Lao Grass-root Leaders Training and Action

Annual Report 2011

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

Table of Content
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

Executive Summary
This annual report 2011 was produced on the implementation of the logical framework. This year GLT-L supported and provided various 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 Engagement More 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 Education Building on the success of its moral teaching program at schools throughout Vientiane 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 enhanced trainings for youth in the areas and it will keep continuing in the next year. During 2011 GLTL 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 necessity stuff. 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 Dissemination GLT-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 capacity building 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 Evaluation

SEM is still on its duty to monitor both financial and operational performance of GLTL. This year a Lao financial and accountant team 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

About GLT-L Project

GLT-L phase II is a three-year project (2010-2012) of SEM from Thailand, in collaboration with Lao Buddhism For Development 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, GLTL 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), GLTL 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 in pilot 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 inner growth - Contentment - Self-reliance - Environmental sustainability - Cultural integrity - Gender empowerment - Holistic - Social justice

GLT-L Project Areas

1, 2, 4 1, 2, 3
3 4 2 6

2, 4, 6 1, 2

1, 2

1, 2, 3, 4
11 8 1

4, 5, 6 1, 2, 3
9

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 1, 2, 4, 5
10

4, 6

MAP 1

Lao Peoples' Democratic Republic*

Work
1 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 2 4 6 8 Bokeo

Areas
1 Vientiane Municipality 3 5 7 9 Oudomxay Xayabouly Bolikhamxay Savannakhet Luang Prabang Xieng Kwang Khammouane

10 Saravane

11 Vientiane

Source of Map: FAO Corporate Document Repository

Component 1:

Spiritual Development and Practice for Social Engagement

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 and social consciousness among people which is a way to improve their capacity for social engagement.

Summer Ordination camp in Luang Prabang, July 2011

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 and society.

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

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.
Nakhounnoi Forest temple is now a well-known and Buddhist monks meditation have to center GLT-L

2011 Challenges
A number of Meditation Trainers is insufficient to meet religious and 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 provincial Buddhist Fellowship Organization do not understand of importance of spiritual development work.

provide consulting for monks in other areas. We need to help them to plan and coordinate with concerned bodies. We are so busy right now because people are more interested. I just went to help five temples in Saravanh district to in start Bokeo. the meditation local training and then I went to Phonxai Although authorities have a better understanding for our movement; we still need more

joint working and co-operation from Venerable Bountavee Sibounhueng A GLT-L alumnus and Meditation Trainer them.

OUTPUT II :

Dhamma Sanchorn for Education

Role of Dhamma Sanchorn

Building on the success of its moral teaching program at schools throughout Vientiane 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.

Challenges
- Approximately, it is one monk per five

schools and there are still many schools requesting regular moral teaching
- Monks need to study further on Buddhist

Orthodoxy Dhamma so that they can apply with their class

- Monks need to understand how to host

Dhamma Variety Talk

-A

number of monk volunteers is decreasing due to a lack of social consciousness. Thus this is important that Dhamma Sanchorn project and other concerned bodies to take this into account.

Focus Area
Although the project mainly takes place 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 attended by 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

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 temple 18 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

2.2 Dhamma Sanchorn Education for schools and communities

2.2.1 Dhamma Sanchorn teaching
More than 70 monk volunteers (45* monks in Vientiane Municipality) involve Dhamma Sanchorn Education and have moral teaching 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. 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 colleges 21 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 training Camp 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 through creative 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.

2.2.2 Conduct white & green campaign for two schools

At 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 fair

Seven 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 interrelation 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
*

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.

45 is the number of monks under the umbrella of Dhamma Sanchorn project but that of monks who host Buddhist moral teaching at schools in Vientiane Municipality is actually more than 100.

Component 3: Community development by GLT Alumni

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.

3.1 Community Development in two pilot areas

Now 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 duty is to empower and support them. 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 for village fund, and then constantly deliver follow-up visit to communities.

3.2 Follow-up and Support

3.2.1 Monitoring visit by LBFD staff
Monitoring 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.

3.1.1 Community Meeting and Exchange

The 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 funds

GLT-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.

Vilayvanh Sanyamo a LBFD coordinator for community development unit- is observing womens weaving group during his follow-up visit on 15/12/11.

3.2.2 Meeting/experience exchange 45 of GLT-L alumni attended the alumni exchange meeting at Nakounnoi
Forest Temple during 9-11 December 2011. The meeting encourage alumni to reflect upon their experience and knowledge. At the meeting participants had a chance to represent their projects and tried to draw their experience and learning on how to make their community selfreliant 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 616 June 2011 for 100 youth whereas in Oudomxay the training was held up during 1528 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 one of 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.

