Development programs

Basic Information Overview This project proved to be extremely challenging due to the diverse issues in the area, from civil conflict, the Asian Tsunami, malaria infection, and the high number of physically handicapped. MFLF therefore reinforced the public health system, providing treatment and prevention for malaria in Lamteuba and neighboring villages. A number of volunteers were brought to Thailand for training workshops with the Prostheses Foundation of HRH the Princess Mother so they could lead the training of the handicapped as well as medical personnel within their own communities. To improve the quality of life of the villagers, MFLF set up the Sustainable Rural Development Center at Maheng Village which was promoted as a one-stop learning and demonstration center on irrigation, agriculture, livestock, and public hygiene. It is now a learning center for study visits by various delegations.  

Basic Information Overview This project was initially funded by the Government of Belgium, with support from various other sectors, to revive the karakul sheep population, a valuable resource for the region. The main responsibility for MFLF was livestock development planning that was designed to suit the geo-social environment, after which the Afghan government and local communities would implement the project themselves. MFLF organized training programs for livestock volunteers, and set up a sheep bank. Each year, participants would exchange 10% of female lambs for veterinary services. These lambs would be presented to households who have requested loans to carry out their own livestock activities. This helped to rehabilitate the economy through social enterprise, raising the number of new livestock farms as well as the numbers of healthy sheep, while reducing their mortality rate. This method allowed the villagers to help themselves as a form of capacity building.

Basic Information Overview With the need to address drug-related issues and contagious diseases, it was necessary to build a strong public health system as a basic priority for the community. Yong Kha Village in Shan State suffered from drug-related issues and contagious diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis and scabies. MFLF therefore launched a long-term public health development plan with emphasis on water and agriculture to provide food security before addressing income-generating activities in the community. Hospitals and schools were built, and local volunteers received training on public health, while school children were taught farming skills.

Basic Information Overview Public health, food security, as well as capacity building formed the main three-pronged thrust of the development plan to boost the community’s immunity against drug threats and encourage self-sufficiency. MFLF introduced quick fix measures to ensure survival for the community by sending in mobile medical units to conduct tests for malaria, dengue fever and tuberculosis, and improve the condition of the local health station. Next was to develop water systems, agriculture and livestock systems to help the community achieve self-sufficiency and sustainable development.