Memorandum submitted by Prof E R Orskov
I will just make a few comments as it is probably
too late for the international committee. As you know they are
presently in Vietnam and have visited some community projects
in Hue Central Vietnam which I advised them to visit.
The principles of the community project there
is based on strong communities using livestock and revolving funds.
While the situation in Thailand and Burmese refugees is very different
the principles of community project could be used. This would
mean encouragement and stimulation of formation of communities
which can work together then identifying means with which the
communities can generate some income which can be many different
thing sewing machines etc. Such communities can be supported to
receive some help or even microcredit to start some income generating
activities to give security and to assist in education of children
etc.
Free gifts in my experience generally do not
work but gifts with community commitments do work. so a small
amount of aid put in the correct place can achieve a great deal
as the community has to pay for the aid by helping others after
a given time. It is not possible for me to say what would be the
most appropriate form of aid but I believe the principle of stimulating
the formation of strong communities can form the bases for efficient
aid from DFID.
15 May 2006
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