This collection of reports is the result of the hard work and dedication of fourteen young men and women from diverse ethnic groups and regions in Burma who attended EarthRights International?s year-long leadership school for human rights and environmental advocacy, the EarthRights School of Burma (ERSB). The students are eager to expose ongoing human rights abuses and environmental destruction in Burma under the ruling State Peace and Develop­ment Council (SPDC). While conducting research the students took great risks, often placing themselves in danger, to reveal the truth about Burma and the perspectives of the people directly affected by abuses. The students were instructed in such subjects as human rights law, environmental monitoring, advocacy, and nonviolent social change. During coursework, each chose a topic and developed a thesis around it. During their fieldwork, students conducted grassroots investigations, gathered primary source information, and worked directly with victims of human rights abuses, while witnessing firsthand the pain and destruction caused by the SPDC and armed groups in Burma and on its borders. This is only the second such volume produced by ERSB; for most students this represents the first time they have conducted in-depth research and writing and seen their work in print. It is a significant step on their way to becoming committed human rights and environmental activists. With their new skills the Class of 2008 now joins previous graduates of the EarthRights Schools of Burma and the Mekong in becoming a significant force for positive change, ready to meet the challenge of bringing much-needed peace, justice, and democracy to their troubled nation...... TABLE OF CONTENTS:- The Environment: The Potential Impact of the Salween Dams on the Livelihoods of Villagers on Chaung Zon Island, Mon State by Nai Tiaung Pakao... Mountains Become Valleys and Valleys Become Mountains in Phakant Township, Kachin State, Burma by John... The Impact of Gold Mining on the Environment and Local Livelihoods in Shing Bwe Yang Township, Hugawng Valley, Kachin State, Burma by Myu Shadang... Social and Environmental Impacts of Deforestation in Northern Chin State, Burma by Icon..... Forced Labor: The SPDC Use of Forced Labor on the Electric Power Lines and the Effects on Villagers in De Maw Soe Township, Karenni State by Khon Nasa... The Impact of Land Confiscation on the Palaung People in Namkham and Mantong Townships, Northern Shan State, Burma by Mai Naw Jar..... Social Issues: ?If you cut the tree it will be scarred forever?: Domestic Violence in Karenni Refugee Camp #1 by Tyardu... The Impact of Drugs on Palaung Children in Namkham Township, Northern Shan State by Lway Poe Taung... ?The price is getting very high?: The Reasons Behind the Lack of Education for Children in Northern Shan State, Burma by Wallace... The Impact of the UN Resettlement Program for Karenni People in Camps 1 and 2 on the Thai-Burma Border by Mar Ry... ?Hungry for Education?: Villagers Living in Ceasefire Controlled Areas Struggle to Educate Their Children in Boo Tho Township, Papun District by Day Day... The Negative Impacts of Jade Mining on Women in Hpakant, Kachin State by Cindy. ..... Food Security: The Food Security Crisis for People Living in Toungoo District by Dawn Flower... Causes of Food Insecurity in Rathidaung Township, Northern Arakan State by Zaw Zaw.