Capacity Building Program
Since 2002, KWAT has been providing internship programs to young leaders from Kachin and Northern Shan State. Every year in Chiang Mai, Thailand, new interns receive training in a wide range of subjects, including Human Rights, Women and Politics, Gender Issues, Leadership, Environment, and Media. They also learn new, useful skills, such as office management, computer skills, and English that they can work more effectively in their organisations in Kachin State. Similar trainings are also provided to women in Kachin local communities.
KWAT staff can also develop their capacity through various trainings and personal development opportunities in Chiang Mai, such as strategic planning, office management, and conflict resolution.
Objectives
- To educate the Kachin youth about political issues, such as Democracy and Government systems, Constitution and rule of law, political history, and the current situation of Burma
- To offer trainings and create a wider awareness on important social issues, such as Human Rights, Gender awareness, and Women’s issues
- To provide students with knowledge and skills on leadership and community organization that they can grow to be leaders in their communities.
- To develop the capacity of the students by teaching English and IT skills, office skills, project and management skills that they can work efficiently in their jobs
- To empower the students and foster their confidence that they can work with local, national, and international organizations to promote democracy, human rights, and social justice in Burma
Capacity Building Sub-Programs
- Internal Capacity Building
Through this program, KWAT furthers efficiency and capability of our staff; participating staff members attend various workshops and conduct situational, stakeholder, and SWOT analyses. Then, they synthesized all the information into a three-year strategic plan, a one-year business plan, and project implementation plans.
- External Capacity Building
Through discussions, KWAT works to establish awareness among Kachin community members and leaders. KWAT also collaborates with community-based organizations and uses Training the Trainer to build strong networks and spread awareness. The “trained trainers” then outreach to their communities in Kachin, Northern Shan, and Thailand.
- Internship Program
KWAT runs an internship program for young leaders in Kachin and Northern Shan states. Because democratic changes begin with the youth, KWAT helps these young leaders develop critical thinking abilities and practical skills. Both male and female interns come from different backgrounds and explore different sociopolitical issues, such as gender equality and democracy.
