Directory of NGOs in the Lao PDR : Announcements http://www.directoryofngos.org/announcements.cfm Recent Directory Announcements CONSULTANCY OPPORTUNITY: EVALUATION http://www.directoryofngos.org/announcements.cfm?id=360 CONSULTANCY OPPORTUNITY
EVALUATION CONSULTANT
LAO NATIONAL OR EXPATRIATE
Save the Children is seeking to engage an Evaluation Consultant to undertake a Short Term consultancy in Sayaboury Province.
The Purpose of the Evaluation
The Save the Children Australia’s (SCA) Youth at Risk (YAR) Project in Sayaboury Province which has been operating since 2002 and an evaluation was undertaken in July 2006. This new evaluation is to review progress since 2006 and assess the performance and overall sustainability of the Project and prepare for the next 3 years (July 2008 to June 2011).
It is planned that the Consultancy will be of twenty five (25) days duration to be undertaken over a of 5 week period commencing on Monday 26th May 2008, and to be completed by Friday 27th June 2008.
Summary of consulting period
Total number of days: 25 days
Consultations in Vientiane prior to, and after, the field visits: 2 days
Fieldwork 16 days (2-3 days in Khop, Xieng Hone, Hongsa and Ngeun Districts (includes travel time),
plus 3-4 days in Sayaboury)
Travel 2 days (Vientiane to Sayaboury return)
Writing Draft and Final reports: 5 days
Qualifications and Experience
The Evaluation Consultant will have qualifications and expertise in community-based development (especially youth, anti-trafficking, Microfinance/Income Generating Activities (IGA), Participatory Action Research (PAR), project management and project systems analysis, and participatory evaluation methods. The consultant will be the lead person in the team and be responsible for the facilitation and briefing of the evaluation team on the guidelines and process for participatory evaluation; facilitate the evaluation team during the field work in order to collect data, organize, compile, and analyse field data; preparation of the Draft and Final Reports and presentation of results of field work, and the final conclusions and recommendations of the evaluation.
Consultant Contract
SCA will engage and consultant to undertake the evaluation based on a detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) which are available on the www.directoryofngos.org or contacting SCA Office in Vientiane. Before applying consultants must read the TOR for this consultancy, and detail their experience relating to the criteria in the TOR.
Interested Consultants should submit in English;
1. A Brief Description (1 page Maximum) of their experience relative to the requirements of the consultancy as detailed in the TOR.
2. A copy of their current Curriculum Vitae
3. A proposal regarding their daily consultancy fee rate and their allowances for accommodation and meals.
4. The final agreed consultancy rate will be subject to negotiations.
Submission Date: Closing date for applicants is Friday 16th May 2008.
Applications should be submitted to Save the Children Australia, marked “YAR Project Evaluation”
Postal: P.O. Box 2783, Vientiane
Email: to Office-sc@etllao.com
Fax: 314471
Enquiries to: SCA Office Phone 263744, 415432, 416937.
SEE JOB OPENINGS FOR TOR
]]> 2008-05-06 IT volunteers for NGO's in Lao PDR http://www.directoryofngos.org/announcements.cfm?id=359
Dear INGO network,



recently I was in Laos for a month working with Digital Divide Data (DDD) in VTE.



As a result I became aware that quite a few small NGO's sometimes need some IT support (computer level or network level support).



As I'm currently looking at sending IT volunteers to Laos for DDD, I'm wondering if anyone in the INGO network would be interested to take a volunteer for ~4-6weeks ?



If you are interested let me know please.


If you could describe as well as you are able (in layman's language of course :-) the IT/computer/network problem you would like help with that would be good.



From this end:


I work in the Computer and Electrical Engineering School of RMIT University, Australia. I have access to students who may be interested in volunteering. I also have some contacts to RMIT Vietnam Campus.



What will it cost ? For a short 6 week assignment, airfares would be paid from Australia, I'm looking at finding sponsorship money for that. Volunteers are given indications that they would be looked after re accommodation and some very modest food budget. Details can be tailored to suit your situation.



