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TECHNICAL
ADVISORY NETWORK OF BURMA
YOUTH INITIATIVE
The dialogue process between Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and leaders of the
State Peace and Development Council is continuing. There are some indications
that the process may be leading toward an agreement acceptable to both
sides. Once that happens and the process of national reconciliation starts,
Burma will urgently require the assistance of young educated people to
help in the recovery process. Burma will need your help.
This is crucial time for young generations of Burma to plan and prepare
in order to have a successful transition to and sustainability of democratic
governance in our homeland. As Burma is facing now a brighter prospect
of changes, it is our responsibility to prepare and consolidate our capacities,
resources, and talents for use in this important process of nation building.
The Burmese youth, who are fortunate enough to continue their education
in the United States and other countries outside of Burma, have enriched
themselves with education and broad experiences. Remembering our individual
struggles while in Burma, we shall continue in a different way on behalf
of those who are left behind in the country and for the future generations.
The Technical Advisory Network of Burma (TAN) wishes to bridge the resources
and the talents through its rich programs of policy research, advocacy
and outreach activities.
The TAN is a project of The Burma Fund, a non-profit organization working
closely with international organizations, think-tanks, academic institutions
and democracy groups to create opportunities for the younger generation
of Burma to be involved in the process of establishing democracy in Burma.
The TAN is especially suited to facilitate those who want to participate
in the policy and decision making process and be part of the nation building.
How TAN can help and what TAN can provide:
TAN facilitates the development and documentation of public policies and
plans to advance Burma to a democratic and civil society. It implements
its research and policy planning projects with close involvement of technical
experts under the guidance of outstanding individuals in their respective
fields. In order to achieve this mission to the fullest extent, the TAN
has collaborated with the Open Society Institute to launch this YOUTH
INITIATIVE, which will assist students and youth with the following
services:
The Burma Fund in-house library has information for policy-oriented
documentation on Burma, which is accessible to all members of the network
and research students.
TAN regularly publishes a series of working papers on variety of issues
by leading scholars and researchers on Burma. Sample topics include Military
in Transition, Land Policy Reforms, Economic Transition, and Policy Options
for the Future State of Burma. Students who would like to publish their
research papers on issues that are beneficial to the welfare of Burma
are encouraged to submit them to the TAN for peer review and for further
publications.
TAN acts as a matchmaking agency between students and researchers on
one hand and international organizations and foundations on the other
to facilitate the exchange of ideas. TAN members and other scholars will
serve as mentors and advisors for who need specific personal and professional
counseling.
TAN can provide internships and fellowships with international organizations
and/or Burma related organizations in Washington, DC area.
For those who wish to travel and conduct field research, TAN will be
able to arrange placement with the right organizations to work with at
Burma border areas.
A newsletter, which reflects the voices of the youth and friends of
Burma, will be another byproduct of networking among future young leaders.
It can provide guidance, information and interactions in accordance with
the interests and demands of the participants.
TAN also features "Transition on Radio," a program interviewing
experts and scholars of democracy. It is broadcast through Burmese-language
broadcasting stations into Burma to educate the public and give suggestions
to the leadership in Burma. There are many opportunities for those who
are interested in becoming involved in radio programming and the process.
TAN also maintains close collaboration with academic institutions and
think-tanks that are constantly seeking independent opinions on contemporary
issues of Burma. Thus, TAN can arrange for any interested parties to participate
in relevant professional and academic forums.
In order to keep the momentum of the spirit of leadership and enthusiasm
going, The Burma Fund is committed to carrying out regular workshops for
Burmese youth, so they can share knowledge and visions and be in constant
touch with current ideology and movements.
Anyone who is interested in participating is welcome to contact Zaw
Oo, Coordinator of TAN at the following address.
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