VDIC NEWSLETTER
September 2007

 

CONTENTS

 

VDIC News. 1

VDIC normal opening hours resumed.. 1

Free training sessions provided by VDIC.. 1

Exhibitions at VDIC.. 1

Library. 2

Selected resources on literacy and health education and promotion from VDIC library   2

Highlights from the new additions to VDIC library.. 4

Book Review from FVH Resource Corner at VDIC.. 5

Selected Publications for Sale at VDIC.. 5

Distance Learning Center Events in September 2007. 10

Funding Opportunities. 10

 

Vietnam Development Information Center

Ground floor, 63 Ly Thai To, Hanoi

Tel: (84-4) 934 6845

Fax: (84-4) 934 6847

Email: info@vdic.org.vn

Web site: www.vdic.org.vn

 

Opening hours

Monday through Friday

8am12pm

1pm5:30pm

 

VDIC News  

VDIC normal opening hours resumed

 

VDIC resumes its normal opening hours from 4 September 2007:

 

Monday through Friday | 8:00am12:00pm | 1:00pm5:30pm.

Free training sessions provided by VDIC

 

Location:        VDIC, Ground Floor, 63 Ly Thai To, Hanoi

IMPORTANT NOTICES FOR PARTICIPANTS:

·          Please read the course materials available online at http://www.vdic.org.vn/?name=library&op=viewDetailNews&id=339&mid=322&cmid=361 before attending the class. It is useful to take them to the class for additional notes since we do not provide participants with printed course materials.

·          Please bring your own laptop to the classes if possible since these training sessions require computer use and Internet access while number of computers for class participants are limited. Wifi is provided free of charge at VDIC.

 “Searching the Internet: basic skills” class

Date:              September 12, 2007 -- Time: 10:00am to 12:00am

Aims:              After the workshop, participants should: (i) have a better understanding of information-finding possibilities on the Internet (ii) have a broad overview of different search tools (iii) be able to phrase search queries effectively.

 

“Referencing skills” class

Date:              September 13, 2007 -- Time: 10:00am to 12:00am

Aims:              After the workshop, participants should know how to: (i) manage their references (ii) cite the references appropriately (iii) create a reference list or bibliography.

 

Everyone is welcome - please visit the VDIC to sign up at the front desk, or send an email to nvu2@worldbank.org with your name, organisation, and telephone number and specify the class(es) you want to participate. Acceptance of registration will be done on first come first serve basis.

Exhibitions at VDIC

Please see Library section for lists of selected resources on the exhibition themes below.

International Literacy Day - 8 September 2007 “Literacy, key to good health and well-being” 

International Literacy Day 2007 is placing special focus on the vital relationship between literacy and health. This is also the thematic emphasis of the 2007-2008 biennium of the United Nations Literacy Decade. Literacy is an integral aspect of the universal right to education but also an essential basis for improving health conditions. International Literacy Day 2007 will look at notably literacy and its links with general health care, nutrition, family and reproductive health and health-related community development.

Small exhibition at VDIC on this occasion provides brief information on this topic as well as display a number of publications on literacy and health education, with focus on Vietnam.

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Library

Selected resources on literacy and health education and promotion from VDIC library

 

362.1 KHU. Khuat, Thu Hong. Policy project. Adolescent and youth reproductive health in Vietnam: Status, issues, policies, and programs. Washington, DC: Policy project, 2003. Full text http://www.policyproject.com/pubs/countryreports/ARH_Vietnam.pdf  

Asher, Judith; Hamm,  Danielle; Sheather, Julian. The right to health: a toolkit for health professionals. British Medical Association; Commonwealth Medical Trust, 2007.Full text http://www.commat.org/images/stories/right_to_health_toolkit.pdf .

EDU 1. UNESCO. Literacy as freedom: a UNESCO round table. Paris, France: UNESCO, 2003.

EDU-ADU 1. Abadzi, Helen. Improving Adult Literacy Outcomes: Lessons from Cognitive Research for Developing Countries. Washington, DC: World Bank, 2003.

EDU-ADU 5. UNESCO. APPEAL resource pack for literacy and continuing education. Bangkok: UNESCO, 2006. Electronic access: Full text http://www.unescobkk.org/index.php?id=62  

EDU-CUR 2. Vien chien luoc va chuong trinh giao duc. UNESCO. Hoc de cung chung song: tai lieu tham khao dung cho giao vien cac cap hoc pho thong [Learning for coexistence: a reference book for elementary and secondary teachers]. Hanoi: UNESCO, 2005.

EDU-CUR 3. Nguyen, Thanh Binh. Vien chien luoc va chuong trinh giao duc. National Institute for Education Strategies and Curriculum. UNESCO. Giao duc ky nang song o Viet Nam [Life skills mapping in Vietnam]. Hanoi: UNESCO, 2006.

EDU-CUR 3. Nguyen, Thanh Binh. Vien chien luoc va chuong trinh giao duc. National Institute for Education Strategies and Curriculum. UNESCO. Life skills mapping in Vietnam = Giao duc ky nang song o Viet Nam. Hanoi: UNESCO, 2006.

EDU-CUR 8. Abadzi, Helen. World Bank. IEGSG. Efficient learning for the poor : insights from the frontier of cognitive neuroscience. Washington D.C.: The World Bank, 2006-06-20. (Directions in development). Full text…

EDU-EQU 11. Ngo, Huy Duc. Save the Children. Ngan sach cho giao duc hoa nhap cho tre khuyet tat: phan tich truong hop tai cap huyen [Budget for inclusive education for children with disabilities: case studies at district level]. Hanoi, Vietnam: University of Education Publishing House, 2003.

