Campaign to Deliver Picture Books

  The Myanmar (Burma) refugee camp and Afghanistan were added to the campaign in 2007 to the already existing activities in Cambodia and Laos, and a total of 16,641 picture books were delivered. Apart from individuals, a total of 73 schools and 98 companies participated, and we continued to receive grants from Bellmark Educational support Foundation, as well as aid in the form of transport from a shipping company. We aim to do even better in 2008, with a goal of delivering 17,000 books.

Publicity Activities

  Annual access to our website has almost tripled since it was revamped. Content and design of our newsletter "Shanti" was also revamped in October. With the Rakugo Art Association, we hosted charity shows in temples around the country and a charity live event in Tokyo. Because of the value we place in face-to-face relations, in 2008, we will focus particularly on Child Book Supporters'publicity and reaching out to religious organizations.

Child Book Supporters

  As of the end of 2007, 418 people (making 503 sets of contributions) had registered as supporters. Through the April symposium, the August Laos field study tour and the October and November exchange events for supporters, we were able to make new connections and deepen mutual understanding. SVA hopes to continue to steadily expand this web of supporters, always keeping in mind the children so far away that we are trying to help.

All supporters receive letters from children
Samnang(13years old,Cambodia)

Craft Aid

  In 2007, sales from mail order and commemorative goods increased, reaching 112% of the budget. Supporters increased in number to 1,190 people. In 2008, SVA will deepen relations with craft producers and continue to develop even better products. To communicate awareness of fair trade, we make good use of our catalogs and website and undertake thorough publicity activities.   

Support for Overseas Activities

  In 2007, national staff from three of our overseas offices came to Japan for a seminar on book publishing and to give presentations on their work. Children also came from Thailand to deliver presentations in Japan. Evaluation of the 2005-2007 Personnel Training Plan in our overseas offices also took place. In 2008, SVA will undertake fundraising activities to continue support for our projects abroad and share information with and cooperate with networks of related issues within Japan.

Research and Advocacy

  SVA carried out various surveys and seminars on cooperation in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) ,Graduate Research Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) and Ochanomizu University. SVA also served as the secretariat for Japan NGO Network for Education (JNNE), publishing a translation of the EFA Global Monitoring Report 2008 and cosponsoring the launching seminars with JICA and ACCU. JNNE also developed the Life Skills Education Program Manual with the contract from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. SVA and JNNE joined the 2008 G8 Summit Japan NGO Forum and made policy advocacy paper regarding basic education and child labor. In 2008, JNNE carried out the EFA Campaign "World's Biggest Lesson," which was participated by 25,000 school children in Japan.

Life Skills Programs Manual , published by JNNE

Recycled Books Aid

  In 2007, we revamped our publicity materials and made a new pamphlet. We received tremendous response, thanks to newspaper coverage, which resulted in many people taking part in this program across the country. We also began the "Smile Eco Program" in cooperation with NETOFF Inc. In 2008, SVA will strive to produce publicity materials that are easy to understand, so that our activities can become even more familiar to others.

  Emergency relief work was carried out in 2007 in three areas: the Noto Peninsula earthquake (March), Chuetsu-oki earthquake (July) and the Bangladesh Cyclone (November). Because of efforts to create face-to-face relationships with communities and the particular importance of this in relief work, SVA is also continuing to join in activities of affiliate Tokyo Volunteer Network for Disaster Relief, network building with other disaster relief organizations and disaster education with members of the SVA Disaster Relief Supporters.

Noto Peninsula Earthquake Relief Activities

  On March 25, 2007, an earthquake measuring 6.9 magnitudes occurred off the Noto Peninsula, in Ishikawa prefecture, claiming one life and damaging over 10,000 homes. For the month following the disaster, SVA staffs were dispatched to the Wajima Disaster Volunteer Center to coordinate volunteers at the site and provide support for planning and running disaster assistance aid programs by the Council of Social Welfare and local volunteer groups. In the heavily damaged Monzen ward built originarity in front of Sotoshu's Daihonzan Soujiji Soin, SVA also supported Gyocha activities (communicating with victims over tea to assess their needs) started by Sotoshu priests.

