ACT JOINT PROJECT KAYIN (MYANMAR) STAKEHOLDERS WORKSHOP

A Joint Project designed and developed by ACT alliance members and the partner organizations in Myanmar was launched today (July 7, 2016) in Hpa-An, Kayin state. This project has been one of the dreams of ACT membersworking together in Myanmar and the workshop helped to successfully share the aims and objectives with the ambition of working closely with all stakeholders including government. Min New Ni, Country Manager, Diakonia welcomed the dignitaries as Master of ceremony. U Zaw Min, Director, Kayin State Department of Social Welfare, gave the opening remarks and welcomed such initiative by INGOs with the need for supporting IDP returnees on livelihood and other opportunities for dignified life. Rajan Khosla, Country Director, Christian Aid, in his opening remarks on behalf of ACT alliance members in Myanmar, stressed on the need for coordination with all stakeholders particularly in the phase of new government and working together on livelihood and resilience. Implementing partners Francesca P Traglia, Deputy Programme Coordinator (LWF), Aye Aye Aung (LWF Kayin project coordinator) and Dr. Gabriel, Executive officer, KBC briefly shared their work in Kayin state and their organsational focus and their work in townships-Thandaungyi, KyainnSeikgyi, Hlaingbwe and Hpa pun. Naw Tin Tin Mar, Programme Officer, DCA, presented the project outlines that focuses on Strengthening CSOs, Resilient Livelihood and DRR and Response. The different departments and officials (DSW, Border Affairs, Planning, Agriculture, Livestock, Education, Health, Vetenary) and INGOs (UNCHR, IRC, Action Aid, IOM) , present in the project launch gave fruitful suggestions and feedback for better coordination, technical support, and reaching out to most vulnerable population in Kayin state. Mani Kumar, Head of Programme, DCA in his thanking note expressed gratitude and extended thanks to all dignitaries from government, INGOs and partners for valuable suggestions and inputs in supporting the initiative in Kayin state. The launch ended on a positive note for continued engagement at all levels to support people of Kayin state.