Activities & Events

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Within the DAC

Strategic Development Planning Workshop. Phnom Penh: 24 to 26 November 2001.
National Workshop on Victim Assistance. Phnom Penh: 5-6 September 2001.
MOSALVY - DAC Joint Workshop on "Accommodation needs of orphaned and abandoned children with disabilities" Phnom Penh: 13-14 August 2001.

Cambodia at Large

Cambodian Handi-Sport Day and International Day for the Disabled Persons. Old Stadium, Phnom Penh, Cambodia: 03 to 04 December 2001.

Regional and International

International Seminar on Social Welfare in Asia and the Pacific. Tokyo, Japan: 13 to 16 November 2001.
Regional Workshop on Victim Assistance. Bangkok, Thailand: 06 to 08 November 2001.

Within the DAC (TOP)

STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT PLANNING WORKSHOP

November 24-26, 20001 (TOP)

The Disability Action Council (DAC) with the supports provided by United States Agency for International Development / Leahy War Victims Fund (USAID/LWVF) is going to organize and conduct a Strategic Planning Workshop that will be held from 24 to 26 November 2001 in Phnom Penh. This workshop needs to be conducted to scrutinise on current situation and to further develop a Strategic Planning Framework for the 2nd three-year implementing phase. The Strategic Plan will thus form part of the revised funding proposals to USAID as well as proposals to other funding partners.

Gaols/General Objectives
The Strategic Planning Workshop aiming at to attain its two different goals as following:

The developing roles of Disability Action Council is clarified; and
A comprehensive strategic planning framework of DAC Secretariat for the period 2002 to 2004 is drafted

Specific Objectives

The specific objectives for goal I:

DAC' s operating environment is reviewed and analysed;
DAC' s core competences are identified and reviewed;
Projections are made re ongoing and potential operating challenges;
Determinations are made about core role of DAC for the coming three years; and
DAC sets overall performance targets and indicators for the coming three years.

The specific objectives for goal II:

A comprehensive Stakeholders analysis is developed;
The Secretariat structures is reviewed and proposals made for such changes as may be required;
Human and financial resources development requirements are determined;
Technical Assistance provision to strengthen the Secretariat is determine; and
An Action Plan is draft for 2002.

Expected Outcomes/results
After the workshop, the main expected results could be foreseen as follow:

Some key recommendations for adapting the DAC for the second implementing phase are explored.
New refined objectives, activities and input/recourses needs for strategic planning development of DAC Secretariat for the next implementing phase are determined.
A new adopted strategic planning framework is explored.
A systematic of SMART indicators of both performance and impact are explored to improve Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting System for DAC Secretariat.
Major strategic elements for development of plan of operation are explored.
DAC Secretariat is mandated to develop a Project Proposal to USAID based on the draft Strategic Plan.

Participants
The workshop participants should be identified based on following criteria:

All technical staff of DAC Secretariat. This means that if program staffs are not actively involved, they will gain nothing from the planning exercise and any resulting decision will be more difficult to put into effect. They even are antagonised by experience and this will have a negative effect on the work of DAC Secretariat.
DAC Secretariat has been deeply involved by many key organisations such as relevant International / national NGOs, Government Ministries, potential donors, and Organisations of people with disabilities. Therefore their participation and contributions would be of outmost importance and useful.
DAC committees and sub committees that are related to some key staffs from involved bodies/stakeholders.

Workshop Methodology
The workshop will be conducted on the basis of a participatory approach in plenary and group discussions. Some planning steps of LogFrame will be used as necessarily. For the group discussion, the participants will be divided into 3 small groups (the group division will be flexible). The process applies in this workshop will be first given the introductions and inputs and then followed by group discussions. The presentation of the results of discussions will be in plenary session. The brainstorming exercises will be basically used in plenary session as necessary. The visualisation aids needs to be used through the workshop process. Time for questions, clarification and comment will be kept available as necessary.

Language
The workshop will be conducted in English. However, Khmer will be used occasionally. Translation will be provided.

Venue and schedule
This workshop will be conducted from 24 to 26 November 2001 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, starts at 0800 till 1700 with two hours break for lunch.

Evaluation and Report
An evaluation tool will be developed and used to measure the success of the workshop. The report of the workshop will be documented and incorporated into the project proposal to be submitted to USAID/LWVF.