Chuetsu-oki Earthquake Relief Activities

  On July 16, 2007, an earthquake measuring 6.8 magnitudes occurred off Chuetsu coastal areas in Niigata prefecture, claiming 15 lives, injuring 2,315 people and completely destroying 1,319 homes. Over a three month period, SVA dispatched six staff to help coordinate volunteer work. At the Disaster Volunteer Center set up by the Kashiwazaki City Council of Social Welfare and Sotoshu Volunteer Center(Sotoshu VC)set by Headquarter of Sotoshu Local Task Force, we helped manage the Volunteer center and organize support system for residents of temporary shelters. At the Sotoshu VC, we coordinated Gyocha activities at evacuation areas and temporary shelters.

Cyclone Relief Activities in Bangladesh (Preliminary Survey)

  In the middle of the night on November 15, 2007, southern Bangladesh was hit by a huge cyclone that claimed over 3,000 lives and affected about 1.5 million households. The floods did not recede in low-lying areas, because it was pre-harvest season, many victims lost their livelihoods. SVA dispatched an investigation team two weeks after to see what the situation was on the ground and to find out what assistance was needed, given that the disaster was not reported on in Japan very much. We decided to provide assistance for a period of six months, beginning January 2008. We are helping in the recovery of the disaster-hit areas through providing school materials for children and building community centers and cyclone shelters.

Support for Miyake Island "House of Winds"

  In the year of 2000, people of Miyake island had evacuated to out of island for over four years after eruption. Then, since residents whom of 40% are elderly began returning to Miyake Island from the fall of 2005, SVA has continued to provide support for their recovery, mostly through the community space "House of Winds", which opened in 2005. In July, we participated in a training session for volunteer which was also an opportunity for interaction with residents of the island, and in December, we joined year-end volunteer clean up activities sponsored by "House of Winds". Two years have passed since people began efforts to rebuild their lives on the island, and SVA will continue to work with affiliate Tokyo Volunteer Network for Disaster Relief to provide assistance through activities to help Miyake Island residents.

Collaboration with SVA Disaster Relief Supporters

  SVA holds monthly meetings with SVA Disaster Relief Supporters, who carry out disaster prevention activities in their own communities. Supporters use this space to introduce their work to each other and discuss how to continue to collaborate, through cooperation during times of local disaster and camps and workshops on the theme of disaster prevention. The year 2007 saw several disasters within Japan, and through these networks, we studied ways to assist victims and broaden our network.

Participation in Disaster Training for the Tokyo Metropolitan Area

  SVA participated from the planning stages of an evacuation drill for Tokyo Metropolitan area held in November 2007 for residents of the Tokyo Metropolitan Area, to help them get home safely in the case of a major earthquake. 1,227 people from local community and companies joined in the Aid Station drill, which helps in providing water and foods and rest stops for evacuees. 1,853 people walked four routes from Tokyo, out towards Chiba, Saitama, Kanagawa and Western Tokyo. With the support of the local community and the Sotoshu Zenpukuji Temple, SVA set up an Aid Station in Zenpukuji Town, Suginami Ward, and took part in the evacuation drill.

  It is said that 22% (1,910,000) out of the total population of refugees in the world (8,390,000) are from Afghanistan. According to the latest statistics, one out of four of these dies before reaching the age of five years. To improve the educational system of the country (the current literacy rate is 28%), basic education is one of the country's biggest challenges. In 2007, the government released its Five-Year Plan on Educational Development Strategy. In addition to improving infrastructure, such as building schools; it outlines personnel training and the creation of spaces for science laboratories and libraries.

Summary

  SVA will continue to implement its library programs with a focus on schools, so that they become established activities within them. We will also strengthen cooperative relations with our counterpart, the Ministry of Education, and value our network with the local community. It is also important to provide support for children unable to attend school because of poverty, as well as children who are working. We will continue to strengthen our relationship with other international organizations, communities and local authorities in order to develop our activities in the province. We will also improve our security measures to secure our staff safety.

School Libraries

Mobile book-box project and library workshop for teachers

  In 2007, the mobile book-box project was carried out 75 times in 26 schools within and around Jalalabad, using mobile book-boxes containing 50 books each. A total of 3,653 children and 211 teachers joined in games and story-telling and paper drama out loud. Library workshop was also held over five days in five provincial districts for 15 schools, and 340 teachers participated. In 2008, SVA plans to implement the projects in 22 schools in Jalalabad and three schools in rural areas.

