the team utilized their time together with the Abbot to discuss future collaboration focusing on health care and livelihood for the villages, including the erection and support of three additional clinics, as well as future support for these clinics.
In Mawkyun, the team provided supplies and services and assessed the progress of the construction of a new school and medical clinic, as well as the benefits of the hand tractor previously provided to the village by the Camillian team. Fr. Rocco and the Abbots of the villages of Ma Ya Ywar and Thit Phyu Chaung, visited a new Camillian-funded bridge that connected two villages and served the needs of approximately 3000 local residents.
While they were providing for the medical needs of the villagers, the doctors encountered a 5-year-old girl named Ma Mwe Mwe who was born with a cleft palate. Upon discovering that the child was on a waiting list for surgical correction in Yangon, the Camillian team committed to assisting her with funding for the procedure in the amount of $700.
Upon their return to Yangon, the team re-addressed current and future activities, including the rehabilitation of 29 ponds which were flooded with salt water during the Cyclone. While in Yangon, the team enjoyed a celebration commemorating the opening of the Zabu Oke Shoun Nunnery School (formerly referred to as the Zamburatanar Nunnery School), which is partially supported by Camillian efforts.
Susan M Stefanski, Assistant Editor
CTF/SOS DRS Online Newsletter
CTF Tailandia–Ciclone in Myanmar: Quinta missione
8 – 15 marzo 2009
Era necessario fare una verifica dei programmi realizzati dai Camilliani, il cui fine è il sollievo delle sofferenze della popolazione locale e contrastare i danni provocati dal Ciclone Nargis. Per questa ragione CTF Tailandia ed un Camilliano del Vietnam si sono organizzati per visitare la Birmania (Myanmar) ed in particolare le zone colpite dal Ciclone. Oltre al monitoraggio ed alla valutazione dei programmi, si trattava anche di disegnare – assieme al BDA (Borders Areas Development Association, agenzia locale di sviluppo) – una bozza di progetto da sottoporre alla Commissione Europea.
Il team era composto da P. Rocco Pairat Sriprasert MI (Vice Provinciale della Vice Provincia della Tailandia), P. Joseph Chaisak Thaisoonthi MI (Sampran), Fr. Joseph Tran Van Path MI (Vietnam), Marissa Khomin (volontaria) e Myo Thein (coordinatore in Birmania).
Il giorno 8 marzo 2009, il team camilliano si è incontrato a Yangon con U Maung Maung Soe Tint, presidente e fondatore del CSI (Civil Society Initiative), con Daw Moe Moe, manager del Livelihood Project (programma per l’autosufficienza alimentare) e con altri membri dello staff del BDA. Il team ha preso la risoluzione di inoltrare l’intero progetto alla ONG Salute e Sviluppo che – a sua volta – la trasmetterà alla Commissione Europea.
Il lunedì il gruppo si è radunato per discutere la relazione finanziaria, le rate del cambio monetario e pianificare le azioni per il prossimo ano 2009. Inoltre si è cercato di valutare quale fetta della popolazione si trova ora maggiormente in stato di bisogno. Dopo le discussioni, il team si è preparato per dirigersi alla volta di Bogolay. Alle persone già nominate si sono aggiunti: Dr. Wai Lwin, Dr. Way Lynn Aung, Htaik Seng e Zay Yar Min.
Seguendo la solita rotta, il team non ha potuto che costatare un ulteriore peggioramento del fondo stradale rispetto al passato. Trasportati da un taxi in un percorso reso impervio dalle continue buche, il team è stato rallentato anche dai lavori di costruzione di un ponte. Alla fine sono giunti al monastero di Pyisimaryone dove al gruppo si è unito il Capo Spirituale locale, U Cin Tita Likara.
Nei successivi cinque giorni i partecipanti hanno prestato servizio in sette località tra Bogolay e Mawkyun. Hanno prestato servizio sanitario e distribuito generi di prima necessità agli abitanti dei villaggi. I medici hanno offerto assistenza sanitaria fino a notte, finendo poi con una preghiera di ringraziamento e preda del sonno, circondati da zanzare!
A Bogolay sono stati anche raccolti campioni d’acqua per analisi, e si è fatto visita a quattro edifici costruiti dai Camilliani. Si è fatto uso del tempo per discutere con la locale Guida Spirituale di futuri progetti sanitari e di autosufficienza alimentare, incluso la costruzione di altri tre ambulatori e del loro futuro mantenimento.
A Mawkyium si è fatto lo stesso lavoro valutando anche il progresso delle costruzioni della nuova scuola e dell’ambulatorio medico. Si è valutato anche l’impatto del trattore offerto in una visita precedente. P. Rocco e le locali Guide Spirituali hanno visitato un ponte di nuova costruzione, realizzato attraverso le donazioni dei camilliani ed in grado di mettere in comunicazione i circa 3000 abitanti dei villaggi.
Nel corso delle visite mediche, è stata identificata una bimba di 5 anni nata con labbro leporino. Avendo preso visione del fatto che la stessa bimba è in lista d’attesa per l’operazione chirurgica a Yangon, il team camilliano si è impegnato a sostenerla per una cifra pari a 700 US$.
Al ritorno nella capitale, il team ha re-indirizzato il programma delle attività in corso e future, tra cui l’opera di bonifica di 29 bacini d’acqua contaminati dall’acqua salata portata dal Ciclone. In Yangon, il team ha partecipato ad una celebrazione per l’apertura dell’asilo Zabu Oke Shoun, finanziato in parte dai Camilliani.
Traduzione – Fratel Luca Perletti MI
Nei successivi cinque giorni i partecipanti hanno prestato servizio in sette località tra Bogolay e Mawkyun. Hanno prestato servizio sanitario e distribuito generi di prima necessità agli abitanti dei villaggi. I medici hanno offerto assistenza sanitaria fino a notte, finendo poi con una preghiera di ringraziamento e preda del sonno, circondati da zanzare!
A Bogolay sono stati anche raccolti campioni d’acqua per analisi, e si è fatto visita a quattro edifici costruiti dai Camilliani. Si è fatto uso del tempo per discutere con la locale Guida Spirituale di futuri progetti sanitari e di autosufficienza alimentare, incluso la costruzione di altri tre ambulatori e del loro futuro mantenimento.
Cyclone Nargis 9 – CTF Thailand Mission – Summary of Activities [Annex 3]
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