Professional Documents
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Youth engagement in
Members of Generation Wave take part in a demonstration in Yangon in December against Letpadaung copper mine in northwestern Myanmar, following a crackdown against monks who opposed the Chinese-backed project. PHOTO: Supplied by Generation Wave
By Maria Danmark
NTIL the very recent past, most young people in Myanmar shunned political activity because of the dangers that accompanied it. However while many still appear disenchanted by the prospect of a career in politics, the situation appears to be slowly changing for the better, which is no doubt due to the democratic reforms that began taking place in 2011. At a training centre run by the organisation Action Aid called Global Platform, young people learn about a variety of issues, such as governance, citizenship and creative advocacy. One of the participants, 22-year-old Toe Toe from Meikhtila in the Mandalay Region, has helped build a library and founded a youth group in his community. I am not interested in becoming a politician. I want to change the mindsets of people in order to help them build up our community from the bottom. The most effective way to change the status quo is through the young generation, because we are still learning. The young generation is the future and possibly potential leaders later on, he said. After an exercise of teambuilding at Global Platform, the circle of young people some wearing longyi and other jeans - split up into smaller groups to discuss cultural diversity. Another participant, 25-year-old Phwe Yu Mon was one of the organisers behind the first Myanmar Youth Forum, which was held in December and included 157 representatives from 14 states and regions. She said, Young people have a lot of problems and
the biggest challenge for them is education, because it often doesnt lead to job opportunities. Our goal with the Myanmar Youth Forum was to build a network across the country to overcome the challenges we face. We need to be strong and know our rights to keep up the developments. Participants in the forum identified various challenges and came up with potential solutions, which were subsequently submitted to the government. Myanmar youth do not participate actively in political affairs because they are weak in relying on oneself, leadership and knowledge, a statement from the
Myanmar Youth Forum said. Capacity building has become a catch-phrase among politically conscious youth, who recognise that without the necessary skills, their ability to play an effective role in politics is greatly hampered. For more than 50 years, the amount of money
teaching a one-month course in politics and public opinion. Our aim is to create a democratic atmosphere for the youth of Myanmar. The young generation should have political knowledge in order to understand their country, otherwise they cant participate in politics as we move towards democracy,
safe-house in Mae Sot, it moved to Yangon after the military government was dissolved in March 2011. In January last year, many of the 27 members who were imprisoned for illegal organising were released as part of a mass presidential pardon. Each had been given a five year sentence.
Youth 2013
Editors: Jessica Mudditt, Myo Lwin Writers: Shwe Ye Saw Myint, Yu Yu Maw, Maria Danmark, Aung Shin, Myo Lwin, Jessica Mudditt, Khin Su Wai, Yamon Phyu Thit Cover Photo: Htet Aung Kyaw (HAK)
Cover model: Yoon Wadi Lwin Moe Photographers: Ko Taik, Douglas Long, Philip McKinney, Jessica Mudditt, Thiri Lu, Htet Aung Kyaw Cover & Layout Design: Tin Zaw Htway, Ko Pxyo
to become a member of a party, because then I wont be free Ill be influenced. And if I am a member of the parliament, I wont have the chance to communicate with the public. In my opinion, the parliament is not in touch with the people. They are just sitting on their chairs in parliament, he said. Ko Khant Htun was not the only one to express cynicism about a career in politics many other young people said they feel disconnected from the political process. Although the National League for Democracy has a specific strategy to promote young peoples participation, it has no estimate on how many of their 600,000 members are below the age of 30. By contrast, U Htay Oo, vice chairman for the ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party, said that USDP has more than four million members between the ages of 18 and 35, who are all involved in the party. This high figure may be attributed to the fact that university students must register as a USDP member when they commence university studies. We have a basic strategy
politics
where we require young people to accept and believe in the concept of the party. In my opinion, there are no obstacles to young people getting involved in a party. They have every chance, he added. Ohn Kyaing, a spokesperson from NLD, told The Myanmar Times: We have developed a strategy to try to mobilise young NLD members in our party. After holding our first party convention next month, we will hold a youth convention in April to discuss the youth strategy and make further plans. Myanmar is going through a transition period and the youth politicians can therefore have trouble finding their way. Many youth rely on the leadership of older party members and many are confused about whether or not they want to join a political party or work in civil society, he added. If this is a trend, Salai Thian Uk Thang is the exception. Together with a group of friends he formed the National Chin Party in 2010, when he was just 26years-old. The first time I thought about forming a political party was back in 2008, the year of Cyclone Nargis and the current constitution was approved. The government seemed more concerned about approving the constitution rather than helping the victims, which left me with a lot of questions, he said. Salai hadnt studied politics before forming the party, so he and his friends spent many hours in teashops discussing politics and teaching themselves various theories. Their goal is to build a federal union and find solutions to the problems in the Chin state, which is one of the poorest regions in Myanmar. Our biggest problems are poverty and migration, but now that we have identified this, we must find a solution: parliament is one way to solve these problems, he
Participants at the Global Platform learn how to conduct workshops for raising awareness about various issues, such as childrens rights. PHOTO: Supplied by Generation Wave
said. At the headquarters of the National Chin Party there are 15 people working, 10 of whom are under 30. Salai doesnt believe young people face any insurmountable challenges to joining a party. The biggest disincentive is that a career in politics
isnt lucrative. This is why many young people choose to work within civil society, which allows a person to make a contribution to society while still making a living out of it, he said. Salai ran for parliament in the 2010 elections, but said he was unsuccessful due to
a lack of experience. I think that young people know more about politics than older people do, but because of the Myanmar tradition to respect our elders, all our members of parliament are the elders. Young people are on standby until they have
enough experience. But the future of Myanmar is bright now that we have entered a transitional period, so I think there will be more job opportunities within political parties that young people can fill. Then more young people will get involved or so I hope, he said.
