In this edition reports and important news about the campaign, but also more than that. Volunteer experiences, another view on ‘neutrality’, NSPM, International day of peace…

The Create a Climate for Peace campaign is not over yet. In the contrary, at the moment of publishing the final event is taking place during the ICM in Serbia. What the team of VCV and the coordination-team had in mind, will be soon public, but at the moment of writing it’s still a secret. The food in Serbia (!) will be vegan at least, with a vegetarian option. Way to start!

But the campaign will also continue next year… and considering that the issue is important for Asia, we will join again, one way or another.

So, get yourself a cup of organic tea and read this issue of Asian Voices. In order to be prepared for 2015…..Amities,

The editing team,

WilbertOn behalf of the editorsteamNurul, hanae, Pat & Maria

Dear readers,

It should have caught yourattention: 2014 was the year of SCI’s overall campaign: ‘Create a climate for peace’. Asia did not stay behind…

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1 Note from Editors

2 Chennai Declaration 2014 by SCI India

4 Creating a Climate for Peace Campaign by SCI Bangladesh

6 Learning about East Asia by Hanae, SCI Japan

7 My First Step in an Endless Journey by Ho Chih Ming, SCI Malaysia

8 Young Citizens Building Global Communities by SCI Mauritius

10 Climate Change for Peace & Harmony by SCI India

11 Veni, Vidi, Vici Poland! My First NSPM! by Edward Chuah, SCI Malaysia

12 National Convention by SCI India

14 International Day of Peace by SCI Sri Lanka

15 My Experience in India by SCI Sri Lanka

18 My Experience in the Blue Rose School in Sri Lanka by Nakita Verbruggen, Belgium

19 C4P In Asia by Wilbert

21 End Note

PREMABLE:Service Civil International, known as SCI & IVS was established as a Peace and Humanitarian movement by Pierre Cérésole (a Swiss Engineer) following Ist World War with a ‘Work camp’ in the battle field of Verdun in France in 1920.

SCI came to India with Dr.Rajendra Prasad, undertaking reconstruction work in Bihar after the massive earthquake 1934 with all international team of Volunteers and again working on a resettlement project with displaced persons, immediately after the partition of India & Pakistan in 1950.SCI’s vision is a ‘ World of Peace, Social justice and Sustainable Development ’, where all People live together with mutual respect and without recourse to any form of violence to solve any conflict.

SCI’s mission is to promote ‘ a culture of peace’ by organizing local, national and International voluntary projects with local & global impact.

Every Voluntary project will have the core value of Voluntarism, Non-violence, Human rights, Solidarity, and Respect for environment, Inclusion, Empowerment & Cooperation for Change.

Climate Change for Peace & HarmonySolemnly affirmed by all participants in the two-day National Convention, SCI India

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SCI-India since has taken ‘Climate Change’ as one of the core area of volunteering to reduce & control environment degrading activities and promotion and maintain various initiatives towards containing climate change that – if not contained – may lead to natural & man-made disasters in the near future.

CONTEXT:SCI-India since has taken ‘Climate Change’ as one of the core area of volunteering to reduce & control environment degrading activities and promotion and maintain various initiatives towards containing climate change that – if not contained – may lead to natural & man-made disasters in the near future. In this context, SCI-India as part of its 80th year commemoration, has brought the members (current & old), interested youth & students and volunteers to interact on the topic “ Climate Change for Peace & Harmony ” – a two-day workshop at Natesan Institute of Cooperative Management in Chennai on 15 & 16th Nov and took the following action-plan as ‘ Chennai Declaration 2014 ’.

We the members present recommit ourselves1. to promote & be part of the Volunteer Study Centers (VSCs) on

various aspects & concerns relating to climate change

2. to promote, strengthen and support internally and with all the interested ‘Think Tank’ & Action to create & work for several replicable models to spread the impact

3. to undertake, facilitate & support research on causes & reasons for Climate change and document the efforts taken - and initiate local action with volunteers promoting eco & environmental friendly actions containing degradation & negative impact and that of exploitation, privatization and commercialization of water, energy and environment & other forms of Natural resources

4. request SCI-India to commit to network with other stakeholders for sharing expertise and experiences and be part of the joint action/ventures for better awareness among the People and action for change process, and in preserving Nature and in reducing/containing and avoiding Natural calamities especially that are man-made and share widely the efforts (that needs to be) taken for corrective action.

5. as part of SCI-India, commit to facilitate, network and strengthen the local initiatives and with each Branch in India and with alliance partners

6. to be part of the Action centers initiative in undertaking needed activities/action locally & encouraging effective information sharing and supporting initiatives at local, National & International levels; taking-up cases/concerns that warrants action by local, National & international Govt.’s and agencies like UN in pursuing needed policy changes and/or for containing adverse climate change and/or pursue through non-violent action that needs correction by them

7. request SCI-India to take the suggested action points as a policy through CWC and at other bodies as “ SCI-India’s Policy & action points ” for the next 5 years and initiative support & network with Asian & Global networks – both forward & backward as prioritized action program towards needed

“Climate Change for Peace & Harmony” – all People in this Globe.

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Create a Climate for Peace CampaignSCI Bangladesh is a partner of C4P campaign of SCI International. SCI Bangladesh successfully completed 12 days work camp from July 05-16, 2014. Sixteen (16) Bangladeshi volunteers were participated in the work camp.

