PlanetWorka - A world in Development: Recent Episodes
PlanetWorka
Insight into the international development world by an experienced development and humanitarian professional. Episodes include diary vignettes of a variety of locations, reflections on development topics, and analysis of trends and issues. For those interested in development, humanitarianism or the world at large.
Akobo is in opposition territory on the ethiopian border with South Sudan. Danger lurks everywhere, and each encounter bristles with risk. PlanetWorka navigates through conflict lines, almost unscathed.
one of the most intense storms ever recorded, Super Typhoon Haiyan, slammed into Leyte Province in the Philippines in November 2013, leading to the deaths of thousands and dsiplacement of hundreds of thousands. PlanetWorka considers the potential for a double disaster for those displaced - the loss of their land and housing.
Uganda's politics is based on brutal power, but it's culture sparkles with vibrant colour, and a witty gregarious people and culture. Political lessons can be illuminating, as PlanetWorka finds out.
Remote communities can be completely isolated by both communication breakdown and accessibility. PlanetWorka visits the settlement of Kunoa on the Bougainville west coast and rediscovers the importance of disaster risk reduction pograms focusing on young people.
The power of youth activism and leadership is transformative for both our societies, and as individuals. Attending an Asian Development Bank annual event showcasing Youth for Asia, PlanetWorka reflects on his own journey in a powerful youth movement in South Africa.
Disaster provokes intense sensory and emotional experiences. Although landlocked, Uganda is experiencing more climate related disasters as climate change impacts increase. What can we learn from these experiences? PlanetWorka joins a flood review workshop and shares a few thoughts.
Australia's foreign assistance policy through 2012-2014 swings from a vacuous anti-China Asia strategy, to a radical new conservative swing prompting the dissolution of AusAID, to an aggressive stance on refugees and international human rights law. PlanetWorka sits through three sessions over this peeriod typifying the mood.
Papua New Guinea is an intriguing country beset by violence. Bougainville is no different, but is struggling to shed the legacy of a bitter civil conflict and open a pathway to independence. PlanetWorka visits for the first time.
Laos is experiencing an economic surge and becoming a tourist favourite. But behind the success story lies an uncomfortable political context characterised by governmental control, persecution of ethnic minorities, and suppression of civil society voices. PlanetWorka explores the issue of extrajudicial control and extortion.
Myanmar is a deeply religious country. Buddhism is a central feature of much of the life of it's population, but the oppression and aggression of Rakhioen Rohingya throws its peaceful principles in sharp relief.
South Sudan fought a bloody war for its independence from Sudan. Finally, after thousands of casualties and millions of victims of conflict Independence Day has arrived. PlanetWorka shares his experience.
Ha Giang is one of the most spectacular places on Earth, but for the ethnic minorities who live there life is hard. For parents, there is the everpresent nightmare of child abduction and danger on the roads. PlanetWorka explores why this is so.
Pakistan retains significant social development challenges but also implements some impressive programs that directly impact millions of people. Development programs count, as PlanetWorka discovers, but the long arm of Pakistani intelligence agencies reach into the world of development.
Disasters are often a lottery of life: people who shouldn't have been at risk are, and those who are lucky aren't. Amongst this lottery are the heroes of their societies. Planetworka explores the aftermatch of a massive mudslide in Southern Leyte, Philippines in 2006 and discovers a poignant personal family story with lessons for us all.
The Syrian crisis has created profound effects on refugee and host communities in Lebanon. As this episode discovers it is the children and women who suffer the most, while men remain victims of the ongoing conflict.
How important is a tree? As it turns out vitally important for saving lives in the Irrawaddy Delta of Myanmar. Join PlanetWorka as we explore the Delta and consider the effects of Cyclone Nargis on people who live here.