Contact Details
For more information about this workshop, please contact:
Disability Action Council,
#28, Street 184, Sangkat Chey Chum Nas, Khan Duan Penh,
P.O Box 115; Phnom Penh,
Cambodia
Tel: +855-(0)23-215341, 218797
Fax: +855-(0)23-214722
E-mail: dac@bigpond.com.kh

NATIONAL WORKSHOP ON VICTIM ASSISTANCE

Phnom Penh: 05 to 06 September 2001 (TOP)

right to left: Mr. Ouk Sisovann, Executive Director DAC Secretariat, H.E. Prak Chantha, Secretary of State of the MOSALVY; Mr. Lee Forsythe, Program Specialist for Humanitarian Assistant, USAID, and Ms. Isabell Plumat, Country Director of Handicap International - Belgium To fulfill its mandate as the only existing national coordinating mechanism on disability and rehabilitation (for services and programs provided to people with disabilities including mine victims), the DAC has been approached to organize a National Workshop on "Victim Assistance", which was conducted from 5 to 6 September 2001 at the National Institute of Public Health (former Pasteur Institute). The workshop was successfully organized with support and assistance provided by the Cambodian Mine Action and Mine Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) and Handicap International - Belgium (HI-B).

The National Workshop brought together around 43 professional and technical actors including government official, staffs of non-governmental organization (from 37 organizations / institutions) with relevant knowledge / experiences related to the victim assistance in Cambodia. It has been a rare opportunity for all key players to meet, discuss and share information and experiences on how to find ways to overcome the challenges.

Participants from NGOs, and Gogernvental Institutions attent the National Workshop on Victim Assistance, held from 05 to 06 September 2001, at National Public Health Institute, Phnom Penh The high-ranking government officials from two key institutions responsible for victim related issue expressed their interest and commitment to fully support the organization of the event. H.E. Sam Sotha, Advisor to the Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen and Secretary General of the CMAA presided over the opening session of the workshop, on September 5, 2001 at 8:00 to 9:00. While H.E. Prak Chantha, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Social Affairs, Labor, Vocational Training and Youth Rehabilitation (MOSALVY) prsided over the closing session on September 6, 2001 at 16:00 to 17:30.

The focus of the workshop aimed mainly on reviewing and finalizing of the draft national strategic plan on victim assistance in Cambodia. The linkage between components of victim assistance and relevant section of the DAC Strategic Directions for Disability and Rehabilitation was also another focus of the workshop. The proposed list of the Cambodian delegation to the First Regional Conference on Victim Assistance in the framework of the Mine Ban Treaty - South East Asia that will be held in November 6-8, 2001 in Thailand has been produced.

Please click the link belows to see more information about:

Welcome remarks of the Workshop Organiser by Mr. Ouk Sisovann, Executive Director of DAC.
Opening Remark addressed by Ms. Isabelle Plumat, Country Director of HI-B.
Opening Speech addressed by H.E Sam Sotha, Advisor to the Prime Minister and Secretary General of CMAA.
Closing Speech addressed by H. E Prak Chantha, Secretary of State of MoSALVY and Chairperson of DAC.

MOSALVY - DAC JOINT WORKSHOP ON
"ACCOMMODATION NEEDS OF ORPHANED AND ABANDONED CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES"

Phnom Penh: 13 to 14 August 2001 (TOP)

left to right: Ms Helen Pitt, Advisor to the DAC; H.E. Ith Sam Heng, Minister of the MOSALVY; Mr. Touch Samon, and Ouk Sisovann, Executive Director DAC Secretariat The Ministry of Social Affair, Labor, Vocational Training, and Youth Rehabilitation (MOSALVY) in collaboration with the Disability Action Council (DAC) had organized a two days workshop on "Accommodation Needs of Orphaned and Abandoned Children with Disabilities". This workshop was held at the National Institute of Public Health, Phnom Penh from 13 to 14 August 2001, to discuss about orphaned and abandoned children with disabilities' issues in Cambodia.

Children are the future of any nation. Cambodia is acknowledged as having the highest per capita rate of disability in the world. Children with disabilities and families of children with disabilities generally face even greater difficulties. Often there are the added barriers of poverty, discrimination, lack of understanding of disability issues, and lack of capacity within the country to adequately meet rehabilitation, education and accommodation needs. In these circumstances many families feel unable to cope and often neglect, abandon or relinquish their disabled child.

Participants attending workshop on accommodation needs of orphaned and abandoned children During an opening speech given by H.E. Ith Sam Heng, Minister of MOSALVY, during the MOSALVY-DAC Workshop on Accommodation Needs of Orphaned and Abandoned Children with Disabilities "The Royal Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia has given a mandate to MOSALVY to tackle the issues related to vulnerable people in society especially supports and services to children with disabilities and other vulnerable groups. However, the needs of children with disabilities are not fully met."

