ongoi.ng myanmar

Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is on the move. The country faces an amazing transformation process to the good which might be incomparable to everything happened before and that could also be a model and perfect think tank research base for other regions. The continuing worldwide financial crisis and the rising insight that most of our precious ressources are limited leads us to rethink economic and social growth from new perspectives.

the challenge

The ONGOI.NG MYANMAR idea aims to independently strengthen civil societies in Myanmar and Western countries on the basis of mutual exchange. By the joint development of microprojects we create a democratic, intercultural and creative transfer process that enables small entrepreneurs to shape their civil society in a meaningful way.

We assume that an equal exchange of skills, experiences and techniques will reveal elementary solutions in direct communication with the local people - focusing on these sectors:

-> qualified student exchange program
-> self-sustainable basic education programs
-> sustainable tourism knowledge exchange
-> intercultural skills exchange
-> incubating economy & community hubs

the ongoi.ng methodology

The ONGOI.NG MYANMAR program is highly inspired by the design thinking project management approach. It's interdisciplinary, radically collaborative and driven by the possibilities of human creativity. International cooperations and relations with progressive universities, pioneering companies and local communities ensure a dynamic and constantly evaluable development within the whole project process - a process which will be again and again designed for the very specific local and temporal circumstances.

As a concepting, catalysing and mentoring bridge between cultures, institutions, organisations and communities we take careful consideration of all affected interests. Involving decision makers as well as students and visionaries from different backgrounds we create a framework which allows to adapt any conceivable microproject to our holistic concept. We believe that exchange doesn't only mean to interact between people but also between disciplines, amazing ideas and different backgrounds of experiences. And we understand education as long life learning process for all those who are involved.

PROTOTYPING

Our first challenge is to design a functional prototype with real working structures which will be the first visible impact of the program.

We will achieve this by working within this framework:

Goals

-> Flexible survey and self sustainable exhibition in a physical structure
-> Movable structure

Research into Technologies:

-> test new concepts and technology on location
-> let locals experience and interact with (new) technology
-> develop and advance sustainable cooking devices (e.g. Solar Kitchen, Prakti-cooker Rocket Stove, Water Purification systems, hydro/aquaponics, urban farming)
-> decentralized Energy production and consumption (solar/wind energy solutions)

Research into Communication:

-> mobile internet solutions
-> mobile phone as a social tool for education, exchange & banking
-> research into community and civil society tools: word of mouth, community development, community ownership, responsability, early involvement of
locals, best practices

VISION I: The TasteGarage Project

The Tastegarage is our Urban Hub in Yangon to adress and create local communities. It's the office, the homebase for the tastebus, a community restaurant, a constant exhibition and action space, storage space for material and technical support center. The garage is the place where knowledge and experiences of the trips of the Taste Bus will be shared, evaluated and results can be exhibited. The garage is also the hub for communication via
satelite and internet.

The Tastegarage works for the community as an an knowledge and skills exchange and training centre, as an innovation lab, a docking station for local startup initiatives (f.e. a food distributor for small vendors with streetcarts). In the same time it works as a vivid show & exhibition room for sustainable living concepts and as a shop where a wide range of simple
sustainable solutions can be purchased.

Main topics are:

-> food & health safety (f.e. Prakti stove)
-> record & document traditions (f.e. traditional dishes, fairytales, unwritten
knowledge
-> sustainable microgrid energy systems & solar power
-> cooking / story lab & eatery
-> mobility & traffic solutions
-> user centered, sustainable & sane housing solutions
-> social entrepreneurship
-> practical healthcare
-> practical research & prototyping for funders

VISION II: The TasteBus project

The TasteBus drives around in the cities and countryside to engage directly with the local communities in Myanmar to enable knowledge and cultural exchange. The crew hosts workshops, films and events along the way.
The TasteBus is also a cultural recording unit to document all the precious knowledge and skills which might will disappear with the upcoming social and economical changes. Everything will be done in a participatory diy method and with a wide range of sponsored technology.

The crew of the bus consists of:

1 cook
1 media assistant
1 technician
1 driver / translator
1 student
1 facilitator

Equipment of the Taste Bus:

-> storagespace
-> tools, workbench, material
-> kitchen with Prakti stove
-> vegetable oil engine
-> electricity: Solar/ Wind
-> waterpurifier
-> basic herbs / plants bank

Media Equipment:
-> computers, projector
-> cameras, action cams, smartphones
-> mobile charging station,
-> digital library

PARTNERS

The Ongoing Network is already cooperating in different projects with partners from the renowned universities worldwide.

Student exchange programs with these universities and their partner companies on the level of education, experience and skills transfer are our highest priority according to the goal of
intercultural and economic exchange. Talks with other institutions, authorities, universities and companies are already on the run and show the highest interest in the Ongoing Myanmar idea.

LOCAL LINKS

Community building and political protection are crucial for the program. Ongoing Myanmar is permanently expanding its already existing networks and partnerships with the Myanmar authorities, with local key players and competent advisors which will help to combine all approaches into a viable reality.
In case of indispositions our extensive experience with projects in ambiguous environments helps us to find flexible and convenient solutions or alternatives for nearly every situation.

Our excellent relationship to the officials in the country ensures to find practical solutions in all visa matters.