Innovative work within and around Burma’s borders
Since early 2007 New Words has documented and supported the situation of Burmese people living in neighboring countries and in Diaspora. Through a range of projects and initiatives we have worked to understand Burmese people and organizations, connecting them across geographic, ethnic and linguistic borders.
Since this time Burma has experienced significant upheaval. In September of 2007 nonviolent protests spear-headed by Buddhist monks rocked the country, posing a significant challenge to military rule. These protests ended in a violent crackdown by the military regime. In May 2008, just as the junta was scheduled to push through a widely discredited constitutional referendum, Burma was hit by a devastating storm that tore through the capital and the Irrawaddy Delta region. Cyclone Nargis has left possibly 100,000 dead and millions homeless and destitute. Reconstruction and aid are uncertain. Throughout all of this the need for communication and networks of support is vital.
Thailand:
In March 2007 we were part of a team of eight researchers who traveled to Thailand with the Center for Peace Building International to meet with 16 youth-oriented organizations operating along the Thai-Burma border. Highly vulnerable and insecure in Thailand, Burmese youth living in exile cannot return home and have little opportunity or capacity to connect with the outside world. Our research worked to understand the situation of these youth and identify their needs.
In addition to the report we produced a documentary short, Under the Sun – Life on the Thai-Burma Border and “The Experience of Struggle,” a photo essay.
Western borders:
Based on needs identified in our initial trip to Thailand we expanded our research to Burma’s Western Borders in order to gain a more comprehensive view of the situation around Burma. Throughout this research and our subsequent project proposal, Democracy 2.0, we have sought to foster personal connections among various Burmese groups who often have little opportunity to communicate with one another.
