Newsletter Avalokita April 2008

People worked hard last year and the results are good.

After an intermediate audit of the situation on the ground, the remaining problems with regard to distance and the management of safe drinking water in the villages have been solved. An action plan has been developed to finalize the safe drinking water project with BWNF not later than early 2009.?The implementation of the water filters did not take place. Palmyra opted for the same safe drinking water facility as is now available in the other villages.

An Investor from Sweden is willing to build the Creative Educative Center - the building must be finished at the end of 2008. We have funded the funds for the decoration and the transport bus.

Avolakita will assist Yatra to tailor-make training modules for the trainers and supporting organizations.

The women bank has started taking the form of a Trust. A bank officer from India will lead the pilot project this year. During 2009 the project will be evaluated. A new concept have been developed that would be suitable for people who cannot read or write. During April 2008 1000 women who live in the country will gather to discuss the concept and to register, which enables them to transfer money to the Trust, putting it in their own Account.

The first school project in the Netherlands was very successful. The children enjoyed playing drama. They filled out a Questionnaire regarding safe drinking water. This way they could find out what they know about safe drinking water and could also develop some insight in the culture of India.

We have visited the Asude School in Northern Iraq. We were welcomed at the airport in a great way by the children and the principal of the school. We were there to see if we could be of assistance to modernize the education of the school. The teachers and the parents of the children are busy to raise funds for a Computer Class, playing facilities at the school, and a magazine.

Creative education like music, drama, dancing and singing are now implemented. ?The parents are involved in the project helping realizing it.?A Computer Class, sport activities and a magazine where parents and children can put content, are being prepared. ?Goal: all children enjoy going to school. At school - through playing - they may forget the misery of the war somewhat. Lessons in drama may help the children healing their trauma's better.

Teachers and children want to visit the Netherlands to exchange their thoughts on the quality of education and to take a look at Dutch schools. We will put effort in this to make this happen as well.