to Hlawga Wildlife Park, which is 35 kilometres north of Yangon, was made by the Minister for the Presidents Office, U Soe Thein, on 3 February. The justification for moving the zoo, which opened in 1901 and spans 69 acres, is that it poses unspecified health risks and the smell of
the animals is a nuisance. The idea being floated is to turn the zoo into a green space for recreation, however the minister said the plans approval would depend on the will of the people. On 11 February, U Soe Thein was quoted in The Myanmar Times as saying: if people dont want
to move it and they prefer to live with those smells, we wont do it. We always listen to what the people say. So naturally, The Myanmar Times reporter Shwe Ye Saw Myint hit the streets to ask people whether they agree with the proposal. Heres what they said:
Ill feel so sad if they move my elephants to another place. I am from Ayeyarwady region, so its already difficult to make the trip to Yangon. If the zoo moves to somewhere far from the downtown area, I dont think Ill get a chance to go to the zoo again. Aung Myint Myat, 13-years-old, a resident of Laputta township in Ayeyarwady region
It would be fine with me if the zoo moved to Hlawga actually Id like it because it would be convenient because it would be closer to my home. Ma Nwe Ni Tun, 27-years-old, a resident of Insein township, Yangon
I am sad for the next generation they wont have a chance to visit the zoo because it will be so far away from the city. Aung Aung, 17-years-old, a resident of Ahlone township, Yangon
I would be really sad if the zoo moved Ive loved it since I was a child and have so many fond memories. I still visit the zoo regularly with my family for recreation. I dont care if it moves I dont consider a new location to be a problem. Ko Soe Min Tun, 32-years-old, a resident of Mingaladon township, Yangon
I would be really sad if the zoo moved Ive loved it since I was a child and have so many fond memories. I still visit the zoo regularly with my family for recreation. I dont care if it moves I dont consider a new location to be a problem. Ma Nu Nu Yin, 33-years-old, a resident of North Dagon, Yangon
I dont like the idea because it is destroying our heritage. I think the zoo should be kept here for our young generation. I have been to the zoo twice - the first time as a child with my family and now as an adult with my own family. I want to see this zoo here my whole life. U Kyaw Myint, 52 years old, a resident of Laputta township in Ayeyarwday region
Photos: Thiri Lu
By Jessica Mudditt
URING the decades Myanmar spent under military rule, the mere mention of poverty and childrens rights was completely off limits. For an organisation such as the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF), whose purpose is defined as promoting the rights of children by overcoming the obstacles that poverty, violence, disease and discrimination place in a childs path, its difficult to comprehend the scale of challenge it faced. Now we can speak about [these issues] openly and constructively, UNICEFs representative in Myanmar, Bertrand Bainvel told The Myanmar Times. Mr Bainvel took up his position in Myanmar in November last year and described the speed of change over the past year as surprising. One of the biggest breakthroughs, he said, was the Tatmadaw [army] signing a national plan of action in June 2012 to prevent children being recruited to the armed forces and to discharge everyone under 18 years of age. A hotline has been set up, as well as a series of public awareness campaigns, and on 15 February, the Tatmadaw officially discharged 24 children. In the past, this was also a sensitive issue and difficult to speak about. Mr Bainvel said that the impact of war on children
is manifold, both for active participants and unfortunate bystanders. Firstly there are the immediate violations of being killed or maimed. Education is disrupted [by war] and its very difficult for children to catch up later on in life. Its also a very traumatic experience because the child doesnt feel in control of his or her own life and the adults who are supposed to protect them are unable to do so. Mr Bainvel welcomed the signing of a ceasefire last year in Kachin state because along with obvious benefits, the ceasefire allowed UNICEF to immunize children in the area for the first time. Another demonstration of commitment, said Mr Bainvel, is the fact that the government is paying for students textbooks; a gap UNICEF filled until a year ago. These positive changes have allowed UNICEF to evolve from managing projects to looking at the bigger picture of policy and supporting reforms. And with almost every sanction lifted, Mr Bainvel said that more donors are interested in contributing to UNICEFs work [in Myanmar], because its seen as a way for them to be part of the changes underway. Since setting up operations in Myanmar in 1950, UNICEF has worked directly with the government. Unsurprisingly, in the past, some [donors] were a bit reluctant to engage directly with the government, so partnering with UNICEF was a way to avoid that, he added. The international non-