EDU-POL 12. Education for all : literacy for life. Paris : UNESCO, 2005. (Education for All (EFA) Global Monitoring Report 2006). Full text http://portal.unesco.org/education/en/ev.php-URL_ID=43283&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html  

EDU-POL 15. Corporate sector involvement in education for all: partnerships with corporate involvement for the improvement of basic education, gender equality and adult literacy in developing countries. A study for UNESCO. Paris: Foundation Nationale Des Sciences Politiques, 2005-06. Full text…

EDU-POL-V6. Socialist Republic of Vietnam. He thong hoa nhung van ban ve chu truong, chinh sach, chien luoc phat trien giao duc Viet Nam [Systemization of documents on guidelines, policies, and strategies of education development in Vietnam]. Hanoi, Vietnam: Nha xuat ban lao dong xa hoi, 2005.

HEA-CHI 2. Plan in Vietnam. Thuc trang y te truong hoc va dinh huong xay dung mo hinh can thiep nang cao suc khoe truong hoc [Report on school based child health promotion research]. Hanoi, Vietnam: 2004-06.

HEA-CHI 3. Plan in Vietnam. Report on school based child health promotion research. Hanoi, Vietnam: 2004-06.

HEA-EDU [INTERNET]. Sijbesma, Christine. Local Initiatives for Better Hygiene: four case studies from Asia. Delft, the Netherlands: IRC International Water and Sanitation Centre, 2007. Full text http://www.irc.nl/page/32224  

HEA-EDU 10. Ministry of Health. Ky nang giao tiep va giao duc suc khoe [Health communications and education skills]. Hanoi: Nha xuat ban Y hoc, 2005.

HEA-EDU 3. Kulakow, Allan M. A guide to planning public health education and action campaigns. S.I: Pact, 1999-08.

HEA-EDU 4. Chuong trinh Hop tac Y te Viet Nam - Thuy Dien. Linh vuc ho tro y te cho cac vung kho khan. Cac phuong phap hoc tap : sach huong dan giang vien dao tao can bo y te thon ban [Learning methods : manual for trainers of village health workers]. S.l.: Chuong trinh Hop tac Y te Viet Nam - Thuy Dien, 1999.

HEA-EDU 5. Chuong trinh Hop tac Y te Viet Nam - Thuy Dien. Linh  Vuc Ho tro Cac vung Kho khan. Chuong trinh giao duc suc khoe cho phu nu khong biet chu : tai lieu danh cho giang vien. S.l.: VSHC, 2001.

HEA-EDU 5. Vietnam Sweden Health Cooperation. Support for Disadvantaged Areas. Health education program for illiterate women : manual for trainers. S.l.: VSHC, 2001

HEA-EDU 6. Vietnam Sweden Health Cooperation. Support for Disadvantaged Areas. Block C : first aid and prevention in most common diseases and accidents : manual for trainers of village health workers draft for comments. S.l.: VSHC, 2000.

HEA-EDU 7. Bo giao duc va dao tao. Quy dan so Lien Hiep Quoc. Noi dung va phuong phap giao duc dan so - suc khoe sinh san trong nha truong [Content and modality of education on population and productive health in school]. Hanoi, Vietnam: Quy dan so Lien Hiep Quoc, 2006.

HEA-EDU 8. Bo giao duc va dao tao. Quy dan so Lien Hiep Quoc. Giao duc dan so suc khoe sinh san vi thanh nien thong qua hoat dong ngoai khoa trong nha truong [Education on population and reproductive health for juvenile through extra-curricular activities]. Hanoi, Vietnam: Nha xuat ban lao dong xa hoi, 2006.

HEA-EDU 9. Vietnam Sweden Health Cooperation. Support for Disadvantaged Areas. Learning methods : manual for trainers of village health workers. S.l.: VSHC, 1999.

HEA-HIV-E1. Valerio, Alexandria, leader. World Bank. HDNED. Development Cooperation Ireland. Education and HIV/AIDS : a sourcebook of HIV/AIDS prevention programs. Washington D.C.: The World Bank, 2004-01-01. Full text…

HEA-HIV-E4. UNESCO. Reducing HIV/AIDS vulnerability among students in the school setting: a teacher training manual = Tai lieu tap huan giao sinh ve noi dung Giao duc phong, chong HIV/AIDS. Bangkok: UNESCO, 2005. Full text http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0013/001389/138910e.pdf  ; Full text in Vietnamese http://www.unesco.org.vn/publication/2006/HIVAIDS_teacher_training_manual-vietnamese.pdf  

HEA-HIV-E7. Medel-Anonuevo, Carolyn, editor. UNESCO. Addressing gender relations in HIV preventive education. Hamburg, Germany: UNESCO Institute for Education, 2002. Full text http://www.unesco.org/education/uie/pdf/uiestud30.pdf  

HEA-HIV-V11. UNESCO. UNAIDS. Ministry of Education and Training. HIV/AIDS va giao duc [HIV/AIDS and education]. Hanoi: UNESCO, 2004. Full text http://www.unesco.org.vn/documents/AdvocacyToolKit_HIV_and_education_HAN_MoET_04.pdf

HEA-REP 12. Piotrow, Phyllis Tilson. Health Communication: Lessons from Family Planning and Reproductive Health. S.l.: s.n., 1997.

