Asian Resource Foundation

Globalization and Asian Perspectives for an Alternative Development

edited by Dreeni Geer and M. Abdus Sabur.
Published by Asian Resource Foundation, 2001.
186 pp., mumerous tables.
ISBN: 9748839028
US$10.00.

This publication presents historical processes, scientific analyses and reflections on modern trade and transborder financial regimes and their impacts on the people and nature. As Asin is unique and diverse, the development policies adopted in countries in the region vary. But the globalization process is forcing a homogenisation of the economic and social policy framework. The weaving thread for unity in a common struggle is still the moral values. Therefore, the challenges are : to bring change from within and to challenge and change the major organs of the globalization regime. The reality demands a revolutionary re-structuring, and putting peoples rights and dignity first. Nurturing a culture of Peace and sustenance of Mother Earth resound in the common cry of the present and the future.

Micro Financial Initiatives in Asia and The Concept and Experience on Community Currencies

Published by Asian Resource Foundation, 1999.
107 pp.
US$3.00

This publication includes in the first section, the back ground introduction of the Asian Workshop on Micro Financial Initiatives, notes on the exposure visits, the key note speech, inputs from the resource persons, presentation of selected NGOs and the proceedings of the workshop. The second part includes some interesting concepts and history of money, banking and innovative practices of community currencies as a way out from the vicious circle of financial institution toward self reliance, contributed by Mr. Jeff Powell and Mr. Menro Salvedra.

Interfaith Conference on the Culture of Peace

Published by Asian Muslim Action Network, 2001.
326 pp.19 pictures
ISBN: 974-88305-7-8
US$10.00

This publication contains papers of guest contributors, who are renowned scholars in their own right and in their respective fields. It offers analyses of the global trends, the crisis of confidence, intolerance leading to conflict and war. On the other hand it presents alternatives and initiatives both. On the other, it lays down the challenge for collective exploration of a common vision and inspiration for a culture of peace and sustainability.

Islam and Modernism

Published by Asian Muslim Action Network, 1999
126 pp., 9 pictures, many tables.
US$5.00

This AMAN publication is a collection of papers on important themes: Islam and Dilemmas of Modernism, Unity in Religion and Realities, The Roots of Muslim Angers and its Challenges for Christians, Islam and Gender Relations, Islam and Human Rights, Contemporary Challenges of Youth and Islamic Responses, Buddhism in Thailand and its Relevance to the Youth, Sacred Secular Continuum, and Hindu Religion. The last section deals with reflections on important aspects of life and the role of religions and cultures.

Issues Affecting Youth in Asia, Linking Initiatives & Experiences Towards a Common Future

Published by Youth Coordination Center International (YCCI), 2001.
130 pp., 22 pictures, many tables.
US$5.00

This, the third publication of YCCI, has three parts. Part one is The Mekong Basin Youth Workshop Report, the second part Asian Youth Assembly for Peace contains essays written by assembly participants, and in the third part is a brief report on the other activities of YCCI.

The book shows how YCCI programs have helped to open the minds of young people to accept new ideas, make new friends, and prepare themselves to face new challenges.

ARF Council 2002: Responses to Future Challenges in Partnership with AMAN, LOREF & YCCI

Published by Asian Resource Foundation, 2002.
64 pp., 21 pictures, many tables.
US$5.00

This ARF Council report provides reflections on the past activities, embarks on future challenges and action strategies. It also includes activities undertaken by the partners and their future plans. ARF’s new structures shows the relationships and accountability among the networks who receive support from ARF - LOREF.

Asian Youth Leadership in Facing Modern Challenges

Published by Youth Coordination Center International, 1999.
69 pp., 15 pictures.
US$3.00

Leadership development is a delicate process that involves the participants and the facilitators in a series of experiences that expose individual leadership characteristics and style. Through a process of experience, exposure and experiment the participants engage in a series of activities and discussion that draw out the precepts of leadership and contribute toward building the individual foundations of leadership, service and participation. This report has creatively captured this unique process and its worth for young people.

Workshop Report: Young Leadership Modern Challenges and Responses from Diverse Cultures

Published by Asian Resource Foundation, 1999.
45 pp., 2 pictures.
US$8.00

Various concepts of ongoing globalization and the consequent emerging major challenges were discussed and reflected upon in the workshop. The responses of NGOs, and their limitations were also considered. Participants were able to explore the diversity of Asian religions and cultures. Finally, some practical aspects of the development process such as planning, evaluation and monitoring were covered during this training course.

