PROSPECT BURMA KEEPING THE FLAME OF EDUCATION ALIVE. PROSPECT BURMA S SILVER JUBILEE In This Issue:

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1 PROSPECT BURMA KEEPING THE FLAME OF EDUCATION ALIVE ISSUE 28 SUMMER 2014 PROSPECT BURMA S SILVER JUBILEE In This Issue: Prospect Burma celebrates 25 years So much achieved yet much more to be done. Pages: 2 Chairman s Editorial Burma Watch Burma Timeline 5-6 PB s Beginnings 7 12 PB Alumni Stories Overview of Adopt A Scholarship (AAS) Programme PB in India Celebrating PB Alumni Authors PB in Burma News & Events PB s Legacy in Pictures How to Help PB s first grantee Pwint Htun and her husband with Aung San Suu Kyi In this issue we celebrate Prospect Burma s rich history and honour all who have, and continue to make our existence possible. WE THANK YOU. We hope you particularly enjoy reading some of the stories of our crowning achievement; the Prospect Burma alumni. We need educated young people, we need skilled young people, and we need people not just with knowledge and education but with the breadth of mind that will enable them to take our country into the wide world. There is so much to be done and Prospect Burma has already done so much. Aung San Suu Kyi, 2013 Prospect Burma was founded in 1989 following the military regime s closure of all universities and schools in response to mass pro-democracy demonstrations. Thousands of students were forced to flee to Burma/ Myanmar s borders and neighbouring countries, or face lengthy prison sentences. The most iconic figure of this period in history is Aung San Suu Kyi. We are honoured to call her one of our longest supporters and are grateful to receive some funds from her Nobel Peace Prize and other awards. Our charity s genesis was through the efforts of a few empathetic individuals who came together initially to raise funds for books and classes in refugee schools, and also awarded an annual university scholarship to an exiled student. We have expanded our scholarship programme dramatically in the last 25 years thanks to grants from organisations, trusts and the generous donations of individuals. We currently make approximately 110 awards per year.

2 2 Chairman's Editorial PROSPECT BURMA Keeping the flame of education alive Prospect Burma s Chairman, Robert Gordon, reflects THE BEGINNING In this edition, we celebrate the growth of Prospect Burma from a tiny seed planted a quarter of a century ago to the flourishing tree it is today. I first came across the charity in 1995 when it was still a sapling. In September that year, I was posted as British Ambassador to Burma. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi had been released from six years of house arrest a few weeks beforehand. Among our first visitors were two remarkable ladies: Patricia Gore-Booth and Evelyn Aris. One had introduced Daw Suu to her future husband Michael Aris; the other was Michael s stepmother. These two Fulham neighbours were the charity s driving force in the early years. They were largely responsible for giving the charity the impetus and profile it needed to grow. Their mixture of charm and perseverance proved formidably effective in overcoming the many early obstacles. Sadly both these ladies have since died, but their energy and commitment have provided a lasting inspiration to all those involved in Prospect Burma. Many others have since contributed to Prospect Burma s development and professionalisation, not least my predecessor as chairman for 18 years, Martin Morland. AT 25 YEARS As a 25 year old, we can say that Prospect Burma has reached a certain maturity. From its very modest beginnings, it is now able to provide scholarships to over 100 young Burmese a year to study at universities abroad. Increasing numbers of our students are now able to return to their home country and are starting to make a real impact in their chosen fields. Some of their stories feature in this edition. We are delighted that, at long last, a growing proportion of our students (over 80% of the most recent cohort) are now able to use their skills for the betterment of their country. But we should not underestimate the challenges they and Burma face. As the 2015 elections approach, the political climate is likely to get tenser. Some elements are abusing the newly won freedom of expression to spread racial and religious hatred. Reforms in many areas have still to be completed and for many poor Burmese life has not changed much, if at all. Prospect Burma s mission is still far from accomplished. We look forward to supporting and strengthening Burma s democratic and social transition through our educational work abroad and, increasingly, our activities incountry. Burma has just started its long and bumpy road towards a freer and more equal society. It will need committed long-term partners such as Prospect Burma for quite a while yet. Patron: The Viscount Slim OBE DL Vice-Patron: Martin Morland CMG Chairman: Robert Gordon CMG OBE Vice-Chair: Patricia Herbert Trustees: Anna Allott OBE David Colvin CMG Daw Kyi Kyi May Guy Slater Sir Robin Christopher KBE CMG Lindy Ambrose Caroline Courtauld MBE Dr Michael Marett-Crosby Dominic Hammond Acting Director: Fraser Wilson MBE Scholarships Administrator: Josh Bowsher Communications & Fundraising Officer: Audrey Ngozo Prospect Burma Porters' Lodge Rivermead Court Ranelagh Gardens London SW6 3SF Registered Charity No: Tel: Fax: E: information@prospectburma.org Facebook.com/prospectburma Twitter.com/prospectburma

3 3 Burma Watch As Prospect Burma reaches its 25th birthday, these are challenging times. Although regression to the repressive isolationism of the recent past seems unlikely, the future political and economic path is far from clear. After decades of internal conflict, it will take many years for substantive change to reach out to the whole country in such essential fields as education, health, poverty alleviation and ethnic peace. On a positive note, it is important to acknowledge how many long taboo rights including freedom of expression and assembly are publicly discussed and, quite frequently, allowed in the country today. Equally significant is the re-energisation of community life and civil society. These are welcome developments that Prospect Burma has long worked towards. Many of the people and causes that Prospect Burma has supported over the years are active in different walks of life in the country today. Given Burma s troubled history, however, caution is still needed in assessing the shape of future reform. Many difficulties remain in the political landscape, and tensions are once again rising in the countdown to a general election scheduled for next year. Firstly, it is still far from clear who will lead the next government. The same military-backed elite remains in power from the SPDC era, but there is no indication as to how they will address the challenges of succession. Speculation concerns whether the armed forces will continue to back the reformist Thein Sein as president. Equally uncertain is the future of the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party, which is considered unlikely to win a majority again if the 2015 polls are truly free and fair. This leads to a second source of tension: the question of constitutional reform. Opposition groups are very aware that, without constitutional amendments, the next election is unlikely to deliver the kind of victory for the National League for Democracy that they regard as essential. Not only is Aung San Suu Kyi presently unable to become president but the armed forces also continue to have a block on constitutional reform through reserved seats in the legislatures. Equally difficult is a third looming crisis: that of ethnic politics. As the general election approaches, the issue of ethnic ceasefires is once again reaching a critical moment. Government operations have continued against Kachin, Palaung and Shan groups in northeast Burma, causing over 100,000 villagers to flee their homes during the past three years. Meanwhile, ethnic antipathies have been aroused further by land-grabbing and economic projects in the borderlands that do not benefit local peoples. Equally serious, no end appears in sight to Buddhist-Muslim tensions and violence that have spread from the Rakhine State, seeing over 250 civilians killed, 140,000 lose their homes, and international humanitarian groups forced from the northwest borderlands. Clearly, these remain vital but uncertain times. After decades of dictatorship, there are grounds for optimism. But many of the most important challenges from building peace and democracy to social justice and educational opportunities for all are still to be completed.