HEA-REP 15. Quan, Le Nga (ed); Than, Thi Lan Huong (ed). A guide behaviour change communication in improving reproductive and sexual health of youth and adolescents. World Population Fund, 2007.                                                                                          

HEA-REP-V10. UNFPA. Europe Union. VINAFPA. Marie Stopes International Vietnam. Tai lieu huong dan suc khoe sinh san vi thanh nien thanh nien = Adolescent reproductive health toolkit: Volume 1. Hanoi: Marie Stopes International Vietnam, 2005. Full text in Vietnamese http://vietnam.unfpa.org/documents/BoTL%20huong%20dan%20SKSS%20VTNTN%20Tap%201.pdf  ; Full text in English http://vietnam.unfpa.org/documents/ARH%20Toolkit%20Vol1Eng.pdf  

INTERNET 362.1 ALF. Alford, Sue. Science & Success in Developing Countries: Holistic Programs that Work to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, HIV & Sexually Transmitted Infections. Washington, DC: Advocates for Youth, 2005. Full text http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/publications/sciencesuccess_developing.pdf  

INTERNET 362.1 PAI. Painter, Scott M. Funding the Future: Resources for Adolescent Reproductive and Sexual Health Programs in Developing Countries. Washington, DC: Advocates for Youth, 2001. Full text http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/publications/fundingthefuture.pdf  

INTERNET 362.1969792 EDU. UNAIDS Inter Agency Task Team on Education. Education sector Global HIV & AIDS Readiness Survey 2004: Policy implications for education & development. Paris: UNAIDS Inter Agency Task Team on Education, 2006. Full text http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0014/001446/144625e.pdf  

INTERNET 362.1969792 UNA. UNAIDS Inter-Agency Task Team on Education. Report on the education sector - Global HIV/AIDS Readiness Survey 2004: A review of the comparative readiness of the education sectors in 71 countries to respond to, manage and mitigate the impact of HIV/AIDS. Paris: UNESCO International Institute for Educational Planning, 2005. Full text http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0013/001399/139972e.pdf .

INTERNET 362.1969792 UNE. UNESCO guidelines on language and content in HIV- and AIDS-related materials. Paris: UNESCO, 2006. Full text http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0014/001447/144725e.pdf  

INTERNET 374.0124 UNE. UNESCO. First Language First: Community-based Literacy Programmes for Minority Language Contexts in Asia. Bangkok: UNESCO, 2005. Full text http://www2.unescobkk.org/elib/publications/first_language/first_language.pdf  

INTERNET 374.0124 USI. UNESCO. Using ICT to develop literacy. Bangkok: UNESCO, 2006. Full text http://www.unescobkk.org/fileadmin/user_upload/ict/e-books/Literacy/Using_ICT_to_Develop_Literacy.pdf .

Highlights from the new additions to VDIC library

 

Full list of new additions to VDIC library in August 2007 can be found at http://www.vdic.org.vn/?name=library&op=viewDetailNews&id=161&mid=322&cmid=325

 

AGR-RUR-V [Internet]. Aksoy, M. Ataman; Isik-Dikmelik, Aylin. The role of services in rural income: The case of Vietnam. World Bank. 2007. World Bank Policy Research Working Paper. Full text http://www-wds.worldbank.org/external/default/WDSContentServer/IW3P/IB/2007/
03/22/000016406_20070322145854/Rendered/PDF/wps4180.pdf
 

 

AGR-RUR-V7. Balisacan, Arsenio M.; Fuwa, Nobukiho (eds.); Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture. Reasserting the rural development agenda: Lessons learned and emerging challenges in Asia. Institute of Southeast Asian Studies. 2007.

 

AGR-V [Internet]. De Brauw, Alan. Seasonal Migration and Agriculture in Vietnam. Food and Agriculture Organization. 2007. ESA Working Paper No. 07-04. Full text ftp://ftp.fao.org/docrep/fao/010/ah838e/ah838e.pdf

 

BAN-INV 33. Tainer, Evelina M. Using economic indicators to improve investment analysis. 3rd ed. Wiley. 2006. Wiley finance series.

 

BAN-MIC 21. Smith, Phil; Thurman, Eric. A billion bootstraps: Microcredit, barefoot banking, and the business solution for ending poverty. McGraw-Hill. 2007.

 

CUL-REL 5. Taylor, Philip (ed.). Modernity and re-enchantment: Religion in post-revolutionary Vietnam. Institute of Southeast Asian Studies. 2007. Vietnam Update Series.

 

ECO-GLO 25. Bongiorni, Sara. A year without "made in China": One family's true life adventure in the global economy. John Wiley & Sons. 2007.

 

ECO-INT-A27. Ho, Khai Leong (ed.). ASEAN-Korea relations: Security, trade and community building. Institute of Southeast Asian Studies. 2007.

 

ENV-BIO-V25. Dự án Hỗ trợ Chuyên ngành Lâm sản Ngoài gỗ tại Việt Nam - Pha II. Lâm sản ngoài gỗ Việt Nam. Trung tâm Nghiên cứu Lâm Đặc sản; Viện Khoa học Lâm nghiệp Việt Nam; Tổ chức Bảo tồn Thiên nhiên Thế giới (IUCN). 2007.

 

GEN-LAB-V1. Nguyễn, Thị Hòa (chủ biên); Trung tâm Nghiên cứu Giới và Gia đình. Giới, việc làm và đời sống gia đình. Nhà xuất bản Khoa học xã hội. 2007.

