ACTIVITIES IN ASEAN

Traffic Safety Campaign in Hanoi

＜Purpose＞

In Vietnam, due to a rapid economic development, incomes have increased as well as the number of motorbikes and cars in urban areas. However due to the lack of timely construction of road infrastructure and the lack of a systematic traffic regulation system, the death toll due to traffic accidents has heightened significantly in recent years. At the time of the campaign, around 30 precious lives are lost in traffic accidents every day in Vietnam.

In the traffic safety campaign conducted by MPKEN, In the city of Hanoi, where many traffic accidents happen, MPKEN has conducted a traffic safety campaign including many awareness activities for residents. The goal being to urge citizens to pay attention to the importance of traffic regulations and safe driving.

＜Activity so far＞

So far we have held motorbike parades urging the general public in Hanoi to wear helmets, guidance and educational activities for safe driving, as well as guidelines on how to safely cross roads for elementary school students.

Organizers: MPKEN, Hanoi Friendship Association

Sponsored by: HONDA Vietnam

Cooperation: Hanoi Motor Club, 50 volunteers 

<This campaign was widely covered by the Vietnamese media.>

Television: VTV1, VTC, Hanoi TV, etc.

Newspapers: Thanh Nien, Lao Dong, Gia Dinh va Xa Hoi, etc.

Internet media: 33 sites

Support for digging wells and reservoirs

＜Purpose＞

Cambodia has one rainy season and one dry season within a year. If there were water shortages, ordinary households would not have water to drink, and growing fruits and vegetables in the fields would be close to impossible, making life difficult for farmers. Therefore, it is important to create an environment allowing people to grow plants all year round.

＜Activity so far＞

Working with local NGOs, MPKEN supported the drilling of wells for households and primary schools in water-scarce areas on the outskirts of Zvay Rieng and Siem Reap provinces. Wells allow farmers and local residents to grow crops in their fields and at home, and even in the dry season crops can be harvested and income generated. In addition, the availability of clean water has improved household water sanitation and reduced the number of communicable diseases.

Support for the establishment of a children's cultural center

＜Purpose＞

In rural Laos, there are not many places where children can gather to study and play. Therefore, it is very useful to have facilities near schools that can help children's growth.

＜Activity so far＞

We support the establishment of a children's cultural center and a children's library in Paksan City, Bolikhamsai Province. Facilities are located next to kindergartens, elementary schools and junior high schools, and in the evenings students congregate after class.

On weekends and school holidays, center staff serve as teachers and conduct classes in Lao arts and crafts, music, arts, and dance. Due to economic reasons, schools in Laos don't spend much on emotional intelligence, so this facility is a very meaningful opportunity for local children to receive an education that cannot be learned in school.

Production and distribution of picture books

＜Purpose＞

In Laos, there are not many bookstores to be seen. Opportunities for children in Laos to obtain picture books are very limited. Therefore, MPKEN produces original picture books in Japan and helps children's education and entertainment.

＜Activity so far＞

MPKEN produces original picture books in collaboration with volunteers. After translating Japanese words into Lao and communicating with the Lao Ministry of Education and Culture, four volumes of picture books were published.

About 20,000 of these picture books were distributed to children's cultural centers and primary schools throughout Laos.

Traditional Music Class

＜Purpose＞

Northern Thailand, centered in Chiang Mai, Thailand, inherits the tradition of the "Lanna Kingdom" which dates back more than 700 years. There are many parents who want to protect traditional music and pass it on to the next generation. This project was initiated to preserve Northern Thailand's traditional music and create a new culture.

＜Activity so far＞

Classes are held twice a week on Saturday and Sunday in the corner of the Suwandok Temple grounds. Contrary to expectations, the class was filled with young people who really like traditional instruments and music.

Painting class

＜Purpose＞

In order for children to grow as emotionally strong and mature human beings, apart from academic ability and physical strength, they need a rich sensibility that is fostered by art. The main goal of this painting project is to cultivate their imagination, allowing everyone, in a fun setting, to create art and also to encourage children's creativity by valuing originality.

＜Activity so far＞

Held once a week on Saturdays at the home of the painting teacher in Thanawan Village in Chiang Mai City. Instead of trying to draw well, classes are held that value children's sensitivities, and the classrooms are filled with smiles.