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　In October 2004, Prime Minister Khin Nyunt was discharged and the road to the democratization of Myanmar seems more depressing. There is no positive outlook for the refugees to return to their homes. On the contrary, in view of the fact that the inflow of new refugees is still continuing, the Thai government has approved that refugees can immigrate to third countries. Consequently the U.S., 10 European countries and U.N. organizations have begun preparing to accept them. Immigration to a third country is basically limited only to applicants, but at the end of 2005, the number of applications was reported to be about 20,000. On the other hand, with many refugees still remaining in the camps with the strong hope to return to their home country, early realization of democratization in Myanmar is undoubtedly essential. At the same time, it is important to continue the suggestions to the Thai government on improving the living environment of the camps.
　In 2005, UNHCR notified SVA of cutbacks in its subsidy, and thus it became critical to strengthen outside fundraising. On our regular activities, we have carried out qualitative improvement of the library activities and improved the ability of local staff. 2006 is the final year of the second phase, and we plan to make evaluations of the activities and also plan the coming phase with the aid of a feasibility study.

LIBRARY ACTIVITIES:
　In 2005, we extended the first floor of the library building at Maela Refugee Camp and operated a total of 22 libraries in 7 refugee camps. In particular, we have strengthened co-operation with the Library Committee, which is the parent body of library activities, and improved the ability of library staff in order to ensure the ongoing management of library activities for the regions. We carried out more special events than in the past, such as children's day, mother's day, storytelling contest and traditional musical instrument contest, with the participation of children and senior people. This resulted in a deeper understanding of our activities by the Library Committee.
　In 2006, we plan to extend the library buildings in Mae Ra Ma Luang, Mae La Oon and Ban Dong Yang camps and also plan to open 3 new libraries. Unlike the design of libraries built up till now, rooms for young people are scheduled to be added. We have been carrying out a mobile library service to nursery schools and primary schools, and at the request of the schools, we are studying the possibility of the mobile library being officially adopted into the curriculum.

(1) Books:
　In 2005, we distributed 15 titles of picture book in the Karen and Myanmar languages and 16,177 books mainly in the Myanmar language for adults. In 2006, we plan to distribute 30 titles of picture book.

(2) Publication:
　We published 5 titles of picture book based on folktales and cultural activities in both the Karen and Myanmar languages. At the same time, we are publishing "Library News" every 3 months using a mimeograph printer with the co-operation of the Library Committee and library staff. In 2006, we plan to publish 8 titles of mainly picture books based on folktales.

(3) Seminar for Library Staff: 　In January 2005, we conducted a seminar for the library staff with a former library specialist in Myanmar refugee camps, and in November we held the third combined seminar for library staff at Mae Sod. At the seminar, the activities of each library were introduced, and participants discussed problems and future library activities. In 2006, a specialist is scheduled to be dispatched from the Osaka chapter of JICHIRO (All Japan Prefectural and Municipal Workers Union), and through a seminar we plan to improve the ability of the library staff.

(4) Activities for the Elderly
　We invited the people over 65 years of age to the libraries and provided them with fun-filled activities, such as yoga, games, and lectures on health and community issues. We also recorded the Karen folktales and talks which were told by the elderly, and published a book on those folktales.

(5) Cultural Support Activities
　Cultural classes (traditional musical instrument/ethnic dances) were held in the libraries. In each class, about 20 children joined the activities, and those children were given opportunity to perform their music and dances in various events organized in the camps.

(6) Campaign to Donate Picture Books to Myanmar Refugees:
　1,300 picture books incorporating 5 titles were delivered from Japan. In the coming year, 1,500 picture books incorporating 5 titles are expected to be delivered.

(7) Mobile Book Box Project at Karen Primary School in Thailand:
　In 2005, we visited 60 primary schools in 6 districts around the refugee camps with 50 picture books in the Thai language.

STAFF NURTURING PROJECT:
　In May 2005, our two co-ordinators visited the Cambodia office to observe their activities and receive training in the management of projects. In August, we conducted a staff seminar and studied about community development and the nurturing of leaders from a visiting instructor. In 2006, we plan to conduct several seminars and to dispatch our staff for training at overseas offices to improve their ability.