 

GOV 12. Mackay, Keith. How to build M&E systems to support better government. World Bank. IEG. 2007. Full text http://www.worldbank.org/ieg/ecd/better_government.html  

 

ICT-IT-V1. Bùi, Hoài Sơn. Ảnh hưởng của Internet đối với thanh niên Hà Nội = The effects of Internet on youth in Hanoi. Nhà xuất bản Khoa học xã hội. 2006.

 

LAB-SOC-V [Internet]. Evans, Martin; Gough, Ian; Harkness, Susan; McKay,  Andrew; Đào, Thanh Huyền; Đỗ, Lê Thu Ngọc. An sinh xã hội ở Việt Nam lũy tiến đến mức nào? = How Progressive is Social Security in Viet Nam? United Nations Development Programme. 2007. Full text http://www.undp.org.vn/undpLive/System/Outreach/Publications/Publication-Details?contentId=2369&languageId=4  

 

LAW-SYS-V4. Nicholson, Penelope. Borrowing court systems: The experience of Socialist of Vietnam. Martinus Nijhoff Publishers. 2007. The London-Leiden Series on Law, Administration and Development.  

Book Review from FVH Resource Corner at VDIC

 

Full list of Friends of Vietnam Heritage book collection can be viewed at http://www.vdic.org.vn/data/File/Library/FVHbooks-2007-01.pdf

 

Bat Trang, Traditional Pottery Village -- A self-guided walk

 

Written by Marleen Steenbergeen

Published by The Gioi Publishers, Hanoi, 2006.

 

Bat Trang village, an ancient traditional craft village well known for its ceramic items, lies on the left bank of the Red River about 15 km south east of Hanoi. Many books have been written on this very special village which has so much to offer to its visitors. But the new book written by Friends of Vietnam Heritage is very special in its own kind. Apart from the historical, cultural and artistic aspects described in this new book, it offers also the opportunity to experience Bat Trang in a more physical way. The first three pages in the book offer three maps of walking tours through the village. Each of these tours are extensively described in the second half of the book. While doing one of the walks one passes all kinds of interesting aspects of the activities, buildings and people of the village. There are three different walks to choose from, lasting from 45 minutes to two hours. Whichever route you follow the book gives information on the history and traditions of the village and its people, takes you to places were ceramics are being  made using traditional or modern methods and describes communal buildings and features of interest in the lanes. All the walks finish in the large ceramic market where you can see and buy the wide variety of ceramic products.

 

Furthermore the book gives an overview of the history of Bat Trang ceramic production dating back to 10.000 years to the Neolithic Hoa Binh culture of Terra cotta wares. Before the end of the 14th century Bat Trang had already achieved fame for its glazes.

 

In the book one can discover what makes Bat Trang ceramics so special. To mention a few special characteristics are the use of white clay, the original shapes, the three-coloured glazing and the patterns of the products. Ceramics with crackled glaze are also a Bat Trang specialty.

 

It also becomes clear to the reader that Bat Trang villagers work with buyers from around the world. The Hanoi University of Industrial Fine Arts offers courses in design and ceramic manufacturing and some graduates have returned to Bat Trang and possess the skills and ambition to compete internationally.

 

Interesting to note is that  this village also boasts a longstanding tradition of respect for learning. Nine inhabitants in the past were doctors of literature and some of these names are inscribed on the stone stelaeof the illustrious Temple of Literature in Hanoi.

 

The pottery making in Bat Trang with its glazing and firing processes is explained to the reader in a very clear way with many beautiful photographs to support the text  and even without visiting the site the reader will gain an extensive knowledge on the process of pottery.

 

From a cultural point of view the book offers an interesting chapter on the Bat Trang festival with its very interesting main worshipping ceremony of the “water procession” on the Red River.

 

For those who like to study the subject of ceramics more extensively the book offers a page with additional readings.

 

Coming back to the most original aspect of this book, the walking tour, the second half of the book describes in detail, while doing the tour, typical attractions of  the cultural, historical, artistical and  day-to-day life of Bat Trang village. The photographs which go with the stories are of high quality and add a great deal  to the explanations and descriptions of Bat Trang village life.

 

It is highly recommended to take this book along when visiting this interesting crafts village. The book which can be purchased through Friends of Vietnam Heritage and at  The Gioi Publishers House will serve the visitor as an outstanding self-guided discovery walk.   

 

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Selected Publications for Sale at VDIC

 

International Migration, Economic Development & Policy

Edited by Maurice Schiff , Caglar Ozden 

English -- Published June 2007 by Palgrave Macmillan , World Bank -- ISBN: 0-8213-6935-0

Price: $ 10.00

 

International migration has become a central element of international relations and global integration due to its rapidly increasing economic, social, and cultural impact in both source and destination countries. This book provides new evidence on the impact of migration and remittances on several development indicators, including innovative thinking about the nexus between migration and birth rates. In addition, the book identifies the effect of host country policies on migration flows, examines the determinants of return and repeat migration, and explores the degree of success of return migrants upon return to their country of origin.

 

"This volume represents another outstanding contribution of the International Migration and Development Research Program, an effort I strongly supported from its inception and which established the World Bank's intellectual leadership in an increasingly important area. Analysts and policy makers will find that the studies presented here constitute an excellent basis for improving migration policies and enhancing their development and poverty alleviation impact."