The camp focused on Create a Climate for Peace. Volunteers were planted environmental friendly trees, earth road repair, Door to door campaign on climate change issues, organized a daylong seminar with local people, Primary school children and their guardian, around 78 participants attended in the seminar.

Weekend Camp:SCI BD has organized a two (2) days weekend camp at Takerhat Bus station under C4P Campaign activities. Twenty five (25) local volunteers were participated in the camp. It was a cleaning campaign at the Bus Station. Volunteers were clean the station, walkway of passengers, remove debris and clean the drain for smooth drainage systems.

SCI Bangladesh has organized one International Environmental Work camp 1-12 March, 2014 where we have received 01 volunteer from SCI Japan. Total 13 volunteers participated in the said camp. Work camp was focused on environmental issues.

Creating a Climate for Peace CampaignBy SCI Bangladesh

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International Day of Peace 2014SCI Bangladesh has observed International Day of Peace on September 21, 2014 by organized discussion meeting and Rally.

Eye Camp:SCI BD has organized an eye camp at Dhighir Par, Munshigong in January 2014. 700 hundred patients were given out door service and 35 were given cataract operation with the collaboration of Lion Eye Hospital, Dhaka. 15 Volunteers were present in the program.

Blood Donation Camp:SCI Bangladesh was organized 03 blood donation camp and 394 bags were collected in the program.

Upcoming events in December 2014IVD 2014: Organizing 2 days program to observe IVD through discussion meeting, Rally, Cleaning camp, levelling play ground and friendly football match to promote volunteerism on 04th & 05th December, 2014.

Peace Tour: Peace tour on 31st December from Rajoir to Kuakata Sea Beach on Climate for Peace Campaign and 01 day cleaning campaign in Sea Beach.

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Although we didn’t organize any event in the International Day of Peace, our regular activity “learning about East Asia” gives us the time to think about Peace as well. We have organized this activity once in 2-3 months since last year, and those who are interested in the challenges in East Asia join this activity. 3 members are in the prep-team and each time we choose different topic to discuss. Let’s see how it goes by looking one topic from the past… One day, we discussed about history textbooks for junior high school. We have several choices of history textbook in Japan, although they are needed to be passed the government screening. Most schools use the textbook which is considered as relatively “neutral”. And very few schools choose relatively “nationalistic” textbooks. It depends on publishers how to describe the historical events. This latter textbooks cause problems between Korea and Japan as well as between China and Japan. Although we knew there are relatively “nationalistic” textbooks, many of us who participate in this activity have not read them before. One of the prep-team members who is a student in the Education faculty (now he is the elementary school teacher) brought us 3 different historical textbooks to compare without showing each publisher’s name to avoid prejudices about their names.

One is the most popular textbook, which is considered as relatively “neutral”, and other two textbooks are considered as relatively “nationalistic”. We separated into 2 groups to discuss about what are the differences in the explanation about Japan’s annexation of Korean Peninsula and WW2. Also we guessed the publisher’s name for each textbook. For most of us, it was the first time to compare the textbooks (but only little part of the books), we could see the different point of view clearly among 3 textbooks. Although the textbooks need to pass the government screening, it seems there are enough spaces for publishers to express their point of views. As a clear example, one of them call Japan as “our country”, the other two call Japan just as “Japan”. Of course the relatively “nationalistic” textbooks cannot write lies or uncertain facts, therefore comparing relatively “neutral” and relatively “nationalistic” textbooks, there are many similar descriptions about the historical events. But in some cases, they gives a bit different images regarding the same historical event to the readers. For example, the relatively “nationalistic” ones didn’t hide the fact that Japan occupied Korean Peninsula forcibly, and it says that the Korean people fought against Japanese army

to get liberation. These descriptions are not so different from the relatively “neutral” one. But one of the relatively “nationalistic” textbooks also says that the USA and the Great Britain agreed with Japan to occupy Korea. And both of the relatively “nationalistic” textbooks did not forget to say how the Korean Peninsula got developed during the annexation by Japan. It seems the relatively “nationalistic” textbooks give more aspects about Japan’s annexation than relatively “neutral” one to the readers. Therefore some people can say that the relatively “nationalistic” textbooks are more neutral than the relatively “neutral” textbook. Here I find the risk in myself. Imagining that if I know the fact that “Japan occupied Korean Peninsula forcibly” without knowing how much the violence and discrimination in those days, and if I get the chance to know more aspects of Japan’s Annexation, I might consider myself that I know about this more than before and I could think this more ”neutrally”. My risk is that I tend to place a heavy emphasis on the number of the aspects (or the number of different points of view) than checking each aspects deeply to see the things more “neutrally”. Although I knew that there is no “neutral” point of view, comparing just 3 textbooks, I could think about the meaning of “neutral” again and have chance to see myself. I appreciate the member who organized this event! Also I wonder how the history education in your country is.

One scene from the activity. After a serious discussion, we go out for dinner!

Learning about East AsiaBy Hanae, SCI Japan

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A gathering of close to 3000 people from various organisations and from all walks of life, the annual celebration of International Day of Peace (IDP) –which has the backing of the United Nations, is celebrated at Lake Garden, Taiping. Taiping being known as the town of peace hosted the 8th annual celebration of World Peace Day and in 2014; it is by far the largest celebration.

