Linking and Learning in the Mekong River Basin
Australian
Youth Ambassador for Development (AYAD)
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The Mekong Learning Initiative has faciliated a number of Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development (AYADs) to work at partner institutions in China, Lao PDR and Thailand. The AYAD program is run through the Australian government’s aid agency AusAID. It provides opportunities for Australian Partner Organisations such as the Australian Mekong Resource Centre to send young people to work collaboratavely with colleagues in Southeast Asia and the Pacific. MLI has been a “matchmaker” for a number of AYADs and MLI partners. To date, they have been placed at Yunnan University, National University of Laos, Ubonratchathani University and Khon Kaen University. There is scope to expand to MLI’s partners in Vietnam and Cambodia. Each AYAD has a role both at the host institution and in regional networking. Here they are.... |
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Zoe Pollock was based at the Mekong Sub-region Social Research Centre (MSSRC) in the Faculty of Liberal Arts at Ubon Ratchathani University, Thailand [Mar 06 - Feb 07] The MSSRC aims to promote research and study programs in social sciences and humanities that will serve the development of the Greater Mekong Sub-region. Zoe will be assisting the MSSRC to maintain its website, develop an e-learning course as a model and enhance links with other universities in the region through the Mekong Learning Initiative. Zoe has previously lived in Thailand and is hoping to use the year to further develop her Thai language skills as well as make contacts in the Mekong region. Her profile in AYAD website: Zoe |
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Lindsay Soutar was based at the Center for Research on Plurality in the Mekong Region (CERP) at Khon Kaen University, Thailand [Oct 05 - Sept 06] The purpose of the Center is to initiate and support social science research relating to diversity within the Mekong Region. The Center publishes a number of publications including books, a quaterly newsletter, and a journal "The Journal of Mekong Societies". Lindsay's position as Research Network Coordinator and Teaching Support will involve helping the Center establish stronger links with other universities in the region. She will also assist in developing an undergraduate research exchange between Khon Kaen University and National University of Laos. Lindsay's Thai nickname is Linchee (lychee). A bit more from AYAD website: Linchee |
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Tanja Mackenzie was based at the Regional Development Research Center (RDRC) at Yunnan University, China [Oct 05 - Sept 06] She
has been with RDRC since October 05. H er role is to: 1)
coordinate the student exchange program among She
has few words to say... "The RDRC crew comprise an interesting
and enthusiastic group. I have been impressed with the research
projects being undertaken by staff and students here. While I
hope to contribute to the students’ development, I also
expect to learn a great deal about the
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Natalia Scurrah was based at the Mekong Sub-region Social Research Centre (MSSRC), Ubon Ratchathani University, Thailand [Oct 04 - Sept 05] Her tasks were to enhance the capacity of Ubon Ratchathani University in its involvement in the Mekong Learning Initiative (MLI). A core component was helping to establish the MSSRC, setting up its website, producing a quaterly Newsletter, and playing a central role in the organization of the International Conference ‘Transborder Issues in the Mekong Sub-region’. Also she assisted establishing the GMS resource centre that have contributed to the process of developing relevant curriculum materials to support teaching on natural resource management, environment and rural social issues. Natalia is now still in the region working on research projects related to water issues in Thailand. |
| Emily Hunter was based at National Unviersity of Laos (NUOL) | |