Blowing my own trumpet somewhat: here is a link to my involvement with DDD.


http://heiko.rudolph.googlepages.com/mediapublicity


IT without borders is at this time an idea waiting to be born.



kind regards



Heiko Rudolph


(Lecturer, RMIT University, Australia)
]]> 2008-04-18 Office closed during Pee Mai Lao http://www.directoryofngos.org/announcements.cfm?id=358 2008-04-10 Schooling and Poverty in Lao PDR Report from the World Bank (Lao Language) http://www.directoryofngos.org/announcements.cfm?id=357 "Schooling and Povert in Lao PDR 2005".
The report examines the current pattern and trends in education in Lao PDR from a poverty perspective.
A Lao language hard copy is availible from the INGO Network office.
]]> 2008-03-17 Happy Birthday Lao Biogas Program Partners now Wanted! http://www.directoryofngos.org/announcements.cfm?id=356 If your project or organization is working with rural households that may be interested and eligible for a Biodigester, or if you are simply interested in more information or to visit a demonstration village, please contact BPP (021214947, bppoffice@biogaslao.org).
________________________________________________________
…And here is more detail for your website:
Happy Birthday Lao Biogas Program – Partners now Wanted!
The Lao Biogas Pilot Program (BPP) was established in March 2007 by the MAF’s Department of Livestock and Fisheries (DLF) with support from SNV. The pilot year was very successful and now there are over 120 biogas households in Vientiane Municipality enjoying benefits such as:
- clean, safe and convenient cooking
- time savings of 1.5 hours per day *
- cost savings of $89 per year *
- healthier family due to less smoke inhalation
- improved cleanliness and sanitation around the house
- supply of free organic fertilizer to boost crop yields
(* average results from the Lao Biogas User Survey in Vientiane Municipality, December 2007)
The program trains local masons to install a simple “biodigester”, with no moving parts and built from local materials, that converts animal and household waste into clean natural gas plus valuable fertilizer. The systems are designed to last for at least 20 years and come with a 2 year service warranty. The total systems cost from around US$350 up to US$500, depending on the size and what materials and labour the householder can contribute. A subsidy of 100 Euro is provided to reduce the initial cost for low income households, and a microfinance facility is being developed.
BPP is now looking for at least 800 potential biogas households in Vientiane Municipality, Savannakhet and Xiengkhouang. Therefore BPP would like to cooperate with any organization or project that is working with rural households in these areas that may be interested and eligible for a biodigester. For any group of at least 30 potential households, BPP can arrange promotional workshops and site assessments. If your project or organization is working with rural households that may be interested and eligible for a Biodigester, or if you are simply interested in more information or to visit a demonstration village, please contact the BPP Office (021214947, bppoffice@biogaslao.org).
]]> 2008-03-13 New Health Information Monitoring and Evaluation GuidePublished http://www.directoryofngos.org/announcements.cfm?id=354
Download a free copy [745kb]:
http://www.infoforhealth.org/hipnet/MEGuide/MEGUIDE2007.pdf
<http://www.infoforhealth.org/hipnet/MEGuide/MEGUIDE2007.pdf>

Or request a print copy by sending an e-mail to orders@jhuccp.org with your contact information.
High quality information products and services are essential components of all good public health programs. With limited resources, it is important to gauge the impact of these resources and demonstrate how they make a difference. This guide helps organizations do that more effectively. Written by Tara Sullivan of Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Center for Communication Programs, Molly Strachan of Constella/Futures and Barbara Timmons of Management Sciences for Health, the guide represents a collaborative process that involved many other organizations and individuals. The 29 indicators presented in the guide are grouped into four categories measuring reach, usefulness, use and collaboration/capacity building. Each indicator is described in detail with information on data requirements, data sources, purpose, issue and examples. These indicators reflect approaches that HIPNET members are already using to assess the effect of their products and services. In addition to the indicators, the guide includes a conceptual framework for monitoring and evaluating health information products and services. The guide also includes success stories illustrating different data collection methodologies and a sample readership survey. For additional information, contact the INFO Project, orders@jhuccp.org.
]]> 2008-02-27 Funds available for emerging civil society groups http://www.directoryofngos.org/announcements.cfm?id=353 http://www.wings-globalfund.org/our-work-grants-awarded_2007.php