Peace Day, celebrated on September 21, calls on the world to lay down its arms for 24 hours and celebrate non-violence. In Malaysia where violence is not at a high level where people live everyday in fear of their safety, Malaysians still seek for peace and its peace within us.

The celebration here in Taiping was highlighted with the cycle and walk for peace which was widely participated by the public. As I begin the walk for peace with my fellow Service Civil International (SCI) friends, it felt like we were a flock of dove being released into the endless sky. Doves who were free from violence and a symbol of peace.

Throughout the walk, everyone was carrying a loud and clear message, “peace, peace, peace.” Walking together with 2000 people was astonishing as I felt welcome and part of an invisible bond that signifies - everyone is equal. I believe it was because every soul present was carrying and craving for something and that something is peace.

For many who participated, the walk ended there and there but in my case, the journey never ended, it was just the beginning in my search for peace in life. As Confucious once said, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step.”

Being at my first celebration of peace with such a positive crowd, it made me feel closer with peace. Peace being the message that was spreading around over the weekend certainly made a huge impact in me and others who were present. I will surely be back next year to see how far I have come in my journey in seeking peace.

Over that weekend I came to know of a famous peace icon, Prem Rawat; and this was what he defined peace as. “Peace is that joy, that serenity, inside every human being. Peace is not a concept or an idea, but a reality waiting to be discovered, a joy waiting to be felt. Feel peace in your life.” – Prem Rawat

My First Step in an Endless JourneyBy Ho Chih Ming, SCI Malaysia

Being at my first celebration of peace

with such a positive crowd, it made me

feel closer with peace. Peace being the

message that was spreading around over

the weekend certainly made a huge impact

in me and others who were present. I will

surely be back next year to see how far I

have come in my journey in seeking peace.

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The week-End 12 to 13 April 2014, a Work Camp was held to create a Peace Corner at Foundation Georges Charles, Pointe Aux Sables on the NorthWestern Coast of Mauriitus. The Centre that was established in 1986 started its activities with only 6 children. Today, it hosts about 80 children and young adults who attend the centre daily. Users are all carriers of a physical or mental disability, which some cases concern 2 handicaps at once.

Social justice, Sustainable living and Climate adaptation.The work consisted of cleaning and and transforming an abandoned area into an attractive nature Corner for the leisure activities, pleasure and satisfaction of all the children attending Fondation Georges Charles regularly. Corals were removed from the beach to embellish the Nature Corner. And finally, the decorative and medicinal plants were used to improve the surroundings. Composting to bring about Climate JusticeA demonstration of Composting and explaining its importance to all youth present and the administrative staff of Fondation Georges Charles. Made use of CD, Posters and Composters given by the Ministry of Environment. Impact on participantsThe 22 participants of the Work Camp are now conversant with the technique of compostaing and will visit regularly the trainees whenever they are in the vicinity of Fondation Georges Charles. The staff members , specially the director is motivated for further development and woking as a team with the volunteers.

The Bicycle Tour « Create a Climate for Peace » took place from the 17 to 21 July 2014 two months after the Training Camp in Nigeria.

The cycling tour was prepared by a team of 5 persons under the leadership of Dimitry Duval .The preparation lasted 6 weeks. 49 participants grouped into 3 teams each team under a team leader participated in the tour. The launching was done at the SVI centre , Moka on 18 July 2014 ended at Fondation Georges Charles,

Spiritual & Inter-Cultural ExchangesOn friday 18 July the exchange on the importance of knowing each other’s culture and the sharing of mauritians diversity was followed by a lunch at St Michel’s Presbytery at Pont Praslin Village. The Caravaneers were welcomed by the Inter Religious Community headed by Reverend Father Jean Luc Rencker of the Spiritan Congregation.

In the context of the Young Citizens Building Global Communities Project, SVI Mauritius embarked itself on a two phase programme namely: 1. Creation of a Nature Corner at “Fondation Georges Charles”. 2. Bicycle tour “Create a Climate for Peace”.

Young Citizens Building Global CommunitiesSCI Mauritius

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The visit to the Spiritual Park of Pointe des Lascars described as “An Oasis of Peace and Tranquility” was carried out on Saturday 19 July. It is found in a secluded, rural location, away from the noise of cities and traffic. The atmosphere is pure and clean. It is an ideal pilgrimage destination for both Mauritians and international visitors seeking a connection with the Divine and a respite from the hectic pace of modern life. The time spent at the Spiritual Park of Pointe des Lascars gave a new dimension to the quest for Peace. An invitation was launched to SVI for conducting a Study Camp on the site situated next to the Peace Pole by the Director, Me Manon Mardemootoo.

• Global Development & Social JusticeA visit carried out at Bras D’Eau Natural Reserve enable the participants to appraise the serenity of the place and to take note of the challenge for maintaining such Nature Reserves for future generations. Two participants with hearing impairment participated actively in the tour. Their integration was made possible due to the knowledge of sign language by a member of the Prep Team. • Sustainable living & Climate adaptation The importance of water and food regarding health consumed were highlighted throughout the activity. Reference was made to the work carried out on water by the famous Japanese photographer Emoto Maseru.

There was also recipe produced by the Japanese Health Association for the treatment of old and modern sickness. Some fifty decorative and medicinal plants were distributed to residents of different localities they met during the tour. Each team later made an exposé on their encounter and shared the perception of the recipients on arriving at the Fondation Georges charles where the Tour ended.

