Jalan2Asia-CommunityOrganizations.html

Despite our cultural differences, we all live on planet Earth. Our actions create ripples, both locally and globally. Jalan Jalan Asia supports sustainable tourism that benefits both host communities and visitors. We believe that improving the quality of life of those who are less fortunate or poor, and protecting our natural resources and heritages, natural or cultural, benefit everyone regardless of nationality. We appreciate the kindness and hospitality of the host communities we visit, and it is important that we give back to our hosts in a way that benefits them. This is in the spirit of Gotong Royong (Malay or Indonesian for helping each other, or share and share alike).

With this in mind, we have researched many local non-profit organizations and businesses that are dedicated to protecting and improving the natural environment, preserving centuries-old cultural heritages, or improving the lives of the local people.

Following are the non-profit organizations and we currently support, both financially and through cooperative programs:

Indonesia (Bali)

Yayasan Widya Guna, is a formal Indonesian non-profit organization, founded by Ketut Sadia and Gill Rijnenberg, aims to educate unprivileged Balinese children to be independent and bring them a better future with their own knowledge, culture and skills. There are many children in Indonesia who cannot afford to go to school. These children will never see the inside of a classroom or know the joy of reading a book. Even the ones who are able to go to elementary school will go no further in their education due to a lack of family finances. Often, these children are forced to get menial jobs that pay less than a dollar for a full day of work. The children survive but have no way to break out of this menial existence. Yayasan Widya Guna has now become a place where Balinese children can receive a good start in life. Orphans, the disabled and other children needing a helping hand are given the opportunity to obtain a good education, and become independent and responsible for their own future. As well as providing education, housing and regular food, a support net is also there for the children that require it. WINS works hard to ensure that every child has a sponsor, and the student has a responsibility to that sponsor. Every child has their own e-mail account, bank account and cashbook. They communicate with their sponsor via e-mail and report their balance every six months. Unlike other sponsorship programs the entirety of the donation goes into the children’s bank account and they manage their money with careful supervision from WINS. The aim of this system is to teach the children to be independent and responsible. In the beginning the Yayasan took care of 12 orphans and a few very poor children from the village of Bedulu. This has increased to its current size of 100+ due to the number of disadvantaged children living locally. The children go to the local school in the morning then come to the Yayasan in the afternoon. Since disabled children are not integrated into Balinese schooling, the Yayasan welcomes these children with a range of disabilities and offers them full education, therapy and support in a number of forms. The Yayasan operates under the WINS Project umbrella, a Dutch Foundation, which also has associates in USA, Australia, France and UK. WINS stands for the Dutch phrase “Weeskinderen Indonesie Naar School”, which literally means “Orphans in Indonesia to school”. Yayasan Widya Guna is located in Bedulu village, about 15 minutes from Ubud, Bali. Main website: http://yayasanwidyaguna.org; WINS Netherlands website http://www.stichtingwins.nl; WINS USA website http://www.thewinsproject.org

Yayasan Pecinta Budaya Bebali (YPBB) is an Indonesian nonprofit that works directly with natural-dye weavers cooperatives to recover dye skills and sustainable dye-plant use, to empower women, to develop local and international markets for traditional textiles, and to facilitate an ongoing dialogue between weavers and dyers of different traditions. The YPBB receives funding directly in Indonesia and US tax-deductible donations through the Threads of Life Foundation, a U.S. 501(c)(3), 501(a) (1) nonprofit under the National Heritage Foundation (Tax Identification Number 58-2085326). Secure credit card donations may be made through the link at: http://www.threadsoflife.com/foundation/. Telephone: +62 361-971214, E-mail: bebali@dps.centrin.net.id

Senang Hati, Tampaksiring, Bali. Many Balinese with disabilities still live in relative isolation due to cultural attitudes toward their condition. Disabilities are often considered karmic punishment or the result of black magic. Embarrassment, shame, and lack of understanding often prevent people with disabilities from pursuing treatment or finding ways to live happy and fulfilling lives. The main goals of Senang Hati are to raise the self-confidence of people with disabilities and encourage social, economic and physical independence and integration. Senang Hati’s managing committee is made up entirely of Balinese with disabilities. Telephone: +62 361-747-0718. E-mail: senang_hati@telkom.net. Website: www.senanghati.org.

