Appreciation Post

Appreciation Post💃🏼💃🏼💃🏼

Compliments of the season readers! It's the end of another year and guess what guys? We are closer to the achievement of the sustainable development goals! Yes! I'm as excited as you are about the new opportunities to explore, new initiatives and a sustainable environment to live in.

The downside to this excitement is that it seems like we are not making any progress as regards climate change 😢( which is largely a result of human activities). Let's think about these things!

We will not give up, we would continue to provide you with information as regards the steps to take to ensure that we nurture a sustainable environment for everyone and generations to come to thrive.

In the next year, we would take action for the goals in phenomenal ways and as such we solicit for your engagement in numerous ways to get the goals to the next level.

Do not hesitate to tell someone about all you have learnt on this blog. We are counting on you for a more impactful 2018!

Please accept our sincere gratitude for your continued support, comments, likes and your constructive criticism. We have found these very energizing and motivating to continue even in the face of latent and obvious challenges.

May God crown the remaining part of the year with goodness and like a spring board, launch us into the amazing days ahead in the new year.

From all of us at the Nineteen Initiative, we wish you all a sustainable year ahead ❤❤❤.

HAPPY SUSTAINABLE HOLIDAYS

It's the holiday season we have all been looking forward to and everyone is excited! It's that time of the year where we get to go shopping, eat amazing food (binging is not a problem), organize parties with family and friends, go on vacation and for many; let down your hair and breathe. This scenario
is the perfect picture for humans.

For the environment on the other hand, it's that time to get pensive, discomforted, polluted and considered less; if at all. This imbalance is the conflict amidst the joys of the holiday. That is, balancing the glee of the holidays as experienced by humans with the the gloom as felt by the environment and its constituents.

Don't be hard on yourself it's tradition, what has been before even our grandparents were born and celebrated their first Christmas, its the trees, the lights, the food, the fun, the open air grills, the hymns, the treats and of course, the new items acquired as a result of Santa's benevolence. The good news is, just as we have met tradition shaped by those ahead of us, we can also create our own traditions to shape the future we want especially for our children so that we may have an indeed merry Christmas with the generations to come having laid a foundation of sustainable celebration for them.

The most heinous environmental crimes are perpetuated amidst celebrations (my opinion). Many get too carried away with the glitz and glam of the season that we forget the looming effect of our inordinate actions or adherence to traditions.

To ensure a blissful holiday for ourselves and the environment, we should do the following;
1. Prepare as much food as can be consumed (better not enough than wasted). You can get fruits to make up for the excess that would have been wasted but for your sustainable thinking.
2. The use of lights in this season can be tempting but it's fine to go easy on the lights. If you can't, shop for sustainable lights such as LED lights ...I believe this way every body is happy! I mean what is a Christmas tree without the lights?


3. Use less paper, be virtual...the truth is many of us do not need the receipts we collect from the stores, or the fliers we distribute or collect; this season, think paperless. Electronic replacements of paper forms are easier to keep and move around with.
4. Use less plastic. Resist the temptation to use straws, plastic cups, plates and whatever form of plastic that has enmeshed itself into the fabric of celebrations. In the alternative, use reusable alternatives to these products, water and drink dispensers instead of disposable plastic ones, reusable chinaware, NO STRAWS! Essentially, do away with plastic!
5. Easy on the use of water, use as much water as you need without wasting. Do not leave the tap running when not in use.
6. Dispose your waste sustainably. Divide your waste into bio-degradable and non-biodegradable wastes then dispose accordingly.
7. Tis the season to be oily! La-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la! This season has the highest grease and oil requirements on the history of human existence...do not dispose grease indiscriminately...do not toss grease down the drain...let your grease solidify( in a refrigerator)while in a container and throw it out in that container...grease should NEVER be disposed by itself.
8. Use less private transportation systems and opt for public or eco-friendly means of transportation such as walking, cycling, car pooling and public transportation among others.
9. Be charitable, feed the hungry, clothe the needy and create shelter for the homeless. Volunteer for a good cause towards the advancement of a better and sustainable world.
10. Show love and shun hatred in all forms!