ConclusionFor most of the participants, it was the first time that they were to experience communal living under tents, definitely outside their usual comfort. The debriefing session that followed also showed that the success of the Tour was mainly due to Team Spirit and the experience acquired by the Camp Leader in Nigeria Training Camp. SVI – Mauritius decided on 10 November to hold an International Work Camp / Bicycle Tour on the similar line in August next year. Slam sur la Nature par Dora Némorin N - A - TURE NATURE On est méchante avec la NatureOn a enfermé la natureEt mis la clé dans la sérure S’il te plait dame NatureFaut qu’elle dure notre nature Car si Dora exploreJe t’implore, EncoreLa nature faut qu’elle dure. S’il te plait .............Dure Dure la Nature (3 fois)La nature faut qu’elle dure La pollution fait des ravagesA cause de tous nos gaspillagesMontée subite des eauxMenace les ilots P.S: The Caravan Prep Team has already been constituted and is presently putting in place the required logistics for its success and a wider circulation.

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Mr. Bhupender Yadav coordinator of the C4p workshop conducted his workshop with 30 young volunteers on the 15th November , 2014.

The workshop was designed in a way that it created awareness among the youth for global climate issues and to discover new ideas to overcome these issues. Volunteers shared their views on the situations and discussed, what changes they can bring on their local level for the peace.

Mr. Bhupender said “” ….. Conducting this workshop was a very nice experience, and it is really important to make young volunteers aware of the global climate issues , sharing and knowing the view regarding climate change was really interesting and volunteers seems much interested to know that how they can contribute to bring a climate of peace around them . As the climate change has started to effect all over the world, it is time to be much more friendly with the environment and to spread this awareness in each part of the world.

There were different tools prepared for group participation and discussion. It was made participatory with games and question and answer sessions. On the 16th November, Dr.K.Panchaksharam did an evaluation of the workshop. The participants were given Certificates at the hands of Dr.T.C.Mohan, former Vice chancellor- Annamalai University, and former President, SCI-Tamilnadu Group.

A Charter was prepared and agreed upon to be implemented as policy by SCI-India, to carry out different climate change activities at local level in India.

Climate Change for Peace and HarmonyBy SCI India

Work shop on “Climate Change for Peace and Harmony” was conducted by Mr. Bhupender Yadav, who is the coordinator for C4p in India on 15th & 16th November,2014 at NICM, Shanti Colony,Chennai. Mr. K. Panchaksharam facilitated the work shop and Mr. Jayaprasad Kumar showed a ppt. presentation on “ SCI’s campaign on “ Create a Climate for Peace”.

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NSPM this year was held in Kornik, a town approximately 25km south-east of Poznan. It was exciting for me, because it’s my first time to a SCI international meeting and Europe! Where else better than Poland which is the central of Europe to mark my first Europe trip? It was a perfect match!

I arrived in Poznan few days before NSPM starts and it was definitely a wise decision. I had some time exploring the fourth largest city in Poland; it was a city of great architectures, historical monuments, amazing museums and great parks too! The locals are just amazing, smiles and warm hospitality everywhere! One of the themes for NSPM 2014 was Create Climate for Peace Campaign (C4P). Participants were briefed on the objective of the campaign, role of SCI, and how are we moving forward. I am truly inspired by SCI’s vision and with all I have learned during the meeting, I am now exploring how SCI Malaysia can incorporate C4P campaign in our work camps. ‘We are the inspiring spark for the movement we need to see in the world’

In Asia International Working Group (AIWG), we had 11 representatives this year, the most participants in many years! When there were many of us that share the same passion and vision, we indeed had fruitful discussions and exchanges. We can always learn from each other and thus all of us are committed to have more exchanges and best practise sharing. The schedules were tight during NSPM where we had plenary sessions and breakout sessions. It was a small learning curve for me being a first timer to the meeting, but fret not! there were many people who are more than willing to help and share their experience. At the end of the day, I was able to contribute and it brings me much self accomplishment.

For the breakout sessions, there were many interesting topics and how I wish I could attend all! There was one session that I particularly enjoyed which was the vegan cooking workshop. A local vegan group had travelled to Kornik to share their passion for vegan cooking and why they chose vegan as way of life. To my pleasant surprise, vegan diet can be so diverse and delicious too! All in all, NSPM was an eye opener for me! from the quality of the discussions and seeing how motivated and passionate are the participants, not only did I learned so much from the meeting, I have made friends that share the same passion for volunteering . Till then, I am looking forward for my next international meeting!

Veni, Vidi, Vici Poland! My First NSPM!By Edward Chuah, SCI Malaysia

SCI-India National Convention 2014- NICM, Chennai from 15-16th November,2014

At the opening Mr. A.G.Janarthanam the convener SCI-India National Convention spoke about the purpose of the convention and welcomed the Chief guest Hon. Justice K. Gnanaprakasam and other dignitaries on the stage.

Hon. Justice K.Gnanaprakasam spoke about the SCI movement as one of the oldest. He compared this movement to be one with ICS (Indian Civil Service) as both had evolved for the need for Peace and freedom. He wished the moment should go a long way in bringing Peace and understanding among the civilians and among countries.

Chief guest ,Hon.Justice K.Gnanaprakasam , former judge High court, Madras lighting the lamp and inaugurates the National Convention 2014.