4 4 Burma Timeline Political Landscape 1988 Democracy protests end 26 years of Burma Socialist Programme Party rule State Law and Order Restoration Council seizes power, crushing demonstrations 1989 Aung San Suu Kyi and other democracy leaders arrested 1990 National League for Democracy wins general election but SLORC rule continues 1993 SLORC-backed National Convention starts to draw up a new constitution 1995 Aung San Suu Kyi released from house arrest 1997 SLORC renamed State Peace and Development Council in military reshuffle 2000 Aung San Suu Kyi placed under house arrest 2002 Aung San Suu Kyi briefly released 2003 Aung San Suu Kyi re-arrested after escaping injury in Depayin attack 2004 Prime minister Gen Khin Nyunt arrested in purge by Snr-Gen Than Shwe 2006 Than Shwe moves the capital from Rangoon to new town of Nay Pyi Taw 2007 Thousands arrested and 31 killed in SPDC repression of Saffron Revolution ,000 people killed or missing during Cyclone Nargis. One week later, a stage-managed referendum endorses new constitution 2010 Pro-military Union Solidarity and Development Party wins general election Aung San Suu Kyi released after total of over 14 years under house arrest 2011 President Thein Sein assumes office, backed by armed forces and USDP Political, economic, media and social liberalisations begin 2012 Aung San Suu Kyi and 42 other NLD MPs elected in parliament by-election Ethnic ceasefires spread but conflict increases in Kachin and north Shan states Loss of life in Buddhist-Muslim violence that begins in Rakhine state Popular support builds for constitutional change and a nationwide ceasefire Social and Education Landscape 1987 Burma classified with Least Developed Country status as one of world s poorest countries 1988 Unknown number of student demonstrators killed or arrested in SLORC coup All universities closed under martial law 10,000 students flee into the borderlands, starting an intellectual exodus 1989 Min Ko Naing and other student leaders sentenced to long jail terms ,000 teachers and several hundred lecturers sacked in political purge Refugee numbers pass 250,000 mark Universities re-open but closed again for nine months when students celebrate Aung San Suu Kyi s Nobel Peace Prize award Academic year shortened to only five months Universities shut for another three years following pro-democracy protests Failure to achieve ethnic ceasefires nationwide 2000 Rangoon Institute of Technology and other urban campuses closed down. SPDC moves university campuses to out-of-town districts 2004 Student leader Min Ko Naing released from prison 2007 Hundreds of students and monks arrested during Saffron Revolution 2008 Min Ko Naing and 88 Generation leaders receive jail terms up to 65 years 2012 Burma ranked below Bangladesh and Cambodia at 149th out of 187 countries in the UN Human Development Index. Average of just 3.9 years of schooling for children Among the highest incidence of malaria, HIV and TB in Asia, but just US$12 per capita spent on health annually Min Ko Naing and other political prisoners released in general amnesty Educational reforms discussed, many exiles permitted to return, and restrictions loosened on international institutions and academics 25 per cent increase in illicit opium production, confirming Burma as world s second largest producer after Afghanistan Over 650,000 civilians remain internallydisplaced, 150,000 refugees and over 2 million migrants (many of them illegal) in neighbouring countries

5 5 Prospect Burma - 25 Years in Action Prospect Burma has travelled a long way during the past 25 years. Sadly, several of the key founders have passed away. These include Alan Hall, Dr Michael Aris, Evelyn Aris and Lady Patricia Gore-Booth. B u t t h ei r m em o r y h as l i v ed o n i n PB s continued support to Burma s education and youth through many difficult years of repression and malaise. Despite the bleak backdrop, theirs was always a forward -looking and optimistic vision, which was reflected in the choice of the Prospect Burma name. Prospect Burma s early years were frequently overshadowed by crisis as volunteers sought to help the thousands of students that had fled the cities into the borderlands following a Lady Gore-Booth with Daw Suu, 1995 brutal military crackdown. These were challenges of survival as much as education, and Prospect Burma initially concentrated on emergency aid and teaching materials for students in refugee camps around the country s borders. Indeed one grant was to buy boats so that students could escape across the river into Thailand in the event of attack. Conflict and suppression continued, and circumstances often changed. But from the turn of the 1990s, a new phase began with the development of structured educational programmes under an outreach philosophy to the most vulnerable and needy that continues until the present day. Prospect Burma quickly recognised that this also meant responding to the educational needs of ethnic nationality peoples in the poverty-stricken borderlands where many students had taken sanctuary. Early PB training project in borderlands Projects supported or developed by Prospect Burma in the 1990s included health, language and vocational programmes for students at such places as the Federal University on the Thai border, the establishment of a refugee school on the Indo-Bangladesh border, media -training in Thailand, the English Language school for refugees in Delhi, teacher -training programmes for Karen and Karenni communities, and carpentry, computer and women s vocational schools in conflict affected areas of Kachin State. Another important initiative began in 1994 with the setup of Prospect Burma s Scholarship Programme. This was generously started with a grant from Aung San Suu Kyi s Trust for Health and Education, established with Nobel Peace Prize funds. Such funding allowed Prospect Burma to help support students at universities worldwide, such as the Asian Institute of Technology, with a special emphasis on education, health, law, environment and subjects essential for Burma s future. By the turn of the century, the Scholarship Programme had secured more donors and increased to over 100 students annually. To date, the Scholarship Fund has supported over 1,300 students with a total of 2,310 grants, and today many recipients are back home in Burma making important contributions in different walks of life. At the same time, Prospect Burma has always been keen to support educational initiatives by Burma s communities and teachers themselves. Outstanding in this regard have been the Teacher Training for Burmese Teachers Centre in Thailand and the Thinking Classroom Foundation initiated by the PB alumnus Dr Thein Lwin; Health & Hope d ev el o p ed b y another PB alumnus Dr Sa Sa on the Chin State-India border; the Thabyay Education Foundation; and the Intensive English Programme i n K ac h i n St at e. Al l s u c h projects have had to develop in difficult and often restricted circumstances. But the commitment, ingenuity and focus on progress and opportunity for Burma s young people confirm that the future will be bright as long as political and educational freedoms are allowed. Dr Thein Lwin and Vice-Chair Patricia Herbert (extreme right) at his centre in Chiang Mai, 2004.