government organisation currently has 170 staff in Myanmar and works in 61 of the countrys most vulnerable townships, providing services related to education and maternal and childrens health. Mr Bainvel said Myanmar will continue to benefit from strong interest among the international community and increased private investment. He said, Other parts of the world arent exactly as economically dynamic as this [region]. Change could happen more quickly here. However he cautioned, We have learnt from quite a few countries with very strong growth that if the growth is not redistributed equitably you see increasing disparities and very few people benefiting sometimes the majority dont benefit. Mr Bainvel believes there could be an adverse offshoot if young people arent provided with the opportunity to receive a
PHOTO: UNICEF
on the street than to send them to school. We need to look at that, he said. Mr Bainvel emphasised the importance of taxation as a means to share resources equitably, particularly in Myanmars poorest regions. UNICEF is supporting Myanmars upcoming census the first undertaken in 30 years which is vital to make
to be very realistic about who we speak to. Those in the concert possibly were not the most vulnerable to trafficking and I think all of us were aware of that. But its a matter of spreading the word from Yes I heard about it, to No, its unacceptable. This increases the demand for better services and protection. It was a way of changing norms. When it comes to gender norms, Mr Bainvel believes that in other countries, gender disparities are more visible. However this requires us to be more refined in our analysis to understand what the expected roles for boys and girls are, and how femininity is constructed and from what age, at school and at home. Although Mr Bainvel praised Myanmars inheritance laws, which give children of both sexes an equal right to inherit family property, he said that their application may not be uniform if the law conflicts with traditional beliefs among ethnic minority groups.
He also said that the disproportionate representation of men in Myanmars parliament is a reflection of some inequality. While the potential to improve living standards in Myanmar is promising, Mr Bainvel told The Myanmar Times that On many issues, [Myanmar] must catch up with neighbouring countries. He cited the fact that Myanmar has the highest rate of under-five mortality in the region: UNICEF hopes to see a decrease as fast as possible. Quick wins can be made tby improving health services and nutrition, providing better access to safe drinking water and promoting hygiene practices. Mr Bainvel said that the draft childrens policy currently being discussed in parliament is very innovative, and something [UNICEF] hasnt seen implemented in other countries. It will definitely help to accelerate progress. Theres no doubt that ensuring the gains made in the coming months and years benefit all Myanmars children is a task UNICEF will continue to pursue with zeal.
Phyu Phyu Kyaw Thein performing at MTV Exit in Yangon's Peoples' Square last December. PHOTO: Ko Taik
By Yu Yu Maw
EARING a short black dress and gothic eye shadow, Myanmars singing starlet Phyu Phyu Kyaw Thein leans forward and says, The future of our country really depends on improving the quality and access to education. So many people choose to study abroad because they believe they wont get anywhere if they get a university degree here. This is true. What can we do about this? The 31-year-old is also a qualified doctor and knows the shortcomings of university standards firsthand. Nevertheless, becoming a doctor was dream she had from an early age: a sense of purpose and direction is something Phyu Phyu Kyaw Thein clearly isnt lacking.
O KYAW THUS mother died in a car accident after he replaced one of her tyres with a worn-out one - Ko Kyaw Thu had sold the good tyre to buy money for drugs. He was later arrested and sent to jail for drug possession while he was inside, his brother became a drug addict and died. By the time he was released, his family was bankrupt. Although Ko Kyaw Thu has many regrets, he is trying his best to help others by acting as chairperson to the National Drug User Network of Myanmar. I am trying to save the lives of young drug users by sharing my own experiences with them and listening to their problems, Ko Kyaw Thu Said. According to government figures, there are approximately 70,000 registered drug users in Myanmar. The vast majority of newly registered addicts use heroin.
