I. Activity report in Myanmar (January-December 2020)
Overview
It was the year 2020 when the general incorporated association Sustainabridge (SB)started its activities in Myanmar. However, due to the COVID-19, SB could not carryout its activities as planned. At the Hpa-an Technical Training School, SB could offera training session for one month only, whereas the rest of the time was affected forthe reorganization of the school premises, cleaning, inventory of teaching materials,
organization of study sessions, and preparation for online lessons. In particular, it was
beneficial that an intensive course was conducted for 12 future instructors from the
Education and Training Department (ETD) to which the school will be handed over. At
the end of the year, SB made a variety of plans and preparations by anticipating
possible scenarios prior to the resumption of training for the next fiscal year 2021.
Despite that the course was not fully carried out, SB nonetheless took advantage ofsufficient time for putting a new management system in place and for building a
constructive and collaborative spirit through discussions with the Education andTraining Department (ETD) which is SB’s counterpart.
SB proceeded with the construction of the facility at the Lay Kay Kaw Vocational
Training Center. Meanwhile, the first training session planned in October 2020 was
postponed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 as well as the absence of project agreement.
In the meantime, SB prepared for the coming opening of the center in February 2021;
recruiting instructors, deciding syllabuses and teaching materials, and conducting
training for instructors. In addition, by using the surplus of the budget for 2020, SB
realized the construction of some facilities that were planned for the next year.
Nevertheless, SB have encountered some difficulties to maintain the quality of
construction because the engineer in charge had been retired in the meantime. SB
could not conclude a memorandum and project agreement for both projects during theyear. This is a priority to be undertaken in the next fiscal year.

1. Management for the Hpa-an Technical Training School(1) Implementation of training courses
On February 24, a training session began with 90 trainees following the opening
ceremony (193 applicants, 157 interviewees, 90 intakes).
On March 24, upon the instructions from our counterpart, the trainees returned home
and the school was first temporarily closed and finally remained closed during thewhole year. In response to the situation, the trainees were assigned to do some tasks
at home. SB, on the other hand, continued to follow their safety and their wish tocontinue training by phone every month.
To be able to carry our some online training next year, theorical parts were made into
PowerPoint; 50 files for the construction department, 89 for the electric department,1

44 for the automobile maintenance department, and 56 for the welding department. In
the end, it remained as practical materials to be handed over to the counterpart.
SB instructors prepared for lessons in PowerPoint so that some online trainings could
be conducted next year. For three days, from December 16 to 18, a total of 17 SB
instructors and ETD instructor candidates conducted demo online classes.
(2) Launch of an external workshop
SB will launch an external workshop to provide trainees in the automobile maintenancedepartment with On-the-Job Training (OJT) opportunities to gain more practicalexperience before graduation. A parking lot with a capacity of five vehicles wasconstructed and a workshop area was also expanded accordingly. To provide free ofcharge services for individuals or entities, the checklist and its contents were
scrutinized in line with the Japanese norm in the management and maintenance.
(3) Reorganization of the school premises
A motor bike parking lot was newly established in response to an increasing numberof motorcycles used by both SB and its counterpart staff. It worth mentioning that itwas constructed by 10 graduates from the construction and welding departments.
Drainage ditches were also installed around dormitories and on the workshop backyard
area of the automobile maintenance and welding departments.
(4) Redevelopment of office environment
The office building has been expanded due to the space constraints caused by anincreasing volume of documents. As a result, it will expect to increase efficiency in work.
(5) Monitoring
A survey on employment was conducted for 64 trainees who finished the 2019 second
semester course. It was assessed in January and June 2020, meaning 1 month and 6
months after the completion. The result showed that the average employment rate fortrainees in 2019 stood at 94%. Based on the total number of trainees (836), the overall
employment rate came to about 84% (as of July 2020).
Year Semester

Course and session

Construction
department
9th session
Electrical department
9th session
1stAutomobile
2019 semester
maintenancedepartment
8th session
Welding department
7th session
2ndArchitect/Construction