Mr.Bhupender Kishore, Mrs.Bharti Ganesh, Mr.O.P.Yadav ,President SCI-India, lighting the lamp.

Release of the new brochure of SCI-India in the hands of dignitaries.

First speaker Dr.P.Kuganandam

Dr.P.Kuganandam former Health Officer, Corporation of Chennai giving his speech on “Community and Peaceful Co-existence”. He in his speech gave various instances of different community living peacefully with minimum basic needs. He said one should identify the areas where the poor community living in difficult situations in countries of Asia and Africa are always challenged to live in Peace. Water, health and education are deprived to communities living in slums. He spoke about the modification in development with out considering the development of this deprived society. He compared the slum development 200 years done in European countries to the one in India. It is time for us to think rationally as we have a lot of thinkers and intellectuals to work on this mega problem. He explained how he insists all MBA trainees to stay one week in slums and understand their problem. He said most developments are planned for mega cities by the bureaucrats and the World bank where the oppressed are marginalized are neglected. For community to co-exist peacefully the planners need to think holistically.

The Second speaker Ms. Dr.N.Rajalakshmi

Dr.N.Rajalakshmi former professor & Head Economics- Madras University spoke on “ Global Community and Coherence” She spoke on forming Global villages in sharing income and natural resources. The statics say that 30% of the world population takes away the resources needed for the 70% population of the world. Big industrialist lobby for their products against the common man’s needs for eg: motor cars to the railways. Asians are much happier in Happiness index than other countries. Indian family system takes care of the children and family. She spoke on sustaining our interest to the best outcome and the peaceful resolution while maintaining compassion and unconditional love for human beings. We have to

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National ConventionBy SCI India

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stand together in problems of natural and manmade calamities and create a world where we break the barriers that we created and bring the world community together. Unite people by constant efforts from instability and discord to balance cooperation and everlasting Peace.

The third speaker Ms. Ms.Esther Maria Selvam

Ms.Esther Maria Selvam- Registrar and Manager Action Aid India- Chennai Region. Spoke on “ Sustainable living and Global Peace”She spoke on water as a natural resource contributing to Global Peace and sustainable living. To ensure that it meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. How day today needs of life contribute to Global Peace. Privatizing water has become a big hurdle, right to access to quality health, education, energy all these are the needs of a common man, if deprived results in imbalanced living condition. There were also parallel demands to sustain cultural diversity, including livelihoods, groups, and places that constitute distinctive and threatened communities. Develop society that emphasized the values of security and well-being of national states, regions, and institutions as well as the social capital of relationships and community ties. Governmental commitment is required to achieve it and the political will to do so. We have to work together and commit to sustainable living for Global Peace.

Felicitation of the Chief guest. Hon.Justice K.Gnanaprakasam being felicitated by Mr.A.G.Janarthanam

Audience , the family and members of SCI-India from all the state groups and the youth who have come to attend the workshop in the Hall listening the speakers at the SCI-India National Convention 2014 at NICM, Chennai on 15th & 16th November,2014.

Dr.K.Panchaksharam CEO for SIPA and former secretary for SCI Tamil nadu Group spoke on “Equality and Social brotherhood.

Social equality is a state of affairs in which all people within a specific society or isolated group have the same status in certain respects. At the very least, social equality includes equal rights under the law, such as security, voting rights, freedom of speech and assembly, property rights and equal access to social goods and services. However, it also includes concepts of health equity, economic equality and other social securities. It also includes equal opportunities and obligations, and so involves the whole of society.

Social equality requires the absence of legally enforced social class or caste boundaries and the absence of discrimination motivated by an inalienable part of a person’s identity. For example, sex, gender, race, age, sexual orientation, origin, caste or class, income or property, language, religion, convictions, opinions, health or disability must not result in unequal treatment under the law and should not reduce opportunities unjustifiably.

Social equality refers to social, rather than economic, or income equality. “Equal opportunities” is interpreted as being judged by ability, which is compatible with a free-market economy.

Ms. A.Glory Gunaseeli- superintend, Juvenile home spoke on “Women and Child welfare”

Woman and children are most vulnerable to war and atrocities. In this world of modernization, children are most exposed to vulgarity through mobile, TV and internet. Being in the field of juvenile home there are numerous examples how children are exploited by the bad societies. We talk much about the rights of the child but should also teach them their responsibilities.

Trafficking of children and women are the most crime happening in our society. 1/3rd of the missing are not found is the statistics of the govt. Other issues are sexual and physical abuse on children and women. Most such children come from the broken families. Children are exposed to various types of addiction including thinner and solution addiction. She also spoke on how children become soft targets to trance genders, who brain wash them and they are castrated and compelled to begging and sex rackets. So govt. and the NGOs have greater role in safeguarding such children and women in the society.

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The international day of Peace- 2014 has organized by Service Civil International Sri Lanka with the help of CCIVS on 20th September 2014 at Thalawa, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. Service Civil International is a volunteer organization dedicated to promoting a culture of peace by organizing International voluntary projects for people of all ages and backgrounds. The united Nations ( UN) International day of peace is celebrated on September 25st each year to recognize the efforts of those who have worked hard to end conflict and promote peace. Each year on the international day of peace, SCI SL is organizing peace day celebration to connect with the people around the world take part in various activities and organized events centered on the “theme”.