Scum spent six years in jail for drug possession. PHOTO: Kaung Htet
went to university. He enjoys reading books and is obviously intelligent he once dreamed
three or four months in hospital. The Department of Social Welfare is responsible for providing drug rehabilitation services at present just nine exist and treatment is not free. So if a patient cant afford treatment, they dont come to hospital, Dr Gyaw Htet Doe said. No international assistance
is provided to Myanmar and although there are seven NGOs providing support to drug users, services are limited to preventing HIV being transmitted intravenously, he added. Scum believes that: Medicines such as methadone can cure the physical addiction, but not the mental one. Thats why people relapse time and
time again. However he said that he appreciates the relief methadone brings whilst trying wean off heroin, plus the fact that it is legal. When Scum was released after serving a four year sentence, he became a registered drug user and regularly underwent methadone treatment at a hospital.
CHILDREN OF MYANMAR
Three minutes with Kyar Pauk, vocalist and guitarist for BigBag and Bloodsugar Politik
PHOTO: Ko Taik
What made you decide to work in the music industry? Because I realised that music is the only thing Im good at and its the only work that never feels like work. What is the one gadget you cannot live without and why? Its a pity to say that it would be my phone. Not because I like it. In fact, I hate it cos it rings every 5-10 minutes. But I need it because it contains almost all my phone number contacts, passport info, my song lyrics, raw voice files of new songs and so on. So basically, I dont need the phone but I depend on the phones apps. Whats your favourite holiday destination? Beaches and mountains. Does your work involve a lot of travel? Yes - but I prefer going on vacation, you know...without working. Whats your favourite restaurant in Yangon? Its hard to name only one The places I go most often, are PEPPERSon New University Road and COCASUKI (for a family dinner or something like that) Inya Lake View Bar Escape Bar and 50th Street (for hanging out). What was your very first job? The first job that actually paid me was as a drummer. Im not sure if thats a job or not, but i sure got paid. :)
N example of the educational reforms taking place in Myanmar came last month, when it was announced that Mandalay University is going to forge links with foreign universities and employ foreign professors. The education sector tops
standard matriculation, meaning that the universities remain attached to the Myanmar community. There will be changes later, when private universities get the green light to operate, said Ko Kyaw Moe Aung, the deputy principal of Horizon International School. Many children lack selfconfidence and independence. They rely on their parents for so many aspects of life - even their eating habits. They need to widen their horizons. Only a few students who have graduated are doing well professionally,
quality education and many are prepared to invest a lot of money to achieve this. A parent who wished to remain anonymous said: My child was enrolled in an International Language and Business Centre. The fee was K90,000 a month just for kindergarten classes, and the fees increase to K150,000 kyats for older age groups. My daughter is now attending a university foundation course, which costs around K40,000 a month. I will definitely send my child abroad for higher study.
Describe yourself in three words. Loading, please wait. What was the last book you read? What was it about? Seinlanguage by comedian Jerry Seinfield. Its more like bits and pieces about a little this and that. Id rather read
these kind of stand-up comedy books than the classic type stories. I need new ideas. Not the stories. Stories are boring. What is your advice for young people who seek a successful career in the music industry? Dont be an a**hole and youll stay.
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range from K50,000 to K100,000. Ko Aung Ko Oo, a monastic school teacher with 10 years of experience at Thone Htet Monastery in Bahan township in Yangon said, We look for our own funding because we dont receive any support from government. Most of us
are running with the support of NGOs and donors such as UNICEF. Monastic schools are required by law to register with the Ministry of Religious Affairs in order to coordinate textbook supplies and examination arrangements. The national budget
figures will plummet as new opportunities are created. However according to the director of a local recruitment agency, Device Service Company Limited, the impact is yet to be felt. The number of unemployed people should have been reduced dramatically. But this is not yet the case because the qualifications of jobless people are not considered high enough to meet the needs of head hunters, Dr Htet Zan Linn said. In 2012, 50,000 applicants, both skilled and unskilled, registered with Device as job seekers.
He told The Myanmar Times that local executive salaries are now in the range of $1500-2000 - an all-time high. Many professionals are returning from abroad particularly those that were living in Singapore and Dubai, he added. The principal of a human resource development agency, U Aye Kyaw, believes the government should develop a ministry dealing with human resource development. As an alternative to private recruitment companies, 78 government-run job registration offices in 14 states and regions, provide for support to people seeking work with private companies and government organisations.