Continuing Support

In July , REI Executive Director Jane Best returned to the Thai–Myanmar border to visit REI-funded projects, marking the first time she has visited the region twice in a year.

The teams on the ground were delighted to welcome her back. For them, knowing that REI supporters continue to believe in their work and remain committed to their recovery means a great deal, particularly amid the loss of support from larger international non-government organisations. People living in the camps no longer receive the regular food rations they once did, and services previously covered now come at a cost. Families are having to make up the difference through day labour or by borrowing from one another.

Still, these projects remain strong, as grassroots workers are determined to continue.

“I saw that in times like this, the power of community is so important: the value they place on their extended reach is ever more significant. Alumni from previous years are passing on what they learned, playing an important role in shaping their communities,” said Jane.

At the Karenni Social Development Centre, for example, young people are taking part in nine-month courses covering human rights, the law, democracy, environmental care and leadership skills. Two alumni who studied legal rights there went on to university before returning to support the community as judges and lawyers.

Another REI-supported initiative, Prevention, Education and Training for Addiction, that tackles addiction through treatment, education and training in five camps has had to cut back some of its work in two camps. However, its impact extends beyond rehabilitation, with many people who successfully completed treatment becoming addiction educators and community workers, using their experience to work with others.

Meanwhile, the Maternal Health Awareness and Baby Kit Project continues to provide health education and essential baby kits to new mothers. The project goes a long way to reducing infant mortality while creating a growing network of knowledgeable women who can share vital health information.

The July visit was a chance to see the determination behind these projects and the lasting impact that sustained support can have. For REI, it is a privilege to partner with people who are building stronger, healthier and more empowered communities.

“Their resilience continues to shine through, and it’s a reminder that REI supporters are making a sustainable impact,” Jane said.