- James D. Wolfensohn

Chairman, Wolfensohn Capital Partners

Former President of the World Bank

 

"International migration, long considered an exotic subject, has finally become a significant phenomenon on the world stage. This is an important volume by two of the most influential researchers on the subject. It addresses with considerable insight the key issues that the phenomenon raises. Policy makers and research scholars alike will profit from reading it."

- Jagdish Bhagwati

University Professor, Economics and Law, Columbia University

Author of In Defense of Globalization

 

"Migration has become a global phenomenon of utmost importance for the further development and well-being of mankind. This volume collects a fine blend of articles providing rigorous empirical and policy analysis from all over the globe. The new global migration database and contributions on development, host country policy, and return migration will capture the attention of a hungry generation of scholars in migration, labor, and development."

- Klaus F. Zimmermann

Director of the Institute for the Study of Labor (IZA), Bonn

Professor at Bonn University

 

How to Build M&E Systems to Support Better Government

by Keith Robin Mackay 

English -- Published July 2007 by World Bank -- ISBN: 0-8213-7191-6

Price: $ 5.00

 

A growing number of governments are working to improve their performance by creating systems to measure and help them understand their performance. These systems for monitoring and evaluation (M&E) are used to measure the quantity, quality and targeting of the goods and services - the outputs - that the state provides and to measure the outcomes and impacts resulting from these outputs. These systems are also a vehicle to facilitate understanding of the causes of good and poor performance.

 

The studies of this volume start by focusing on exactly what monitoring and evaluation has to offer to governments, then focuses on the experience of several countries that have succeeded in building a well functioning government. It analyzes the lessons from building government M&E systems in developing and developed countries, and at the end maps out those issues where international experience with government M&E systems is not well understood or well documented.

 

"This is an excellent report. The content is sound and likely to be highly useful to countries interested in developing or improving their M&E systems. The case studies are very useful and done very well. This is information seldom found elsewhere."

Harry Hatry

Director, Public Management Program

The Urban Institute

 

World Development Report 2006: Equity and Development

by World Bank 

English -- Published September 2005 by World Bank -- ISBN: 0-8213-6249-6    

Price: $ 8.00

 

This Word Development Report (WDR), the twenty-eighth, looks at the role of equity in the development process. It defines equity in terms of two basic principles. The first is equal opportunities: that a person's chances in life should be determined by his or her talents and efforts, rather than by pre-determined circumstances such as race, gender, social or family background. The second principle is the avoidance of extreme deprivation in outcomes, particularly in health, education and consumption levels. This principle thus includes the objective of poverty reduction.

 

The report's main message is that, in the long run, the pursuit of equity and the pursuit of economic prosperity are complementary.

 

In addition to detailed chapters exploring these and related issues, the Report contains selected data from the World Development Indicators 2005-an appendix of economic and social data for over 200 countries. This Report offers practical insights for policymakers, executives, scholars, and all those with an interest in economic development

 

Development and Faith: Where Mind, Heart, and Soul Work Together

by Katherine Marshall , Marisa Van Saanen 

English -- Published June 2007 by World Bank -- ISBN: 0-8213-7173-8    

Price: $ 9.00

 

The faith and development nexus is both a promising new focus for secular development agencies and a historic reality: for centuries, world faiths and individuals inspired by their faith have played many roles in social change and social welfare. Secular development agencies have largely operated in parallel to the world of faith-motivated development. The World Bank began in the late 1990s to explore ways in which faith and development are connected. The issue was not and is not about religion, but about the recognition that some of the best experts on development are faith leaders living and working in poor communities, where strong ties and moral authority give them unique experience and insight. The World Bank's goal is to act as a catalyst and convenor, bringing together development practitioners to find common ground, understand one another's efforts, and explore differences.

 

Development and Faith explores and highlights promising partnerships in the world between secular and faith development entities. It recounts the evolving history of relationships between faith and secular development institutions. It focuses on the Millennium Development Goals as a common framework for action and an opportunity for new forms of collaboration and partnership.

 

Endorsements

 

"Development and Faith: Where Mind, Hear, and Soul Work together is a significant contribution to a subject that is central to debates about the direction and shape of the twenty-first century. This inspiring book links the work of secular development practitioners to the world of faith. The largely untapped potential and the confluence of issues deserves our attention and action."

- Dr. Akbar S. Ahmed

Ibn Khaldun Chair of Islamic Studies

American University

 

"We need to do a better job to learn from successful faith and interfaith work to make the world a better, more peaceful place. This volume describes an impressive array of innovative partnerships and alliances. It inspires us to dream bigger about what development can accomplish."

- David Saperstein

Director and Counsel

Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism

 

Review of Risk Mitigation Instruments for Infrastructure: Financing and Recent Trends and Development

by Tomoko Matsukawa , Odo Habeck    

English -- Published June 2007 by World Bank -- ISBN: 0-8213-7100-2

Price: $ 5.00

 

Although the importance of infrastructure sectors in achieving economic growth and poverty reduction is well established, raising debt and equity capital for infrastructure development and service provision has been a challenge for developing countries. Risk mitigation instruments facilitate the mobilization of commercial debt and equity capital by transferring risks that private financiers would not be willing to take to third-party official and private institutions that are capable of taking such risks. There has been increasing interest and discussion on risk mitigation instruments in the context of infrastructure financing among developing country governments, multi- and bilateral donors, and the private sector. However, due to the complex and diverse nature of risk mitigation instruments, what they can and cannot offer and how they can best be utilized for infrastructure financing are not well understood.

