Karenni Social Development Center, supported by REI
As you may know, I am on the board of directors for Refugee Empowerment International (REI) and the following is from a recent newsletter from REI about a project we support- the Karenni Social Development Center in Thailand. Read on for more details…
REI is proud to support the Karenni Social Development Center (KSDC). Located in Karenni Refugee Camp #1, in Mae Hong Son Province, Thailand, the KSDC training addresses nearly 70 years of human rights abuses and destruction of environmental systems throughout the Karenni State and Myanmar. Through its educational courses, the KSDC empowers young Karenni refugees to become advocates for nonviolent social change and equips them with the tools they need to build a peaceful, democratic society. Since its formation in 2002, KSDC has trained over 500 human rights and environmental activists.
In March of 2021, despite setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the KSDC will graduate 29 students from its 19th annual Basic Training Course! This flagship, 10-month course in human rights, democracy, and the rule of law includes training in English as well as field research. After graduating, students find work supporting the Karenni people. For example, after graduation from KSDC’s training course, Ah Mu Htoo went to work for Karenni Evergreen, meeting with the local villagers to provide information about how they can protect their forests and create community centers.
To learn more about the KSDC and the local Karenni students and teachers involved in the organization, watch this video: http://karennisdc.org/organizational-video/
Want to learn more about the Karenni people and the 70-year-long conflict that displaced so many in Refugee Camp #1? Please watch this stunning documentary recommended by KSDC, Like We Don't Exist. https://likewedontexist.com/watchthefilm-qnmu
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