Happy Sustainable Holidays from all of us at The Nineteen Initiative.

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Against Trafficking in Persons: Libya

Trafficking in persons has consistently remained a recalcitrant evil universally. The anomaly seems to be growing just as the world evolves, given the demands for labor in different phases of life.
Human trafficking is a serious crime and a gross violation of human rights which takes different faces given the context and location in which it is carried out.

Article 3, paragraph (a) of the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons defines Trafficking in Persons as the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of persons, by means of the threat or use of force or other forms of coercion, of abduction, of fraud, of deception, of the abuse of power or of a position of vulnerability or of the giving or receiving of payments or benefits to achieve the consent of a person having control over another person, for the purpose of exploitation. Exploitation shall include, at a minimum, the exploitation of the prostitution of others or other forms of sexual exploitation, forced labour or services, slavery or practices similar to slavery, servitude or the removal of organs.

According to the trafficking in persons Act, there must be three elements, the Act, the Means and the Purpose. The Act refers to the movement (any form) and receipt of persons.The means entails how the trafficking is done which may involve force, threat, deceit or giving money to the person in charge or care of the victim among others. The purpose above all is the reason for which it is done.

The trafficking crisis in Libya is a cause for global alarm. There's no gain saying the fact that the world has survived even worse forms of slavery and trafficking, however, the world has come too far to be taken back by a crisis it long fought and survived. The occurrence of such heinous crimes in recent times is proof of the fact that the world is probably not progressing as we think it is. It is a pointer to the fact that there are latent situations in some parts of the world that are beginning to resonate and fizzle into the modern world. It's a call for more action by everyone, you may not be in Libya but you may adopt the instrumentality of the social media for action. It's time for everyone to speak until definite action is taken by all parties concerned.

It holds no weight to argue that many of the persons trafficked consent to the act, because some voluntarily "offer" themselves to the perpetrators. Many take such decisions given their short sighted view about life as they have given up on whatever potential they wield because of their situation.

This post admonishes everyone not to take advantage of the outlook and situation of the voluntary victim but to do what is right by the tenets of justice and human conscience.

It behoves every right thinking person regardless of your position in life to speak until something is done about this obnoxious practice while ensuring that we are not perpetrators of this same evil especially under the umbrella of hiring "maids or voluntary victims".

The labor, sweat and blood of the heroes before us who long fought the battle against slavery and trafficking in persons must not be forgotten and swept under the carpet in a hurry or at all.If someone is being auctioned at this time of the century, it's a cause for alarm for everyone that is still breathing.

This post is dedicated to my friend and sister, Oluwaseun Adesanya, who is blessed with another year today.


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Hit the Slums!

The United Nations has designated every 31st of October as World Cities Day. The Day is expected to greatly promote the international community’s interest in global urbanization, push forward
cooperation among countries in meeting opportunities and addressing challenges of urbanization, and contributing to sustainable urban development around the world (urbanoctober.org)

It is a day in which the General Assembly “decides to designate 31 October, beginning in 2014, as World Cities Day, invites States, the United Nations system, in particular UN-Habitat, relevant international organizations, civil society and all relevant stakeholders to observe and raise awareness of the Day”

FACTS ABOUT THE WORLD CITIES DAY.
Goal: GOAL 11; Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Establishment: 27th December,2013
Commencement: 2014
Date of Celebration: Every 31st October.
General Theme: Better City, Better Life.
2017 Theme: Innovative Governance, Open Cities.

This year, the World Cities Day seeks to exchange and showcase innovative practices around the world in urban planning, building and management, and discuss how to further implement New Urban Agenda.
  UN Habitat's Participatory Slum Upgrading Program reveals the laudable efforts of the United Nations to improve the slums, what can you do as an individual?