 

This book summarizes existing risk mitigation instruments - primarily focusing on those offered by multilateral and bilateral official agencies - and presents recent trends and developments that make these guarantee and insurance products valuable in securing financing for infrastructure projects in developing countries.

 

Topics covered include

 

-                     descriptions of different types of risk mitigation instruments

-                     characteristics of multilateral, bilateral, and private providers of risk mitigation instruments and compatability of instruments

-                     recent developments and innovative applications of risk mitigation instruments through case transactions

-                     areas that pose challenges to the use of risk mitigation instruments as catalysts of infrastructure development.

 

This book will be of particular interest to readers working in business and finance, law and regulation, and infrastructure projects and finance.

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Distance Learning Center Events in September 2007

 

Workshop on Risk Management on Commercial Banks (By Invitation Only)

Date: September 4 & 5, 2007

Time: 08:00-16:00

 

The Asia-Pacific Workshop on Risk Management in Commercial Banks, co-organized by Asia-Pacific Finance and Development Center (AFDC), the World Bank Institute, Australia Treasury, and Ministry of Finance and Economics of Korea, will be held via Video Conferencing with the participation of diffiferent countries in the region.

 

This workshop will 1) review the latest development of risk management in commercial banks; 2) discuss Basel II-based issues relevant to risk management; 3) discuss how regulators and policy makers play effectively and efficiently to improve risk management in commercial banks, and 4) share experiences of banking supervision among Asia-Pacific economies.

 

Topics will include: practices of risk management in commercial banks; different perspectives on how to build a healthy regulatory framework for risk management in commercial banks; and cross-border supervisory cooperation under Basel core principles and Basel II. It is expected, therefore, that, by bringing together senior officials and representatives from the private sector in this region, the workshop will generate a lively exchange of views and experiences and will contribute to improvement of banking regulation.

 

For further information, please contact Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Mai, email: mnguyen@worldbank.org.

 

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Funding Opportunities

For more funding opportunities, please read previous VDIC newsletters at http://www.vdic.org.vn/?name=newsletter&op=viewDetailNews&id=230&mid=350

For further information on the news provided below, please contact the organization directly.

2008 Stockholm Water Prize

The Stockholm Water Prize is presented annually to an individual, institution or organisation for outstanding water-related activities. The activities can be within the fields of aid, awareness building and education, engineering, management or science.

Any activity or actor which contributes broadly to the availability, conservation and protection of the world’s water resources, and to improved water conditions which contribute to the health of the planet’s inhabitants and ecosystems, is eligible to be nominated. The Stockholm Water Prize enjoys Royal Patronage and includes a USD 150,000 award and a crystal Orrefors sculpture.

Nominations should be submitted in English using the official form. Nominations must clearly describe and explain the nominee's main achievements and emphasise their importance. For additional enlightenment of the achievements of the nominee, nominations are required to include at least two independent, informative letters of reference explaining, supporting and emphasising the nominee’s main achievements. Brief nomination guidelines are included in the form; more detailed guidelines are in the "nomination guidelines" form found to the left.

Deadline: until 30 September 2007.

For more information please visit http://www.siwi.org/swp/swpnominate.html   

 One World Fellowship available for senior broadcasters

Senior radio and TV journalists from developing countries can apply for a chance to visit London through the One World Fellowships.

The One World Broadcasting Trust (OWBT) organizes the fellowships, scheduled for October 22 to N! ovember 2. Fellows get the opportunity to share ideas and concerns with British media by visiting various departments of the BBC, Sky News and LBC, as well as the Reuters news agency.

Applicants must be fluent in written and spoken English, between the ages of 30 and 40, and a senior-level broadcaster or on the way to management levels. The OWBT encourages applicants from developing countries and covers all international travel and expenses for approved fellows.

Application deadline: August 24.

To know the full application process, please Visit this link http://voiceofsouth.org/fellowships/  

e8 SCHOLARSHIPS in sustainable energy development

The purpose of the e8 scholarship is to support outstanding students pursuing advanced studies in sustainable energy development and to encourage meaningful contributions to the collective body of knowledge about this subject.

The e8 considers an outstanding student to be one

·          who graduates with excellent grades in the top 20% of her/his class

·          who is determined to advance her/his knowledge and understanding

·          who has a history of community involvement

·          who is committed to sustainable energy

·          who is committed to return and contribute to her/his home country

To be eligible to apply for this scholarship, students must

·          plan to undertake studies at the Masters level or Post-Doctoral level in areas directly related to sustainable energy development

·          be citizens of the developing countries and territories identified for OECD official development aid in the DAC List of ODA Recipients effective as of 2006.

Scholarships of US$ 23,000 per year for up to two years are offered for Masters level students. Scholarships of US$ 30,000 per year for up to two years are offered for Post-Doctoral students. Up to two Post-Doc and ten Masters scholarships will be awarded annually.

Applications for the Post-Doctoral programme must be received by the e8 General Secretariat by December 3, 2007. Applications for the Masters programme must be received by March 24, 2008.

For further info please visit http://www.e8.org/index.jsp?numPage=195  

Journalists invited to apply for fellowships at United States Institute of Peace

Journalists across the globe have the chance to apply for a senior fellowship at the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) in Washington, D.C.

The Jennings Randolph Program for International Peace allows fellows to conduct research at the USIP on issues related to international conflict and peace. According to organizers, the program integrates the work of the fellows into the institute's activities. Fellows work alongside USIP staff on projects that share knowledge through policy briefings, public events, media appearances and published materials.

Deadline: September 15.