6 6 Prospect Burma - 25 Years in Action Deep thanks, too, should be given to the many donors, both institutional and individual, who have helped Prospect Burma in providing educational outreach along the way. Some have requested anonymity, and there is not enough space to name all. But important funding has come at different times from, among others, such institutional donors as The Aung San Suu Kyi Trust for Health and Education, US State Department, UK Overseas Development Assistance, Camellia Foundation, Clothworkers Foundation and HSBC, while moral support and publicity have been provided by such Prospect Burma team and Board of Trustees with Daw Suu, 2012 well-known figures as HRH The Prince of Wales and George Soros. BBC Radio Four Appeals by Joanna Lumley and Maureen Lipman also proved timely and successful. A particular highlight was the 2012 hosting of Aung San Suu Kyi s meeting with the Burmese community at London s Royal Festival Hall. The list is too long to mention all the supporters and volunteers who have helped Prospect Burma through 25 years of crisis and change. At PB s core has been the long-standing stability provided by its veteran patron, Viscount John Slim; just three chairpersons, Alan Hall, Martin Morland and Robert Gordon; and the vice-chairperson Patricia Herbert. But nothing would have been possible without the common ethos and belief in continuing to provide educational opportunity during a grave time of need. The flame of education has been kept alive, and the hope now is that Burma s peoples do indeed have a better future. (Martin Smith) Prospect Burma Timeline 1989 Formed in London, UK Emergency aid for student refugees, teaching materials, library funds Health, language and vocational training projects for student refugees Teacher training programmes for Karen and Karenni communities Support to establish refugee school on the Indo-Bangladesh border 1994 PB Scholarship Programme started with grant from Aung San Suu Kyi s Trust for Health and Education, established with Nobel Peace Prize funds Annual Scholarship Programme launched for study at universities worldwide Support to media training programmes for Burmese in Thailand First English language classes in India: New Delhi school established (1998) Funding for computer, women s and vocational programmes in Kachin State International scholarships expand to over 100 students annually Support to Teacher Training for Burmese Teachers in Thailand Funding starts for Intensive English Programme for teachers, Kachin State PB Partners, Institutional Partners and Adopt-A-Scholarship schemes launch Grants begin to English language students at the British Council, Rangoon New project initiated with Teacher Training for Burmese Teachers Centre Increased funding to English programmes in India and Kachin State Launch of American Friends of Prospect Burma Scholarships pass 1,300 total for Burmese students with total of 2,310 grants Hosting of Aung San Suu Kyi s meeting with Burmese community at London s Royal Festival Hall Support to education and training programmes for former political prisoners Funding to Thinking Classroom Foundation Support to Health & Hope in Chin State and for students at colleges in Shillong

7 7 The Spirit of Prospect Burma - Our Alumni Prospect Burma s founding principle was, and remains, the need to invest long-term in the education of the next generation, those upon whom the country s future and hopes for positive change depend. At this pivotal moment in the country s development, we are especially proud of how our alumni have evolved and are giving back at home and abroad. Congratulations, you are an inspiration to the next generation. Pwint Htun holds a special place in PB s history as the first ever scholarship grantee. A telecommunications professional, she and her family continue to actively support their Burmese and other communities through Kiva, an online lending platform. In her words: I am so honoured to have been selected as the very first recipient of a Prospect Burma Scholarship. After graduation, I joined the wireless telecommunications industry as I get so much personal satisfaction from being able to connect loved ones together. In conjunction with enabling mobile financial services, I advocate for benefits of communitybased village savings and loans groups. Prospect Burma can be proud of the investment made in my education two decades ago. I am a proud donor of Prospect Burma because I know that my funds will be educating someone and changing more lives than I would ever know. 1994: USA, University of Washington, Seattle Dr Thein Lwin is a former PB Trustee and a dedicated educationalist. An ex-political prisoner, after completing his Newcastle University studies, Thein Lwin in 2001 set up a Teacher Training for Burmese Teachers Centre in Chiang Mai, and, later, a Migrant Workers Training Centre. In 2007 Prospect Burma, thanks to dedicated funding from a supportive Trust, was able to increase its support to Thein Lwin s Centre to develop and implement a significant expansion of its work through a four component programme of Teacher Professional Development, Education Leadership & School Management, Skills Development for Refugees and Migrant Workers, and Education Policy & Curriculum Development, implemented through a series of workshops in different locations, including inside Burma. With his Centre now reconstituted as the Thinking Classroom Foundation ( and relocated to Burma, Dr Thein Lwin has, after years of exile, been able to return to Burma to continue his pioneering work. We pay tribute to his dedication and all he has achieved and share his belief that: Democracy cannot move forward in Burma without education reform & 1997: UK, Newcastle University, MEd, PhD Dr Nwe Nwe Aye is another of our early and illustrious alumni, who has recently retired from her post as Senior Adviser at UNAIDS, China, to return home. She reflects: I went to London 20 years ago to study at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. Towards the end of the course, I missed my family so much so that I decided to return home and continue my thesis there. PB provided me with funds that enabled me to complete the data collection and thesis from home. Even more valuable than this funding support was the moral support, counsel and friendship that I received in abundance from PB ladies - Evelyn Aris, Lady Gorebooth and Kyi Kyi May, throughout my time in the UK. I had seen them work relentlessly to keep supporting students from Burma, never once giving up hope despite many hardships. News of our achievements and success always raised their spirits and kept them going. 25 years on today, Prospect Burma is thriving, so are the generations of people who have benefited from its visionary investment in education. We must keep this Prospect Burma spirit alive until we reach the time when every student in Burma can have access to good quality education in their home location within the country. 1995: UK, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, MSc Public Health Mai Ni Ni Aung is well-known for her innovative weaving project (see: She writes: The education I received and the contacts I made as a result of my Prospect Burma scholarship gave me opportunities that would not have been possible otherwise. The work at SOAS gave me a foundation upon which I was able to expand. In particular, I realized there were many ways that I could contribute to the development of my Chin ethnic group in a remote part of Rakhine State in Myanmar and also preserve the traditional backstrap weaving skills. This work could create employment opportunities for Chin women so that they could meet their basic needs and help support their families. My education has been essential in the work I do in Myanmar. I plan to continue to work in Myanmar for the improvement of the Chin people and to give them the education and skills needed in a modern Myanmar & 1998: UK, Westminster University, Journalism; University of London, SOAS, MA Development Studies

8 8 The Spirit of Prospect Burma Our Alumni Thein Naing has a very unique history with Prospect Burma that began soon after the charity was founded. After escaping Rangoon as a young student activist, he taught ethnic Karenni on the Thai-Burma border areas in the 1990s. It was there that in 1992 he received teacher training from Prospect Burma s then English teacher trainer, Susanne Smith. He continued teaching ethnic populations for a total of six years till Currently, he works as an OUA scholarship support person, and an education consultant for Mon, Karen and Kachin communities in Australia. He recounts his journey: I received PB sponsorship again in 2001 for a Master degree in Education. My research, Diversity and Multicultural Education in Burma, was eventually translated for a Burmese teachers training textbook in ethnic areas. PB s support greatly helped me in many ways: firstly to acquire knowledge and skills I desired for the marginalized populations; secondly, I became a professional teacher trainer, researcher, and an academic consultant with the exiled National Health and Education Committee, and finally, in 2009 I set up an education magazine publication house, Maukkha : Burma, PB teacher training; 2001: Australia, Monash University, MEd Dr May Myat Win previously worked as Medical officer with Aide Médicale Internationale (AMI) in Maela refugee camp for Karen refugees on the Thai-Burma border. Currently she is an MD on emergency mission for the health care of refugees from Central African Republic in Cameroon, with MSF Swiss. Her sentiments are: Receiving the PB scholarship is the turning point in my life. I learnt advanced tropical medicine and used the knowledge I gained, to save the lives of not only Myanmar citizens but also people from other parts of the world. For the future as a PB scholar, I would continue to work for the most vulnerable populations in the world and for Myanmar. I would like to share my experience and knowledge gained from my work in other parts of the world. 2009: Thailand, Mahidol University, MSc Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. Hsar Doe Doh Moo, a former refugee, has built a career working for progress in his native Karen community. In his words: It was charitable organisations like PB that stepped in and made great efforts and commitments to rekindle the hopes of displaced and refugee students in their pursuits for higher education in university. I came to realise that PB had invested in my education so that I can be agent of change for my community and part of the solution for creating a better, prosperous, and democratic country of Burma. With the education and rich experiences that I had gained, I began my professional career working with the Karen Refugee Committee Education Entity (KRCEE). Three years later I joined the Karen organisation called the Karen Environmental and Social Action Network (KESAN) as the environmental education coordinator. Thank You to the Prospect Burma and Happy 25th Anniversary : Thailand, Mission College, BA Psychology & Education; : Assumption University, MSc Counselling & Psychology Saw Blessing is a Karen who describes receiving the PB scholarship as a stepping stone and turning point in his life. His education not only awakened a thirst for political knowledge and skill but has also allowed him to contribute to his country s development back home. He has worked at Myanmar Institute of Theology as Head of the Social Studies department and as a lecturer in Political Science. At present he is an independent political commentator who writes political articles for magazine and journals and has published two books in Burmese, titled (in English) Political Tradition of Democracy and The Exodus: Possibilities of Public participation in Peace Process. When asked how being a PB scholar affected his outlook for the future, he responded with an inspiring Nelson Mandela quote; "Education is the most effective weapon which you can use to change the world" : Thailand, Ramkhamhaeng University, MA Political Science