Change to next deadline for grant applications to the GFCF. The next deadline for grants applications has been extended to 31 March 2008. Potential applicants should note that the GFCF has a two-stage application process.
Step 1 is a letter of intent to establish basic eligibility and to outline proposed activities. Step 2 is an application form. Applicants are kindly requested to submit a letter of intent well in advance of the deadline to ensure sufficient time for feedback from Fund staff and to complete the application form.
Applications submitted after the deadline will be deferred to the next grant round. For more details see http://www.wings-globalfund.org/apply-how-to.php
]]> 2008-02-27 For Sale - Nissan 4WD http://www.directoryofngos.org/announcements.cfm?id=352 For Sale
Preference given to ­tax exempt organization
Very GOOD BUY
Nissan - 4 Wheel Drive – 5 door with 7 seats and seat belts
Tax NOT PAID – Not for sale to private individuals
Model: Terrano II, left hand steering, white color
Condition: Well-maintained and clean with 1 spare tire
Low Mileage: 88,000 Km. (accurate)
Single owner car, model year 2000, used mainly in Vientiane
Price: US$ 10,500

Call Mr. Roger at 021-313-149
Or Ms. Na at 020-220-8266
]]> 2008-02-21 Call for proposals from civil society organisations - World Bank http://www.directoryofngos.org/announcements.cfm?id=351
CALL FOR PROPOSALS FROM CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS FOR THE 2008 CIVIL SOCIETY FUND (CSF).

The World Bank Vientiane Office invites Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) including
Non-Profit Associations (NPAs) and International Non-Government Organizations
(INGOs) working in Lao PDR to submit proposals for The Social Development Civil
Society Fund or The Civil Society Fund (CSF) formerly known as the Small Grants
Program.
The objective is to support the CSOs and to promote citizens’ ownership in the
development process, while supporting innovative approaches that make the process
more equitable and inclusive. The program seeks to enhance civic engagement,
empowerment of marginalized and vulnerable groups, especially in remote areas
with a view to building their capacity to make informed choices and influence more
effectively development outcomes. The theme for this year’s Small Grants Program is

‘Enhancing community participation in sustainable natural resource management’.