Number Number Number of Employment
of
of
rate
trainees graduates employees
20

20

19

95%

20

19

18

95%

30

30

28

93%

20

20

16

80%

14

14

14

100%

2

semester

department
10th session
Electrical department
10th session
Automobile
maintenancedepartment
9th session
Welding department
8th session
Total

14

14

14

100%

22

22

21

95%

14

14

14

100%

154

153

144

94 %

(6) Expansion of employment
SB contacted or visited companies and organizations to exchange information and views
as to enlarge the employment opportunities for the trainees. Details are as follows:

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24

Date
March 11
March 11
March 16
June 29
July 30
July 31
August 22
September 17
September 28
October 22
October 22
October 22
October 27
October 27
October 27
October 28
December 3
December 3
December 3
December 3
December 3
December 22
December 23
December 23

Description
BAJAJ
SKK
Medical Plantation Research Center
Ever Glory
Suzuki Yangon
Suzuki Yangon
Toyo Design
UNHCR
Save the children (SC)Telecom for Basic Human Needs (BHN)
Shanti Volunteer Association (SVA)
Association for Aid and Relief (AAR)
AKTIO Myanmar
J & F Steel Solution Co., Ltd
TOYOTA Mingalar Service
HTS Myanmar
Precious Light Company
Soe Electric Shop
Pinwood shadow workshop
Zaw Myo Oo electrical installation Group
Nay Win Khin Mg electric installation Group
MTT
Desire Autoworks
E & E Services center3(7) Trainings for instructors
While all trainings could not be resumed, those for ETD instructor candidates could be
carried out as indicated in the table below. Some challenges were identified during thecourse such as low practical ability and knowledge, difficulty in communication between
government staff and NGO staff, and an attendance rate not reaching 100%. The training
report was submitted to the director general of the ETD accordingly.
Period1
2

CourseJune 29 - July 30

4 basic courses (22 hours on theory, 44
hours in practical skill)
August 1 -August 31 4 basic courses (21 hours on theory, 42hours in practical skill)

Number ofparticipants
1212(8) Measures against the COVID-19
The committee for the COVID-19 response has been set up in the school, thus sanitaryenvironment was improved in accordance with the guidelines of the Ministry of Sport and
Health. Hand washing points at entry and exit were added; one basin at the main gate,
two in each classroom (8 in total), two in each dormitory (6 in total). For visitors, the bodytemperature was checked, and a medical checklist was filled in at the main gate.

2. Project of the Lay Kay Kaw Vocational Training Center(1) Construction of facility
An engineer was assigned to supervise the construction work of the contractor engaged
by The Nippon Foundation. All construction works were completed as planned:• Construction of the premises• Well drilling (280 feet deep, with solar pump)• 2 water tanks• Water supply pipeline• Elevated tank
• Transformer• Installation of electricity power grid• 2 classrooms cum workshops• Dormitory for men (with bathing area and toilet)• Dormitory for women (with bathing area and toilet)• Kitchen• Dining room
• Office• Generator hut• Installation of electric cables inside building4