WHAT YOU CAN DO
1. Take action for the slums to make them develop as the rest of the city is.
2. Technological development in slums. Keep the slums abreast with the rest of the world, think of innovative ways to introduce technology a slum near you
3. Education in slums: many slum dwellers cannot afford to go to school or get quality education. Volunteer to teach in slums, no time is too little to contribute to the education of a fellow human.
4. Waste management : Waste management poses a serious problem in slums many do not have the knowledge or resources to dispose Waste effectively and sustainably. Donate a trash bin, engage in sanitation exercise or teach effective waste management in a slum around you.
5. Health Awareness: the living conditions in slums pose serious health risk to the dwellers, volunteer to create health awareness or take a health exercise in a slum through donation of materials, free medical services, volunteer to run periodic health checks in slums among others.
6. Improve livelihoods (skill acquisition): volunteer to empower slum dwellers with skills (catering, bead making, photography, hair dressing and so much more), statistics show that slums are economically vibrant and contribute to about 85% of employment opportunities given the young population of its dwellers.
7. Call on stakeholders to create innovative ways to develop our cities through urban planning,building and management
Taking steps to improve the slums will bring about inclusive cities.



Glaring inequality and inequity in our cities is a ticking bomb which willl explode to destroy all we have built in the past years.
The exclusion of slums in urban development will one day unsettle us in our comfy homes! Hit the slums today! Make a change!
Keep the cities sustainable, inclusive and resilient! Live on sustainable practices!


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United Nations Day

The United Nations Day is celebrated on the 24th of October, every year. It's a day that is devoted to making known to people of the world,  the aims and achievements of the United Nations Organization.
The United Nations was founded after the Second World War with the main purpose of ensuring that the world never experiences a total breakdown of peace as was the case during the period which the war lasted (1939-1945).
The day is celebrated every year to reiterate the reason for the existence of the body; the maintenance of world peace hence the Olives in the emblem of the UN.
The day commemorates the declaration of the 24th October by the United Nations General Assembly as the anniversary of the United Nations Charter in 1948.
The continued existence of the UN reaffirms the commitment of the member states to preserve and maintain world peace.
The celebration of this day every year is not only the concern of the government of nations, workers of the UN or development stakeholders, rather, it should be celebrated by every one that is a beneficiary of the existence of world peace that is, everyone.
We must strive to maintain peace in all our interactions and ensure peace in situations where peace does not exist.

This year, the Nineteen Initiative in celebrating the UN day, calls for everyone to embrace diversity in every facet of life. Failure to embrace diversity on various levels has remained a major threat to world peace. Our position on diversity as discussed on the blog in our post; Diversity and Global Happiness remains unchanged.
It's important that we all take steps to give full effect to the name of the organization that is ensure continued unity among nations. Your attitude towards foreigners, comments on global issues, opinions overemphasized on issues among others can largely affect global peace and unity of nations.
Goal 17 calls for partnership for the goals and this is achievable when collaborative efforts are made towards giving full effects to the aims and objectives of the UN as well as taking steps to ensure that the targets of the global goals are met.
The UN is not a body that is high up and cannot be reached, making policies that seem unachievable except through actions by major stakeholders, rather, it is a body that we all belong to and must take steps to ensure that its aims and objectives are met. The aims and objectives of the United Nations include;
(1) To maintain inter­national peace and security;
(2) To encourage international cooperation in the spheres of social, economic and cultural developments;
(3) To develop friendly relations among nations on principles of equal rights and self- determination;
(4) To recognise the fundamental rights of all people.

We are able to celebrate the 24th of October this year because of the laudable efforts that have been made by the UN towards the maintenance of world peace. More can be achieved if we pay attention to the little things that we do that could be inimical to world peace, such as mindless venting on media platforms, failure to understand diversity, lack of commitment to achieving the global goals, having a laid back attitude towards global issues (because you feel like that's the concern of the government and development workers) among others.
It's never too late or too early to take action to ensure maintenance of global peace. Look into yourself and discover ways to collaborate with the United Nations to ensure that its objectives are met.
Say a prayer for a war torn nation today! Get off the couch! Your world needs you !