Publishing Picture Books and Paper Drama

  In 2007, SVA published 600 copies each of seven picture book titles in Pashtun and Dari. We also published 200 sets each of two titles of paper drama, also two languages. The seven-member publishing committee was involved in story selection and the composition of each book. These 8,400 picture books and 800 sets of paper dramas are used in 25 schools in Nangahar province and children's library, serving about 62,000 children. In 2008, SVA plans to publish nine titles of picture book and two titles of paper drama.

Children's Library

  In 2007, 21,936 children aged three to 15 years visited the children's library in Jalalabad. Various monthly activities were held, such as birthday gatherings, parent-child group sessions and Children's Day, and mothers were also encouraged to participate. Special classes were also launched for children unable to attend school for economic reasons, as well as children unable to keep up in class. On average, 50 children attend each day.

School Construction

  In 2007, SVA built three school buildings: one with 10 classrooms in Qalatak primary school, Khewa district (1,126 children and 28 teachers), one with 13 classrooms (one library room) in Sayed Jamaludin boys'primary school, Khewa district (902 children and 34 teachers) and one with 13 classrooms (one library room) in Kot girls' primary school, Kot district (904 children and 30 teachers). Office furniture for teachers and stationery for students were distributed in each school. Libraries were also established in each school, with 700 books provided for each (100 in Pashtun, 500 picture books published by SVA, 50 picture books from Japan and 50 books for youth). In 2008, SVA plans to build three school buildings for Qalai Shahi primary school, Dara-I-Noor district, Tawakal Baba primary school, Khewa district and Takia Garay girls' primary school, Bati Kot district.

International Exchange and Training

  In late February to March 2007, the Japanese expert on library activity and a writer of picture books and paper drama hold a capacity building seminar in Afghanistan. It was attended by staff members of the library section, two officials of the Provincial Department of Education and one official of the Provincial Department of Information and Culture. It was an opportunity to look at the history of libraries in Japan and learn about public libraries, and to think about how to develop libraries in Afghanistan. A workshop was also held based on the concept of using readily available materials to create teaching materials, such as paper drama. In April 2007, two SVA national staff members, together with Mr. Gardiwal, a former director of the Provincial Department of Education, visited Japan to join a training session on publishing children's story books. In September, the deputy director of SVA Afghanistan office attended the annual meeting of overseas directors for the first time.

  There are still 140,000 refugees living in the 23-year old camps on Myanmar's (Burmese) border. The third country resettlement policy, now in its third year, has sent over 20,000 people to 11 countries in Europe and USA. The target planned for 2008 is 17,000, but due to long-term human rights violations in Myanmar (Burma) and the persecution of those involved in the September 2007 demonstrations for democracy, the flow of refugees continues, resulting in camp population numbers remaining about the same overall.

Summary

  As the composition of the camp population changes with the third country resettlement policies and the inflow of "new" refugees, it is creating a personnel crisis for NGO staff. In 2007, ten of the 12 Maela camp librarians have left camp to resettle in the third countries, and potential successors are limited in number and require much time for training. In view of these circumstances, in 2008, we will continue to strengthen support offered by SVA staff and make the hiring and training of new librarians more effective. Our libraries are also striving to provide useful information for both people seeking to resettle in third countries and those waiting to return home.

Libraries

Expansion and Reconstruction to Existing Library Buildings

  Expansions and reconstruction of seven of the 25 libraries were undertaken using more durable materials. The formerly bamboo floors were cemented for a smooth surface, making it safer for various activities, such as traditional dance classes and games. In 2008, we will continue to use such building materials where required.

Parent-child Activities Using Picture Books

  Workshops were held in each camp in July targeting parents who do not use the libraries much, and we were able to communicate the significance of picture books and story-telling to mothers. Mobile book-boxes were then set up in each library specifically for them, and the number of mothers using the system has continued to rise. SVA will hold follow-up seminars for them in 2008.

Distribution of Books for Children and Adults

  SVA distributed to each library four copies each of ten titles of picture books published in Japan and ten titles from Thailand (two in Karen and two in Burmese). The Campaign to Deliver Picture Books to Myanmar (Burmese) refugees was also expanded to become part of the Tokyo Office's Campaign to Deliver Picture Books. Local offices executed the Burmese translation of Japanese picture books and Karen and Burmese translations of Thai ones.
  On average, we distributed 40 books for adults per month to each library, mostly Burmese novels, magazines, newspapers, and books on the topics of agriculture, the home and health and medicine.
  In 2008, SVA will continue to provide books in this way. In particular, we plan to select ten children's book titles that include picture books promoting peace building.