An engineer living in Yangon was recruited with a part-time contract for drawing
architectural design and technical assessment. He had been dispatched to the site every
month from July to September.
The schedule of some construction works was moved forward from 2021 to 2020
following proposal and approval. Since the well water level was shallower than expected,
the solar panel and pump had been installed cheaper than estimated costs. As a result,the construction of a guard hut and a gate were completed by using the surplus
generated from the well construction.
In addition, the schedule of the construction of the on-site road and fence were also
moved forward, as the training could not take place due to the COVID-19. On the other
hand, the construction of the on-site road could not be started within 2020 and was
extended to March 2021.
(2) Preparation for starting training
The training planned to start in October 2020 was postponed due to the COVID-19 andthe absence of the project agreement. Meanwhile, SB have recruited three instructors toengage in the "construction / welding basic course" and "electrical basic course". A Karen
language speaker was included for a smooth implementation of the training. From
October to December, the syllabus and textbook were defined, then the three instructors
were trained to conduct theory & practice courses. During this period, as the Myanmar
government promoted work from home, the course took place online but could notprovide satisfactory training.
Regarding the project agreement, SB encountered difficulties to obtain the understanding
from the Ministry of Borders of Kayin State. In December, SB eventually consulted with
the Governor of Kayin State. Despite some progress, the signature was not granted in
the year 2020.
(3) Strengthening cooperation among stakeholders
Despite the absence of the project agreement, monthly meetings were held between SB
and the Lay Kay Kaw Committee for sharing information and discussions. In particular, it
was fruitful to exchange views on the personnel, on the management system of the centerand on the criteria for selecting trainees. These views were all summarized in a proposal.

3.Yangon office(1) Opening an office
Yangon office was officially opened in September 2020 with 5 persons included 3 officers
and 2 other staff members.
Some management tasks such as attendance management and leave proposal in the
Yangon office have been brought online, which enabled to streamline the procedures
and to reduce the paper work. Once it is admitted as a general incorporated associationof non-profit type, SB can benefit of many accounts at a low price, which can be
implemented at sub-offices as well.

5(2) Registration as an International NGO
After the completion of its registration in Japan, the procedure for international NGO
registration in Myanmar started. Temporary registration was completed in August, andsubsequently official registration was completed in November with a 5 year validity.
(3) Opening a bank accountAfter obtaining temporary registration as an International NGO, SB opened a bankaccount with the corporate name. The second remittance from The Nippon Foundation
was delivered to this account without delay.
At the same time, the Internet banking system was also introduced. The cash paymentof salary have been changed to bank transfer since September 2020. It enabled totransfer money while working from home during the pandemic of the COVID-19. In
addition, it made direct payments to vendors with more transparency.
(4) Capacity building for the staff
The online trainings were provided with the aim of building capacity as well as ofmaintaining staff’s motivation while working from home.
Courses1

Organizational Behavior

2

Theoretical Writing (English)

3
4

life skills(5S, Task management, Problem
solving, Anger management,
Accretive communication, A creating
nice workplace atmosphere)
Mini-MBA course for Japanese

Schedule
May 5,12, 19, 26
July 7,14,21, 28
August 26, 27
November 16, 18, 20

Numberof people
13
5

November 24
December 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

20June 13, 20, 27

2(5) Staff assessment
SB outsourced to an external consultant to determine a set of Competency (individual
behavioral characteristics evaluated by SB) for seven team-leaders and others staff
members of SB.
1. Positive frame of mind (Mei-Gen-So), 2. Integrity, 3. Commitment, 4. Teamwork, 5.
Innovation, 6. Beneficiary focus, 7. Sustainable development practices
The assessment will cover required skills and knowledge for each position. Each person
will set individual goals and receive an evaluation that will lead to salary increase andpromotions.
(6) Memorandum of understanding for project implementation
The memorandum of understanding for the management of the Hpa-an technical training
school is supposed to be signed every December, but the signature in 2020 was notgranted due to an additional approval step in Myanmar government structure. The projectagreement for the Lay Kay Kaw Vocational Training Center was also not signed either.

6

In this situation, SB will make efforts to mobilize relevant parties for the prompt start ofthe projects.

II. Activity report in Japan (January-December 2020)
1. Organizational management
A strategic mid-term plan for 2021-2025 was prepared. It was explained and submitted to
the Nippon Foundation.
2. Administration / Human resources / Finances• A judicial scrivener prepared the rules for dispatching contracted employee.
• Every month, a cashbook had been sent to the Certified Public Tax Accountant
who had an advisory contract with SB, and subsequently some clarifications were
provided.
• A representative of Hpa-an, Mr Gaku Manago was recruited in 2020 as a project
manager and dispatched to Myanmar on January 28. Due to the expiration of his
visa as well as the COVID-19, he returned to Japan temporarily on April 8 andworked from Japan during the year 2020.
3. Dispatch of experts
The following experts had been dispatched to launch the project at the formulation stage.
However, other technical experts have not been dispatched due to the COVID-19.