Peace day program was great success with participants of 26 young children and 10 adults. The peace day activities were theatre and art exhibition promoting peace and understanding among participants. There were peace games, discussions, Art and craft, Theatre and video on peace day around the world.

The participants of the program were young children of aged 12-15 selected from children’s club in the district of Anuradhapura. Ten adults including SCI volunteers were helping with the organizing the

event, giving facilitation in discussions and cooking for the children.Activities and discussions were based on NO MORE WAR toolkit provided by Service Civil International. Participants were dividing in 3 groups. Each group they create a peace Island that stimulated their dream of peace to become a reality. Then then applied into day today situations where they can be a peace messenger of the society. In the same group they analyzed and give the opinion on peace statements and posters of war. After the lunch the children were actively participated in the performing theatre on conflict situations they have experienced in the society and discuss the solutions using nonviolent approach.

At the evaluation participants expressed their contentment of the program and appreciations to the organizer and requested a field trip to a conflict area as a follow up activity which can increase the effect of the program. With thanks to the teachers, parents, volunteers of service civil international -Sri Lanka and CCIVS we could planted the seeds of peace in the hearts of the little once who will bloom the flower of peace around the world one day!Thank you!J.A.I. Sandamalee JayasingheProgram coordinator-International Day of PeaceSCI Sri Lanka23rd of September 2014

International Day of PeaceBy SCI Sri Lanka

The international day of Peace - 2014 has organized by Service Civil InternationalSri Lanka with the help of CCIVS on 20thSeptember 2014 at Thalawa, Anuradhapura,Sri Lanka. Service Civil International is a volunteer organization dedicated to promotinga culture of peace by organizing Internationalvoluntary projects for people of all ages and backgrounds.

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INTRODUCTION…… Volunteering is generally considered as an altruistic activity and is intended to promote goodness or improve human quality of life. In return, this activity can produce a feeling of self-worth and respect. There is no financial gain involved for the individual. Volunteering is also renowned for skill development, socialization, and fun. Volunteering may have positive benefits for the volunteer as well as for the person or community served. volunteering can be seen as a way of life – a demonstration of the possible reality of a peaceful land cooperative world.

Volunteers have been the backbone of our society since its establishment in 1936. Today, as ever they are central to all activities of the Society, contributing to the success of our National Society and assisting millions of vulnerable people in times of greatest need .I’m very proud to be a volunteer for my country’s Nation

FEW WORDS ABOUT SCI….Service Civil International (SCI) is an international non-governmental voluntary service organization and peace movement with 43 branches and groups worldwide. The organization was founded in 1920 by Swiss engineer Pierre Cérésole. It is also known as International Voluntary Service in a number of English-speaking countries and as Voluntary Service International.SCI offers a variety of volunteer opportunities to people such as short ,mid and long term projects but also the possibility to become active for a local branch or participate in a seminar or training.SCI is open to all. It was one of the first organizations to divest itself of all political or religious affiliations in its work of promoting peace and intercultural understanding through practical action.

I got a fantastic opportunity through SCI to make a journey to India as a volunteer. I’m very thankful to SCI for providing me such an opportunity with great impress.SCI taught me that living and working together with people of different backgrounds helps volunteers to break down barriers and prejudices. It really allowed me to experience a world of mutual respect and understanding.In this report I have shared the amazing experiences and knowledge I have gained in all 45 days which are unforgettable in my life time.

My Experience in IndiaBy SCI Sri Lanka

My Journey As a Volunteer In India

Work Camps1. Youth and Climate Justice- 09-18th of July 2014 in Bangalore

The journey started with the departure from the Sri lankan Airport on 05 th of July 2014 at 4.45 pm .It was 5.30 pm when I reached Chennai Airport. Although the time period was too small which I spent in Air Indian Flight it was big enough to get a nice fun. From Chennai I travelled to Bangalore and reached New Krishnabhawan Hotel at 6.30 am .It is one of the leading 3-star hotel with awesome facilities which is located in Bangalore .There we met Indian International Representative Mr.Ganesh and his wife and had a fine chat with them. That day we took a rest and visited few places at Bangalore.

The following day evening we shifted to the camp site in Wijayapura. From there a girl joined us .She is Carmen. And also few girls joined us from Bangalore City College .Totally we were 33 in number. It is my duty to give an introduction about an important person who we met in Wijayapura. He is our Guruji .It was a nice experience to spend few days with him who gave us an interesting moment . 12 th of July was really a wonderful day for all of the volunteers. Because that day was Our Guruji’s Birth Day. We made many efforts to make that day so fantastic for the Birth Day Celebration. Guruji was kind enough to provide lunch for nearly 1000 people regarding his Birth Day .I enjoyed that day very much with a tasty sweet “Laddu”.It was our daily routine to wake up at 6’o clock in the morning, involving in the prayers, having tea and doing exercise for our body fitness. But for me and Begham Madam it was slightly different.

Because those days were allocated for all Muslims for fasting since it was the month of holy Ramazan .We didn’t have an actual target at the camp. We were divided into 4 groups .The groups in turn cleaned the surrounding area of the camp and made efforts to keep the environment clean.