Culture Classes

  Each library holds classes in drawing, handicrafts and origami with the children. Activities to celebrate events were also held around five times a year, such as Children's Day, a picture book contest, Mother's Day, Karen festivals, and Father's Day.

Publishing Picture Books and School Materials

  We published two books based on folk tales told to us by elders and the two winning titles of SVA's picture book competition, held from June to September, totaling four new titles in two languages each. The editorial and printing process took longer than expected due to staff changes, so completion of the project was a year late, but a total of 8,000 books were printed, with 2,000 of each title (1,000 each in Karen and Burmese). In 2008, we aim to print 6,000 books within the year of three titles, again, each in two languages of 1,000 copies each.

Community Activities

  Library Youth Volunteers, established in 2006, is comprised of about 20 youth in each camp. In 2007, the twice yearly training session and traveling exhibition featuring puppet drama were held, both popular with children. Events targeting the elderly were also held five times, including a speech contest for adults and a picture book contest. In 2008, SVA will continue to hold events to promote reading and traditional culture.

Traditional Culture

  Classes for three kinds of traditional instruments (Tanakeklaw: harp, Kana: mandolin, Thaw Htu: violin) and traditional dance were held in each camp. Due to a shortage of teachers, however, only seven Tanakeklaw classes, three Kana classes, two Thaw Htu classes and seven Karen dances took place. Students performed what they had learned at camp events. SVA will improve teaching methods and class content in 2008, to create even better courses.

Training for Library Staff and Members of the Library Committee

  We held a training session in each camp for already existing librarians, as well as basic pre-training for new librarians as the need arose. In November, our fifth joint seminar for library staff was held at Maela camp. A joint seminar for the library committees of each camp, which provide assistance in managing the libraries, was also held in Maela camp in May. In 2008, SVA will continue to hold capacity-building seminars so that library spaces and activities can be run more independently.

Training for Writers and Illustrators

  This seminar, carried out to promote the publication of picture books by refugees, was held for the second time this year in August in Umpium camp, where the book editorial committee is based. Ten participants gathered, and were assisted by Thai picture book author Cheewan Wisasa and two picture book editors who had also lent their support in 2006.

Training for Writers and Illustrators

  This seminar, carried out to promote the publication of picture books by refugees, was held for the second time this year in August in Umpium camp, where the book editorial committee is based. Ten participants gathered, and were assisted by Thai picture book author Cheewan Wisasa and two picture book editors who had also lent their support in 2006.

Mobile Libraries at Thai Karen Nurseries and Primary Schools

  The target area was focused from this year on 26 nurseries and five primary schools in Tha Song Yang, Tak province, where the Maela Refugee Camp is located. Together with SVA Thailand, SVA held a reading promotion seminar in June targeting teachers, after which we lent mobile book-boxes and carried out monitoring activities. In 2008, we plan to hold a training seminar with a childcare expert from Japan.

photo:Kawabata Yoshifumi

  Favorable economic growth and a real estate bubble, a rapid increase in the number of cars and a construction boom are all underway in the Laotian capital of Vientiane. In rural areas, however, development in the spheres of economy, industry and education are lagging behind, and the gap between urban and rural areas continues to widen. The Ministry of Education has set 2020 as the goal to achieve universal primary education, but there is still a long way to go before this can be attained.

Summary

  SVA is continuing its efforts in recent years to create models of support activities, network, and expand projects to areas most in need, in the areas of school clusters, public libraries, Children's Cultural Centers and pre-school education. SVA provides assistance that is long-term and unique, unlike that offered by any other organization. We also prioritize support for social minorities, such as ethnic minorities and children with disabilities.

