This project encompasses one the key ideologies of BI: serving the grassroots struggle for justice. In that we serve the grassroots, we do not struggle for them. Instead we give them the tools and support to assist the grassroots people to lead the struggle for social, economic and political change in Burma.
How BI does this is through giving people information, so that they can make informed decisions on what they wish to happen. Our Border Channel Offices project aids the flow of information, by channeling it to Bangkok so that it can be analyzed and released to interest parties, whether they be the international community, other BI offices or back to the grassroots. This project also helps distribute publications relating to the situation in Burma to the grassroots and is involved in collecting information from refugees.
The Kwe Ka Lu Newspaper also helps to distribute information to the grassroots. The newspaper is the only regular Karen-language newspaper presently available. It provides readers with local and international news, as well as reflective pieces for children and women on what role they can play in building peace.
In addition to providing information, BI also works to empower children through two projects, Children's Education and Children's Story Book . The education project works with Karen teachers to assist them with developing a new curriculum and more creative teaching methods. The project aims to build up the confidence and skills in creative and critical thinking among the children because they are believed to be the future leaders of the country. The Children's Story Book aims to provide recreational and instructional reading materials for Karen children. The books encourage critical, creative thinking and problem solving-skills.
