What a Difference 16 Months Makes

// January 7th, 2011 // No Comments » // Adopt a Village, Myanmar, tcd

When I first went to Burma (Myanmar) in August of ’09 the orphans GHNI had taken in (many of who had been rescued from the Irrawaddy Delta following Cyclone Nargis) were still living in a pig pen. Our staff, David and Nancy, are a couple of incredible passion and vision. When I sat down with them 16 months ago, Nancy explained the situation of these dear children as tears welled up in her eyes. It was humbling to see the sincere love of this couple for the poor and needy of their country. It was a welcome reminder that transformation and development is not about a project or program but a sincere investment of compassion in the lives of people.

Vision is a wonderful thing, however making that vision a reality is a completely different kettle of fish requiring plenty of perseverance and dedication. I don’t know anyone who works as hard as these guys. I have had the privilege of going back twice this year and I have been astonished by the transformation. The orphans now have two beautiful homes, a place of refuge and of sustainable personal growth. On the same plot of land, they now have a pig and chicken farm which provide income for these children allowing them to attend school.  

Thank you to so many of you that have made this dream a reality. 

In my last visit, along with friends, Anna, Haydi (Australia) and Jon (Singapore), it was really special to spend fun times and invest in the lives of these kids. It is exciting to see the progress that is being made and to see the joy through their beautiful smiles.

We also had the exciting opportunity to carry out a Community Health Education training during our time there. Twenty-nine students were taught the value and how to implement community-based health care projects in some of the poorest rural villages in Burma. 

As we moved out to the villages, we were able to conduct a health survey in our first TCD (Transformational Community Development) village with permission and invitation from the local authority (not easy!). This is a huge step forward as we look to make an impact amongst the poor in helping them become self-sustainable in a difficult to reach country. 

If you would like to learn more about how you can help and become a partner with a rural village in Myanmar, feel free to contact me. 

Richard Holt
GHNI European Mobilization Director 

Yeah man, I can’t make this stuff up

// July 28th, 2010 // 3 Comments » // field work, Yemen

The country of Yemen flew onto the international radar last Christmas Day when a man trained there tried to blow up a plane bound for the US (remember the underwear bomber?). However, GHNI has been working in this strategic country for several years. Just months before this incident, I was in Yemen and laying plans for our work there.

Just to help paint a picture for you, Yemen is located on the tip of the Arabian peninsula, just south of Saudi Arabia and on the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea. Just across those waters are Somalia, Eritrea and Djibouti. Last February there was a ceasefire signed between Government forces and rebels. Tensions are still tight and the United Nations published an article on July 22nd warning that the humanitarian situation in northern Yemen is dire and under-funded.

When I was in Yemen, GHNI decided to contribute money to buy backpacks for some orphans. However, when our partner approached the orphanage, they said that the government had given them enough backpacks “literally the week after I left.” A little while later the director of the orphanage came back with an unusual request. Let me elaborate.

A short time ago there was a fire and a riot at the Central Prison (right next door to the orphanage). Two guards were killed, two inmates escaped and the warden subsequently fired.  This incident raised various concerns, including everyone’s awareness of fire safety.

Since the orphanage didn’t have any fire equipment, the director asked my friend if he could help them buy some fire extinguishers. Our friend agreed to help purchase the equipment, plus the necessary fire-safety training. Incidentally, the amount needed was the exact amount of the gift we left for the backpacks.

Because of the support of people like you to GHNI, the kids at the orphanage can sleep safely at night.

Jeff Latsa
GHNI Field Director