EarthRights International’s Mekong School is a unique training programfor civilsociety advocates from the Mekong Region ( China , Burma , Laos , Thailand ,Cambodia , and Vietnam ) who are working on environmental and human rightsissues.  The seven month-long training program focuses on the impacts oflarge-scale infrastructure projects, particularly hydropower dams, and how citizens are engaged in advocating for more equitable development in theMekong region.  At the school, students investigate community complaintsregarding negative impacts from Asian Development Bank (ADB), World Bank,and privately funded projects.  Through a series of field visits, students examine the threats posed by various projects, such as the series of hydropower dams currently planned and under construction along the mainstream of the Mekong and its tributaries, to migratory fish stocks, local livelihoods, and regional food security.  Finally, program graduates focus on ways in which they can join together as alumni to advocate for policy reform with the ultimate goal of promoting greater public participation and transparency in development planning in the Mekong region.

 

The goals of the Mekong School session are:

-    for students to develop an understanding of the impacts of
hydropower dams and other large-scale development projects, as well as theviews and approaches of various stakeholders

-    for students to understand and analyze what methods communities
have utilized for greater protection of human rights and the environment

-    to develop students’ practical skill base in research, advocacy
and campaign work; and

-    to develop strong relationships, networks and concrete campaign
plans for implementation upon graduation and the students’ return to their
respective countries.

 

Our ideal candidates are individuals who have been active on environmental, human rights, or community development issues, who are enthusiastic about partnering with other activists from the region and who have the capacity tobecome effective community leaders and/or advocates.  The training takes place in Chiang Mai , Thailand from June to December of each year, and includes a two-month practicum in which students return to their homecountries to conduct field work. Housing, transportation, and a modest living stipend are provided to successful candidates.

 

The deadline for applications is *March 10, 2010*.  For more information, please visit our website at www.earthrights.org.  To request an applicationform, please contact the Mekong School Coordinator at mekong@earthrights.org>.