The non-governmental organization Nyein (Shalom) Foundation was established by Reverend Dr. Saboi Jum. Nyein (Shalom) Foundatoin’s Advisory Board and Working Committee are composed of community and religious leaders from different ethnic races. “Friends of Shalom “ has also been informal established with members from the international community, where they play an important role in advising and evaluating the activities of the foundation helping with international support and networking.

The foundation is officially registered with the Ministry of Home Affairs as a local NGO. The foundation has two offices at present, main office in Myitkyina, Kachin State and head office in Yangon and four states coordinating offices:Kayin, Kayah, Chin and Mon with a total 150 staff members. Nyein (Shalom) Foundation also runs the multi-purpose Peace Center at 11th Mile Nawng Nang, Myitkyina, Kachin State, funded by the Grassroots Grants Assistance Scheme of the people and government of Japan.

BACKGROUND (HISTORY)

After gaining independence from colonial Britain on 4 January 1948, Myanmar’s freedom was marred by mistrust that rose out of political factors and misunderstandings between the ethnic groups and the democratic government. As a result, many groups took up arms against the central government in their struggle for prosperity and independence and to preserve their ethnic identity.

After the nearly fifty years of internal unrest, the grassroots people of all ethnicities who had been caught in the crossfire finally had their wish of peace fulfilled. Religious and community leaders of the regions made determined efforts to mediate between the two sides and as the first step managed to establish a cease-fire. Thus the situation changed from bloodshed to dialogue, and the peaceful addressing of the issues that needed to be resolved.

As of 1998 the majority of the armed groups reached cease-fire agreements, and at last the process of reconciliation and development could begin especially the remote areas where infrastructure is virtually non-existent. The process however is slow and hard, given the roughness of the terrain. The way to preserve the ethnic identity of the races and to up-grade living conditions including health and education is to help them where they live, however remote it may be.

Keenly aware of such diverse needs and the necessity of breaking down old prejudices and resolving misunderstandings, Nyein (Shalom) Foundation was established in May of 2000 to act as a forum for such measures. Nyein (Shalom) Foundation is dedicated to peace and harmony between the many ethnic races and the majority race the Burmese (Bama). Only with peace and mutual respect and understanding between the races living in the Union of Myanmar, could our nation grow and prosper for the benefit of all citizens.

VISION

Nyein Foundation envisages a peaceful and just society for all the peoples in Myanmar; a society that practices good governance and fosters a culture that rejects violence as a method for dealing with differences.

GOAL

Our goal is to build sustainable peace in Myanmar with justice and a state that protects diversity by effectively supporting inclusive processes. We aim to achieve our goals by working with partners and stakeholders to:

• - Increase inclusion and participation in the peace process through the linking of peace negotiations with key stakeholders, including civil society and grassroots communities.
• - Increase engagement with government policy makers and other key decision makers to achieve policy change to ensure people's rights.
• - Increase the capacity of individuals and groups to participate effectively in peace building and state building.

STRATEGIES

To address the causes of conflict and their mutually reinforcing patterns, we focus our work at the personal and socio-political levels through the implementation of four contextual strategies that we’ve created over the time that we’ve developed our expertise in our field. Results have shown us that these inter-linked strategies are effective in lessening the negative, vicious cycles and patterns leading to violence and conflict, whilst simultaneously supporting the development of inclusive structures.

Stopping Violence

• - They promote dialogue at all levels in society as an alternative to violence, and build trust among government and ethnic leaders.

Building Trust

• - They work with groups both within society (e.g. within ethnic and religious groups) and across society (at the grassroots, middle and top leadership levels).

Empowering People

• - Through their education programs and activities they provide knowledge and skills for people at community and regional leadership levels to exercise their constitutional rights.

Developing Inclusive Systems

• - They influence decision-makers to increase inclusivity of systems to promote the equality of marginalized people.