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Hand Hygiene with Hannah Moreland

The previous week saw the celebration of the Global Hand Washing Day. This event is commemorated every year to re emphasize the imperative of hand hygiene if the global goals are to be met and quality health is to be achieved.

Good hand hygiene is the simplest and most effective way of preventing the spread of micro- organisms (germs) that could be of harm.


Many of us unknowingly live with micro-organisms on our skin, but they cause us no harm as our skin works as a protective barrier. However if these micro-organisms find a route to the blood stream (for example, through an open wound) then this is when people can become infected.

The removal of these micro-organisms through thorough hand hygiene is the most important factor in preventing them from being transferred to other people and if done effectively can therefore reduce morbidity and mortality.

To facilitate effective hand hygiene; cuts and wounds should be covered with waterproof dressings, sleeves should be rolled back, jewellery should be removed, finger nails should be kept short to prevent the build up of bacteria underneath and should be free from any nail polish or applications and the use of gloves should be considered before intervention.

The hands are the most exposed part of the body and the most easily susceptible to diseases. Diseases are easily transferred
Important times to ensure hand hygiene is carried out are; after using the toilet, before preparing/eating meals and before any contact with people who may be susceptible (have an open wound). Please see the picture below for steps to take for an effective hand hygiene technique.


Reference:

National Health Service (NHS)(2016) Community Infection Prevention and Control Guidance for Health and Social Care. Harrogate: NHS

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First, A human being...

This week, the International Day of the Girl Child is being celebrated in numerous ways and we thought it fit to add our voice to the global discussion.

The default modern approach to raising the girl child screams gender equality, capacity to be and do better than the boy child! No glass ceilings! And other related advice. It's important, however, that we do not through our zeal to pass the message of gender equality to the girl child, transfer a legacy of struggle and aggression.

A legacy of struggle and aggression which colors a good part of the social values transferred to the girl child forces her to develop an aggressive stance towards her journey through life. Forcing her to think that she will have to struggle than the boy child to achieve the same feat, prove herself (in comparison to male competitors) and the list goes on. The legacy does not encourage her to approach her growth through life with the demeanor of a human being, rather, she approaches it first as a girl before she does as a human being (this should be the other way round), thereby painting an altered picture of life to her.

She was not born to fight, she was born to live just like every other child. Preach first to her humanity before feminism so that she does not grow up to a shaped loyalty to the feminine gender than to the human race.

Teach her not to approach life with aggression as very soon, the battle against her sex and the attendant impediments will be etched out. The existence of a male child is not the presence of another battle to fight but an opportunity for co-existence and collaborative development.


Life should not be served to her on the altar of gender awareness but on the awareness of the fact that she is first human before she is a girl.
Teach her that "because I am a girl " is never her primary defense. She must merit what she desires, where merit is impossible; create her own opportunities and bask in the greatness she has achieved because she is human.

This post does not undermine the fact that gender inequality is still a global issue or the global efforts towards achieving them, rather, it is to  call our attention to the fact that if the predecessors of the girl child who are already working towards gender equality are successful (which is our desire), it becomes important to raise the girl child in preparedness to live the life the success of her predecessors makes available for her (one where she doesn't have to struggle for equality).

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TRUE INDEPENDENCE

The colors green, white and green!

The color green has from time immemorial being seen to symbolize fertility which of a truth, paints a clear picture of Nigeria. Nigeria breathes fertility in terms of  people, endowment and resources.
All that we need to lead a successful life and sustainable future exist in abundance, however, the big question that threatens the sustainable future is "Whether the country and its people are poised to ensure the sustainable future?"