9 9 The Spirit of Prospect Burma Our Alumni Kyaw Thu Ra initially worked as a Researcher for Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) in Burma. At present he is a Governance Programme Officer for Oxfam GB in Burma. He says: My Prospect Burma scholarship allowed me to study Philosophy, Politics and Economics. This gave me a package of innovative and theoretical knowledge that has been very supportive to my work with regards to Governance and Development in Myanmar. As a Chairperson of Board of Directors at Scholar Institute (formally known as YDIN), I am directing and reforming the organization with aims of embracing democracy and human rights, gender and women empowerment including governance component with home-coming scholars : Thailand, Rangsit University, BA Philosophy, Politics & Economics Phone Myint Maw is a young visionary who returned home after graduation last year determined to fulfil his dream of opening a school to, as he describes,..share knowledge and distribute experience about Social Sciences to the public in Myanmar.. We are delighted that his dream has come true and the A Linn Thit (School of Social Sciences) will soon open in Rangoon. He writes: Everyone has someone or something that has made an impact on his or her life. After I was awarded a PB scholarship, my educational goals would be impacted in many ways. First of all, being chosen as a recipient of Prospect Burma scholarship was a huge honour. PB aided me for four years in pursuing a stronger future for myself and hopefully others as well. Secondly, I had confidence in myself to reach my goals. Most importantly, I could have the means to pursue my dream of obtaining a degree. A more advantaged person might not understand the magnitude of scholarships and financial awards to secure educational success, but I did. I fulfilled my dream of becoming a professional in the social sciences field. The Prospect Burma scholarship changed my life : Thailand, Rangsit University, BA Philosophy, Politics & Economics. For Dr Aung Zaw Moe, receiving the PB scholarship allowed him to complete his studies within a shorter period of one year. The impact of this assistance was long lasting. He says: The scholarship allowed me to enter the workforce earlier than I expected. I know from experience how difficult it is to get a degree without proper financial support. I started a small community fund to support the kids for primary education since Although my field of study was Public Health, I worked more in the field of community development. I built a small NGO Kyan-Dyne-Aung (KDA) in my village (Kamarnut village) that provides education services to children and youths. I also worked with other PB scholar alumni for Education reform in Myanmar since I hope I could work together with other PB scholar alumni for development of Myanmar. 2010: Bangladesh, BRAC University, MSc Public Health Lin Lin Aung is an academic and aid worker with muchtravelled experience. Her jubilee message reads: Being a PB scholar has always been a tremendous honour and inspiration for me. It allowed me to receive a world-class education in the United States and gain valuable work experience. My education prepared me for my job at the International Youth Foundation, where I gained valuable experience working with disadvantaged youth and communities. I have since worked in 12 countries throughout Asia and Africa. The moral support of the PB family also was critical to my survival and growth as the first young woman from my family to ever study abroad. I am thrilled to be returning home after 14 years of studying and working abroad. Over the next few years, I hope to be able to contribute to the nation s development in substantive ways as a professional and educator : USA, Mary Baldwin College, BA Economics & Business Administration; Johns Hopkins and Georgetown Universities, MA SE Asia Studies, MSc International Development

10 10 The Spirit of Prospect Burma Our Alumni Phyu Pannu Khin is another of PB s bright young alumni; she was recently awarded the 2014 Norman J. Peterson Award at Montana State University for being the International Student of The Year. She writes: Four years ago, I was a Burmese teenager hoping to study in America. I had been accepted to a U.S university with partial scholarship but I could not afford the rest of my tuition. Prospect Burma has made a significant difference in supporting my education from such a difficult position. As a PB recipient, this experience has opened up doors for me to the world where you no longer see borders and limitations but grow and strive for the best you can be. I am now studying neuroscience in the Honors College at Montana State University. A couple of research grants I have received allow me to study Huntington s disease and neural tube closure during nervous system formation. The opportunity of doing medical research has been so valuable which will allow me to contribute in health development of my country one day as I have always dreamed of : USA, Montana State University, BSc Community Health John Zar Ring Thang founded a local non-profit organisation called Agency for Basic Community Development (ABC) based in Rangoon and Kalay in the aftermath of the 2008 Cyclone Nargis. Their activities include child protection, water sanitation and hygiene (WASH), grassroots empowerment, community forest, community founding and civic education, human rights education, and promotion and protection of the rights of migrant workers. ( He says: The Prospect Burma scholarship enabled me to accomplish my formal academic journey. It subsequently helped me take a road least travelled in Burma. I try to live my best potential in life. I dreamt of helping people help themselves in basic way. I am glad to be a Prospect Burma scholar because PB commits itself to promote freedom and democracy in our country. As a PB scholar, I dream, and commit myself to the cause of nonviolence, peace, reconciliation, freedom, federalism and integral human and ecological development in Burma. I do congratulate Prospect Burma for its silver jubilee. I am glad to know that PB continues to help Burmese scholars : Philippines, St Vincent s School of Theology, MA Theology Joshua Set Paing Htet holds a special significance for Prospect Burma, not only for his academic achievements but also for the first PB marriage. He says: If it wasn t for Prospect Burma, I wouldn t have been able to finish my law school, get my Masters from Oxford and become a lawyer at Allen & Overy where I am part of the Myanmar group, engaging in many exciting projects including teaching international finance laws at Yangon University, training the lawyers at the Attorney General s Office, and helping Telenor rebuild Burma s telecom network. Through Prospect Burma, I have also met many like-minded scholars including my wife - they constantly inspire me to work hard and keep Burma close to my heart. Being a Prospect Burma scholar gives purpose to our years away from home. Many charities change lives, but every time Prospect Burma changes a student s life, it is a step closer for the 60 million to a better life. 2006: UK, BPP Law School; : UK, Oxford University, International Human Rights Law Hawng Tsai has specialised in education, teaming up on some projects with another PB alumnus, Dr Thein Lwin. She reflects: Since completing my studies with the support of the Prospect Burma Scholaship Programme, my life has changed significantly and I am able to make a substantial contribution to the development of education in my country. I graduated in 2011 from Miriam College, Manila with a BSc in Child Development and Education. Back in Burma, I am the Education Programme Officer for Thinking Classroom Foundation and a teacher trainer. Courses focus on active learning and critical thinking methodology, educational philosophy and theory, and teaching and learning strategies. I also teach adult literacy to Burmese migrants in Chiang Mai, Thailand. I am a member of the Board of Directors of the Reading and Writing for Critical Thinking International Consortium ( based in Romania. I am also actively involved in the National Network for Education Reform - a civil society organization working for the reform of educational policy and law in Burma : Philippines, Miriam College, BSc Child Development and Education

