Week 6-7: Half Way Through the Program

The time keeps ticking away, and we have passed the half-way mark.  At times, many of us feel like we are on brain overload.  We have been exposed to so many areas of study with respect to peace and conflict resolution, with some very amazing lecturers. 

During week 6 Lisa Monette from the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in Canada talked about the role of the media in conflict resolution.  Following that we learned about Demilitarization, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) from Bobby Anderson, an American who is now the Deputy Chief of Party, International Relief and Development, Indonesia.  Our week ended with an overview of Security Sector Reform (SSR) presented by Arie Bloed, who now lives in Bangkok and is retired, but he has several years experience in many parts of the world with respect to security sector reform in post-conflict situations. 

While DDR and SSR are not likely to apply in the world in which I work, they are an important part of moving toward stabilization and development within countries that have experienced many years of armed conflict and destruction.

In week 7 we began our investigation into post-war recovery, with Dr. David Connolly from University of York, UK.  Our examination included the challenges to building a sustainable peace, as well as the role that is played by all the various stakeholders that get their “hand in the pie” when money for recovery comes flooding into a war torn society.  While this is a serious issue, I must share a YouTube video with you, that illustrates the skepticism and controversy over the US efforts at post-war recovery efforts in Iraq:   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcjLEwZqcQI

We ended our week 7 with an overview of the impact that trauma can have on mental health of individuals, families and communities, as well as methods of addressing these issues.  Dr. John Pead an Australian clinical psychologist that works with aboriginal tribes provided a very engaging overview of mental health issues, as well as gave each of us an opportunity to examine our own methods of coping and taking care of our own mental health needs. 

Our social activities included a trip to Khao Khoew, and open zoo that is north of Bangkok, where a group of fellows traveled on Saturday, March 24^th.  While we had a downpour of rain in the afternoon, we still all enjoyed the zoo and the exceptional reception we had from the zoo Director and his assistant.  Our VIP reception was organized by my Rotary host counselor, Sukanya, whose husband is on the Board of Directors of Khao Khoew. 

Imal and Mel feeding baby tiger

Rotary Peace Fellows and Khoa Khoew Staff

On Friday, March 30th our Rotary Host Counselors treated us to a dinner cruise along the Mae Nam Chao Phraya.

Joyce, Sukanya, Zuleika, and Sue before dinner cruise

Thai dancing on our dinner cruise

The Royal Palace at night

Saturday, March 31^st a group of us visited the Floating Markets and Hua Hin beach area.  Another fun day that enabled us to get out of the city and into the countryside.  The Floating Markets are a rare site…where you can find almost anything you want in the way of Thai souvenirs all available by vendors in floating boats or stalls along the canals.  See for yourself in the pictures below.

Joyce with baby elephant at Floating Market area

Floating Market

The afternoon at the beach was also fun…and the youngest in our group, Imal from Afghanistan, greatly enjoyed the rides he took on the banana boat, donkey, and jet ski. 

Imal and Indrajeet on beach at Hua Hin

Only another week of class before we take off for Nepal on April 7^th.  I’m sure this second field study will be another experience I’ll long remember.