the journey begins...

Thailand!
Doesn't it just roll off the tongue? Home of pad thai, elephants, malaria, coconuts and (I've been told) much much more. Thailand literally translated means 'land of the free', and it's where I'm going to be spending my co-op term starting in May.

Since I can never remember what I've told who, I'm going to take a second to go into the game plan in a little bit more detail in terms of what I'm actually supposed to be doing.

The third year of the International Development Studies co-op program at UTSC requires students to spend a co-op term living and working in a developing country.
I've been hired by CUSO (which USED to stand for Canadian University Students Overseas, but no longer goes by that name because they don't work exclusively with university students) which is a Canadian development organization funded by CIDA (The Canadian International Development Agency). CUSO works in partnership with local NGO's all over the world facilitating volunteer cooperant placements, and one of those placements has been given to me!

My Placement

My official position title is "Agricultural Program Assistant". For me to explain what I'm doing, I'm going to have to give a little bit of background on the organization I'm working for. NEED (Burma) is a non-profit NGO that operates out of Chiang Mai Thailand. They've been in operation since 2006, and work to promote environmental conservation and sustainable development (both agricultural and economic). Their mission statement is:
"To work towards strengthening Burmese civil society so that all the people of Burma may benefit from the practice of endogenous and holistic development strategies, based on economically, environmentally, and socially sustainable ideas."

website:
http://www.need-burma.org/

As far as the specifics of my job, I would reiterate them, but I think they've been captured fairly succinctly in my job description, which I will now copy shamelessly from:

Desireable Personal attributes:

The cooperant should bring as open a mind as possible to the placement. Working styles and living conditions are likely to be quite outside the experience of the cooperant. A successful placement will depend on the cooperant's ability to observe, adapt, and accept the experience on its own terms. Critical thinking as well as flexibility are absolutely necessary.

Desirable cooperant qualifications (education, skills, experience, personal attributes) in addition to those listed above:

Cultural Tolerance

Strategic Planning skills

Knowledge of issues related to Burma and ethnic minorities

Advocacy Experience

Thai or Burmese language skills

Ability to drive a motorcycle

Patience and Flexibility

Cooperant responsibilities (in order of priority):

1. Help with the development of the model farm

2. Development of environmental and agricultural curriculum

3. Research Indigenous Agricultural methods used by Burma's diverse ethnic groups

4. Writing of material related to sustainable agriculture (specifically in regards to Burma)

5. Fund-raising for sustainable agriculture projects

6. Report on model farm

7. Help with the elaboration of a cooking book with nutritional values

8. Networking with other organizations

---

Any questions? Excellent. I'm glad we had this talk.


Now, some people are likely thinking,"But Leslie, you aren't leaving for over a month. What could you possibly have to write about before going away?" I'm glad you asked.
I am writing this blog for a few reasons.
Firstly, it saves me quite a bit of time at internet cafes, because it will mean I don't have write umpteen slightly different versions of what I've been up to lately to keep friends, family and anyone else who's interested in the loop.
Secondly, This blog is going to serve as a journal in which I'm able to put down my experiences, thoughts and impressions, as well as to keep track of my achievements as the placement progresses. It will be interesting to be able to look back afterwards and reminisce about the little things you forget about a trip if you don't write them down. I am going to try to post a few times before I leave to express pre-placement questions, excitements and worries.

I've been sort of on the fence about allowing reader comments on the blog, but I think I'm going to give it a shot. Please sign your name if you leave a comment so I'm able to reply if necessary.