The World Bank Civil Society Fund does not support research programs, formal
academic training programs, operational projects, ongoing institutional core support
(such as equipment), scholarships, fellowships, study programs, individuals applying on
their own behalf, or non-legal entities. Proposed activities should not compete with or
substitute for regular World Bank instruments; they should be clearly distinguishable
from the Bank’s regular programs.
The deadline for submission of applications is March 7, 2008. Awards will be announced
at the end of March 2007.
For more detailed information, program guidelines and Grant Application Form, please
contact Mr. Sybounheuang Phandanouvong, Social Development Specialist, at
sphandanouvong@worldbank.org or Ms. Viengsamay Srithirath, Communications
Associate, at vsrithirath@worldbank.org, the World Bank Vientiane Office. In addition
information on the program can be accessed via this address on the World Bank website
http://www.worldbank.org/smallgrantsprogram ]]> 2008-02-12 Call for Program Proposals for the 6th International Integrated Pest Management Symposium http://www.directoryofngos.org/announcements.cfm?id=350 "Transcending Boundaries," is the theme of the 6th International IPM Symposium that will be held March 24–26, 2009 at the Oregon
Convention Center, Portland, Oregon. Symposium sessions will address IPM across disciplines internationally, in agriculture, the market place, urban settings, greenhouses, and more. Plenary speakers include:
• Aziz Lagnaoui, World Bank IPM specialist, who will address transcending international boundaries
• Janjo deHaan, Wangeningen Research Center, The Netherlands, expert on IPM in multifunctional cropping systems
• Pierce Jones, director of the Program for Resource Efficient Communities at the University of Florida, who is incorporating IPM practices into planning and establishing new communities
• Sara J. Scherr, director of Ecoagriculture Partners, an international partnership to promote increased productivity jointly with enhanced natural biodiversity and ecosystem services in agricultural landscapes
The program format will include mini-symposia, workshops, poster sessions, and a series of brainstorming sessions. The latter will be related to IPM adoption, training, marketing, and systems design. Other proposals for brainstorming sessions are encouraged. The goal of these sessions is to facilitate intensive brainstorming with the expectation that diverse perspectives from the participants may stimulate unique approaches/solutions for major obstacles in specific areas of IPM.
Mini-symposia should have a broad interest with estimated audiences of 150-200 individuals. Workshop sessions will be more focused with estimated audiences of 25-75 people. Brainstorming discussions will likely be topic specific attracting 20 to 30 attendees. Mini-symposia, workshops, and brainstorming discussions will each be approximately two hours in duration.
The number of each type of session will be limited, as will the number of accepted posters due to space constraints. The program planning committee will review all proposals and try to accommodate as many as possible.
As at past symposia, limited “Program Enhancement” funds for speaker support are anticipated. Preference will be given to speakers who would not normally attend the event. Details about requests for these funds will be made available after the proposals have been submitted.
Session proposals must be submitted on-line at http://www.ipmcenters.org/ipmsymposium09/ by April 18, 2008. Suggestions sent earlier must be resubmitted in response to this announcement to be considered by the program committee. A call for poster submissions will be announced at a later date.
A list of possible session topics is included below, but other topic suggestions are welcome. If you have questions regarding the format or development of the program, please contact co-chairs of the program planning committee: Margaret Appleby (margaret.appleby@ontario.ca or 613-475-5850); Robert Hedlund (rhedlund@usaid.gov or 202-712-4188); Greta Schuster (gschuster@mail.wtamu.edu or 361-595-4116).
]]> 2008-02-11 Avian Inflenza Update - English version http://www.directoryofngos.org/announcements.cfm?id=349






AI Safety and Security


Avian Influenza, H5N1


Avian influenza is a disease of birds that under certain circumstances can be transmitted to other animals and humans. H5N1 is a particular strain of avian influenza that is currently of major concern. In humans, it has caused the greatest number of serious infections and the greatest number of deaths as of 29th January 2007, it has infected 353 people causing 221 deaths worldwide.
The virus is currently not easily transmitted from birds to humans. However, if the virus is given the opportunity to mutate, it could change into a form that is highly infectious to humans and able to spread easily from person to person. Such a change could mark the start of a global outbreak of human disease - a pandemic.
People at highest risk of catching the disease are those who regularly come into close contact with infected poultry and other animals in their daily lives, such as poultry farmers, people who work in markets and people who handle and prepare food.
These guidelines are aimed at all CARE staff to provide you with basic information to help protect you and your family from avian influenza on a daily basis.

How AI is transmitted?


Most cases of infection in humans have involved exposure to infected poultry in rural backyard flocks, including:
· Contact with diseased or dead poultry
· Handling raw poultry products
· Eating undercooked poultry or blood products
· Live animal markets
· Cock fighting
· Exposure to sick or dead wild birds
There have only been a few cases where the virus has potentially spread directly from person to person. Currently, the virus does not spread easily from person to person, which is why it has not caused a human flu pandemic.

WHO and Pandemic Phases
The World Health Organization is the United Nations specialized agency for health and recognized as one of the world's leading authorities on global health concerns. CARE Vietnam uses guidelines and data from the WHO as its primary source of authoritative information on avian influenza.
The WHO uses a series of six Pandemic Phases as a system for informing the world of the seriousness of the threat of avian influenza. Each Pandemic Phase coincides with a series of recommended activities to be undertaken by the WHO, the international community, governments, and organizations to address the increasing threat.
We are currently in Pandemic Phase 3, meaning that there have been no, or very few, cases of transmission of avian influenza from humans to humans. Following is a description of the WHO Pandemic Phases.