To know the application process, please visit http://voiceofsouth.org/fellowships/  

Communications for Sustainable Development Award

The COM+ Communications for Sustainable Development Award recognizes excellence in the field of communications, demonstrated through clear impacts and real changes in support of sustainable development.

In December 2007, two COM+ Communication Awards of US$10,000 will be granted: one for a campaign that communicates science for people and the planet; and another for a climate change campaign. Issued by COM+ and thus backed by its members, the awards recognize the role of communications in attaining sustainable development goals. Effective communication campaigns raise awareness and understanding of issues, promote increased transparency and dialogue between government and other stakeholders, and influence policy outcomes to provide pathways out of poverty while protecting our valuable environmental resources.

The Consultative Group on International Agriculture Research (CGIAR) is managing the 2007 COM+ Awards and nominations may be made via the CGIAR website http://www.cgiar.org/awards/awards_communications.html  

Please specify the category, “communicating science” or “climate change”, of the nomination. All nominations received will be reviewed by a panel of COM+ members against the following criteria:

-                      Campaign design in terms of promoting sustainable development objective(s);

-                      Campaign outcomes and impact such as audience reached, shift in behavior or change in policy or practice, achieved within less than one year of nomination

-                      Creativity and innovation in communications;

Nominations are invited through September 30, 2007.

For more information please visit http://go.worldbank.org/KW96IAO070  

Monash Fellowships - Monash University

Monash University has established the Monash Fellowships to attract internationally competitive researchers to undertake research of national and international significance (including young researchers from overseas with great future potential) and provide them with the best possible environment to establish a productive laboratory or other research team and to foster collaborations.

Applicants must not hold a current position at Monash University (including casual or sessional appointments) at the time of application or during the selection process of the Monash Fellowships Program.

Deadline: July 31, 2008

For more information please visit http://www.monash.edu.au/research/academics/funding/information/monash/monash-fellowships.html  

Fellowships for Research in Japan - Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)

The Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Invitation Fellowship for Research in Japan (Short Term) is offered to promote international scientific cooperation and exchange. It allows researchers employed at designated Japanese research institutions and laboratories to invite fellow researchers from other countries to Japan to participate in discussions, attend seminars, give lectures, or perform similar duties at their institutions. All fields of the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences are included under this program.

Senior scientists, university professors, and other persons with substantial professional experience are eligible for this program. Participants must be citizens of a country that has diplomatic relations with Japan.

Deadline: September 7, 2007; May 9, 2008

For more information please visit http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-inv/short_term.html  

Regular Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) - World Bank (WB)

In 1987, the World Bank, with funding from the Government of Japan, established the World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (WBGSP) for graduate studies in subjects related to economic development. Each year, the program awards scholarships to individuals from World Bank member countries to undertake graduate studies at renowned universities throughout member countries of the Bank.

The JJ/WBGSP scholarship provides annual awards to cover the cost of completing a master's degree or its equivalent. The awards are given for one year and, provided that the academic program is longer than one year, may be renewed for a second consecutive year or a portion thereof, subject to satisfactory academic performance in the first year and the availability of funds. There is an absolute two year maximum limit on JJ/WBGSP awards.

Deadline: March 31, 2008

For more information please visit http://www.worldbank.org/wbi/scholarships/  

Harold White Fellowships - National Library of Australia

The Harold White Fellowships aim to:

-                      promote the National Library of Australia as a centre of scholarly activity and research;

-                      encourage scholarly and literary use of the library's collections and the production of publications based on them; and

-                      publicise the library's collections.

The principal benefit of fellowships is to give scholars and writers the means and the uninterrupted time to work with the library's collection.

Fellowships are open to established Australian and international researchers or writers in any discipline in which the library has strong collections. However, fellowships are not provided to assist with the completion of academic studies.

Deadline: April 30, 2008

For more information please visit http://www.nla.gov.au/grants/haroldwhite/information.html  

Endeavour Vocational and Technical Education Awards - Australian Commonwealth Government

The Endeavour Vocational and Technical Education Awards are for Asian-Pacific undergraduate students to undertake up-to-2.5-year vocational and technical education at a Diploma or Advanced Diploma level at an Australian institution including private or public providers.

Deadline: July 31, 2008

For more information please visit http://www.endeavour.dest.gov.au/awards_by_country/for_internationals/
for_asian_applicants/endeavour_VET_awards.htm
 

Research Fellowship Program for Conservationists

The Research Fellowship Program (RFP), administered by the Wildlife Conservation Society-International Conservation's Training & Capacity Building Program, is now receiving some support from the Conservation Leadership Programme. It is a small grants program designed to build capacity for the next generation of conservationists through supporting individual field research projects that have a clear application to the conservation of threatened wildlife and wildlife habitat. RFP seeks projects that are based on sound and innovative conservation science and that encourage practices in conservation that can contribute to sustainable development in their home country. Most of the grantees are professional conservationists from the country of research and/or post-graduates pursuing a higher degree.

The WCS RFP supports field research in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Traditionally the RFP has not supported research in North America, Australia, or Europe, or their territories. However, the RFP has just begun to accept applications from Native Americans (US) and First Nation Peoples (Canada) who intend to conduct work on native lands on issues of direct relevance to wildlife. Grants are for up to $25,000 dollars, and are for no longer than one year. The average grant is $11,000.

Deadlines: 15 September 2007 and 15 March 2008

Visit http://www.wcs.org/international/rfp for further information and application guidelines and procedures.