It was 13th July. On that day we went on a field trip. It was quite amazing. The places we visited were “Kaivara” mountain, ”Kaivara Thaththa” temple, “Aalampadi” temple, “Ilakkumanan” waterfall, “Venkateshwara” temple and “Mithyalaya” kovil. A very interesting thing to say that is, few villagers also engaged to our field visit. On the respective day we had an opportunity to participate in an eye clinic camp organized by Lions club at that village .We gave our

fullest co-operation to make that event a success. After 12.00 pm we made a shift to “Pragathi” College. Specially for me, it was a fantastic opportunity to deliver a speech giving a brief introduction on behalf of our volunteers and SCI.

On 15 th we moved to “Pragathi” Primary College. There we had a nice time with small children. Those children were able to reduce our age and made us like them .It was too funny. I spent that night at a boy’s home. He is Kusal. It was a different experience. Kusal’s mother was really kind to me. I spent a wonderful day at Kusal’s home. Next day we visited another college and there also I got a chance to make that place meaningful with my speech. Since it was a Friday I had to go to Mosque for Jummah.It was a Karnatic mosque .This is quite different for me.Its my duty to thank the organizers who assisted me and Begham Madam to carry on our fasting.

Following day we had a targeted task .It was, to clean a water tank with village council and with the help of few villagers. By ending that task we got a real satisfaction .Because we made eligible for the villagers to consume water without any problems. And also we cleaned a kovil there.

Finally we returned to Krisnabawan Hotel with SCI national board members. We had a meeting with them. The meeting assisted us to share our ideas with them. It was actually nice to spend few hours with SCI board members. Then we made a shift to Egmore in Chennai.

2. Peace and sustainable living method- 24th of July-01st of August 2014 in Chennai

We spent 2 days in Egmore. We visited Chennai town, Merina beach and Chennai park. After that we moved to Vedanthankal through Thambaram.It was a nice experience. Two teachers welcomed us and they provided necessary facilities for us. It was quite a rural area. There was a special reason for visiting here.SCI conducted a 30 years project in this area. I’m very happy to say that I’m the camp leader for the camp. There were 5 volunteers .Three from Sri Lanka and two girls from Italy. We spent 10 days here.

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Our task was to clean the garden of the corresponding school, painting the buildings and drawing some simple arts. We made that place enthusiastic. There we had an awarding ceremony which was organized by Laya Foundation. One of the most important thing to remind is our Ramazan Festival.

This was the first festival I was celebrating without any of my family members. I missed them a lot. At the same time I was quite happy to celebrate this festival with my Indian friends. Then we returned to Chennai again. Mr. Ravikumar uncle accommodated us at his home. It was really nice to stay with Ravikumar uncle.

3. Climate change and poverty- 06th -18th of August 2014 in New Delhi

From Chennai we planned to travel to Delhi. It was really amazing to travel in “Tamilnadu Express” train for 36 hours. I have never travelled such a long journey in a train. This was my first time to spend more than a day in a train. I was really thrilled. We were able to reach the correct place in Delhi due to proper guide. It was morning 7’o clock while we are reaching New Delhi on 3rd of August .Mr. Subash welcomed us warmly .He provided the needed facilities for us.

Our camp started on 5th of August. Initially there was an orientation programme. Mr. Ohm Prasad, president of SCI and Mr. Jeyaprasad ,national secretary of SCI are important members who made this orientation programme a meaningful one. Our camp leader guided us properly. SCI is conducting a project here.Following day, we made a visit to “Indraprastha” primary school. In that particular place we learnt a new game named as “Human Library”. It was quite amazing. We practiced this game at our camp site and also we were able to teach this new game at other schools we visited. I’m happy to say that we celebrated Sri Lankan cultural night at the camp. Mr.Sunnil assisted me to make this event a success. Next day was free for us. So we got a chance to visit Old Delhi Red Fort and Old Delhi Mosque. It was a different experience

for me to visit these places .Following day we made a move to a village in Hariyana.

This visit made us eligible to get a knowledge about the cultivation methods followed in that area, different agricultural practices done by the villagers and also to understand their life styles. One of the most important visit we made was, “Nangloi Street Child Care Centre”. This centre is taking care of street children and providing services in a better manner to enhance the future of street children. They are teaching these children in different sectors such as dancing, painting, crafting etc…We made that place ours by the remarking of drawing some simple arts indicating violence against women and children.16th of August was Independence day of India. It was our luck to celebrate the independence day .It was actually fantastic to enjoy the walks and cultural activities which were held on that day. This is how our New Delhi camp came to an end.

Sri Lanka with lots of memories carrying on my mind.

What Things I have Gained through These Work Camps?...SCI provided me a great opportunity to improve my skills and attitude towards volunteering. Now I’m eligible to motivate my friends who are involved in volunteering and also to promote them to participate in such valuable projects organized by SCI.I got a vast knowledge about the different cultural activities followed by different people and learnt to maintain a good relationship with other foreign volunteers. It’s my duty to thank SCI members who aided me to go through different experiences and to spend wonderful days in India.

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Once I arrived in Kandy other volunteers welcomed me into the school. Even though I didn’t know anything or anybody yet, I felt really welcome and at ease. Because I was very tired from the trip I want almost straight to bed.

On my third day in Sri Lanka I started working in the school. In the beginning it was kind of hard to know what was expected from me and what I was allowed and not allowed to do, but you learn quickly.