Primary School Construction and School Cluster Support

  SVA built one primary school in Bolikhamsay province and two schools and two resource centers in Salavane province, creating safe spaces for 500 children to study.
  We also held seminars in these two provinces about the school cluster system (vital for effective improvement of provision of education) and management and use of the resource centers, which are responsible for the production of supplementary educational materials and to promote reading. SVA considers it important to include the village in efforts to improve education, so training seminars were held and attended by government delegates, teachers, parents and members of the community.
  We also created supplementary educational materials to aid children from the southern regions, many of who are ethnic minorities, to understand the classes, which take place in Lao, the national language, and for smooth communication with their teachers. We plan to hold seminars in 2008 during which these materials will be distributed.

Library and Youth Activities

  The Vientiane Province Public Library was completed in May, making a total of six libraries that SVA is supporting: Luang Phabang　province, Xiengkhouang province, Vientiane Capital City, Savannakhet province and Champassack province. In 2007, training sessions for librarians were held and 8,191 books (4,988 in Lao and 3,203 in Thai) were added to the collection. The six libraries enjoyed a total of 208,911 visitors, showing that the libraries are functioning well. We will continue these efforts in 2008.
  The mobile book-box project is being implemented from 2007 to 2009 in primary schools in northern Xiengkhouang province. A training session for teachers in 60 target school was held in December 2007 and 90 mobile book-boxes were distributed. A total of 12,797 students are benefiting from this project.
  A mobile library car goes around Vientiane Capital City five days a week, regularly visiting seven primary schools, a facility for the blind, a drug poisoning rehabilitation center and villages with many poor residents. This project will continue in 2008, particularly to reach those without much access to books.
  SVA coordinated the construction of a model kindergarten in the Dongkhamxang teacher training school in Vientiane Capital, and will continue to cooperate in the improvement of the quality of children's education throughout the country.

Children's Home for Culture and Education

  In 2007, the total number of children aged 8 to 13 years using the facilities was 17,725 (60% female). Children could participate in 25 classes, including traditional dance, traditional music, Japanese, drama and table tennis. The dance group was invited to Vietnam, China and Thailand (SEAgame) to represent their country. In 2008, we will make particular efforts to strengthen links with the regional Children's Cultural Center and cooperate with public libraries and the state-run broadcasting station.

International Exchange and Training

  The Summer 2007 Laos Study Tour was held from August 20 to 26, and 26 supporters from all around Japan participated. The group visited the Vientiane Capital City library and Children's Home, did a home-stay in Nalong village and visited the Xianglom primary school in Luang Phabang, where SVA distributed mobile book-boxes. In 2007, 35 groups and a total of 241 people visited the Laos Office.

  Recently, the soaring costs of construction materials due to the global rise in crude oil prices has been very problematic. The gap between the rich and poor, and injustices in society are getting worse. Less than half the children at the age of grade six of primary school is able to graduate (national average). The country continues to suffer a shortage of 15,000 classrooms, a gap between urban and rural areas, a lack in the quality and quantity of teachers, and a shortage of books including textbooks.

Summary

  To fulfill SVA's mission, all staff execute projects sharing a common passion and dream. We are increasing field visits by visitors to project areas to gain more supporters. We place importance in: improving project and organizational management skills of national staff members; strengthening cooperation among different projects and overall team work; staff capacity building through training sessions; clarifying staff roles and responsibilities to improve efficiency in office management; and speeding up the project reporting process and information sharing.

Libraries

  SVA began work to expand our library activities, taking on a project in Siem Reap province for the first time. Our biggest achievement was laying the foundation for libraries to be established in all primary schools in the country, through training not just provincial level officials, but national ones also, as part of state policy. Various training sessions were held in central and regional locations. SVA distributed picture books in Cambodia (7 titles, 21,000 copies), paper drama (3 titles, 1,050 copies), and 26,948 picture books and paper drama from Japan. The mobile library project was carried out 121 times with 23,543 children participating in total.
  In 2008, to take the project a step further, we will strengthen cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports and Siem Reap Provincial Education Office and build two model libraries (at teacher training school and primary school).

School Construction

  In 2007, amidst the rising cost of materials, we built 13 primary schools in Siem Reap province, adding to our activities in Kompong Thom province. Though this 2,556 children were given the opportunity to study in a permanent school structure. Of significance is that in cooperation with provincial and district education officials and the school support committee, SVA was able to build a model school in Cambodia where intellectual, moral and physical education is possible by taking part in library activities and planting trees to help the environment, in addition to past efforts in constructing school buildings, wells and toilets with community participation.
  In 2008, in cooperation with provincial and district education officials, SVA plans to build 14 primary schools in the poorest villages in target areas. We will also continue to meet required standards in the establishment of schools and build a model "Dream School" in accordance with long-term master plans.