Home Safety
Good hygiene practices can help to prevent many illnesses. The simple measures outlined below should be practiced at all times to ensure your health and may help to protect you against avian influenza.
Hand Washing
Hand washing is the single most important way to stop the spread of infections. Up to 80% of common infections are spread by hands. If you wash your hands often and properly, you can help prevent infections to yourself and prevent spreading infections to others. Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with clean water and soap.

Wash your hands often; whenever they are dirty and especially at the following times:

  • Before you prepare food and after touching raw meat like chicken or beef or eggs
  • Before you eat
  • After you use the toilet, or help a child to use the toilet
  • After you change a baby's nappy
  • After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing
  • After touching rubbish or dirty objects
  • After touching animals, such as dogs, cats or birds
  • Before and after you treat an injury or care for someone who is sick
  • MAKE SURE THAT CHILDREN ALSO WASH THEIR HANDS AT THESE TIMES!


If the Pandemic Phase level is increased, or if you are working in high risk areas or with high risk materials (e.g. live or dead poultry, raw poultry meat etc), hand-washing must be done more thoroughly. Please follow these instructions:

  • Remove any rings or other jewelry
  • Wet hands thoroughly with running water - warm or hot water is best
  • Use soap to lather your hands by rubbing them vigorously for at least 10-15 seconds as you wash. Liquid soap in a dispenser is best.
  • Scrub your hands, the back of your hands, between fingers, under fingernails, wrists and forearms.
  • Rinse hands thoroughly under running water.
  • Dry hands with a disposable paper towel or a clean towel. Electric hot air driers can also be used.
  • Turn off the tap with the used towel.
  • NEVER USE A BASIN OF STANDING WATER FOR SHARED WASHING

Safe coughing and sneezing practices


  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
  • Put your used tissue in the rubbish bin
  • Wash your hands after you cough or sneeze


Safe Food Preparation
It is safe to eat properly cooked poultry and eggs, as the high temperature in the cooking process destroys the virus.
When preparing and cooking raw poultry and eggs it is vitally important to observe the following food hygiene practices. This is to prevent the person preparing the poultry/eggs from becoming infected, and to prevent infected poultry/eggs from infecting other food in the kitchen (cross-contamination):
Choose carefully:
· Don't prepare or eat either sick birds, or birds found dead - this is highly dangerous.
· Choose fresh poultry and eggs from vendors with good hygiene standards
· Choose eggs that are clean, not covered in dirt or faeces.
· Avoid slaughtering birds at home.
Keep Clean:
· Wash your hands before and during food preparation. Also wash your hands after preparing food and before eating.
· Frequently clean and disinfect all work surfaces, equipment and utensils used for preparing poultry and eggs.
· Dispose of poultry waste safely in a secure rubbish bin
Separate:
· Separate raw meat/eggs from cooked or prepared foods.
Cook thoroughly:
· Ensure that food is cooked to at least 70°C in all parts of the food. Meat juices should run clear, and meat should show no pink colour. Eggs should be solid, with no runny yolks.
· Do not consume raw poultry products, such as duck blood salad or uncooked laap.
Store Properly
· Refrigerate fresh meat and eggs as soon as possible
· Refrigerate uneaten, cooked food as soon as possible
· Thaw frozen food in the refrigerator, not at room temperature

What can I do to protect myself during an AI outbreak?



In addition to basic hygiene and cooking practices, avoid unnecessary contact with all poultry and other domestic and wild birds. Make sure that you and your children also follow these guidelines.
· Avoid contact with poultry and birds, their feathers and waste

  • Avoid areas or surfaces that may be contaminated with poultry and bird excreta
  • Avoid live poultry markets
  • Do not play with birds or keep birds as pets

· Do not slaughter poultry at home
If there is contact with poultry do not rub eyes, eat, drink or smoke before washing hands and changing into clean clothes.
If you develop symptoms such as high fever (usually higher than 38°C) and influenza-like symptoms, consult a doctor immediately.

What do I do if I see sick or dead poultry?