Child Rights (Thai language)

Published by Youth Coordination Center Thailand (YCCT), 2001.
48 pp., 19 Pictures.
US$1.00

Youth Coordination Center Thailand (YCCT) in its annual meeting identified Child Rights as one of the priority program. Many children both urban and rural are the victims of abuse. In order to address this issue effectively YCCI thought of building capacity among youth leadership and volunteers. LOREF/ARF made a small grant to YCC Thailand to conduct a training program. Beside the concept of rights of the child’s right, UN convention and national constitutional provision and relevant laws were discussed in the program. The right to participation, the right to development theright to education and imformation were also featured on the agenda. Protection and promotion of child rights, through various mechanism were important aspect from the training. Training skill, communication skill and leadership were emphasized.

AMAN Watch: Training Workshop on UN Convention Against Torture

Published by Asian Muslim Action Network, 2002.
50 pp., 15 pictures, many tables.
US$5.00

This report includes the Islamic resources and inspirations for the promotion and protection of human rights. The second part contains the UN convention against torture, application of the convention in country context, and the process of campaign building towards elimination of torture.

AMAN Resource Booklet on HIV/AIDS

Published by Asian Muslim Action Network, 2002
40 pp., 13 pictures, 3 maps, many tables.
US$5.00

AMAN Resource book-let on HIV/AIDS is meant to encourage and enhance Muslim participation in responding to the challenges imposed by the deadly disease. The information of this resource book-let includes resource materials from individuals and organizations based on their engagement and experiences. This book-let contains basic information about HIV/AIDS, mode of transmission, preventive measures, module of training volunteers and the role of the Islamic institutions.

LOREF in Asia 2001-2002

Published by LOREF/ Asian Resource Foundation, 2002
29 pp., 29 pictures, 1 map, many tables.
US$5.00

This report gives details of LOREF-sponsored projects. Additionally partner organizations who are implementing children’s education and women’s empowerment programs who have received funds from LOREF-ARF are discussed. The report also provides the address of the contact person of the fund and gives guidelines for making an application.

Understandings Human Rights : Perspectives from South Asia

by Buddhadep Chaudhuri and M.Abdus Sabur
Published by: Asian Resource Foundation, 1998
103 pp
US$5

Human Rights have different connotations in different societies in different times. Yet some fundamental principles are cherished everywhere. Massive poverty, violence against women, environmental destruction, all these and many more aspects of the present Asian reality show that human beings are denied their basic rights. In fact , as human rights comprise not just civil rights, they, thus cannot remain the domain of lawyers alone but are a part of life of the people at the grassrrots. The present publication on South Asia shows how the basic tenets of human society, the right to life and livelihood are still threatened from within the society itself.

Siberian Bird

by M. Abdus Sabur, 1994
68 pp.
US$5

Some thirty short, simple moving poems reveal much: ingenuity and integrity; creativity and compassion. But at the end of the road, Sabur asks no more than what we all shall ask. Be to our virtues a little kind, be to our faults a little blind. The ultimate message of Sabur’s poems, his life and his work seems crystal clear “To Thine Own Self Be True”.

Images of the Mind

by M. Abdus Sabur, 2001.
63 pp., 7 Pictures
US$5.00

Poems are expressions of inner self, one’s feeling, emotions, aspirations and world-view. Sabur’s poems are based on realities often dissolving the territorial boundaries and preaching international solidarity. Poems should not only reflect the realities but also inspire to imagine ultimate victory of mankind in promoting the culture of peace. My friend Sabur has seen the realities not merely as a casual observer but has done so objectively and his verses are living conversation and seeds of peace.

Ananter Pare (Bengali language)

by Abdus Sabur, 1992
Published by GUP,distributed by ARF.
55 pp.
Baht 100, US$3.00.

Ananter Pare (at the edge if infinity) is a collection of 45 poems in Bengali. The book reflects an imaginative tranquility and depicts social reality. The poems deal with peoples lives, love, and romance. The poet faces the dilemma and sustained struggles for meeting both ends -- the present and the infinite.