Traditional Cultural Development

  In 2007, SVA sponsored the National Buddhist Training Session in Banteay Meanchey province for Buddhist monks throughout the country. It was attended by 507 monks and officials of provincial and district office of Religion and Cults. We also hosted a field trip to Angkor Wat for the monks and planted trees in temples, contributing towards the revival of Buddhism. The training session for preserving traditional arts and culture was attended by 375 people. We also published and distributed 2,500 copies of a Khmer grammar book.
  In 2008, SVA will undertake a survey regarding the role of the temple in preserving traditional culture and the environment, and plans to further current activities based on such practices.

Activities in Slums

  In September 2007, two new staff members were hired and a small vehicle purchased to kick off mobile library activities, which targeted 20 slums. 4,224 people participated. 572 children living in slums where residents faced eviction were provided with school supplies.
  Training and skills-building for new staff are planned for 2008, as well as the improvement in quality of mobile library activities. SVA is also creating a mid to long-term plan for slum communities facing eviction.

  A provisional system led by the military was put in place after the coup d'etat, but a civil government was restored after the December national election, after a period of one year and five months. The possibility of reverting to a situation of political unrest is, however, high, with repulsion between the new government and supporters of the former prime minister and the military. The polarization of wealth continues, with urban slums that have been rapidly increased in number since the 1960s now found not just in Bangkok but in regional cities, as well, and numbering over 4,000.

Summary

  In 2008, while continuing to evaluate our projects to date, SVA will strengthen links with the communities with a view to the projects becoming independently run by them in the future. We are also working to improve our educational support programs even more, which help children living in areas suffering great hardship.

Libraries

  In 2007, there were about 130 thousand beneficiaries of SVA library programs in Bangkok slums and designated regional areas. Within this were 100,709 community library users, 23,640 mobile library activity participants, 202 people who attended daycare training sessions and about ten thousand children who benefited indirectly. SVA also ran seminars and mobile library activities in Tha Song Yang, Tak province, where many members of the Karen hill tribe live. Through direct services offered to children, as well as working with childcare givers, communities became aware of the importance of picture books and story-telling in the physical and mental development of a child. In 2008, we will act on the synergies between our different activities, connecting the dots to expand SVA's work even further.

Asian Scholarships

  In 2007, SVA provided scholarships to 447 lower and higher secondary school and university students attending schools in Bangkok slums or the former slum areas, Pong, Payao province, Chiang Khan, Loei province, and Muang, Surin province. We prioritize helping those from mountain villages and farming villages in the remote areas, whose school attendance rates according to the government are well below others. SVA has also applied stricter selection standards to ensure the effectiveness of the program, and sponsored a youth leadership skills camp for scholarship recipients in urban slums and northeastern rural areas. We work to develop the next generation through activities at community libraries and community centers during long school holidays, with youth volunteers selected from the pool of scholarship recipients. We will continue in 2008 to improve school attendance rates of children facing hardship.

Lower and Higher Secondary School Student Dormitories

  In 2007, SVA took 48 children from mountain minorities of Payao province and 30 children from farming villages in Loei province into the dormitories. Because there are few educational facilities above the junior high school level in poverty-stricken areas, the number of children unable to attend school is increasing. SVA's student dormitories take in such children and not only give them the opportunity to study, but also to undertake practical agricultural training and community volunteer work, as guided by staff. Sites are also provided for camps for exchange activities with other groups, as well as for scholarship students. Students form steering committees and learn how to host such events, and not just partake in them. In 2008, we will put more effort into youth development activities, and the student dormitories will be used even more for seminars and interactions.

International Exchange and Training

  We hosted about 700 visitors from Japan in 2007. In June, ten Thai scholars and two Thai staff members were invited to Japan. Apart from introducing SVA's work to Japanese people, they enjoyed cultural exchange, including traditional dance performances. Staff members also came for training in July and November and participated in fieldwork on daycare, education and regional development in Japan. The experiences gained by each visitor from these seminars and exchanges are then fed back to other scholars and staff members.