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.

Bounterm Sibounhueng and his monk students meet with their visitors 15/3/2011.

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 GLTL alumni in Vientiane, PADETC and other 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 motivated people 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 the spiritual development practice in the community along with other activities in order to improve their self- and social consciousness.
Vansi Patummavong, an expert in organic farming of GLT-L, has a meeting with Kangkhon villagers. Above A title sign of Khammouane village is under the water. Below-GLT-L staff offer donated stuff for villagers 15/8/11.

Component 4: Public Information and Dissemination

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.

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 3,000 copies 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.

Handbook for Mankind by Buddhadasa Bhikkhu

4.1.2 Production and Publication of books on Dhamma and Social Engagement 1) 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 which presents a standard criteria for conducting lives., written by P.A. Payutto* and translated by Monk Tony Saengsulin** is on the process of publishing and will be released 3,000 copies. 3) Buddha's Teaching Methods which presents 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 monk and scholar. ** Ven Tony Saengsulin is a GLT alumnus.

Buddhist Newsletter, vol.4, No. 8

4) Handbook for Mankind, which is a collection 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.

4.3.2 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 senior monks, Lao scholars and general public. 2) Reproduction of Buddhist Painting 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 styleBuddhist 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.

4.1.3 Books on social development GDP-centred Development and Human 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 Website

4.2.1 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 with a number of photos. This year the website has been improved and updated to be more multimedia-friendly design. 4.2.2 Radio Program Two radio programs have been still hosted to feature news and movement of LBFD. Firstly, Siang Tham Song Thang (Dhamma lightening up the way), hosted by Venerable 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 Chao Pud (Voices from Buddhists) broadcasts every 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 about UXO effects DVD -the Documentary of development project launched in Kangkhon village of Saravane province DVD -the biography of the late Venerable Pan Anando and his 100 yearbirthday celebration ceremony. Audio CD- Venerable Saly Kantasilos preaching

A cover of audio-CD of Intonation on UXOs it is a material for raising awareness among villagers.

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 join the 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 the additional 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.

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

Monks are presenting their work of providing UXO awareness education for people in their areas on 14 December 2011

Component 5: Capacity Development

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.

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 network 1) 14th Training of Trainers was conducted by monk trainers for 20 new monk volunteers seven experienced monks during 711 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 training 1) Training-of-Trainers was carried out for 13 Lao young people of the 1st generation of GLT-L youth volunteers during 28 July 1 August 2011. The training was held up 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.
Dhamma Sanchornmonk participate learning activity in TOT course on Phukao Kwuay temple, VTE 18/8/11

Students from National University of Laos voluntarily help Dhamma Sanchorn to organize the activity for Blind people at Tongpong school on 25 SEP 2011.

* Phra Pisarn Wisalo is the abbot of Phu Long forest temple and the director of Putthika Network. He has written many books on Buddhism and Thai society and involved in socially Engaged Buddhism in Thailand

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.

5.2 Training of community development teams

5.2.1 Training courses to community leaders 1) Training of Fund Administration for community members of Muangkhai was held 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 farming is 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 development This 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 alumni This year the advance training was provided especially for alumni who work for raising awareness of UXOs among people in risky 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.

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 director In 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 to follow 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.

project is launched for six months and a year, along with data collection procedure all minireports 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 usually held every month in order to share work experience among staff. All achievements, challenges and solutions were jointly discussed.

6.1.2 Financial Adivsory Support & Financial Monitoring by SEM

The 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 2012 the 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

7. Organisational Development and Operation Support

A 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 VicePresident of LBFD - Venerable Sithonh Xayavongsone had the opportunity to visit various European organisations namely the European Buddhist Union (EBU) of Netherland, the Catholic Committee against Hunger 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 chance to welcome two groups of Myanmar Sangha during 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 Development Centre.

A painting of a Lao Buddhist woman by Chaleunphone Phonnabouth - a Lao artist who attended the Buddhist Art Workshop in India.

Myanmar Sangha is visiting BDP on 25 Mar 2011.

Spirit in Education Movement (SEM) Under Sathirakoses-Nagapradipa Foundation

666 Charoen Nakorn Road, Bang Lumpoo Lang, Klongsan, Bangkok 10600 Tel. (+66 2) 438 9331 -2 Thailand Fax. (+66 2) 860 1278

Email: c_somboon@hotmail.com Website : www.semsikkha.org , www.snf.or.th