In the spirit of celebrating our independence anniversary, it is imperative for the true Nigerian to pay attention to certain issues that may limit the ability of the Nigerian citizen and future to attain holistic independence.

The fact that Nigeria lies in a position where it ought to have moved past in the face of the devils of corruption, mismanagement and poor governance admits no further argument. However, we need to pay attention to behavioral patterns that will bedevil the country even when the above named problems are solved. This is the crux of today's post;True independence from unsustainable behavioral patterns.
It's imperative that we gain independence from inability to pay attention to actions that pose a threat to the guarantee of sustainable development and the future of our country, global issues and how they affect our country. It's imperative to gain true independence from;

1. Cultural and religious sentiments that pose a serious threat to global peace.
2. Lack of awareness about proper use of the environment which has led to climate change which the whole world is battling.
3. Impulsive use of the earth's resources without replenishing.
4. Lack of collaborative efforts in the quest to provide a sustainable future for coming generations.
5. Selfless service geared towards the achievement of the sustainable development goals and its targets.


The above listed points may seem vague, however, all the previous posts on the blog will provide you with details on each of them.

The woes we face in Nigeria today will someday soon fade away but our lack of attention to the provision of a sustainable future produces results that will never fade away. True independence begins from paying attention to the issues as discussed above.


In the spirit of the assurance of the possibility of a sustainable future for Nigeria, we wish the country and its citizens, a Happy Independence Day from all of us at The Nineteen Initiative!

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GRUB & SAVE

Most of the very interesting friendships and relationships that I have experienced usually share a bond that often times involves food...in fact, bonding over food, in my opinion can create everlasting friendship :).

The rate of production of food  varies on different levels. Some produce based on available ingredients (use it as you see it), some based on what they have and can manage, some based on demand ( both founded on reason and without reason), some produce just what is necessary, some produce just for the love of food and a good number, can barely produce what is necessary and sometimes, can't produce at all.


The rate of production of food in the world which often times results in waste has posed a great problem to international actors as it has had a glaring effect on global hunger and efforts at reducing it.

You may feel like you are not responsible for feeding the world but at least do not contribute to global hunger by wasting food.

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that about 795 million people of the 7.3 billion people in the world, or one in nine, were suffering from chronic undernourishment in 2014-2016. Almost all the hungry people, 780 million, live in developing countries, representing 12.9 percent, or one in eight, of the population of developing counties. There are 11 million people undernourished in developed countries.

Suggestions on reduction of food waste.

1. Buy just what you need
2. Learn about the best storage for the food you buy
3. Pay attention to your cravings, you don't have to satisfy them every time they come
4. Donate to a food bank and if there is none around you, start one. It doesn't have to be anything big, you can make a commitment to feed5 people that you don't know everyday ( this doesn't have to be cost intensive).
5. Look out for ways to cook your meals which will reduce waste in the process of cooking to the barest minimum.
6. Eating leftovers doesn't make you poor, it makes you reasonable. Save your excess and eat another day.
7. Take note of how much food you waste: it's a form of reality check.
8. Check the expiry dates of food purchased so that you don't have to throw the food away before the time scheduled for consumption.
9. Keep track of how much you spend on food, excessive spending on food often leads to waste.
10. Give! Give and give! Find and feed a hungry person.
11. Grow your own food...(I should try this!


It is sad that one third of food produced every year goes to waste.

Conclusion, pay attention to your love for food, eat and produce just what you need, feed a hungry person and keep track of how much food you waste!

Tips for self evaluation.

1. What percentage of food produced is needed?
2. What percentage of food produced is consumed ?
3. How many percentage of food produced or cooked is wasted?

What role do you play in relation to global hunger? Are you a blessing or a curse?

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Slavery: To Speak or Not to Speak.

Should we talk about slavery?

Hey there! Welcome back after such a long break. It's good to have you back!

Writing this was quite tasking, exciting and nerve wrecking at the same time given the sensitive nature of the topic.