11 11 The Spirit of Prospect Burma Our Alumni Htun Htun Aung started an international charitable network called SMILE in 1999 to help orphans and poor school-children in rural areas of Burma, which has been continued since then. He reflects: I received my basic education in Myanmar (Burma), vocational education in Singapore, and professional and higher education in the United Kingdom. My passion and commitment to the development of education in Myanmar stems from my personal experiences, particularly the unusual and long education trajectory I had to take. My experience as a PB scholar was a major turning point in my life as it enabled me to receive a world-class education at a world-class university which elevated me to embark on meaningful and exciting educational works in Myanmar. I have been continuing my educational works and leadership in Myanmar since I was a Prospect Burma scholar, and I want to bring about significant and wide-ranging positive changes that will ensure the mass student population receive a higher standard of education in Myanmar which can contribute towards social, political and economic developments of Myanmar : UK, LSE, BSc in Philosophy and Economics; 2012: UK, Oxford, MSc in Education Thet Hnin Aye worked as a psycho-social support officer for 8 months with Myanmar Red Cross Society and is currently a protection field officer at the International Committee of the Red Cross. She writes: Receiving a PB scholarship gave me the best opportunities to obtain broader expertise in health science, develop the sense of multicultural cooperation and to prepare every necessity for the competitive professional life. These opportunities were not available in the culture of authoritarian regime before the transition took place in After doing my Masters degree with PB support, I successfully made the career changes to support the needs of my country as a responsible educated good citizen. Without PB support, I would have spent my working hours in clinics or hospital as a nurse. My life is a satisfactory reflection of my professional accomplishments and I am happy to be contributing to the needs of the country in this historical transition. 2010: Thailand, Mahidol University, MSc Public Health Mung Shaung Aung writes: I was awarded a PB scholarship in During my years of study, I fully developed my awareness, sense of service, professionalism and skills. Currently I work at a Teacher Training Center (Pinya Sanyae Institute of Education) which trains young people to implement Children Centred Approach (CCA) to disadvantaged and vulnerable children in the delta region and remote areas. I teach Educational Psychology, Computer, Science, and English and am also making a documentary film for my institute. Every year the institute produces about 20 qualified teachers who can serve and teach compulsory and supplementary subjects. My valuable experiences in Thailand have helped me a lot to share the knowledge and ideas with hungry students who want to make a change. I strongly believe that the classroom is the crucial place to change attitudes and develop skills of people in Myanmar during the dramatic changes in politics and other aspects of life : Thailand, Asia Pacific International University, BA Psychology and Education Nehginpao Kipgen is a political scientist and general secretary of the U.S.-based Kuki International Forum whose general research interests include democratization, democratic transition, human rights, ethnic conflict, identity politics, and foreign policy. His academic research focuses on the politics of South and Southeast Asia, with specialization on Burma. He has published peer-reviewed academic articles and over 100 other articles in various international newspapers and magazines in five continents: Asia, Africa, Australia, Europe and North America. He is author of Democracy Movement in Myanmar: Problems and Challenges (Copal, 2014). His anniversary message reads: Congratulations Prospect Burma team for the upcoming silver jubilee celebration. Of course, PB has had a tremendous impact on my life. I would like to thank the past and present PB leadership for keeping alive the spirit of democracy and education in Burma, despite the difficulties and challenges. Because of the initiatives of PB, many have a chance to realize their dream. Again. Keep up the good work! 2001: India, Madurai Kamaraj University, MA History; 2003: USA, Ball State University, MA Political Science

12 12 The Spirit of Prospect Burma Our Alumni Dr Khin Mar Mar Kyi is an academic who has produced an award winning documentary on Burmese migrant women s lives, titled Dreams of Dutiful Daughters. She is currently the Daw Aung San Suu Kyi Research Fellow in Gender and Burmese Studies at Lady Margaret Hall, University of Oxford. She writes: I received my Prospect Burma scholarship while I was doing my Masters. This helped me to achieve the result of high destination and to continue my PhD and to become the winner of Excellence in Research in Australia. Prospect Burma scholarship is the only scholarship programme that has made the longest contribution in supporting Burmese students. Without this scholarship, many of us will never achieve our goals in rebuilding Burma. Now I have had the opportunity to study anthropology on Burma which is crucial discipline and yet rarely studied by Burmese. This scholarship has allowed me to not only maintain focus on my studies and research, but to also help me continue with my passion of humanitarian activities and work voluntarily for my community and country, all of which allow me to take part in rebuilding Burma for its peaceful and democratic future. Thank you : Australia National University, PhD Trafficking of Burmese Women and Children Yin Min Tun played a pivotal role in the creation of a digital library for Burmese universities. When asked how her experience as a PB scholar affected her outlook on the future, she replied: Without a doubt, my career and life would be totally different if I had not come to the UK to do my Master s Degree. Being a Prospect Burma scholar has gradually shaped my life and way of thinking since I arrived in the UK. I know that I have been privileged to have the opportunity to study at a UK university and have access to their 24 hour online e-resources and open access self serve system to borrow books. In future I would like to share the opportunity of accessing up to date world class educational materials, which were so beneficial to me in my studies, with students and academics in Myanmar & 2004: UK, Manchester University, MSc Environmental Monitoring/Planning & PhD Climate Change and Hydrology Dr Khyne U Mar, affectionately dubbed The Elephant Lady of Burma, first featured in our Newsletter in 2002, and since then has gained international recognition for her work on the preservation of elephants and the environment in Burma. Now a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Sheffield, Khyne has served as consultant veterinarian for captive working elephants in India and South-East Asia, and for international zoos. With decades of experience in data collection on Burmese timber elephants and expertise in elephant reproductive physiology, she currently is working on the Myanmar Elephant Research Project, in conjunction with a UK research team and the state-run Myanmar Timber Enterprise. Of Oozies and Elephants is a recent award-winning documentary by Suzanne & Simon Campbell-Jones which follows the work of Khyne and her UK and Burmese colleagues in the remote and diminishing forests of Upper Burma : UK, Royal Veterinary College, MSc Wildlife Conservation; UCL, PhD Conservation Biology. Dr Sa Sa, a Mara Chin, wrote in our 2004 Newsletter of his struggle to realise his dream of becoming a doctor, and related how his fellow impoverished villagers sold livestock to help him get to India and then to begin his medical studies in Armenia. In particular, the words of an old lady who gave him all she had (2000 kyats =2 US$) saying the villagers depended on him to bring medical care to his fellow Chins, stayed with Sa Sa and inspired him in the long years ahead. He reflects: We are so thankful to Prospect Burma which not only helped me to become a doctor but is also now helping six more students to follow in my footsteps; another 12 in bachelor degree studies here in India, and has also helped us to print more than five thousand text books for Community Health Workers. Without PB I would not have completed my medical studies, then trained more than 700 community health workers (CHW), 41 Traditional Birth Attendants (TBA), built two training schools, and helped 106 boys and girls to receive a school and college education. We are grateful to Prospect Burma forever! : Armenia, YSMU, General Medicine PB is particularly grateful to benefactor Genette Dagtoglou for her support for Sa Sa and fellow medical students, and also to the M.J. Samuel Charitable Trust for enabling us to begin funding Chin students in Shillong who will be returning to work with Sa Sa. We also share in the happiness of Sa Sa and his wife, Mary, on the birth of their first child in July.