Reconstruction Aid for Victims of the Suan Phlu Slum Fire Disaster

  Four years have passed since the disaster and many victims continue to live in shelters, although about half have finally moved into reconstructed housing. In the center of this former slum area, a community center has been built which provides space for a library (which opened in September), a nursery (which opened in August) and meetings. The nursery is attended by 40 children aged between two and a half to six years. The library is used by about 1,600 people per month. We will continue efforts to create spaces that allow the victims to reconnect with each other as a community and recover from their disrupted lives, taking into consideration the conditions of the location and the advantage of our position as a neutral third party.

Reconstruction Aid for Victims of the Indian Ocean Earthquake and Tsunami

  In the final year of this project, 2007, we welcome the second year since three libraries were opened in the disaster areas. Our fears of the novelty waning have been dispelled and the libraries have well utilized and become part of the communities. 5,207 people participated in mobile library activities and 86 in the daycare training seminars. Although this project has come to an end, we will continue indirect assistance to libraries and regular monitoring in the future.

Japan Sotoshu Relief Committee (JSRC), antecedents of SVA, was established. JSRC opened office in Bangkok, Thailand and commenced mobile library services to Cambodian refugee camps. Then, JSRC opened printing unit and permanent libraries in Sakeo refugee camp.

1981

Volunteers of JSRC established Sotoshu Volunteer Association (SVA).

1983

Campaign to donate clothing was developed in several places in Japan.

1984

First development project was commenced in Baan Sawai village, Surin province, Thailand. SVA was awarded Shoriki Matsutaro Award.

1985

Printing project commenced at Ban Vinai refugee camp in Thailand. SVA also commenced library activities at Chiang Khan district in Loei province and Suanphlu slum in Bangkok. SVA received the Soroptimist Japan Foundation Award. SVA received the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan Award.

1989

SVA opened vocational training center at Klong Toey slum in Thailand.

1991

SVA opened office in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. SVA established Sikkha Asia Foundation, local subsidiary of SVA in Thailand.

1992

SVA opened office in Vientiane, Laos. The name of organization was changed to Sotoshu International Volunteer Association (SVA). SVA was awarded the Mainichi International Exchange Award by the Mainichi Newspaper.

1995

SVA undertook relief activities for the victims of the Hanshin/Awaji great earthquake. SVA received a letter of appreciation from the head of Toshima Ward, Tokyo. SVA served as the secretariat of the Japan NGO Forum for HABITAT II, and participated in international conferences as a representative of Japanese NGOs.

1997

SVA donated relief foodstuffs to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. SVA organized Shokichi Kina charity concert at Sojiji Temple in Yokohama. Tokyo office was moved from Sugamo to Daikyocho, Shinjuku-Ku. SVA organized "Shinjuku Asia Festival."

1999

SVA was registered with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a public association and re-named as Shanti Volunteer Association (SVA.) SVA undertook relief activities for the victims of great earthquakes in Turkey and Taiwan.

2000

SVA started library activities for refugees from Myanmar (Burma) in Thailand. Rev. Jitsujo Arima, former executive director of SVA, passed away.

2001

SVA undertook relief activities for the victims of earthquake in western India. SVA undertook emergency food support to Afghan refugees in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

2002

First "SVA Day" celebrated. Kazuhiro Sasaki, then with Seattle Mariners and now professional baseball commentator, was nominated SVA goodwill ambassador.

2003

Opened Afghanistan (Jalalabad) office. Launched relief activities for victims of great earthquake in southeastern Iran. Published posthumously "Serenity on Earth", a manuscript of the late Rev. Jitsujo Arima.

2004

Launched relief activities for victims of flooding caused by typhoon no.23 in Toyooka city of Hyogo prefecture, victims of the great earthquake in Niigata Chuetsu, and Victims of the Indian Ocean Earthquake.
10th memorial service for Hanshin/Awaji great earthquake took place.

2005

Launched support activities for refugees from volcano eruption on Miyake Island to return to their homes. Participated in the World Expo 2005, Aichi. Launched relief activities for victims of great earthquake in northeastern Pakistan.

2006

Launched relief activities for victims of the　earthquake in Central Java, Indonesia.

2007

Undertook relief activities for victims of Noto Peninsula and Niigata Chuetsu-oki earthquakes.
Launched relief activities for victims of Cyclone Sidr in Bangladesh.