Since 1999, EarthRights International has been committed to supporting the next generation of earth rights defenders through its EarthRights School. Based in the Mitharsuu Center for Leadership and Justice in Chiang Mai, Thailand, the EarthRights School is a unique program that brings together a diverse group of earth rights defenders to learn about human and environmental issues along with legal and campaigning tools. The school program is about shifting power from corporations and financial institutions to the people and communities who are affected by large scale development projects. On 14 December, 2018, we celebrated the graduation of our 2018 Class.
Preparing for the graduation ceremony takes around seven months. In 2018, 15 activists from across the Mekong region spent their time learning and living together at the EarthRights School. The school is a safe and inclusive place where young activists from diverse ethnic, educational, religious, and political backgrounds come together to live and learn in a safe and peaceful environment.
Lueb Paa Band – Naka Studio, a well known Thai artist and activist group, lead by Niwat Roykaew, Kru Tee, founder and chair of the Chiang Khong Conservation Group, performed at the students’ graduation.
Without the EarthRights School training team, and their dedication and commitment, the school could not run smoothly.
Phin Saway, a Cambodian student, performed with a traditional instrument called Chapei Dang Veng. As a talented Chapei player, Saway also shared stories and his journey at the EarthRights School during his performance.
EarthRights School students receive diplomas from the EarthRights School training team.
“No one among us was left behind. We are here at EarthRights School as living in our second family,” said Lamnutor Dangdaenwiman in her graduation speech. Lamnutor is an indigenous Thai-Karen youth who is working to support and enhance youth capacity to protect their communities from hydropower plants on the Salween River.
Students will take with them the unforgettable memories of staying under the same roof with other young defenders with similar dreams, passions, and energy to make a better future for humans and the environment.
Strategic organizing, movement building, and leadership development are crucial tools to protecting natural resources. Building networks and solidarity will keep activists stronger together for the future. In this picture, a Vietnamese and Karen-Thai student in their traditional clothes stand together at their graduation ceremony.
The EarthRights School Class of 2018!
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