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Voice Newsletter
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CONTENTS
by Gonzalo Garcés
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June Features The Kastom Skul by
Aminio David, Vanuatu; Religion, Culture and Work in Rural Areas
by Merlinta Anggilia, Indonesia
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FOCUS
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traditions, and to allow culture to change over time. As a 2004
Action Partner once said “if a culture does not bend, it will break”.
But there is a fine line between cultural change and cultural
destruction.
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tradition and practices are the most valuable things in life’. Like
food, air and water custom knowledge is essential to survival.
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chosen to be the featured activist on this website called
‘youthnoise’ which is actually a non-profit based in San Francisco
that works to help youth from around the world adopt and cause
and also helps them network..
http://www.youthnoise.com/page.php?page_id=6461
Hello, I've been very busy on the ground working for the basic
training on negotiation and mediation process to be conducted on
May 30-June 1. The training was designed for the Lupong
Tagapamayapa (appointed by the barangay captain to solve
disputes in the barangay level through the conduct of mediation).
They've been working for many years, our office, the Mediator's
Network for Sustainable Peace, Inc. (MedNet) with the partnership
of some People's Organizations (PO’s) and the government,
decided to help them by giving the essential trainings especially
to those who are newly appointed by the barangay captain.
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way up (that was my first time), the 8 hours walk became 24
hours because we went to the wrong direction. My, God, we're
lost! However, that trip was really amazing! It's good to be at the
top seeing the civilization from afar!
Kiaora kia tātou katoa/ Greeting to us all, First and foremost I will
like to acknowledge the creator of all things, whom who has
provided us with life. Secondly, to the ancestors who have now
passed, and who made a positive change for our people which has
contributed to our cultures, enabling us to exist today, who paved
the way for us and the following generations to build upon and
grow.
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hospitality and the importance of thinking practically “practice
based on cultural values” in which I strongly support. To our
friends in Vanuatu who shared with us a range of programmes
that provide their youth with valuable tools that will assist them in
today’s world. The voices of Australia, who shared their
experience of an important day, the 13th of February 2008.
‘Sorry’ a word that devoted many thoughts and hearts to the lost
generation of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait people, I will like to
acknowledge all these magnificent life stories and experiences.
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services such as social services, adult and youth mental health
case workers, health promotion and housing services to our
community. There is a need for business and workforce
development to assist in combating the diverse issues that impact
on our community particularly Māori who are over represented in
national statistics. Such development needs to be implemented in
a manner where our tribal values are not compromised. Moreover
Māori need to participate at all levels of health, in terms of micro,
meso, and macro to ensure that Māori philosophies are recognised
for the well-being of our people at regional and national levels.
Currently Māori are under-represented in all areas. In conclusion
the journey continues for our families, sub-tribes, and tribes in
working together for our Māori people and our culture.
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Here we explore the lives of the Mapuche people and their, often
challenging and rocky, relationship with the state and big
businesses. Gonzalo Garcés writes about the hardships the
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Mapuche people faced, in particular from the Chilean government
“social integration policies” which is aimed at destroying their
unique indigenous customs. Despite international condemnation,
the Chilean government continues to detain Mapuche political
prisoners and thereby placing the interest of big businesses over
the community
Every part of the natural world, including human beings and the
dead, possess a spirit. Amongst them there are caring and guiding
spirits of nature. For example, stones and serpents have an
important role in the Mapuche way of life. Even now, the Mapuche
ask permission to pass through certain places that are considered
sacred. On such occasions, the Mapuche people take time to
appreciate these places and ask for the protection of the earth
and their families, as part of their attempts to overcome the
unfortunate realities for their people.
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used for the development of economic projects such as single-
crop forestation, without planning nor providing for the harmful
effects on both human and environmental health.
The sacred places, such as the paliwe and the nguillatuwe, are
spaces where the Mapuche pray, give thanks, and share with the
spirits their desire to see them respected and to see the Mapuche
culture survive.
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the Chilean government, placing the interests of big business over
and above those of the Mapuche communities involved. Because
of these events, Chile has received international condemnation
and many recommendations to end the criminalization of the
Mapuche people. One such recommendation came from the UN's
Rodolfo Stavenhagen.
Mapuche men and women are not the violent people they are
made out to be by the government through their utilisation of the
media. The continued struggle of our Mapuche brothers and
sisters tells us that they are not ready to renounce that which is
most precious and beautiful to them: the earth, la mapu.
http://aespo-arica.blogspot.com
www.mapuche.info
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Ancient tradition and practices are the most valuable things in life,
yes that we all know about.
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Let me begin with what we the Vanuatu Young People Project have
finally got hold of, a few weeks ago we had our official opening
and first intake for the Kastom school, students attending our very
own, first ever established School of Customs in my country.
Although many people in Vanuatu do not really see the
importance of having a Custom school in place, I tell you, this is
one hell of a step that we have taken in order to achieve what has
always been there, but not recognised. The Kastom School was
partly funded by the NZAID and the OXFAM Australia, a big very
thank you from the Vanuatu ‘yangfella’s’ to you, two generous
organisations. Custom in Vanuatu is interpreted and described in a
more heavy way, to know about your very own custom is similar
to knowing your identity, and the real directions for living a life
without money, with a big smile still on your face in what ever
circumstances.
Our country is known for its wealth of beauty and its enriched land
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along with countless waterfalls and volcanoes. Our problem is only
that, we the young people of Vanuatu, never thought that the
Western culture is like a prison, once you are in you never see the
daylight again, you could end up forgetting how to smile, which is
one of our most valuable traditions. I am not really sure how I can
explain how I feel right know, but, I am proud to say that I as an
Action Partner feel really honoured to be a Facilitator for this first
ever Custom school, my classes commence on Monday.
