Project Cycle Management Seminar

During the last week of February, Ronald, Mr Rachai and I formed the MMR contingent at a Project Cycle Management seminar at Baan Porntawan, Takua Pa.

Baan Porntawan is the Social-Pastoral Center of the Suratthani Diocese. After this part of the Andaman Coast was devestated by the 2004 tsunami, many Catholics (including Sr Yupa) visited the area, lived in temporary shelters, and helped in the recovery effort. Eventually, this Center was established so as to better develop the assistance being offered people to rebuild their lives.

Caritas Italy has been a key partner in this work, and sponsored the seminar we attended. Participants – a mixture of Catholics and Buddhists – included social workers, microfinance coordinators, educators, and project administrators and managers.

The presenter was the best I have come across in a while. Formerly with the United Nations, Raffaele Teodonno now manages the Myanmar-branch of an Italian NGO in Yangon. He shared many useful insights, and helped us to review the planning, implementation and monitoring of the projects our own organisations are running. Raffaele’s also a big fan of the All Blacks, which increased my admiration for him.

The seminar was bilingual, with Mr Rachai doing the translating. Although I’d had to take a week off language classes, I enjoyed getting some conversational practice over meals and during social times. After the initial disorientation of being addressed in Thai by a wee blond girl, I also managed to communicate with Eva, the daughter of Caritas Italy’s Takua Pa-based staff, Gianluca and Cecilla. (I envy Eva and her brother Elia, who are getting such a headstart on the language!)

Some of the seminar participants. Fourth from the right in the back row is Raffaele Teodonno. On his right is Fr Suat, Director of Baan Porntawan.

A week well spent.

Fr Damian