Yayasan Bumi Sehat’s mission is to develop and implement a Community Based Sustainable Family Cooperative Health Care model targeting marginalized communities and families in Bali, Indonesia. Among their many projects include development of informational materials on traditional herbs and medicines, nutrition, pre-natal and childcare for mothers, HIV/AIDS prevention, recycling and other environmental practices. Telephone: +62 (0)361 970 002 E-mail: info@bumisehatbali.org

Bali Animal Welfare Association (BAWA) provides a wide range of animal welfare services that include free clinic, ambulance, education program in schools, rescue, rehabilitation and re-home, spay / neuter program, referral services for wild animals, and also acts as an animal abuse call center. Telephone: +62 361-977-217. E-mail: bawabali@aol.com. Website: www.bawabali.com.

Wishnu Foundation. Eight Indonesian professionals concerned about the environmental problems besetting Bali established Wisnu Foundation in 1993. Wisnu works on land and water resource management and conservation, coastal zone management, pollution control and environmental information. Telephone: +62 361-735-320. E-mail: wisnu@wisnu.or.id

RACI Project: Sustainable Solutions For Ocean Conservation. Reef Artisan Collaborative Inc. is a multinational non-profit organization that works to implement conservation focused, sustainable livelihood programs built on the social, cultural and environmental capital of communities residing within Marine Protected Areas. Their work serves to decrease community dependency on natural resources and increase community welfare while conserving biodiversity. The Bunaken National Marine Park Sustainable Livelihoods Co-Investment Initiative is our pilot program. RACI has begun to open channels for communal access to ecotourism and alternative markets by providing community-level support for sustainable economic development. In this capacity they work to promote, train and support emerging entrepreneurs so that they can benefit from ecotourism in their communities. Providing the process and innovation necessary to showcase their talents at fair trade value, RACI’s co-investment strategy is grounded in the field tested Sustainable Livelihoods Enhancement and Diversification (SLED) model. Website: http://raciproject.org;

Malaysia

Corridor of Life Program (World Wildlife Fund Malaysia) aims to restore the habitat for the orang utans that are found only in Borneo and Sumatra. Currently, it is estimated there are less than 30,000 orang utans in the world. Of this number, about 1,300 are in Sarawak and 11,000 in Sabah. The endangered orang utans require extensive natural forests that are rich in high quality foods and a variety of fruits. However, agricultural plantations and grasslands separate tracts of forests. As arboreal animals that spend most of their lives in trees, orang utans cannot walk across agricultural plantations or grasslands. These fruit eaters are therefore confined to a specific spot, and soon run out of food. In addition, there is a lack of accessibility to find mating partners, resulting in inbreeding. To remedy this problem, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Malaysia and the Sabah Wildlife Department launched the Corridor of Life Program in 2003 to plant trees that help to connect forests. The planting of trees, especially fruit trees, will benefit not only the orang utan but also a range of wildlife such as the hornbills and other primates. To contribute, logon to www.wwfmalaysia.org or www.boh.com.my

LEAP Spiral serves and supports community initiatives that seek to balance economic and ecological needs; collaborative restoration projects which integrate the needs of indigenous peoples, with the rights of animals, and lands to be protected in perpetuity; public awareness programs which teach the importance of nature conservation; cultural / educational engagement programs involving youth, students, interns, women, elders, families and others; and conservation concession projects which allow land and animal habitat to regenerate. Telephone (Office): +60 88 270 705, Mobile: +60 12 828 1705

Skype: cynthiaong_leap Website: www.leapspiral.org

Wild Asia is a social enterprise working to support the conservation of natural areas and the communities dependent upon their resources. They work primarily by forging partnerships with individuals and businesses that are socially and environmentally responsible. Wild Asia’s ultimate goal is to promote sustainable practices that will minimize adverse impacts on the environment, ensure that local communities are engaged and that local cultures are respected. Telephone: + 60 3 4251 4518

Email: contact by email Website: www.wildasia.net

Badan Warisan Malaysia (Heritage of Malaysia Trust) has played a distinctive role in the promotion of the preservation and conservation of Malaysia’s built heritage since their formation in 1983 as a Non-Government Organization. Among some of their successes include the preservation of significant built heritage structures and sites throughout the country including Rumah Bomoh and Rumah Kutai in Perak, Gedung Raja Abdullah in Kelang, Selangor, Istana Tengku Long in Terengganu, Mesjid Merbok Pengkalan Kakap in Kedah and the Central Market in Kuala Lumpur. In 1995, Badan Warisan Malaysia restored and adapted a 1925 colonial bungalow into a Heritage Centre with exhibition, seminar, specialist resource centre and meeting facilities. Badan Warisan continues to urge public and private owners to conserve and preserve historic buildings and environments and to promote their sympathetic adaptation to new uses, so as to ensure their future viability and relevance. Telephone: +60 3 2144 9273

