New TPC Training Center

In February 2011 discussions began with three other NGO`s (Non Government Organizations) in Mae Sot regarding the building of a training facility on our farm. It is the most exciting project to date. Global Neighbors is in charge of constructing the building and the other NGO`s are in charge of programming. Construction of the ``TPC`` building began in June 2011 and was completed mid January 2012. There are already 46 students in the program. We held the grand opening on Feb. 20, 2012.

It is an exciting program, as the students that comprise the student body are from multiple ethnic groups within Burma. In the past, some of their ancestors have been warring against each other. Here they begin to work together, live together, study together, and dance together. It has developed a realization that there are more similarities than differences, and it is this realization that will be needed to rebuild a peaceful Burma.

The TPC students will become Teacher Trainers in Karen state, Burma. They will backpack into the various villages - - some traveling as many as 10 days - - to deliver school supplies and also to equip the 4,700 teachers to become better instructors to over 100,000 students. Many of the teachers in the remote areas have no formal training. There will be immediate benefits for the students.

In Feb. 2012 the construction began on the dorm building that will house the teacher trainers. We have enough funds to build half of the structure. Your support in completing this project would be appreciated. You can donate through Canada Helps :

Or send a cheque to:

Global Neighbors Canada

RR#5 Site 21 Box 30

Prince Albert, Sask

S6V 5R3

www.canadahelps.org/CharityProfilePage.aspx

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi,
2011 has been a very busy and productive year to date for Global Neighbors.

Distribution Warehouse
We have received and distributed 3- 40 ft.sea containers to date. We have 2 more containers being shipped which will be arriving before the end of the year.
Thousands of people have been helped by the items delivered from our warehouse. Last month a flood in Mae La Oo Refugee Camp destroyed 350 homes along with all their belongings. 2 truck loads of clothes, hygiene products and large rolls of plastic were shipped. A small school and orphanage of 40 children received a load of blankets, clothes and school supplies. We will never know the children and adults you have helped or the cold nights that have been warmed up as a result of a blanket!  Thank you.

Daycare
The kids are back at school since June. The facility has over 60 in attendance and the children are eager to learn!

School Construction
We have completed Shwe Thazin School as well as Ban Hau Fai School this year. The Hope school construction will be completed by the SIAST Team in December 2011.

Current Project
We are establishing a Training Campus on our farm site near Mae Pa. This is one of the most exciting and far reaching development projects to date. A teacher trainer program will equip 100 trainers per year to go back into their villages and upgrade the educational level of the 4,700 teachers in Karen State as well as into other ethnic areas in Burma. Summer classes will be offered to local Migrant teachers in the area. We will also build a vocational training building where students will be trained in furniture building, motor repair and metal fabrication.
We are currently constructing an Educational building for a Teacher Trainers Program. There are 43 students using our warehouse as a classroom until the new building is complete. After the completion of the Educational Building, we hope to provide an onsite dorm for the students. Construction will commence as soon as funds become available.

Challenge
With this ambitious building program, we are running low on funds. We need about $35,000 to complete the Educational building which is the most pressing at this point. The dorm funds will be raised after the completion of the Educational Building.  The cost of the dorm which will house 200 students will cost about $150,000.
These are large and scary numbers, but if we break them down in smaller amounts it doesn't seem so daunting.

To complete the Educational Building
Exterior paint - $2000   (These are approximate numbers)
Interior paint - $2000
Floor tiles - $10,000 These can be divided into rooms at $1000 per room
Windows and doors - $9,000 The same for the windows and doors. You can contribute for one window or door and soon they will all be in.
33 windows x $200
12 doors x $200
Toilets and showers - $7,000

If you know of individuals or businesses that may be interested in helping us with the funding of the dorm or to complete the educational Building, please contact me and one of the board members or I will do a personal presentation for the interested party.

Please find below pictures of the work done this year.
Thanks for your help!
Dave