Last but not the least I thank you all Action Partners for your
ongoing support via email, phone calls, and mails, and remind us
to “get this changes going.”
Long live the Vanuatu Custom. Long live our work to pave the
future.
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volunteer work and ensure that all elements of the community
work well together to achieve a common goal.
Two years were spent in some rural areas in Aceh. Aceh is one of
Indonesian province placed in western coast. Only few people
know Aceh several years ago but when Tsunami occurred in Aceh
every eyes were looking at it.
A brief story related Aceh; Aceh was trapped in long conflict for
more than 30 years between Government of Indonesia (GoI) and
Aceh Freedom Movement (GAM). Aceh has amazing natural
resources but unfortunately it has limit human resources who can
develop it. During the conflict, there were lots of school and public
infrastructures were burned by unknown people, and the situation
became worse when Tsunami hit Aceh. A hundred thousand
people died in the space of a few seconds, and it was the first
time Aceh became popular in international eyes. Not only myself
who lost all my families but also other Acehnese, but it was not
time for giving up to the destiny.
There was a case in one of our children centre when one of Imam
(religious leader in village) complains to us due to those games.
He stated that those things are prohibited in religion and brought
bad impact for kids. Honestly, our objectives were aimed only for
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good and for entertaining the kids who experience trauma and
depression. But, as we know sometimes what we are thinking is
good for others does not mean same as what others are thinking.
It becomes a homework for us as social worker on how to solve
this issue, we have to be brave to stick our ideas in proper way,
convince all community figures that we are doing good projects
for any elements in the community, and the last point we must
keep the relationship with them and try to settle up all
misunderstanding which will occur in the next time. For me, as
long as I am doing good in proper way so I will do my best to stick
with the ideas, always try to be open with anyone who can give
advice if I am doing something wrong. As long as we try to do
everything sincerely so all troubles gonna be solve easily. Where
there is a will, there a way.
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IV. RESOURCES
OIYP Announcements:
OIYP Grants Program - Grants Kits are now ready to be sent out!
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The Grants Program has three funding streams:
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Oxfam would like to hear from all Action Partners (past and
present) who are attending the International AIDS Conference in
Mexico in August this year. Please let Ramy Nasr know if you will
be attending: ramynasr[at]gmail.com
We would also like to hear from any Action Partners who may be
presenting at the conference. If you are presenting a paper,
workshop, poster, Global Village or cultural presentation at the
conference, please email Ramy Nasr at ramynasr[at]gmail.com
If you are a 2007 OIYP Action Partner working on HIV and AIDS we
need your help to make this booth relevant and reflective of
practices that young people are employing to fight HIV and AIDS
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- Send us any pictures/video footage/other that demonstrate
your work in your community.
Please send your stories by 25th July 2008 to Amy Berson, OIYP
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Learning and Development Coordinator, amyb@oxfam.org.au.
Amy will also be available to help you think about and write your
story – please contact her anytime!
Other opportunities:
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For more information and an application form , email :
cadanigeria2000@yahoo.com
All Around You All Around You is a platform that will enable
communities from the Asia-Pacific to tell their own stories from
their own perspective. It will give them the capacity to do this for
a long term period, to an interested audience. Over a period of
three years, we make four site visits to a particular community. In
these visits we facilitate the development of a series of
community-owned creative works, including one major work such
as a feature film, theatre performance or video game. Uniquely,
we train one young person from the community with the skills to
co-direct the development of the major work with us, as a paid
job.
www.curiousworks.com.au
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organized within and along side the APPO- La Asamblea Popular
de los Pueblos de Oaxaca.
http://vocal.lahaine.org/
NGO-in-a-box
Kiwanja.Net
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Visualizing Information for Advocacy
The Human Rights Arts and Film Festival and the Make Poverty
History coalition have joined forces to launch the Reel Change
climate change short film competition, which is seeking powerful
and innovative films from throughout Australia and the world.
The best films will screen as part of the Human Rights Arts and
Film Festival (HRAFF) in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and Canberra,
throughout November and December.
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V. ENDNOTE
Slam poetry is like freestyle hiphop crossed with poetry and free
expression. If you’ve heard of Def Jam Poetry then you’ve heard of
slam poetry.
I think it’s a great way to really open your mind and to think about
what is going on around you.
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knowledge and cultural pride to keep us going til the end of time.
That's what I’m talking about.
I’m talking about how my people only make up 2 per cent of the
total population of this country yet over 50 per cent of my young
people make up the juvenile justice system on any given day. How
is that that these young people are incarcerated at such a high
rate so when they get out their chances of being locked up for
good just doubles, its like they are set up to fail. That's what I’m
talking about.
I’m talking about giving young people the absolute right to feel
safe and secure, that they have stability within their lives, families
and communities. Don't tell us to go get an education or a job
when a large proportion of young people don’t even have a roof
over their heads or food to eat. F&*k your western ideological
concepts and philosophies, why would you want to go to school or
study if you don't have the basic human rights of having food or
shelter. That's what I’m talking about.
I’m talking about the s**t that the media portray as my people
being, nothing but drunks, druggies and dole bludgers. Obviously
you haven't hung around blackfellas cause for every fallen fella
there is more then one willing to fight for his fella souljah or
sissouljah. That's what I’m talking about.
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one of them becomes one of those juvenile statistics. That's what
I’m talking about.
I’m talking about everyone else who has read this slam poetry and
said yes that is true, and yes I’m going to make a difference. To all
the people on a daily basis who have to explain and fight for their
story to be heard or told, strength in numbers my friend. You tell
your story and I’ll tell mine and together will make change. That's
what I’m talking about.
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