MOSALVY in cooperation with the Disability Action Council (DAC) has organized the workshop. The workshop will serve as a discussion forum for key players responsible for or are concerned about the welfare/well-being of children with disabilities especially orphaned and abandoned children with disabilities. Children with disabilities will also be involved in the discussions.

Issues relating to the long-term needs in this area of work will be discussed. The objectives of the workshop include prioritizing the accommodation needs of orphaned and abandoned children with disabilities and to discuss ways for long term support of the children. H.E. Ith Sam Heng also stated, "I am fully confident that the outcomes of this two day workshop will be a valuable contribution to the increase of attention and focus of the situation and issues of orphaned and abandoned children in Cambodia." It is hoped that the final output of the workshop is that recommendations will be made to enable MOSALVY to make an appropriate submission to the Council of Ministers.

Please click the link belows to see more information

About the Workshop
Opening speech by H.E. Ith Sam Heng, Minister of MOSALVY
Opening remark by Mr. Ouk Sisovann, Executive Director of the DAC

Cambodia at Large (TOP)

CAMBODIAN HANDI-SPORT DAY AND INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE DISABLED PERSONS

Old Stadium, Phnom Penh: 03 to 04 December 2001 (TOP)

The Disability Action Council (DAC) and its affiliated members are going to organize the 7th Cambodian Handi-Sport Day and the 19th International Day for the Disabled Persons from 03 to 04 December 2001 at the Old Stadium, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

This event will:

Promote positive images of people with disabilities by concentrating on individuals abilities and not their handicaps.
Promote public awareness on disability issues that affect people with disabilities, especially women and children with disabilities.
Promote full participation and equal opportunities for people with disabilities in all socio-economic activities.
Promote participation of women and children with disabilities in sporting and awareness raising activities.

Furtheremore, some activities will be organised as the following:

Supporting messages from the King (Head of State) and from Samdech Hun Sen (Prime Minister) will encourage individual and organisations to support and take part in the event. A statement describing background of the event will be released by H.E Ith Sam Heng, Minister of Ministry of Social Affairs, Labour, Vocational Training, and Youth Rehabilitation (MOSALVY), for public awareness and participation.
A meeting will be organised to provide information relating to disability and rehabilitation, to invite people with disabilities to describe their life, to promote people with disabilities to have priority for receiving services, and so on.
An exhibition will be organised with participation of organisations involved in disability and rehabilitation to display their activities including products made by people with disabilities.
A press conference will be organised on the 3rd December 2000 at 09:30 at the Old Stadium (Stad Chas) for questions and answers regarding abilities and activities of people with disabilities in community and in society. Press and media persons will be invited.
There will be 5 types of sporting activities including Volley Ball, Running (for amputee above knee), Running for blind, Wheelchair (3 wheels with chains), and Boule. The deadline for registration is November 27, 2001 at 17:00.
In addition, banners/slogans regarding the rights and promotion of full participation of people with disabilities in society will be put on the main streets in Phnom Penh. Short video spots on the contributions of people with disabilities in socio-economic activities will be broadcast on TV. A concert with performance of artists/singers with disabilities and popular artists/singers will be organised on the 3rd and 4th December 2001, from 15:00 to 19:00, at the Old Stadium.

To view the program of this event, please click here (PDF, 28kb)

Regional and International (TOP)

INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR ON SOCIAL WELFARE IN ASIA AND THE PACIFIC

Tokyo, Japan: 13 to 16 November 2001 (TOP)

The International Seminar on Social Welfare in Asia and the Pacific was held from 13 to 16 November 2001 at Japan College of Social Work, Tokyo, Japan. This seminar brought together representative from 13 countries and a representative from ESCAP. The Disability Action Council (DAC) representative, Mr. Ouk Sisovann, Executive Director, was also invited to participate in this seminar.

It was also honored by the distinguished presence of H.E. Ith Sam Heng, Minister of Social Welfare, Labor, Vocational Training and Youth Rehabilitation (MOSALVY) of Cambodia who gave the guest lecture as well as Ms. Rituko Nagao, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Japan College of Social Work.

For this year the theme was on "International Comparative Study on Disability Policies and Programs in the 21 Century in the Asia Pacific."

The Seminar observed dynamic exchanges of information and difficulties experienced in the respective countries on definitions, clarifications, statistics, policies, formal and informal services and some comparative studies.