Even though no one guided me on my first day, I had the other volunteers to rely on and ask questions to. Unfortunately I became really ill just shortly after and was out for about a week. Being sick is not much fun, but many people made sure that me and my sick roommate Sandra were taken care of. We were fed, had things to drink and just had to ask if we needed anything else. It was nice that people cared, because I felt guilty not being able to help at school.

After this week of being sick I started working in the school again. I really enjoyed every day that I could work with the children in Blue Rose. They are very resilient and rarely sad. The minute you arrived at school it didn’t matter if you slept well or not. They would always put a smile on your face with their super welcoming name screaming and hugging skills.

I think Blue Rose could attract more volunteers by putting their website back up. It has been down for a really long time and made it difficult for me to show my family what I was doing. I went to Sri Lanka because Namil suggested me this project (among others). So maybe you could also attract volunteers by talking to the voluntary organisations in the different countries and letting them get to know you. I also couldn’t find the Blue Rose project in the SCI database. Putting it in there and easy to find, might also increase the number of volunteers choosing to aid in this project.

I also want to say: I had an amazing time in Sri Lanka. The food was great, the people very welcoming and the sights breathtaking. I will miss everyone and my goal is to come back one day.

My Experience in the Blue Rose School in Sri LankaBy Nakita Verbruggen, Belgium

When you arrive at the airport you always feel kind of nervous. Will somebody be there to pick me up ? I was very happy to have found Indika standing there with my name on a piece of paper. While driving from Colombo to Kandy, Indika offered me food, drinks and fruit free of charge. It might be just a small thing, but I appreciated it very much.

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The campaign was running in 7 countries in Asia, organizing special C4P-workcamps. Some countries participated in the special campleader-training, all the way in Nigeria. Preparation in other cases was limited. Keiya (SCI Japan) was leading a camp in the well-known Tanawata organic camp: “All the information was from Wilbert and Balazs. They sent me some PDF’s about C4P campaign.”

Despite this preparation he considered the camp a success: “Thanks to the camp, I realized organic farming is very hard work, but it is good for the earth or protecting nature. Campers can discuss nuclear weapons, nuclear power plants, sustainable developments, and their own cultures. Every one should experience such a precious time.”

Due to (mostly) visa-obstacles it was problematic for SCI Bangladesh to send a participant to Nigeria. Instead they chose an experienced campcoordinator. Bachchu, coordinator of SCI Bangladesh: “The selected campleader had been involved in SCI since 2007 and had participated in 3 international workcamps. We also organized an half day orientation session on C4P issue with environmental activists in Bangladesh.”

C4P In AsiaBy Wilbert

Create a Climate for Peace, SCI’s worldwide

campaign, has been running for one year now.

How is the Asian region involved? Which

activities do we undertake, what role does SCI

Asia have in the campaign and which impact

has the campaign on Asian local communities?

A balance, about initial dedication and

enthusiasm, but also fading away .

The camp in Bangladesh took place in a peace-center in the South and the studypart went much into global warming. SCI Bangladesh wrote in the report after the camp about the impact of the camp on the volunteers and the local community: “volunteers are now more motivated an learned then before about the climate change issue, particularly the sustainable living. Learned to mitigate climate change. The local community is motivated and learned about 3R: reduce, reuse and recycle. Community people did not have the idea before about 3R.” Asked about the long term impact, Bachchu adds: “We have observed it and seen the behavioral changes in the communities Now they plant environment friendly trees, reduce using of plastic good & poly bags and are aware of hygiene behaviour.”

SCI India had even 3 workcamps marked as C4P workcamps and they had reasonable feedback. It is not a reason for Jayaprasad, national secretary of SCI India, to be proud of their role in the campaign yet: “The campaign in India is doing well but needs still proper training from experts in these direction. The tempo fades as the motivated volunteers get back to their own world. Unless in each state group we have one dedicated volunteer to take up constant smaller activities and followups the required result lies far away.”

SCI India wrote also a concept note for the campaign. Jayaprasad: “it covers almost all the area of intervention to sustain the interest in the youth. The movement should not become a one time or token act or thinking. It aims at reciprocal and becomes mass movement. It has to become a culture of attitude towards nature.”Despite those critical notes, the campaign in Asia is satisfactory perceived on SCI coordination-level. Balazs Kajor, long term volunteer at the International Secretariat of SCI in Antwerp, collected most of the material of all the branches, so also the Asian branches: “I was happy with the communication-flow with them and they were quite enthusiast.”

Although he is not quite sure if the camps in Asia indeed dealt with climate justice: I think they addressed more environmental issues. But i don’t know the details of the studypart, seminars and lectures.As he is overall content with the input from Asia, Balazs has a simple advice for next year: even more camps, more visibilty!

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Dearest readers

Anil (SCI Nepal) sent in an essay about volunteering. We took out the following to share with you: • V = Value.• O = Oriented• L = Learning• U = Understanding.• N = Non violent• T = Teach (take & give)• E = Equality.• E = Exchange• R = Responsible / relation. International Volunteers Days (05/12) has just passed. Ok, volunteering is a way of life and does maybe not count days.

Nevertheless it can’t harm to dwell on the fact that volunteering for peace is something special. Therefore Asian Voices would like to thank you, all the SCI-volunteers (and especially in Asia), to have done a great job this year!

Amities,The editing teamWilbert, Nurul, Hanae, Pat & Maria

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End NoteBy Hanae, Wilbert, Nurul, Pat & Maria