FUND: Asian Waterbird Conservation Fund

The Asian Waterbird Conservation Fund (the Fund) was established in July 2005 to provide financial support to projects at site of importance for migratory waterbirds in the East Asia Australasian Flyway.

Cathay Pacific placed an initial donation of HK$500,000 (approx. US$65,000) into the Fund and further donations are actively being sought from other sources to increase the amount in the Fund so that a greater number of worthwhile projects can be supported in future.

Each year, up to 25% of the amount in the Fund will be earmarked for disbursement to support approved projects. At present, the maximum amount that can be applied for each project shall not exceed US$4,000.

There will be a single call for applications to the Fund each year with the deadline currently being 31 October 2007.

For more information, please visit http://www.wwf.org.hk/eng/maipo/awcf/  

FUND: Future Conservationist Awards

The Conservation Leadership Programme is offering Future Conservationist Awards of up to $12,500 to high potential teams who aim to develop their skills through practical conservation projects. These awards are highly competitive and winners are selected from amongst the highest quality applications. There will be $250,000 worth of funding available for the Future Conservationist Award winning projects in 2008.

Award applicants are strongly encouraged to contact a member of the programme staff well before the application deadline for advice or input on your proposal. Staff members can help teams determine if their project fits within the specified criteria, offer advice on methods and project activities, and put teams in touch with local partner offices or other experts who can offer advice.

Next deadline: 23rd November 2007

For more information please visit http://conservation.bp.com/applications/fcawards.asp  

2007 Crawford Fund Fellowship in agricultural science

Every two years the CRAWFORD FUND, through the Crawford Fund Fellowship, offers an opportunity for further training of an agricultural scientist, BELOW THE AGE OF 35, from a selected group of developing countries whose work has shown potential. The training will take place at an Australian institution and will emphasize the application of knowledge to increase agricultural production in the Fellow’s home country.

The 2007 Crawford Fund Fellowship will be offered to an agricultural scientist who is a citizen of,or who is working in, one the FOLLOWING COUNTRIES: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma, Cambodia, East Timor, Fiji, Indonesia, Laos, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Is, Tonga, Tuvalu and Kirabati, Vanuatu,Viet-Nam.

The closing date for nominations is Monday, 5 November 2007.

For more information please visit http://www.crawfordfund.org  

Lizard Island Doctoral Fellowship - Australian Museum

Applications are now invited for the 2008 Lizard Island Doctoral Fellowships. The Lizard Island Doctoral Fellowships Program provides financial support for field-intensive coral reef research at the Lizard Island Research Station by outstanding Ph.D. students.

The Lizard Island Doctoral Fellowships Program is open to applicants who have been accepted into a Ph.D. program at any university and who plan to conduct field-intensive coral-reef research at Lizard Island.

Deadline: September 28, 2007

For more information please visit http://www.lizardisland.net.au/research/doctoral_fellowships.htm

Eighth Annual Global Development Awards and Medals Competition 2007 - The Global Development Network

The Global Development Network is now accepting submissions for the Eighth Annual Global Development Awards and Medals Competition 2007. Carrying prizes in cash and travel worth nearly $240,000, this is the largest international competition on development research. Since 2000, nearly 3,700 scholars representing over 100 countries have participated in this competition and nearly $2 million has been distributed in prizes and conference expenses to finalists and winners. This competition is unique in that it is open only to researchers from developing and transition countries. The Awards and Medals Competition is a competitive funding mechanism established by mutual cooperation between GDN and the Government of Japan. Finalists are invited at GDN’s expense to present proposals at the Ninth Annual Global Development Conference, Brisbane, January 2008.

Citizens and permanent residents of developing or transition countries who are based in these regions or who are temporarily based in a developed country for no more than 5 years; staff of bilateral/multilateral agencies not eligible.

Deadline: September 17, 2007

For more information please visit http://www.gdnet.org/middle.php?oid=1217

Canada-Asia-Pacific Awards - International Council for Canadian Studies (ICCS)

The Canada-Asia-Pacific Awards program, formerly the Canada-Asia-Pacific Award in Canadian Studies (CAPA), is administered for Foreign Affairs Canada by the International Council for Canadian Studies (ICCS). The program aims to promote research activities in areas relevant to the bilateral and multilateral relationships between Canada and the Asia-Pacific region.

Applicants must be full-time members of the academic staff of a recognized institution of higher education or equivalent degree-granting institution in the Asia-Pacific region, or scholars at research and policy planning institutes who undertake significant Canadian bilateral or multilateral relations research projects. Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a master's or better, and must have a working knowledge of either English or French.

Deadline: December 31, 2007

For more information please visit http://www.iccs-ciec.ca/pages/5_govprogs/e_capacaw.html

Incoming Fellowships to the UK from Asia - Royal Society

The Royal Society's Incoming Fellowships Programme aims to foster science and technology links between the UK and various countries throughout the world, enabling young and outstanding postdoctoral scientists to conduct cutting-edge research with their UK counterparts.

The Royal Society will provide funding for visits of between 6 months minimum and up to 12 months maximum. The Royal Society will provide funding to cover the visiting scientist's cost of living in the United Kingdom. This includes food, accommodation, and local travel. The award does not cover international travel to and from the United Kingdom.

Applicants must be of postdoctoral or equivalent status at the time the award is taken up. Scientists in the final year of their Ph.D. may submit an application.

Deadline: Varies

For more information please visit http://www.royalsoc.ac.uk/funding.asp?id=2349

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