13 13 Adopt-A-Scholarship Programme Links Across Continents It means a lot to know someone thousands of miles away cares enough to want to help me fulfil my dream of a worthwhile education AAS-supported nursing students, Victoria Lay & Khin Mar Win. Both attained their degrees from Assumption University in Thailand in INTRODUCTION In 2004 Prospect Burma launched its Adopt-A-Scholarship scheme giving benefactors the opportunity to support a scholarship for a Burmese student. Sponsors under this scheme contribute 800 (or more) and can, if they so wish, select a specific degree subject that they would like to support. Prospect Burma then selects a matching student from its successful annual scholarship applicants, and sends the Adopter details of the student, their annual study reports and grade transcripts. We also write to the student to tell them that they have been specially selected for support under our Adopt-A- Scholarship scheme and, as the quote from an AAS student above shows, this personal link is especially meaningful. Some sponsors also choose to correspond with their student, while others have had the opportunity to meet them in person. To date Prospect Burma s AAS scheme raises on average 23,000 a year, but we would love to sign up more sponsors (see details on back page) as every year we have, for lack of funds, to turn down many deserving applicants for our scholarships. We asked some of our most faithful and long-term AAS sponsors, as well as some more recent ones to tell us more of their own connections with Burma, why they wished to help, and what it has meant to them. Jane Gibson, one of our earliest supporters, writes as follows:- My love affair with Burma began with my husband s posting there in 1953 when we sailed up the Rangoon River in the early morning mist through which gleamed golden pagoda spires. We had many Burmese friends and visited each other s houses, all very free, but this was to end with the military take over after we left and we couldn't even write to our friends, some of whom went to prison. We knew the Gore-Booths from our time in Burma (during Paul Gore-Booth s ambassadorship), so when Lady Gore -Booth together with Evelyn Aris helped found Prospect Burma in 1989, I was delighted to renew the connection. I have now sponsored several Burmese students who were studying in the UK, and much enjoy meeting them and keeping in touch with them. I took my most recent student, who was studying at Oxford and had invited me and my grandson to dine at his college, to Prospect Burma s 2013 summer party where I won a case of champagne! Tom White recalls momentous times in Burma:- To be posted to Burma had been my ambition for years, but it was only in 1985 that I finally got there on being appointed British Council Director. One of my responsibilities was to expand the British aid programme in English language teaching from two posts at Rangoon Teachers' Training College (Institute of Education) to others at regional universities. If these plans had come to fruition, it would have been the largest programme of its kind in Asia. But sadly it came to a halt on 18 September 1988 when the pro-democracy demonstrations came to a violent end, and all our teachers had to leave Burma. The only consolation was that the British Council library in Rangoon

14 14 Adopt-A-Scholarship Programme Links Across Continents remained accessible to students, as it is to this day. Every cloud has a silver lining, and thanks to the generosity of Aung San Suu Kyi and that of many lovers of Burma around the world, we have Prospect Burma, which has enabled Burmese tertiary level students from a wide range of disciplines in science, technology, medicine, education and administration to receive training in overseas countries, and return to Burma to use their skills and experience to contribute to national development Bei Cho Tha is currently studying Medicine at the South Western University in the Philippines thanks to the generosity of an individual donor. many sacrifices of past decades at last worthwhile! Jane Redgrove, a more recent Adopter tells us: I shall always remember the unexpected arrival at our house of three teenage schoolgirls during the demonstrations. All the schools had been closed for weeks, and they had plucked up courage to come with their request: Mr White, we have been marching every day for weeks to demand democracy - you are from a democratic country, can you tell us what it is like? I do hope that I managed to make sense, as I told them about free and fair elections, the right to form political parties, the freedom of the press to criticise the government, the impartiality of justice, the rule of law, etc. Alas, I never saw them again, and could only hope they all survived in those dangerous times. As things turned out, my four years in Burma came to an end in mid- 1989, and I was posted to South Korea for what would be another challenging and fascinating four years. This time, it was to a land just emerging from dictatorship, with a political prisoner still under house arrest, but who, a few years after my departure, become the president of his country. I live in hope that Burma will at last find its way to a similar prosperous, tolerant and free society, and thus make the It had long been my heartfelt desire to visit Burma and I would keep brochures of the country and look at them often! As a gift from my late mother some years ago I had the most adventurous and incredible 23 days traveling around Burma. It was clear to me that there was a deep need for education. The situation and what I experienced was one of the most moving of my life. I searched the internet for a charity in Burma supporting the education of its youth and came across Prospect Burma and the more I found out the more excited I became! I think reading how the charity began and the fact that it had Aung San Suu Kyi's endorsement and personal support sealed it for me. She has been someone whose life I have followed and been deeply inspired by, having complete and utter admiration and respect for what she has endured. I was delighted and felt so privileged to be invited by Prospect Burma to hear Suu Kyi address the Burmese community in the UK at the Royal Festival Hall in Finding Prospect Burma and being able to support one or two students a year under its Adopt-A-Scholarship scheme has been a joy, as is knowing that my contribution is making a difference to someone s future that will enable them to help their country. My only regret is not having known of Prospect Burma years ago. Congratulations Prospect Burma for all you have achieved over the last 25 years I am in awe of what you do and have done to secure a better future for the youth of Burma.

15 15 Prospect Burma in India Our English Language Teaching School (ELTS) Prospect Burma s activities in India go as far back as 1990 when we began helping an English language school for Burmese refugees in New Delhi run by pro-democracy activist, Daw Thin Thin Aung, then and now a prominent women s and human rights campaigner. In those early years, there were in Delhi alone over 1,000 [some estimates say 4,000] desperately poor Burmese refugees, mostly Chins, escaping persecution by the Burmese military, forced labour demands, and economic hardship. Many had been able to obtain official UNHCR refugee status and papers. But English language skills were essential if the refugees were to improve their prospects in India and equip themselves for higher education. By 1998 Prospect Burma was the sole funder of the School and its intake and classes had expanded to include computer training. In recent years we have only been able to continue our support for the School thanks to dedicated funding from the Camellia Foundation whose Trustees and the late Peter Leggatt [d. 2009] of Camellia plc. have taken such an active interest in the School. A special highlight for the School, its pupils and staff was Daw Aung San Suu Kyi s visit there in 2012, but we are also immensely grateful for visits to the school made over the years by individual PB supporters (as well as PB Trustees and staff, and volunteers), all of whom were utterly charmed by the students they met. But, times have changed and numbers attending the school have declined with some students returning to Burma, others being accepted for third country resettlement, while there are now many more English courses open to them than in the past. Therefore, in consultation with Camellia Trustees and the School, Prospect Burma has made a difficult decision: to close the school in gradual stages over the next few months. Words cannot fully express our thanks and admiration for Senior Teacher, Sayama Neera, for her devoted service for the past 17 years to the school and its students; our thanks too to past school Principals, as well as to Peter Pau Tuang and other retiring staff. Prospect Burma s Scholarship Programme By the late 1990s Prospect Burma saw a huge increase in applicants to its scholarship programme to study at Indian universities, including for part-time distance learning courses at Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). In 2002, for instance, a record 90 scholarships were awarded to students in India. Another major funder of scholarships for Burmese students was the Open Society s Supplementary Grant Program/ Burma, but in recent years this Program has been coming to an end, consequently increasing demand for Prospect Burma scholarships. Prospect Burma has been greatly helped in the administration of its scholarships in India by its Delhi-based agent, Lata Pillai (Cho Lwin), but we have now ceased funding part-time or correspondence courses, and applications from refugee students are diminishing, while more are applying from Burma with valid student visas to study in India. Also, beginning in 2014, with support from the M. J. Samuel Charitable Trust, Prospect Burma has launched a dedicated scholarship programme in liaison with Dr. Sa Sa, to educate selected young Chins at colleges in Shillong [as well as some Chin nursing students in the Philippines] who will then be returning to work in Chin State. In addition to ELTS and Scholarships awards, PB has also funded weaving and tailoring classes in Delhi organised by Burma Assist in order to help Chin refugees earn enough to support themselves.