A brief summary of relevant information presented during the seminar discussions is as follows:

People with disabilities in Asia and the Pacific appear to have gained from their government and civil society's involvement and commitment in networking effectively. Most countries have policies, regulations, and acts that protect and provide for the successful involvement of people with disabilities in the mainstream of the society. However the major criticism is that many of these good policies / acts does not have an effective plan of action or monitoring mechanism. This has created frustration and sometime negative perception among people with disability with regards to their future development and contribution towards nation building.
Definitions and classifications of people with disabilities. Countries had their own one, but on the whole they adopted the WHO's I.D.H. definition. Terminologies in the respective nation language were not clear, nor disabled-sensitive. The need to consult and involve people with disabilities in this respect was much highlighted.
Statistical gathering. Most countries experienced much difficulty in obtaining reliable information and financial constrains for effective results. Sample surveys and localized studies had been used to arrive at estimates on statistics of people with disabilities. This does not truly reflect the prevalence of disability in the Asia and the Pacific. The need to look at alternative approaches for statistical gathering and service provision was much emphasized.
International documents / declarations are been successfully mobilized or used as a framework for influencing and monitoring Government organizations and civil societies response and plan of action for people with disabilities. Greater public education and awareness in this respect was much desired in most countries.
The influence of CBR approaches in the Asia and the Pacific. It appears to have grown in leaps and bounds and is significantly mobilizing, especially the rural communities in the rehabilitation of people with disabilities. This approach stimulates the "shared responsibility" attitude and commitment of the community. Thus the caring society and cost-benefit concept are taking roots in the Asia and the Pacific.

The seminar also acknowledged the need for effective coordination and monitoring of GOs, NGOs, and CBOs in their conceptualization and delivery of services, pooling resources and bringing proficiency in existing rehabilitation programs. Meaningful multi and inter-sectoral involvement is much encouraged.

Embracing inclusion and redressing exclusion of people with disability was much discussed at this meeting. Countries reported the adoption of inclusionary measures at various levels in the community and the challenges encountered. Members at the seminar generally felt the people with disabilities are being more articulate and have initiated and responsible for the positive changes that is witnessed in the Asia Pacific Region campaigning for a quality of life and their role in community and nation building.

Click the following link to view Cambodia Country Paper Summary or Entire story (PDF, 379kb) and Speech of H.E. Ith Sam Heng (PDF, 104kb).

REGIONAL WORKSHOP ON VICTIM ASSISTANCE

Bangkok, Thailand: 06 to 08 November 2001 (TOP)

The Regional Workshop on Victim Assistance was organized from 6 to 8 November 2001 at Bangkok, Thailand, with the support provided by Germany, Norway, Switzerland, and Thailand, and coordinated by Handicap International. Participation's delegations were invited from South East Asia Countries including Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam. Delegations from Myanmar and other countries and from International Organizations and Non-Governmental Organizations were also invited to be the observers of the workshop.

The main objectives of this regional workshop are:

To bring together government officials, technical actors, and organizations in Victim Assistance from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam, as well as non-governmental organizations in the region, with relevant experience;
To provide the opportunity to study and discuss victim assistance along with grater technical insight into the problem of victims assistance in South Eat Asia;
To allow improved co-ordination and use of methodologies among relevant actors;
To show ways to overcome the challenges defined in country plans of action; and
To involve donor State in the implementation of projects by providing detailed information on national action plans.

This three-day workshop provided opportunity for delegations from Southeast Asia Countries to present the outcome of their National Workshop on Victim Assistance (was held in the last few months ago). Furthermore, the thematic discussion addressing the needs of mine victims, current services, ideal situation, resources and supports required, link between sectors and recommendations was took place. Another discussion was also conducted to examine the needs of actors from each technical area and how these can be met regionally and globally.

Three main areas were brought to be discussing at each thematic discussion including:

Medical treatment and rehabilitation;
Socio-economical reintegration and institutional support; and
Programs provided by NGOs and IOs, and Analysis of their works in the region.

The main aims of this discussion are:

To identify the gaps in services and recommendations relating resources and support required;
To identify the links to be developed nationally, regionally, and globally between actors from Government, NGOs, and IOs to enhance services for victims;
To identify the policies ad institutional supports that would be required to support the outcome and recommendations of the Working Groups.

At last, the delegation had discussed about the potential regional developments, which is related:

To overview national and regional situation concerning to the strong and the weak points in victim assistance;
To strengthen regional cooperation; and
To refine and validate national reports with inputs from this Conference.

There are 25 Cambodian delegations (15 delegations are official one and the rest are un-official delegations) were invited to attend this Conference. They were invited from governmental institutions and national and international NGOs, who is currently working for and related to disabilities and rehabilitation sectors.

This workshop was conducted successfully, lead further harmonic cooperation and collaboration between Southeast Asia Countries.

To view Cambodia Nation Workshop on Victim Assistance's Report, please click here (MS Word-2000, 465kb)