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Orang Utan Republik Education InitiativeConservation AgencySanta Monica, California, United States Orang Utan Republik Education Initiative (Established 2004) 2461 Santa Monica Blvd. #828 , Santa Monica , California 90404 United States Director: Gary Shapiro, Ph.D. Phone: 310-401-6602 Fax: 310-401-6614 E-mail: info@orangutanrepublik.org Affiliations: Social & Environmental Entrepreneurs; Orangutan Caring Clubs of Indonesia Mission: The mission of the Orang Utan Republik Education Initiative is to facilitate conservation education regarding the endangered orangutan so that it will be saved from extinction. The Orang Utan Republik Education Initiatives first 5-year plan makes saving the Sumatran population a priority by providing organizations with education grants for projects and programs that have the best chance of improving attitudes and perceptions while eliminating or reducing ignorance, misconceptions, and fear of the orangutan in the areas of northern Sumatra. Principal Research Programs: 1) Facilitating and supporting events such as International Orangutan Awareness Week, Orang Utan Caring Week (Pekan Peduli Orang Utan) in Indonesia, and Earthday. 2) Developing media in Bahasa Indonesia that will target Indonesian youth and adults through public service announcements, booklets, posters, videos, etc. 3) Establishing & managing a competitive local Indonesian award and scholarship programs for conservation curriculum development particularly in habitat areas. 4) Establishing and maintaining a website to distribute information electronically. 5) Producing a periodic newsletter to communicate with supporters. 6) Organizing and hosting conferences, workshops, symposia and seminars for Indonesian educators and government officials. Training Opportunities: We encourage Indonesian and non-Indonesians from all walks of life and education background and experience to volunteer in developing and delivering educational and awareness raising programs about orangutans and their plight to students of all ages and adults from all walks of life. We can assist them in developing their skills in creating such programs and delivering them in various venues. We also administer the LP Jenkins Memorial Fellowship for graduate level research and education program development, particularly in Sumatra. Financial Aid: Orangutan Caring Scholarship for Indonesian forestry students/ administered by the Sumatran Orangutan Society, annually. LP Jenkins Memorial Fellowship/ one fellowship of $1,000 annually. Number of Staff: 8 volunteers in USA; 8+ volunteers in Indonesia Key Personnel: -Gary Shapiro, Ph.D., Chairman and Co-Founder, 310-401-6602, info@orangutanrepublik.org -Inggriani Shapiro, MH.R., Co-Founder, 310-401-6602, info@orangutanrepublik.org -Angelina Sondakh, SE, Ambassador, 62-21-5755077, angel@angelinasondakh.com -Ridhwan Effendi, Indonesian Operational Manager, 62-21-5755077, ridhwaneffendi87@yahoo.com -Wendy Hoole Cundiff, Chair Education Committee, 310-401-6602, whoole@aol.com -John Page, Chair IT Committee, 310-401-6602, john@orangutanrepublik.org -Stewart Bim-Merle, Chair Public Relations Committee, 310-401-6602, sjbimmerle@yahoo.com -Maylene Wong, MD., Chair Programs Committee, 310-401-6602, info@orangutanrepublik.org -Hengki Koentjoro, Chair Media Committee, 310-401-6602, hengki@indonewschannel.com -Dan Benveniste, Chair Fundraising Committee, 310-401-6602, dan@orangutanrepublik.org Species Supported: Pongo abelii and Pongo pygmaeus Associated Field Sites: Angelina Sondakh, Jakarta, Indonesia- Program Focus: Education and Outreach Web Site: http://www.orangutanrepublik.org Comments: OUR Education Initiative was started by founders of the Orang Utan Republik (OUR), a cause-related company that imports sustainable and environmentally friendly products from Indonesia, home of Asias only great ape, the orangutan. Wild orangutans are only found on the islands of Borneo and northern Sumatra. OUR founders donate a portion of the sale of its products to OUR Education Initiative (OUREI). Because OUREI is organized as a non-profit project under Social and Environmental Entrepreneurs, it can also accept donations from individuals, corporations, foundations, and other charitable and grant giving institutions in support of its educational programs. OUR Education Initiative Project Director, Gary Shapiro, Ph.D. began his involvement with orangutans over 30 years ago and was the co-founder and vice president of the Orangutan Foundation International from 1986-2004. Dr. Shapiro and his Indonesian wife, Inggriani, were inspired to create OUR Education Initiative in response to the education needs underscoring the crisis facing orangutans today, particularly in Sumatra. In July 2005, they invited Angelina Sondakh, one of the newest members of the Indonesian Parliament, to become OUREI Ambassador. Angelina has been in promoting orangutan and conservation issues for many years and was Miss Indonesia 2001. As Ambassador, Angelina effectively articulates OUREIs mission to government and the Indonesian people. Angelina and her staff under the banner of OUREI have also helped organize Club Peduli Orang Utan Indonesia or the Indonesian Orangutan Caring Club. The group will conduct education programs in schools and universities as well as participate in events such as Orangutan Caring Week. Publications: Biannual newsletter: Suara Orang Utan (Voice of the Orangutan) Entry created: 2006-09-12 [Update Entry] [Delete Entry] |