16 16 Celebrating our alumni authors Congratulations to our past scholarships students who are now published book authors, namely: Lian H. Sakhong (1998 grantee for History PhD, Uppsala University). A political activist, arrested after suppression of 1988 pro-democracy demonstrations, Lian fled to India, and gained asylum in Sweden. Awarded the Swedish parliament s 2007 Martin Luther King prize, he became director of the Burma Centre for Ethnic Studies and in 2012 returned to Burma, where he was greeted by huge crowds, to participate in peace initiatives: Religion and Politics among the Chin people in Burma, (Uppsala, 2000); In Search of Chin Identity: a Study in Religion, Politics and Ethnic Identity in Burma (NIAS, 2003);In Defence of Identity: the Ethnic Nationalities Struggle for Democracy, Human Rights and Federalism in Burma (Orchid Press, 2010; NIAS, 2012); Federalism and Ethnic Issues in Burma (Chiang Mai, 2009); Principles of Democracy [in Burmese] (BCES, 2012) Ardeth Maung Thawnghmung (1997 grantee for PhD at University of Wisconsin). Ardeth is now Professor & Chair, Political Science Department, University of Massachusetts Lowell): Behind the Teak Curtain: Authoritarianism, Agricultural Policies and Political Legitimacy in Rural Burma (Kegan Paul, 2004); The Karen Revolution: Divided Voice, Uncertain Ends (East-West Center, Washington DC; & Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, Singapore, 2008); Beyond Armed Resistance: The Non-insurgent Members of Ethno-national Groups in Burma (East- West Center, 2011); The Other Karen in Myanmar: Ethnic Minorities and the Struggle Without Arms (Lexington Books, 2012) George Zunwa (2001 & 2003 grantee for MSc in Agronomy and Agriculture at Allahabad Agricultural Institute- Deemed University). George has been hailed as the first Kachin scientist and is an active promoter of Kachin language, literature and culture: Vegetable Crops: Simaw Simai Hkai Nmai Ni [in Jinghpaw]; Kachins are not Tribe [2002] Ko Ko Thett (2006 grantee, Social Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University). After refugee resettlement in Finland, Ko Ko Thet is currently pursuing research studies in Belgium. A gifted poet and translator, he attended the 2013 & 2014 Irrawaddy Literary Festivals in Burma: Bones will Crow: 15 Contemporary Poets [in English & Burmese, translated by KKT, co-edited with James Byrne] (Arc Publications, 2012); Daw Suu s 25 Dialogues with the People [in English & Burmese, translated by KKT, edited by H-B Zöllner] (Kankawwutyee, Yangon, 2014) Tharaphi Than (2003 grantee for MA at SOAS). Tharaphi went on to gain her PhD, and is now Asst. Lecturer, Dept. of Foreign Languages & Literatures, Northern Illinois University. When Cyclone Nargis hit Burma, Tharaphi and her husband (also a PB alumnus), flew home to join in relief work, subsequently founding a charity to help cyclone victims: Women in Modern Burma (Routledge, 2014) Thein Lwin (1996 grantee for MEd & 1997 for PhD, Newcastle University). An ex-political prisoner and educationalist, Thein Lwin is founder of the Teacher Training for Burmese Teachers Centre in Chiang Mai which has been reorganized as the Thinking Classroom Foundation. A former PB trustee, he is now based in Burma: Education in Burma, [in English & Burmese] (Chiang Mai, 2003); Education and Democracy in Burma: an Overview of the Current State of Education and Suggestions for the Future [in English & Burmese] (Chiang Mai, 2008) Zoya Phan ( grantee for BBA at St. Theresa- Bradford, Bangkok, & in 2005 for MA in Politics & Development at University of East Anglia). Zoya s family fled to a refugee camp in Thailand when their Karen village was attacked by government troops. Zoya is now a leading Burmese democracy activist, with asylum in Britain, and International Coordinator of the human rights organisation Burma Campaign UK: Little Daughter [with Damien Lewis] (2009); later edition titled, Undaunted: My Struggle for Freedom and Survival (Free Press, 2010) Prospect Burma would love to hear from any other past scholarship recipients who have published books. Some of our alumni have forged academic careers outside Burma, but not only do they make return visits to Burma, but their intellectual work and research is of influence and information to policy makers and ordinary Burmese citizens, thereby contributing to addressing and solving Burma s many outstanding problems. Lastly, we would like to thank Western authors Gerry Abbott and Christina Fink who have over the years generously donated the royalties from their books on the country to Prospect Burma.

17 17 Prospect Burma in Burma Prospect Burma has had to respond to many educational needs and crises during the past 25 years. Although the current government of President Thein Sein has recognised the need for educational reform, it will still take many years to make up for decades of military oppression and neglect of socio-economic issues. Prospect Burma s scholarship programme to enable young Burmese to study at universities worldwide remains our core activity. It is gratifying to note that, as pioneer investors in the education of Burma s youth, our faith in Prospect Burma s mission is constantly being renewed by the contribution PB s alumni are so demonstrably making to build civil society and implement positive change in so many areas of national life today. The huge need and demand for our scholarships continues. To improve outreach and performance, we have been funding internship placements, coordinated by Thabyay Education Foundation (whose Programs Director Zin Mar Oo is a PB alumnus), to enhance our graduates professional skills and career prospects. We have also commissioned an independent evaluation of a random cohort of scholarship recipients to help us assess the impact of our programmes and to inform our strategic planning. At the same time, more of PB s presence has been building in-country in tune with the changing environment. Since 2004 Prospect Burma has attended current student conferences organised in Thailand, and gained much inspiration and feedback from the students. But we have also set up a Facebook page for PB students who can thereby network with each other, as well as send their latest news. Another exciting development is the formation of the Myanmar Scholarship Alumni Association, which this year held its 3rd annual conference in Rangoon (attended by PB Trustee Kyi Kyi May). MSAA members have launched an Empowerment Programme for Parliamentarians, organised English proficiency classes, workshops and debates on national and international issues, and knowledge exchange and research data sharing. Prospect Burma was also pleased to recently set up a new and important project, with three local partners, of courses for ex-political political prisoners in-country, providing English tuition as well as computer and vocational training to enable them to earn a livelihood after years of deprivation. Since 2004, PB has also awarded 69 scholarships for disadvantaged students to attend English language courses at the British Council in Rangoon at a cost of 200 per student, per term. Meanwhile, Prospect Burma is delighted to see the maturing success of other projects it has long been supporting in the ethnic borderlands. These include the Intensive English Programme in Kachin State attended by graduates of the local teacher training college (whose principal was another PB alumnus). A particular focus has been on education and vocational training in communities suffering from poverty and conflict. A star example is Dr. Sa Sa s Place of Health & Hope in Chin State (see his story on p.12). Also, key organisations such as the Thinking Classroom Foundation and Thabyay Education Foundation have been able to open offices and expand their work inside Burma. Against this backdrop, the fear factor which in the early years inhibited many students from open publicity and activity has greatly diminished, and citizens dare to hope for a better future for their children. But nationwide peace is yet to arrive, many refugees and civilians remain displaced from their homes, and democratic reform is still only at a beginning. Prospect Burma greatly welcomes your continued support: please help us to help Burma on its long road to peaceful, democratic development.