Arguments have been canvassed back and forth about the need to talk about slavery and the need to forget about it! Points raised for and against the need to speak about slavery and transfer the history to generations to come have been valid, however, what's important in light of these arguments is:
what's good for the global scene.

Arguments against speaking about slavery cut across the following issues;
1. It incites hatred.
2. It prevents the countries involved from moving on.
3. It's unnecessary.
4. It's been abolished, so why the fuss?
5. It brings about unnecessary claims that could distort world peace for example; Reparations.


The list is endless. The arguments for the transfer of the history of Slavery are even more compelling.

It's important to note that the history of slavery differs from the legacy of slavery both of which are often mistaken for the other.
The history of slavery essentially entails the story, the background of the issue itself and how the world came to stand in the position it currently is in terms of slavery. The legacy of slavery on the other hand is the feeling that existed at the time of the slave era that is; being the minority or subservient on the one hand and superior and dominant on the other hand. The legacy is what should be forgotten, never the history.

The big question is; what do we stand to achieve when we talk about slavery?



Speaking about slavery and the transfer of the history of slavery to generations to come will serve as a way to ensure that our children know exactly where the world is coming from and as such, know how to address issues that face them when they arise. It helps the children know how to deal with the legacy that remains in our society by default especially issues arising out of diversity on various levels.

Speaking will help to prevent the reoccurrence of slavery in whatever form. Slavery though abolished still exists in subtle yet dangerous forms in the society. It may not involve the sale of humans or forced labor, but it exists in manipulation as a result of being in a better position than another, taking advantage of vulnerable persons and situations, inequality, inequitable dominance and power imbalance on the world scene, financial exploitation, violence; domestic, labor and informal among others. The continued discussion and remembrance of the history of slavery on a global scale creates awareness and helps to identify undertones of slavery in whatever form.

Speaking about slavery helps to heal its effects on the recipients and donors (as I choose to tag it). It helps to cure the feeling of embarrassment, rage and entitlement in whatever form ranging from vengeance, unnecessary demands and hate among others. It also helps to cure the feeling of superiority, guilt and need to compensate for atrocities of the past. Speaking will help the two ends to
see the need to move on, the essence of the abolition of slavery and the need to show love on a global scale.

The world would be mentally unhealthy if we do not talk about slavery, talking about slavery is medicine both for the recipients and the "donors ".

We are welcome to hearing your thoughts on the need to speak or not to speak about slavery. Please endeavor to leave a comment in the comment box!

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Opinion Consciousness

Opinion Consciousness...Mindless Venting

The fact that no two individuals on planet earth are the same goes without saying. We all are different and may never understand the differences in our nature. To that extent, we must walk with the consciousness of the impact of our differences on the next person.

The media is free for you to express yourself and so is it for the next person, therefore, you must be guided by that fact. Know that you do not have an overriding opinion above that of any other person regardless of your status in life, that is why it's an opinion, it never goes beyond that especially when you are not a duly constituted authority.

The essence of this post is to bring to the fore a crucial issue that is prominent today in view of crisis on the media as regards the expression of opinion and the freedom attached.

No one will stop you from expressing your opinion but you must not make an issue against a person who doesn't agree with yours. You may educate others to see reason with you but your role or duty as regards your opinion stops there, if it's accepted, beautiful, if not, it is not a cause for war.

Care must be exercised in our discussion of global issues so that we do not cause further problems than we already have. On the global scene, differences cut across diverse facets; cultural, national, social, financial, religious and educational amongst others. The truth is, these differences may never be reconciled but may be accommodated through deserving compromise.

You should also consider your opinion before airing it out for others, is this opinion out to reform or destroy? Is it necessary? Would it bring progress? Is it expedient? And a host of other questions.

Do not feel bad if your opinion is not accepted by others: it is either not in line with their beliefs or you probably need to reshape the presentation to make it more acceptable.  Where it is not accepted, it's no cause for alarm, it's just another day of people not getting your point. It is not a day to go on mindless venting, take the social media by your rage of rejected opinion and start a war to compound the issues we already face. No, it's not.