1
2

Name
Mr. Takahiro Yamamura
Mr. Kozo Seki

Area
Photographer
Technical monitoring

Duration
February 6 to 27
February 18 to March 3

4. Communication
SB made endeavors to promote its activities by taking advantage of its homepage(Japanese and English), blogs, two types of leaflets, and SNS (Facebook, Instagram,
Twitter).

7

■ Financial Statement< Balance Sheet> as of 31 December 2020
( Unit:JPY)
Account title

Current year

Previous year

increase/decrease

ⅠAssets
1. Current assets
Cash and Deposit

43,137,831

0

Total current assets

43,137,831

02,613,2040

Fixed asset

2,613,2040Total asset

45,751,035

0

4,950

4,950

561,200

17,50042,892,6990

Deposit416,5220Suspense receipts

258,991

258,991

Total for current liabilites

44,134,362

281,441

Total Liabilities

44,134,362

281,441

Private grant00

Total restricted assets

001,616,673△ 281,441

Total Net Assets

1,616,673△ 281,441

Total Liabilites and Net Assets

45,751,035

0

2. Fixed assets(1) Property, machinery and equipment
tools, equipment and fixtures, tools

Ⅱ

Liabilities

１．Current liabilites
Account payable
Income taxes payable
Advanced grant

Ⅲ

Net Assets

１．Restricted Net Assets

２．Unrestricted Net Assets

<Net property increase / decrease statement>
Duration: 1 January 2020 to 31 Dewcember 2020

( Unit:JPY)
Item

Current year

Previous year

①Grants

76,201,529

0Transferred grants

76,201,529

0②Other income

321,365

0

Other income

321,3650Total Income

76,522,894

0（２）Expediture00① Project expense

48,806,631

0Salary for internationa staff

5,325,389

0Salary for national staff

19,840,977

0862,6780Training cost

6,117,289

0Infrastructure cost

1,981,271

063,8720Traveling and transportation

3,796,9380Communication

2,595,070

0

Expendable supply

1,315,517

0Office supply and equipment

399,8320

Vehicle89,3000Office hiring

4,550,459

0Safety and security

1,688,2280Miscellaneous expenses

179,8110②Administrative expenses

25,256,949

263,941

Board members compesation

9,194,261

0

Staff salary for national staff

3,977,844

0

152,15101,664,237

0Ⅰ

Unrestricted Net Assets

1.Operating activities(1) Revenues and gains from operating activities

Expert invitation

Meeting

WelfareCapacity developing
Meeting
Traveling and transportation
Communication

8,641

0

2,661,862

23,337232,135

3,238

1,873,371

8,000

479,718

0

2,177

0

Business consignment

180,0000Book and subscription

10,12002,259,711

24,5703,080

01,045,4210Expendable supply
Office supply and equipment
Maintenance

Office hiring
Safety and security
Printing and publishingTaxes and dues

206,0010

Depreciation

184,082

102,250

Exchenge loss

594,370

0Miscellaneous expenses

527,767

0Total Expediture

74,063,580

102,546

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

2,459,314

263,941

561,200△ 263,941

Corporate, inhabitant, and enterprises taxes

Ⅱ

Total changes in unrestricted net assets

1,898,114

17,500Unrestricted net assets at beginning of year

△ 281,441△ 281,441

Unrestricted net assets at end of year

1,616,673

Restricted Net Assets

0△ 281,441①Grants

119,094,228

0②Transfer to unrestricted net assets

119,094,228

0

Total changes of restricted net assets for the year

00

Restricted net assets at beginning of year

00

Restricted net assets at end of year001,616,673△ 281,441

Ⅲ

Net asset at end of year

increase/decrease