Caritas Asia Forum on “Inclusive Development” through
Community Based Rehabilitation

64 participants, from 14 different countries, representing Caritas Asia members, local and international partners, community disabled representatives gathered for a 3 days forum on “Inclusive Development” in Phnom Penh. The forum held on 20-22 January, 2010 was a sharing and enriching opportunity for participants discussing on Inclusive Development program which they express their belief in and conviction on Inclusive Communities with the methodology.

of Community Based Rehabilitation work as a future of the persons with disabilities in Asia.participants discussing on Inclusive Development program which they express their belief in and conviction on Inclusive Communities with the methodology of Community Based Rehabilitation work as a future of the persons with disabilities in Asia. The objectives of the forum is 1) To discuss and finalize the structure, role and functions of Caritas Asia focusing on CBR in order to smoothly operate the community lead empowerment of the people with disabilities; and 2) To develop a CBR network within Caritas Asia Member Organisations and to make it a dynamic and learning organization reflecting the voice of the people with disabilities.

President of Caritas Asia, Rev Fr. Yvon Ambroise addressed to the forum that a strategy toward Inclusive Development mainstreaming within Caritas Asia members needed to be developed systematically with clear goals, vision, objectives and time frame.

Networking is also needed to be enhanced. Within Caritas Asia organizations, the forum has identified some common needs includingAddressing speech to the affected families, Mr. Kim Rattana, Executive Director of Caritas Cambodia mentioned that this support can only help people within a short time period, but this is a bridge to bring them a better living until their harvesting season.    (Advocacy-Trainings) (Capacity Buildings) (Documentation / Data Collection) and (Survey)

This forum is hosted by Caritas Cambodia with the collaboration of Caritas Asia, Caritas Germany and Caritas Australia. Caritas Asia members such as Caritas Asia ,Caritas Thailand ,Caritas Myanmar, Caritas Egypt,Caritas Pakistan , Caritas Bangladesh, Caritas Srilanka, Caritas Nepal, Caritas Indonasia, Caritas Vietnam, Caritas Cambodia was attending the forum.

The launching of the forum is made on boat, shortly before the solidarity dinner. It is concluded with speeches from Bishop. Yvon Ambroise, president of Caritas Asia , Fr. Bonnie Mendes, regional coordinator of Caritas Asia, Bishop.Kike Figaredo , Chairman of Caritas Cambodia, Mr. Kim Rattana, Executive director of Caritas Cambodia and Ms. Christine WEGNER-SCHNEIDER represented Caritas Germany.
The forum was concluded with thanks to Caritas Cambodia , making this forum possible , Caritas Germany and Caritas Australia for funding this forum and Caritas Asia for their collaboration and support as well as all participants for their contribution, cooperation and sharing. The forum was concluded with thanks to Caritas Cambodia , making this forum possible , Caritas Germany and Caritas Australia for funding this forum and Caritas Asia for their collaboration and support as well as all participants for their contribution, cooperation and sharing.