Daw Aung San Suu Kyi Comes to New York City

On September 22, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi returned to New York City for the first time in about 40 years. Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi, who won the Nobel Peace Prize for her courage to continue to take a stand against a repressive military regime in Burma, was impressed with the progress that the city had made in that time. She really loved the diverse city at the time, but she also found it a bit frightening because of the prevalent poverty and high rates of crime.

 [Image is from Wikicommons.]

Today things have changed. Along her route through the city, she gave a talk at the City University of New York’s Queens College, a borough that is now a bustling immigrant neighborhood. She also stopped at Columbia University, where she appeared to glow as she talked about the support that she received from those who struggled for Burma’s freedom both within and outside her country. She made 15 years of house arrest seem easy, contrasting her struggles with those who suffered under harsh conditions as political prisoners in Insein Prison in Burma. (She was too humble to mention that she herself spent time there, or that her health suffered as a result.) But she also believes the suffering of Burmese dissidents worldwide was worth it, noting that the courageous dissidents encouraged other nations to pressure the junta with economic sanctions. See feels that the economic sanctions placed on Burma by the United States and other nations helped bring about democratic reform.

Her trip coincided with a visit by the current leader of Burma, President U Thein Sein, who has ushered through many of the political and economic reforms that brought Ms. Daw Aung Suu Kyi her freedom (and to office as a member of parlament). Together, they pushed for, and won, further lifting of sanctions against their nation just a few days after their visit.

Burma, it seems, is solidly on a path to participating in the global economy. Unfortunately, there are very few people within Burma’s borders who have a formal education in politics, business, or science to help the nation flourish. Organizations like the Burmese Refugee Project are working hard to help put Burma back on the track of human and economic development. Perhaps Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi will live not just to see New York transformed from an impoverished city to the flourishing metropolis it once was, but to also see Burma grow into the healthy and wealthy nation it once was.

US Repeals Sanctions

2012 marks a big year in the history of Myanmar. Along with other influential powers in the European Union, the US lifted the long-standing investment ban on the country. In the wake of democratic changes, President Obama has stated that the easing of sanctions is evidence of the recognition of these efforts and encouragement for further reform.

Within the US government, there has been much debate as to the extent to which sanctions should be eased. While some argue that a full repeal is essential to support the country’s democratization, others caution that the military still controls the majority of the economy.

Aung San Suu Kyi, who was released from house arrest last year and won a seat in parliament in April, requested that foreign governments maintain sanctions, especially those that do allow corporations to partner with the Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise, which is the state-controlled and military-influenced organization that controls all energy sector business. Despite the Obama administration’s assurances that it would follow Suu Kyi’s advice throughout the democratization, the US ended up approving broad repeal to the investment ban. They justified the repeal saying that it will contribute to growing tourism, banking, agriculture and manufacturing sectors. The opposition, however, claim the move is politically and economically motivated. They credit the broad repeal to the fact that the US government feels threatened by the presence of European corporations in Myanmar working with the growing energy and mining sectors. Human rights advocates and politicians have expressed great concern and disapproval of the repeal, claiming that the Obama administration is sacrificing protecting human rights in order to cater to powerful special interest groups in the US. 

The debate will undoubtedly continue as US corporations enter Myanmar and the economic and political climate shift or remain stagnant.

Further information can be found at: http://thecable.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2012/07/11/obama_breaks_with_aung_san_suu_kyi_lifts_burmese_investment_ban 

Banyan Center Reopening!

After a pilot program with 9 children from January to April, the Banyan Center reopened on May 12^th for a new school term. With a study body of Thai, Shan and expat children, the school is quickly becoming a hub of multiculturalism. The children quickly formed new friendships during the first week of school, despite language and cultural differences, and overcame barriers to work with the Montessori materials and engage in fun activities such as gardening and cooking.

Every Wednesday, the class will have a theme to explore. The very first Wednesday of the school year was Banana Day! In addition to making banana chip and banana ice cream, the students colored banana pictures and learned how to write the word banana in both Thai and English.

We are looking forward to hearing more from Beth, the school leader and lead teacher, about the school as the year progresses! We will keep you updated on news and developments as we embark on this exciting first official year!

-Tierney

Artit Gets an Award!

We have really wonderful news about Artit, one of our first scholarship recipients! In March, Artit’s mother traveled the three hours to Chiang Mai for his high school's graduation ceremony at the Empress Hotel. Though Artit was not graduating, he was being honored as an outstanding current student. On the way to Chiang Mai, Artit's mother told us that she was nervous, but also excited, given that it was the second time she had ever been to Chiang Mai. Her sister was supposed to pick her up from the bus station, but unfortunately there was a miscommunication and Artit’s mom couldn’t find her and had no way of contacting her. Though she briefly considered immediately buying a bus ticket to return to Pai, she gathered her courage to call Jo, one of our project managers, who was also planning to attend Artit’s ceremony. Jo picked Artit’s mother up and together they went to Jo’s guesthouse to get dressed.


When Artit’s mother saw Jo’s dress for the ceremony, she felt uncomfortable and nervous about her own casual clothing. Luckily, Jo took the time to convince Artit’s mother that the event was very special and that her being there was all that mattered. Eventually, the two of them found their way to the ceremony, stopping on the way to buy Artit a bouquet of flowers.


 The event was not merely celebrating the students’ graduation, a feat in and of itself. The school was also honoring specific students that showed special promise and distinguished themselves in their field. Artit was awarded one of these unique prizes! Surayud Chulanont, the former Prime Minister of Thailand, presented the awards on behalf of the king, evidence of how important and impressive the award truly is.

After the ceremony, Artit’s mother sheepishly presented the flowers to Artit and the three of them took pictures. Artit’s mom told Jo that she had never expected anything like this to happen – that it was a miracle. The whole day was quite overwhelming for her as she proudly watched her son receive special recognition from his teachers and peers. The award validated Artit’s hard work during the school year and further motivated him to continue with his studies.


After the ceremony Artit returned to Pai to be with his family. He is now searching for work experience while also looking to continue studying English, which he believes is a language that will increase and improve his opportunities. We are looking forward to seeing Artit’s future accomplishments as he completes high school in the coming years, enters the next stage of his life and undoubtedly continues to impress everyone he meets.

Montessori school opens

We are thrilled to announce that our Montessori preschool, the Banyan Center, has opened. Read more about the Banyan Center here.