18 18 News & Events Save the date - Wednesday 24th September 2014 Once again Prospect Burma is delighted to announce a classical recital in the elegant surrounds of The Savile Club. The programme includes Nathan Williamson performing a Beethoven piano sonata and a contemporary classical piece inspired by Burma. Nathan will be joined by Josh Htet (vocal/guitar) for various well-known traditional and modern folk songs from Burma. Nathan studied at the Guildhall School, Oxford and Yale Universities and receives regular commissions from around the world for new compositions. Josh Htet is a PB alumnus who graduated from University of Oxford and is currently a lawyer in London. Admission to the concert with a welcome drink is 20, and for the added option of a 3-course dinner with wine, the price is an additional 30. Welcome drink 6.30 pm, Concert 7.15 pm, Dinner 8.30 pm. Dress code is smart casual, jacket and tie required, no jeans or trainers. Reservations should be made as soon as possible directly with The Savile Club by giving your credit card details to Maja on and quoting Prospect Burma Concert. The Savile Club is located at 69 Brook Street, London W1K 4ER. Please inform our Communications and Fundraising Officer, Audrey Ngozo at: communications@prospectburma.org if attending. We look forward to meeting you there! In Memoriam: Martin Williams, Martin and I first visited Burma in 1991 and were fortunate to stay with Ralph and Ruth Isaacs who lived in Po Sein Road in Rangoon during their British Council posting. Here, they heroically kept libraries open and provided access to English language training. Ralph and Ruth became firm friends and introduced us to Prospect Burma. Later, Ralph gave his collection of lacquer to the British Museum and he and I presented an exhibition there in For Martin and I, that first visit was memorable for so many reasons, visual and emotional, and we returned repeatedly until That last visit included a trip to Mrauk-U and the beauty of that riverine landscape will always remain very vivid for me. Back in London, the meetings of the Britain-Burma Society and the activities of Prospect Burma became highlights in the annual calendar. So, when in 2006 we celebrated our Civil Partnership it was logical that we should choose Prospect Burma as one of the two charities we asked our guests to support. It was for this reason, and the memories of Burma Pagan by moonlight, boat travel on the Irrawaddy, the beauty of handwoven textiles but above all the kindness of so many Burmese people we had met and the possibilities that we had glimpsed for Burma during the visit to London of Daw Suu, that it was obvious at Martin s funeral that Prospect Burma would again be one of the charities which we would ask our friends to support. (Richard Blurton) Introducing Prospect Burma s newest trustee: Dominic Hammond Dominic is an Oxford graduate who works as an Investment Banker in London. He writes, I was initially interested in Burma because my grandfather spoke so fondly of the country. He was stationed there towards the end of WW2 having come through India from Europe. He kept a journal which is filled with stories about the jungles, the landscapes and the generosity of the Burmese people. His experiences in Burma and the fascinating and rather tragic political situation that arose since then inspired me to visit Myanmar as it is now. I travelled around the country in 2009, walking in the hills in the north and retracing my grandfather's journey from Yangon to Mandalay. Working in finance I am particularly interested in how foreign investment in Myanmar, the most enticing of frontier markets, will play out and how the nascent administrative bodies and legislature will flex to accommodate the investment that should help the Burmese economy prosper and develop. Early stage education is of course vital to the broader health and wealth of a thriving country but Myanmar's particular situation, establishing new government entities and industries in a very short space of time, will require strong, insightful leadership. Access to higher education is therefore, in my opinion, crucial to the viability and sustainability of Myanmar's "opening up" and thus Prospect Burma's objectives are worthy and important and I'm delighted to help further them.

19 19 Prospect Burma s Legacy in Pictures BURMA - MYANMAR This is Burma, wrote Kipling. It is quite unlike any place you know about. Contact us for a tailor-made holidays to Myanmar, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka & Maldives T: E: holidays@indusexperiences.co.uk

20 20 How to Help Founded in 1989, Prospect Burma invests in a positive future for Burma through its young people. We give underprivileged Burmese students, from all ethnic and religious backgrounds, access to higher education through our scholarship programme. Our main objective is to build a core group of skilled Burmese people who have studied subjects vital to the rebuilding of civil society in Burma. It is a condition of the grant that students commit to return home to participate in development and nation building. Dancer 2004, by Nay Myo Say Nay Myo Say is a leading contemporary artist whose work combines elements from Burma's modern art movement with traditional cultural elements. This gorgeous painting was donated to Prospect Burma by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi at her 2012 Royal Festival Hall meeting with the trustees. DONATION SCHEMES PARTNERS: 25 per month Prospect Burma is in great need of more Partner donors. Our longstanding individual Partners of Prospect Burma provide us with essential core funding for our work and the continuance of our scholarships in the years ahead. Just 25 a month gives us the secure support so vital to our work. ADOPT A SCHOLARSHIP: 800 The Adopt a Scholarship Scheme costs 800 per part-scholarship per year and lets benefactors support scholarships in specific areas of study. The average cost of a scholarship is 3,500 per year, and benefactors can choose to contribute to a part-scholarship at 800 or full scholarship at 3,500 per annum. INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERS: 2000 per annum If you are an organisation or business company wishing to support us, we also have an Institutional Partners Scheme costing 2,000 per year. By becoming an institutional partner with Prospect Burma your organisation will be improving lives and developing communities within Burma. HOW CAN YOU DONATE? BY POST: Please send your donations, payable to Prospect Burma, to the address on page 2. If you are a UK taxpayer, signing a Gift Aid form (available on our website) with your donation increases the value of your gift by 20% at no extra cost to you. Our IBAN number is GB07RBOS and our SWIFT code is RBOSGB2L. ONLINE: Online donations may be made through this website: or direct to us through the Donate button on our website and Facebook page: prospectburma. You can also find us on two shopping giving sites and GIVING FROM AMERICA BY CHEQUE: Please make cheques payable to American Friends of Prospect Burma, which has US501c (3) status, and send to: Zali Win, Treasurer, P O Box 257, Accord, New York THROUGH AMERICAN FUND FOR CHARITIES: Prospect Burma is supported by the American Fund for Charities, a US501c(3) non-profit organisation EIN Donations to the American Fund for Charities from US taxpayers are tax deductable to the extent allowed by US law. Prospect Burma is registered as AFC Charity No. AFC133. For further information please visit: