I. Activity report in Myanmar (January-December 2023)
Overview
Since the February 2021 military coup, Myanmar has been under a state of emergency
declared by the military government, resulting in ongoing political instability andeconomic turmoil. Due to the extension of the state of emergency, general elections
were postponed and the security situation in the country remains unstable. In thatsituation, the local people are facing increasing poverty. Power is cut most of the day,fuel prices have skyrocketed, and it is even sometimes impossible to purchase fuel,making daily life difficult. More Myanmar youth are choosing to work overseas byfearing for future.
Combining with a deteriorating situation caused by the political upheaval, the country
has also been affected by natural disasters. In May, Cyclone Mocha made landfalls in
Rakhine State, causing extensive damage. Aid response to the affected areas wasdelayed due to restrictions imposed on humanitarian agencies.
On October 27, an alliance of ethnic minority groups launched coordinated attacks
and seized military posts in northern Shan State. According to UN reports, the numberof internally displaced persons (IDPs) has risen to 2 million, and 1.71 million people
since the political upheaval (as of November 6, 2023).
On the economic side, the local currency (kyats) has plummeted, causing inflation.
Companies holding illegal foreign currency were cracked down and foreign currency
exchangers disappeared from towns.
Meanwhile, the SB has terminated its 28-month grant program at the end of April
before resuming a new grant program in May. Nonetheless, the new program has
been postponed due to a lack of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Under thatsituation, the staff continued to optimize the time by maintaining the facilities, revising
the curriculum, and preparing for the training.
At the same time, we gathered information from one of our local NGO partners throughwhom we could provide humanitarian assistance such as drinking water and daily
commodities for IDPs in dire need.
In Japan, the Japan Center for NPO Evaluation certified the SB as a good governanceorganization. It is a great step forward in enhancing the organization's social credibility.
We will make the best use of this certification to increase the number of sponsors.
In conclusion, it was extremely difficult to conduct our activities due to ongoing politicalunrest during the year 2023.
1. Management of Hpa-an Technical Training School(1) Preparation and implementation of training
The training was conducted as follows:
Training Period
1November 2022 toMarch 2023

Number ofapplications
178

Number ofinterviews
138

1

Number ofEnrolments
60

Number of
graduates
60

RemarkAccepted only from
Kayin and Mon StateOn April 7, all 60 trainees received their diplomas. As for the new courses starting inMay, 60 trainees were selected out of 151 applicants as a result of a trainee
recruitment campaign.
(2) Maintenance of school facilities
This school has been in operation since the school was established, some parts of the
facilities have been damaged. Therefore, we will conduct subsequent checks andrepair works. During the FY 2023, the following repairs were carried out:
1
2
3

PeriodJanuary 2023
February 2023
Mrach 2023

4

April 2023

5
6
7
8
9
10

May 2023
June 2023
September 2023
October 2023
November 2023
December 2023

Areas repaired
Generator, replace light bulbs
Water pumps, replacement of light bulbs
Ceiling replacement in dormitories, sign foundation
Drainage ditch maintenance, installation of exercise equipment(donated by Kayin State)Transformer fuse replacement, roof replacement
Partial replacement of roof, ceiling, and gutters
Canteen door frames, doors for MC class
Dormitory 1 tank for bathing, screen door, ceiling fan, electric switch
Solar motor for water supply, generator, water pipes
Generator(3) Providing general knowledge and life skills / Saturdays special lectures
To help employees to acquire the general knowledge and life skills necessary for daily
life and work, we have invited external and internal experts to provide learning
opportunities. The staff also did attend these lectures to deepen their understanding:Date
1

7 January

2

14 January

3

4 February

4
5
6
7

11 February
11 March
22 March to 4 April
25 March

Conducted by
Community Partners
International
Save the Children
Community Partners
International
Pyigyikhin International
Department of Labor
Sustainabridge
Department of Transportation

Contents
Sexual and reproductive healthand rights
Management and leadership
Life skills
HIV and Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Safety and Health in the Workplace
Basic English Conversation
Traffic Rules(4) Expansion of employment opportunities and guidance on job interview
On April 6, a resume writing class and mock interviews were conducted for trainees.
In addition, as part of learning experiences, 17 instructors traveled to Yangon fromMay 19 to 21 and visited companies and workshops that had accepted trainees, andvisited also potential future employers for trainees (6 companies for construction, 7 forelectricity, 11 for mechanics, and 1 for welding).
(5) Monitoring
After 6 months from the graduation of 60 trainees in April 2023, a monitoring was
conducted to assess their employment situation. We could reach out them at someworksites in Hpa-an, otherwise the rest were contacted by phone. Unfortunately, wewere not able to contact two trainees due to conflicts.
In fact, the employment rate is usually higher after 6 months than 1 month after
graduation, but it declined for the first time. The main reason is a deteriorating security
situation that had a direct impact on the employment rate.
2

CourseNumber ofenrolments

Number of
graduates

1 month monitoring
Freelance

1

Construction

9

9

2

Electricity

16

16

3

Automobile
Maintenence

19

19

4

Welding

16

16

Total

60

60

Employment
rate

6

Employment 10
Entrepreneurship
Employment 13
Entrepreneurship
Overseas 1
Employment 5
Entrepreneurship

4

2

7

48

6 months
monitoring

Employment
rate

67％

Employment 2
Freelance 4
Overseas 1

88％

Employment 10
Entrepreneurship
Overseas 384％

Employment 13
Entrepreneurship
Overseas 1
・家業 1

75％

Employment 4
Entrepreneurship 2Overseas 3
Family Business 1

80％

78％

1

1

47

1

Subject

15-19 March 2023

Electricity (L1)Venue
Hap An, Kayin

Number ofcandidates

Passed16

16

We reinforced communication and interaction with new appointed examiners who
visited our school afterward.
The Level 2 of the Automobile Maintenance exam was held for the assistant instructors.
They succeeded to the chassis exam. If they pass one more subject, they will becertified as Level 2 holders.
(7) Sales of the products made by the graduated (e-commerce)
An e-commerce site was set up to sell the products made by the graduated trainees.
Graduation takes place twice a year. The results are indicated below. Finally, only
local people buy the products due to transport and payment problems. The project willcontinue as a preparation for future developments, despite difficulties due to the lackof IT literacy of the local population.
Date
1

Number of
Items

Course and number of items

Sales (Ks)9

3 items from Construction & 6 items from
Welding

1,500,000

April 2023

(8) External orders for the Welding Department
From June 2023 during non-training hours, we started to get external orders with theaim of self-financing as well as providing further experience for young instructors.
Ordered products and its production costs are as follows, totaling 505,000 kyats in
2023.
Date

OrdersSales (Ks)1

June 2023

Water tank stands, racks, shelves, tricycle car floor
repairs

150,000

2

July 2023

Bookshelves, swings

65,0003August 2023

Bookshelves

20,0004

September 2023

Tricycle car floor repair, Shelves

100,000

5

October 2023

Exercise Equipment, Tables, Ladders

90,000

3

84%

63%

78%

(6) Support for technical qualifications
The following qualification examinations were conducted during the relevant period :Examination Dates

88％

6

November 2023

Motorcycle engine covers

25,0007

December 2023

Doors, garage roofs

55,0002. Support for women to improve their income
Training for women was initiated in support of a local NGO. A partnership agreement
was developed with Women Organisation Network (Kayin) which runs a basic sewing
course for women. As victims of sexual abuse and domestic violence were included,
in addition to sewing training, a course on women's rights was also provided.

1

Training period

Number ofparticipants

1 November 2022 to 31 January 2023

8

Courses
Basic sewing machine (306 hours),
women's rights

Subsequently, we had planned to hold three 3-month training sessions, but it could
not be carried out.
3. Others
Our partner organization that conducts training for women requested us
assistance for increasing IDPs. After a consultation within the organization, we
made a donation valued at five million kyats collected from internal funds anddonations from staff. As part of an emergency humanitarian relief, drinking waterand electrolyte powder were distributed to 500 households (approximately 2,500
people).

We received a project proposal from local NGO to deliver necessary supplies toconflict-affected communities and IDPs. We thus submitted a new application form
to seek for subsidy to the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and to the Taiwan
Buddhist Foundation followed by meetings with them, but the application was
rejected.
4. Yangon Office(1) Logistical support for field projects
We dealt with human resources, logistics and accounting for each office. The annual
report was submitted to the counterpart in April.
A shared server system was installed at the Hpa-an office, allowing documents to beaccessed from Tokyo, Yangon, and Hpa-an.
The 28-month project ended at the end of April, so we underwent an audit by a local
auditing firm in May, and received the audit report at the end of June. A projectcompletion report and the audit report were submitted to the Nippon Foundation at theend of July.
We submitted the project completion report to the National Registration Authority.
Without MOU, international remittance are not allowed. However, following anegotiation, we could finally get the permission only for staff’s salary. A
recommendation letter from the Governor of Karen State is required for every cash
withdrawal. A new Governor was appointed in the meantime, so we explained him the
project and obtained the recommendation letter.
(2) Toward signing a new MOU
For signing MOU, we contacted our counterpart on a weekly basis to check the
progress for obtaining recommendation letters from various ministries and agencies.

4We could hold two video conference meetings with the Deputy Director General on
November 20th and 24th to hear about the progress of MOU. It was found out that the
Education and Training Department themselves are confused by the government's
stricter measures in screening. As of the end of December, we have heard from thedirector of counterpart that MOU is expected to be signed either in February or in
March 2024.
(3) Capacity building
13 instructors participated in organizational behavior training (May 17th to 18th)and 4 participated in customer service training (May 24th to 25th) given by acontracted training organization.

From May 19th to 21st, a total of 17 instructors were assigned in different courses
and conducted study tours accordingly. The purpose of these study tours was toknow the workplaces of graduates, to assess their current situation, to learn about
the latest technology, to develop new employment opportunities, and to gather
information on teaching materials, tools, and parts available in Yangon. These
study tours were good opportunities for them to have a more comprehensive
insight into the situation on the ground, which was not always easy from Hpa-an.
Representative Mori conducted a training on «meta-facilitation» for eight staff
leaders. Through factual questions, they learned dialogue methods to get rid of
their stereotyped pre-conception in order to have broader perspectives.

In anticipation of the handover of Hpa-an Technical Training School, we havestarted to make a handover plan. In addition, we have eventually started a study
session with staff in Hpa-an office on «guidance theory on vocational training».
There are five main categories: «principles of vocational training», «teaching
methods», «safety and health», «psychology of trainees», and «guidance on
lifestyle».
Mushroom cultivation training (3 days) was conducted from November 15th to17th with 20 participants including staff from Hpa-an office. We grew mushrooms
in our office.
(4) Others
From May 8th to 10th, a kickoff meeting was held to look back on last year's activities
and shared details of the 2023 project. The topics were as follows :・Slight revisions of all curriculums in line with the current situation
・External orders received by the welding department to increase income
・Unification of indicators for awarding certificates・Recruitment of a night janitor/driver・Revision of criteria to select trainees
・Sustaining motivation and encouragement of trainees
・Enforcing full understanding of regulations among Hpa-an office staff
・Sharing seven important competencies for Sustainabridge

5

I.
Activity report in Japan (January-December 2023)
1. Organizational strengthening and management

Following the Good Governance Evaluation Report received last year, werequested a re-evaluation to the Japan Non-Profit Evaluation Center. We
submitted a document describing our organizational improvements and finallyobtained a certification. It is valid for 3 years. This certification brings us benefits
for organizational evaluation and certification systems, so we actively consider it.

The board met quarterly. During each meeting, representative Mori reported on
the status of activities and budget execution, then directors and auditors sought
explanations. We exchanged opinions and made decisions accordingly.
2. General Administration, Accounting and Human Resources
Up to the previous project, all project funds had been transferred to our bankaccount in Myanmar in US dollars, so we had difficulties to obtain Japanese yen.
As for the new project, we have decided to get it on our bank account in Japanthen remit it to Myanmar by ourselves, as a result of a consultation with the person
in charge of the Nippon Foundation. In addition to making it easier to procure yen,
this measure made it possible to avoid financial risks by keeping funds in Myanmarbanks as little as possible. Regarding this new flow of funds, we confirmed with
the Yangon office the annual remittance schedule and how to proceed it.
A new corporate account was opened in Japan as an internal fund management
account, not for grants from the Nippon Foundation.

We submitted the last project completion report to the Nippon Foundation andreturned the surplus funds.
3. Follow-Up Visits, Trainings and Meetings
As necessary, Representative Mori traveled to Myanmar according to the schedule
below.
Period1

14 to 19 May 2023

2

11 to 30 August 2023

3

30 October to 4 November 2023

Tasks
Prepare for Audit, check of vouchers, staff interviews,
information gathering
Check of MOU’s screening progress and vouchers,
information gathering
Check of MOU’s screening progress and vouchers6As needed, Representative Mori attended 10 training sessions and seminars andmet with individuals, organizations, and companies 42 times to exchange
information.
Representative Mori conducted the activities presentation 7 times at universities andcompanies for the purpose of making our activities known to the public. We created ashort introductory video to allow people to visualize the site.
4. Creating a public relations/sustainable system
We estimated the costs if private companies operate two of the four courses
currently being offered.
Japan is facing a serious labor shortage and Myanmar people are seeking a job
in Japan. In this context, enquiries about the possibility of temporary staffing
services have increased.

We had a meeting with crowdfunding company to explore the possibility ofrecurring donations. We will seek for regular donors as well. It is scheduled to bereleased after the MOU is signed, which will enable us to conduct our main
activities.
7

■ Financial Statement< Balance Sheet> as of 31 December 2023
( Unit:JPY)

Current year

Account title

Previous year

increase/decrease

ⅠAssets
1. Current assets
Cash and Deposit

83,894,093

28,158,153

55,735,940

Prepaid Expenses

129,0000

129,000

Loans to Employees

150,3800150,380

Total current assets

84,173,473

28,158,153

56,015,320

Vehicle transportation equipment

1560,325△ 560,324

Tools and equipment

1,255,381

1,602,805△ 347,424

Fixed asset

1,255,382

2,613,204△ 907,748

Total asset

85,428,855

30,771,357

55,107,572

0

5,200

△ 5,200

Income taxes payable

207,552

200,244

7,308

Advanced grant

52,50052,5000

Deposit

430,578

414,831

15,7470500,000△ 500,000

Total for current liabilites

690,630

1,172,775△ 482,145

Total Liabilities

690,630

1,172,775△ 482,145

Private grant

77,911,553

29,192,556

48,718,997

Total restricted assets

77,911,553

29,192,556

48,718,997

２．Unrestricted Net Assets

6,826,672△ 44,048

6,870,720

Total Net Assets

84,738,225

29,148,508

55,589,717

Total Liabilites and Net Assets

85,428,855

30,771,357

55,107,572

2. Fixed assets(1) Property, Plant and Equipment

Ⅱ

Liabilities

１．Current liabilites
Account payable

Suspense receipts

Ⅲ

Net Assets

１．Restricted Net Assets

8

<Net property increase / decrease statement>
Duration: 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2023

( Unit:JPY)
Item
Ⅰ

Current year

Previous year

increase/decrease

Unrestricted Net Assets

1.Operating Activities(1) Revenues and Gains from Operating Activities①Grants

51,562,024

57,643,718△ 6,081,694

Transferred Grants

51,562,024

57,643,718△ 6,081,694②Exchange Gain

7,445,843

2,284,204

5,161,639③Other Income

1,131,355

3,202,384△ 2,071,029

Total Income

60,139,222

63,130,306△ 2,991,084

29,801,500

35,509,126△ 5,707,626（２）Expediture① Project Expense
Salary for Internationa Staff
Salary for National Staff
Expert Invitation

0

0

0

16,521,924

13,322,643

3,199,281

0005,620,313

13,754,621△ 8,134,308

Meeting

76,526

139,881△ 63,355

Staff Capacity Development

174,6020

174,602

Traveling and Transportation

793,054

833,991△ 40,937

Communication

410,476

269,237

141,239

Expendable Supply

141,699

160,037△ 18,338

Technical Training

Office Supply and Equipment

0134,402△ 134,402

Vehicle1,935,959

2,092,320△ 156,361

Office Hiring

1,260,401

2,375,411△ 1,115,010

Safety and Security

2,861,437

2,334,030

527,407

5,109

92,553△ 87,444②Administrative Expenses

23,397,002

23,105,284

291,718

Board Members Compesation

8,760,000

8,700,000

60,000Staff Salary for National Staff

4,913,200

4,297,857

615,343

Legal Benefits

1,247,368

1,230,902

16,4660

15,183△ 15,183

Traveling and Transportation

849,518

2,899,304△ 2,049,786

Communication

136,640

148,025△ 11,385

Expendable Supply

517,009

207,107309,902

Office Supply and Equipment

74,196

17,19657,0002000232

1,290,100

710,132

56,300775,372△ 719,072

Miscellaneous Expenses

WelfareBusiness Consignment
VehiclesOffice Hiring

2,253,627

1,178,771

1,074,856

Staff Capacity Developing

347,3080347,308

Bank Services

155,736

38,267

117,469

Safety and Security

336,088274,615

61,473

Printing and Publishing349,991

288,196

61,795

Taxes and Dues

099,901△ 99,901

907,748

1,222,466△ 314,718

Insurances

33,934033,934

Donation

327291

0327,291

Maintenance

130,816

422,022△ 291,206

Depreciation9

Total Expediture

53,198,502

58,619,410△ 5,420,908

Profit or loss from valuation before adjustment in total charges of current operation

6,940,720

4,510,896

2,429,824

Total changes in unrestricted assets

6,940,720

4,510,896

2,429,824

70,00070,0000Total changes in unrestricted net assets

6,870,720

4,440,896

2,429,824

Unrestricted net assets at beginning of year

△ 44,048

4,484,944△ 4,528,992

Unrestricted net assets at end of year

6,826,672△ 44,048

6,870,720

100,281,021

53,779,109

46,501,912

51,562,024

57,643,718△ 6,081,694

48,718,997△ 3,864,609

52,583,606

Corporate, inhabitant, and enterprises taxes

Ⅱ

Restricted Net Assets①Grants②Transfer to Unrestricted Net Assets
Total Changes of Restricted Net Assets for The YearⅢ

Restricted Net Assets at Beginning of Year29,192,556

33,057,165△ 3,864,609

Restricted Net Assets at End of Year77,911,553

29,192,556

48,718,997

Net Asset at End of Year84,738,225

29,148,508

55,589,717

10