E-mail: heritage@badanwarisan.org.my Website: www.badanwarisan.org.my

Thailand

North Andaman Tsunami Relief provides assistance to tsunami impacted coastal communities on and near Koh Phratong. The organization emphasizes a community-driven process, and cooperates with other parties involved in the relief effort to work toward long-term sustainability for these communities. Telephone: +66 (0) 87 917 7165

E-mail: relieffund@inet.co.th Website: www.natr.com

The Mirror Art Group is a non-profit non-government organization working in the Mae Yao sub-district of Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand, that operates a number of projects and programs to help the hill tribe peoples of Mae Yao sub-district to combat their everyday struggles with unemployment, poverty, drug addiction and lack of Thai citizenship. They also try to give the hill tribes of Mae Yao the skills, education and support required to adapt to a co-existence with lowland Thais without sacrificing their cultural identity. Telephone: +66 53 737 412 E-mail: moo@bannok.com

The Prem Center Magic Eyes Barge Program is an outdoor experiential environmental education program. Their educational trips are designed for schools and groups who seek an intimate and close-up experience with the natural environment and the lifestyles and culture of Thai people. Magic Eyes Barge Program specializes in working with teachers and trip leaders to custom design and run safe, innovative and high quality environmental-based field trips along the Chao Phraya River of central Thailand, in the mountains and forests of Chiang Mai, Khao Yai National Park, Kanchanaburi and Udon Thani, as well as along Thailand's rich and diverse coastal areas, Ranong, Krabi and Rayong. The Magic Eyes Barge Program has been recognized by UNEP as the “Best Practice” Environmental Education Program in Asia-Pacific in 2001. Telephone: +66 (0)-2883-1701/2   E-mail : barge@premcenter.in.th Website : www.premcenter.org and http://www.premcenter.in.th/

Hornbill Research Foundation was founded in 1980 to help save threatened hornbills and their habitat The objectives of the Hornbill Research Foundation are to: (1) continue and expand further research initiatives into hornbills and related topics; (2) disseminate information on forest and the wildlife within them to the public; (3 ) develop interest in and encourage the study of natural ecosystems among scientists, researchers, students and school children; (4) set-up a centre for the exchange of information and training in research into hornbills at both national and international levels; (5) work for the good of the public or co-operate with other nonprofit-making institutions for public benefit.; and (6) not to be involved with any political activity. Heading this remarkable organization is Professor Pillai Poonswad at Mahidol University in Bangkok. Professor Poonswad dedication to saving threatened hornbills and their habitat has been exemplary, and she has stopped at nothing to get her message across, including confronting poachers, wild animals, and hostile villagers. Her determination and non-judgmental attitude have converted 40 illegal poachers into nature-loving gamekeepers! She has since hired these converted poachers and other formerly hostile villagers now locate, protect and maintain over 176 nests belonging to six hornbill species. Telephone: +66 2-201-5532

Email: scpps@mahidol.ac.th    Website: www.web.utk.edu/-vchimcho

Dog Rescue Center Samui. Stray dogs overrun Samui Island. Many of these un-cared for dogs are sick and injured, but continued to breed uncontrollably. A dedicated and compassionate small group of animal-loving Thais and foreigners founded the Dog Rescue Center Samui to help bring a better quality of life for the many stray dogs. The center brought in a qualified Thai veterinary surgeon to Samui, and since April 1999, this non-profit even operates a small animal clinic. DRCS’s main objectives are: (1) to sterilize, castrate and tattoo stray dogs and cats; (2) to vaccinate all dogs against rabies; (3) to give medical treatment when needed; and (4) to educate the local population about responsible pet-ownership. Telephone: +66 77 413 490

E-mail: samuidog@hotmail.com    Website: www.samuidog.org


Myanmar
To be announced.

