The Story Of My Life – Aki Ras (Founder of Cambodian Land Mine Relief Fund)
THE STORY OF MY LIFE – by Aki Ra The aim of writing this story is to highlight the horror of landmines which are still prevalent in Cambodia and also to share some of my experiences and my dreams for the future. I work solely for the people of Cambodia and in past years, I went regularly into the rural areas and jungles of my country to help clear landmines of which there are an estimated to be over three million. I have found many thousands of relics of the war from clearing the mines and exhibit them at the Siem Reap landmine museum of which I am the curator. My only goal in life is to make my country safe for my people.
Amazon Indians confirm logging invasion near uncontacted tribes
A recent expedition in the Amazon has confirmed that illegal logging in Peru is continuing ‘at full steam, and spilling over into Brazilian territory’. Fifteen Indians from the Ashéninka and Asháninka tribes of Peru and Brazil joined together to investigate the illegal activities of loggers around the border. The five-day trip uncovered widespread evidence of illegal deforestation. Logging camps were active in the area – and trees were marked for felling in Brazil’s Asháninka territory.
A Success Story From Robando
We are pleased to announce that for the first time in Rabondo’s history we celebrated the graduation of 84 secondary school students! Through their own drive, these graduates have empowered themselves, their community, and become role models for other students. This accomplishment has been made possible by the generosity of those who have supported the Rabondo Community Project USA. We have in place a school board, which formulates school policies and provides for a dialogue between community members, parents, and students. The establishment of a school board has lead to progressive action in education and community development through the unity it creates for Rabondo. Additionally, we have a new principal who understands the mission of our project and the needs of the community.
ARC Working On Ivory Coast Refugee Crisis
For many weeks now, tensions have been high following the presidential elections in Ivory Coast. Violence against civilians and peacekeepershave rocked the capital Abidjan and the entire country. Strongman Laurent Gbagbo has now been arrested. There are hopes that the strife will subside in Ivory Coast and all fighters (loyal to Gbagbo or to President-elect Ouattara) will lay down their arms. But the immediate future is still uncertain.
Robin (Bumi Sehat) Is Honored as a CNN Hero!
Dear Bumi Sehat Family, We are excited to announce that Robin Lim has been named a 2011 CNN Hero! Now in its 5th year CNN Heroes shines a spotlight on “everyday people changing the world.” This honor is an opportunity to increase awareness about Bumi Sehat and to help Bumi find funding for our Community Health and Childbirth clinics, educational and environmental projects in Bali and Aceh. Over the years all of YOU, our sponsors, volunteers & donors, have generously donated your time, energy and money, in support of the mothers, babies, families and students of Bumi Sehat. Ibu Robin, being chosen a CNN Hero, is truly a tribute to your devotion to her vision. Thank YOU, Team Bumi Sehat International
SOS – Making a Difference
June 15, 2011: At a three-day summit that concluded on June 10 in New York, the United Nations aimed high in its call to address the global AIDS problem. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon pushed for international commitment to end AIDS by 2020, according to IRIN. The goal, he said, was “zero new infections, zero stigma, and zero AIDS-related deaths.”