If you have dead birds
1. Call the VVW, village chief or district livestock officer. They will need to take the dead birds for testing.
2. Avoid touching the birds with your bare hands. Use plastic bags on your hands to place the dead birds in a plastic bag or container and put it in the shade away from cats and dogs and other birds.
3. Remove the plastic bags from your hands by turning them inside out and then place them in another plastic bag and dispose in a bin.
4. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
5. Any clothing that has been in contact with the dead bird should be washed using ordinary washing detergent.
6. Any utensils or surfaces being in contact with the dead poultry should be thoroughly cleaned with soap and water.
If you have sick birds, separate them from the healthy ones and call to your village veterinary worker (VVW), village chief or district livestock officer to report







National AI Hotline
Freecall 166 (Mon Fri 7am 6pm)



For any further information please do not hesitate to contact the CARE AI Program on 021 217 727 ext 131.


]]> 2008-02-11 Red Ribbon Award (HIV AIDS) http://www.directoryofngos.org/announcements.cfm?id=348

  • Providing access to care, treatment and support for people living with HIV.
  • Promoting human rights and addressing social injustices including homophobia, sexism and any other example of stigma and discrimination.
  • Empowering women and girls and addressing gender inequalities that fuel the spread of HIV.
  • Providing support to children orphaned by AIDS and other vulnerable children
  • Promoting HIV prevention programmes and services

The "Red Ribbon Award: Celebrating Community Leadership and Action on AIDS" provides a unique opportunity to support and publicize the work of communities who are finding innovative and effective ways to address the AIDS epidemic and secure livelihoods around the world. Displaying extraordinary courage, resilience and strength, community-based organizations are indeed showing us in practical terms how to contain a global epidemic – one community at a time.
The deadline for nominations is 29 February 2008.
For more info please visit: http://www.redribbonaward.org
]]> 2008-02-11 MSF new Head of Mission and Administrator/Logistic Officer http://www.directoryofngos.org/announcements.cfm?id=347 Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) is pleased to inform you that:
- Ms. Heidi Becher is replacing Marie Deblaise in the Head of Mission position, starting the 13th Febrary 2008.

- Mr. Richard Poitras is taken a new position as administrator and Logistical officer.

You can contact them at MSF Office:

Phone: 021.214268

MSFCH-laos-hom@geneva.msf.org
]]> 2008-02-11 Huam Jai Asasamak (HJA) Volunteer/Intern Program Expansion 2008-09 http://www.directoryofngos.org/announcements.cfm?id=338 Dear all, The Huam Jai Asasamak (HJA) volunteer/intern project, which, as you may remember, provides a training and intership program in collaboration with various NGOs for young Lao people, is now ready to expand. With the funding we have recently been granted from the McKnight Foundation we are looking for new partner organisations (INGOs or NPAs) who are interested in hosting one or more volunteer/interns for a 12-month period begining in May 2008. A later intake will take place in September 2008. The most important criteria for placement partners is that they work in sustainable social development, preferably in rural area of the country, and that they are willing to commit to the HJA program concept - namely to provide the young volunteer with a meaningful learning and work-experience opportunity. So, what's in it for the partnering NGO? First of all, an immediate cleansing of your karma for not having joined with us in this worthy venture at the very beginning! Secondly, for a very, very small financial contribution and minimal time and effort you will be helping provide a future source of employable and enthusiastic young people based in your project areas with experience and training in social development. As a result you will also be empowering both local youth and their communities in becoming more involved in shaping their own futures. In other words, a win-win situation all round. For further details contact: Vilinthone Sacklokham Program Coordinator Tel: 021 264291 ext. 105 Mobile: 020 5629082 E-mail: hja@laopdr.com vilinthone@hotmail.com
]]> 2008-02-03 Request for Proposal (Contract with NGOs for New Project Implementation) - JICA http://www.directoryofngos.org/announcements.cfm?id=344 Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is implementing Technical Cooperation Project in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, namely the Project for Supporting Community Initiatives for Primary Education Development in the Southern Provinces in Saravane, Sekong and Attapeu Province.
The Project aims to improve primary education environment in the target schools as to support the achievement of Education for All (EFA) goals.
JICA is seeking the NGOs which can collaborate with the project activities.
Activities expected for the NGOs include the followings:
- Hold workshops:
* To plan activities of each school with JICA Expert and trainers from MOE or PES (Provincial Education Service)
* For the maintenance of the materials and facilities if necessary.
* To review and evaluate activities of each school with JICA Expert and Government sector.
* To produce teaching materials with locally available resources with JICA Expert and Government sector.
A. To encourage each school to complete action plan.
B. Procurement the materials and facilities to each school based on the approved action plan of each school.
JICA will hold explanatory meeting on February 1st, 2008, at 14:00pm, at JICA Laos Office.
Interested NGOs are to send letter of interest to JICA in the following address.
JICA Laos Office
Sihom Commerce Center Building,
No. 006, 3rd Floor, Luangprabang Rd., Sihom Village, Chanthabouly District Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR PO Box: 3933
Tel: 21 241100 (ext.395) / Fax: 021 241101-2 Further Information, please contact Ms. Makiko IWASAKI
]]> 2008-01-24 EC funds - New programme Calls for proposals http://www.directoryofngos.org/announcements.cfm?id=343
EC has just launched a new Asia Calls for proposals. The new programme is promoting a sustainable consumption and production in Asia. It provides funds for project/activities supporting friendly environment in business in particular for SMEs.
See more details in this link
http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/where/asia/regional-cooperation/environment/switch_en.htm
Deadline for Concept note is 28 February 2008.
Deadline for Full Application is 29 May 2008.
]]> 2008-01-24 Enterprise Challenge Fund for the Pacific and South-East Asia (ECF) http://www.directoryofngos.org/announcements.cfm?id=342 Australia will provide $20.5 million over six years to pilot an Enterprise Challenge Fund for the Pacific and South-East Asia.
The Enterprise Challenge Fund provides an opportunity for private-sector businesses to participate in an open competition for matching grants to fund commercially viable business projects.
Providing access to employment and markets is vital to generate a sustainable reduction in poverty. The Australian Aid Framework strongly emphasised the private sector as a driver of growth and it foreshadowed the development of a pilot program to support private sector led growth. The Enterprise Challenge Fund aims to stimulate growth and ensure that the poor are included in the benefits and opportunities provided by that growth.
In many countries in our region, innovative private sector projects fail to attract financial backing, not because of low returns, but because of weaknesses in financial markets and the 'public good' nature of some of their benefits. The private sector may be reluctant to undertake pro-poor projects because of perceived risks, lack of information or the high costs of creating new markets. The ECF will help to overcome these constraints. Through open competition, grants of $100,000 to $1.5 million will be awarded to business projects with pro-poor outcomes and that cannot obtain financing from commercial sources.
At least 50 per cent of the project costs must be met by the partner business, and all projects must be commercially self-sustaining within three years.
Initial research for the ECF in the Pacific and South East Asia indicates that potential projects are likely to relate to the extension of financial services, agricultural advisory services to poor people, and investments that create new or improved market linkages. These will lead to the creation of jobs and income-earning opportunities.
The success of individual projects will demonstrate to business and governments that pro-poor commercial opportunities exist in our region. By raising awareness of these opportunities and what may limit a firm from successfully pursuing them, the impact of the ECF can extend beyond individual projects to improving the business environment for all firms.
The Fund Manager for the ECF is Coffey International. They are responsible for marketing and managing the Fund.
For more information see the ECF website [external]. http://www.enterprisechallengefund.org/ECF/Default.aspx
]]> 2008-01-23 2nd Announcement for the 2007-8 WASH Media Awards http://www.directoryofngos.org/announcements.cfm?id=341 Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) are co-sponsoring the second
edition of the WASH Media Award competition, to be held between July 2007
and April 2008. This competition is open to journalists in developing countries
who publish or broadcast original investigative reports on issues relating
to water supply, sanitation or hygiene in their countries. The WASH Media
Award initiative contributes to the International Year of Sanitation 2008
by recognizing and supporting the crucial role of the media in attracting
attention to and influencing the WASH crisis.
Journalists can each submit up to two pieces of work, which can include
articles from traditional print or recognized online newspapers, magazines, or
journals; radio broadcasts; television documentaries or reports.
Eligible works must be published or broadcast between 1 July 2007 and
30 April 2008. Articles or broadcasts can be submitted in French, English
or Spanish. Works not originally published or broadcast in one of these
languages must be translated into one of the three competition languages in
order to be considered for submission.
Prizes will be awarded in each of the three competition languages, with an
additional prize awarded for the best entry that deals specifically with issues
related to gender and water, sanitation or hygiene. A ceremony presenting
the winning entries will take place at the World Water Week in Stockholm,
Sweden, in August 2008. Winning journalists will be invited to attend as
special guests of WSSCC and SIWI. More details about additional prizes
will be announced at the winners’ ceremony.
Submissions to this competition will be judged by a nine member
international jury, jointly convened by SIWI and WSSCC. The jury, which
will have three judges for each of the three competition languages, will be
composed of respected members of the media, particularly those with
strong backgrounds in environmental journalism. Entries will be judged on
the following criteria:

1. Originality of subject: capacity of the story to surprise
2. Quality of content: style, structure and objectivity of information
3. Quality of research: thoroughness in researching, compiling and
incorporating relevant information
4. Working conditions: difficulties the journalist had to cope with while
doing the research and producing the story
5. Relevance of the WASH issues: capacity of the story to link WASH
issues to the overall development process
6. Potential public impact: capacity of the story to have an impact on the
general public and political opinion
7. Proven public impact: the story had a tangible effect on water supply,
sanitation or hygiene policy in the country or locality where and about
which it was written
All entries must be received by no later than 15 May 2008.
For more information, please visit: http://www.wsscc.org/fileadmin/files/pdf/media/Announcement_English.pdf
or the WSSCC or SIWI websites, respectively, at:
www.wsscc.org/en/media/wash-media-awards
http://www.siwi.org/press/washmediaaward.hIf
]]> 2008-01-22 Potentially Fraudulent Email Warning- Jacobson Foundation http://www.directoryofngos.org/announcements.cfm?id=339 This is adice given by the Public Affairs Officer of the US Embassy in Vientiane.
1) note that the address is supposed to be in Albany New York, yet their website has a fr.gd domain name, which is not the .org or .com domain name for US organizations
2) they only list an address IN AFRICA for sending in registration fees
3) they use Western Union for registration fees, rather than actual banking information for an electronic funds transfer
4) a quick google search of “Jacobson Foundation” does not immediately list a foundation in New York that does this kind of work.
My best advice to you is NEVER SEND ANY MONEY TO AFRICA FOR ANY REASON unless you know it is a Save the Children Africa legitimate request. This is especially true if you receive anything by email or over the internet requesting that you send money to Africa.
]]> 2008-01-20 CIDSE-Laos moved to a new office http://www.directoryofngos.org/announcements.cfm?id=336 As of 1 January 2008, CIDSE-Laos has moved offices : we now are at Chao Anou Street, right opposite the Gondola restaurant (near the Ji-Café), on the first floor.






CIDSE-Laos

Our full address is :
122/01 Chao Anou
P.O. Box 2795
Vientiane, Lao P.D.R
Our new telephone number is : (856) 021-262 839
Our e-mail address still is : cidseint@cidselao.org
After our move we still have some surplus equipment, notably our old server, still in good condition, which we would like to sell for $250,-
We also still have two Yamaha 125 cc trial bikes (2-stroke), only one year old, , with 3500 and 4500 km driven each. We bought them for $2600,- one year ago (tax not paid), they would be about $2850,- new now and we would like top sell them for about $2000,- each.
Wishing you all the best for the coming year,
And with kind regards,
The CIDSE-Laos team.
]]> 2008-01-08