Metta Development Foundation

Metta Development Foundation

More than forty years of internal conflicts have had a devastating impact on the peoples of Myanmar. Many communities suffered displacement, loss of life, property and livelihood. A new era of challenge in the country's troubled history was ushered in when ceasefire agreements were reached between the government and the majority of armed ethnic groups. This backdrop of peace means that it is now possible to reach out to communities in strife torn areas and initiate a development process that would help them evolve into stable, self-reliant societies within the Union.

It is with the specific aim of assisting these communities in distress that the Metta Development Foundation was established in 1998 as a non-governmental organization. Metta's assistance, initially among the Kachins in the far north, will be extended to other regions of Myanmar, regardless of ethnic origin or religious orientation.

Metta's main obejectives are to:
• create a framework for self-help initiatives
• support sustainable community-based projects
• facilitate skills training
• establish partnerships with like-minded organisations or individuals

Metta Programmes
Metta programmes are grass-roots initiated. As such they operate with the participation of local communities in various aspects of planning, implementation and evaluation. Local resources are mobilised wherever possible and women are afforded the same level of representation as men.

Metta's assistance focuses on the three programme areas of building community capacity, coordinating sustainable development projects and promoting community controlled social and economic associations. Priority is given to initiatives that are economically viable, technically appropriate and socially acceptable.
The training and education essential for communities to participate meaningfully in their development is provided through locally conducted workshops. Study trips to regional countries with similar community profiles also form part of the training process.

The establishment of a community organisation network which serves as a forum for sharing experiences and expertise forms part of the strategy for reaching out to communities from a diverse range of ethnicity and faith backgrounds.
Metta projects currently operate through funds received from international development agencies but self-help mechanisms incorporated into the project process will enable self sufficiency within a period of three years.
Metta programmes are making progress through the strong commitment of local communities and the cooperation of national and international development partners.

1. Agriculture & Forestry

Farmer Field School (FFS): Each FFS has about 20 participants who attend the
school’s half‐day sessions every week for the entire 4 – 6 months of rice‐growing
season. Weekly sessions include seed selection, preparation and care of quality
seedlings, transplanting methods, water management, compost making and
organic pesticides. FFS also organises a Field Day to which surrounding villages
are invited. These have created a significant demonstration effect and created
high demand for new field schools. Metta is meeting this need for more
facilitators by offering 4 – 6 month FLE and TOT courses at the Centre for Action
Research and Demonstration (CARD) in Kachin State, Nong Kham Training Centre
in Southern Shan State and Singaung village in Ayeyarwady Division.


2. Health

2.1Community‐managed Healthcare: Training is given to selected rural community
members to become village health workers (VHW). They are taught to recognize
and treat common endemic diseases through village drug stores. They also
educate villagers in the area of hygiene, sanitation and nutrition and the
prevention of common illnesses.

2.2 Water and Sanitation: Construction of water wells, gravity water flows and spring
and rain water collection, as well as awareness raising of issues surrounding
watershed management. All projects involving providing drinking water supply
and hygiene promotion and constructing sanitary latrines.

2.3 HIV and AIDS: Metta’s HIV and AIDS project focuses on both infected and
affected community members. Through interaction with partner organisations
and community members, a high degree of awareness is achieved, with the focus
on prevention and provision of nutritional supplements to help prevent
secondary infections such as TB and malaria. Income generation activities are
also encouraged to build self esteem and independence. Counseling is provided
as required among People Living with HIV and AIDS (PLHA).