Laos

The Language Project @ My Library. In 1999, American Carol Kresge began setting up reading and listening libraries for the novices and monks in Luang Prabang temples. Since 2003, a self study and resource centre has been operating in town open and free to all. English language books, tapes and CD Rom learning materials are carefully chosen to meet the need for further studies and skills. Computer programs include Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Photoshop and a CD Rom Encyclopedia. Learning to type materials are available in English as well as Lao. Books on Art, History and Folk Stories of Laos are very popular and there is a range of Hmong language books which the ethnic Hmong users are amazed to find. Most of these learning materials are simply not available in Laos. Being the largest town in Northern Laos, several thousand post secondary students come to attend school in Luang Prabang. The Language Project library averages 140 users a day. It's a place where young people come to help each other, learn about problem solving and where students realize that they too, can become teachers. Education in the English language is a key to a job and new future. English is also the language of trade, commerce and international relations even among non English speaking Asean-Association of Southeast Asian Nations. The Language Project also supports a library at Santipap High School in Luang Prabang, the Novices High School in Sayabuli province and several mini libraries in remoter provinces. The Language Project is a US non-profit 501(c)(3).   Donations may be made directly on-line or by check. Website: www.thelanguageproject.org Also check the Alam Asia Fund: email: han@alamasia.net

Cambodia

Mith Samlanh (based in Phnom Penh) was founded in 1994 in response to the increasing needs of street children. Mith Samlanh is a Cambodian non-partisan, non-religious and non-governmental organization. The vision is that Cambodia be a country where no children are forced to live or work on the streets. Mith Samlanh develops its projects using a child-centered methodology: children are involved in the decision-making, the life of the projects and the evaluation of services. Telephone: (855) 23-426 748 E-mail: friends@everyday.com.kh Website: www.streetfriends.com

Angkor Association for the Disabled (based in Siem Reap) is a grass-roots organization established with the goal of helping as many disabled people around Siem Reap as possible. “I don’t beg. I want to work.” ADD helps disabled people break the cycle of begging. It also helps people in transition with housing, fights discrimination, gets members jobs, and offers training programs to provide marketable skills. Telephone: (855) 12 690 934 E-mail: semsovantha@yahoo.com

Som Maly Foundation was founded by Somaly Mam, who began her work rescuing and rehabilitating survivors of human trafficking in her home country of Cambodia, where she herself suffered as a child sex slave before heroically escaping and where today, at least 30,000 children are enslaved in the sex trade. The combination of low value placed on girls, and the stigma associated with victims of the sex trade in Southeast Asian culture, along with a booming sex tourism industry, has helped perpetuate the cycle of trafficking and slavery in the region. The foundation continues to have a strong focus on Cambodia and Southeast Asia in general, funding shelters and direct services for girls who have been victims of human trafficking. They work with AFESIP (or Acting for Women in Distressing Situations), the organization that Somaly founded before the Som Maly Foundation, to fund shelters in Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand that house up to 500 girls and offer them the comprehensive services they need to heal, and to create healthy, sustainable futures for themselves. All of their programs share an emphasis on the collective voice of the survivors, who participate in every aspect of their work. Survivors who have gone through our rescue, rehabilitation, and reintegration programs can choose to join their Voices for Change (VFC) initiative, which offers them the opportunity to work in the Survivor Services programs doing everything from outreach to teaching classes. VFC members visit the brothels, distributing condoms and performing outreach for victims, including HIV/AIDS education. The Somaly Mam Foundation is a 510(c)(3) registered nonprofit organization in the US. Website: http://www.somaly.org

Vietnam

To be announced.

USA

World Pulse is a media enterprise covering global issues through the eyes of women. They are dedicated to listening to and broadcasting the unheard voices and innovative solutions of women worldwide. World Pulse produces World Pulse Magazine as well as PulseWire, an interactive community newswire where women can speak for themselves to the world and connect to solve global problems. From web to print, they have created a forum where women's voices can rise from the ground up and connect across oceans, continents, and cultural barriers to create a new world. Telephone: +1 (503) 331 3900 Website: http://www.worldpulse.com

McKenzie River Foundation (MRG Foundation) funds grassroots groups working on a range of issues, including poverty, war, racism, homophobia and environmental destruction. Since 1976, we've given over $10 million in grants to create social change in Oregon. Website: http://www.mrgf.org

Mercy Corps works amid disasters, conflicts, chronic poverty and instability to unleash the potential of people who can win against nearly impossible odds. Since 1979, Mercy Corps has provided $1.5 billion in assistance to people in 106 nations. Supported by headquarters offices in North America and Europe, the agency's unified global programs employ 3,500 staff worldwide and reach nearly 16.4 million people in more than 35 countries. Mercy Corps’ strategy is to work in countries in transition, where communities are recovering from disaster, conflict or economic collapse. Their experience demonstrates that turmoil and tragedy often create opportunities for lasting, positive change. Telephone: +1 (888) 256-1900 Website: http://www.mercycorps.org

If you like more information about how to be included in our Community-Give-Back program or if you have questions or concerns about any of the listed NGOs, please –email us at choy@jalan2asia.com.