Opinion Consciousness should be taken very seriously in international development, as many relationships between persons, nations, and organizations have been broken down my mindless venting and attempts at restoration have been broken down by incessant mindless venting.

A meeting of minds is important on the international scene and not a battle against minds. Progress is needed on the international scene and this is achievable through peaceful coexistence and opinion consciousness.

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Arm the Child:Summer School for IDPs

There are different types of people in the world today; the observers, the fixers and the commentators. However, the possibility of being the three as toxic or impossible as it may seem, will bring needed progress.

Children in Internally Displaced Person's Camps clearly did not choose the life that they are living, circumstances laid it upon their chests. However, the rights of these children remain unchanged. Nothing should differentiate them from children living in the comfort of their homes especially in terms of enjoyment of their rights. The post today seeks to highlight a laudable initiative by Nigerian Youths led by Damak Shuwargwe who are taking on the challenge to be three in one. That is, observers, fixers and commentators.

The Arm the Child Project supported by the Evergreen Initiative and the Goal Initiative is set to bridge the educational gap occasioned by the displacement of these children.

THE CHALLENGE.
Amidst some of the challenges confronting Nigeria, is the existence of a high number of internally displaced persons stemming majorly from the Boko Haram insurgency in the North, and partly as a result of the existence of many other forms of conflicts in different regions of Nigeria. More than 50% of these internally displaced persons are children, who suffer the absence of the warmth of a home, a community to identify with, and no longer have access to education as a result of their current predicament. Wendy Copp noted that “where educational deprivation exists, it breeds conflict and enables repression”. This in its entirety brings to the fore, one of the leading challenges; the tendency to enable and encourage conflict in the minds of these children, if they continue to suffer the absence of access to education.

The host school currently accommodates male students only because they suffer hostel accommodation challenges, and have limited facilities to accommodate female students too.

Therefore, this limits the outcome and participation of female IDPs, at school
Amongst the challenges highlighted in this project, is the widespread of unemployed youths, some of which will be used as a channel in the execution of this project.

Overcoming the challenge

In respect to the aforementioned challenges, the initiative of a summer school for IDPs has been set up to address the educational needs of these children. The project is designed to deliver quality education to the children so that they can catch up with their peers in other schools.

Guardians and Counsellors will be invited over to the camp in order to have close relations and interaction with the children. This will help address to an extent, the mental and emotional needs of the children. 

Also, since the project is volunteer-driven, idle youths will be engaged during the course of the summer school. However, prior to the commencement of the summer school, every volunteer will be trained on how to interact will the children both inside and outside the classes.

On the conclusion of the summer school, a closing ceremony will be organized in which students who perform well, in academics, skill acquisition, and sporting activities, would be recognized. The ceremony would also serve as a means to raise funds that would be used in the procurement of;

• A female hostel for the school, as the school currently provides accommodation for male students only. This, I believe, will encourage and boost attendance of female students, at the school.

• A total number of eighty desks

OBJECTIVES 

1. To deliver quality education to the children, using psychomotor, cognitive, and affective learning skills

2. To recognise, support and explore the skills of the children

3. To identify with the physical, mental, and academic needs of the children, so that they can experience a form of reorientation and rehabilitation.

4. To give the students a sense of belonging so that they can stand confidently with their counterparts from other schools.

5. To provide a female hostel for the school in order to encourage and boost attendance of females at the school

The Proposed Outcomes

Following the conclusion of the program, this project hopes to achieve the following:

- The students would have acquired quality education and become more articulate in spoken English

- The students would be equipped with different skills that they can use as a source of income

- Jobless youths would be engaged throughout the period of the summer school

- The students would have acquired more educational materials

- The students would access opportunities for a better learning environment

MODE OF OPERATION.

The program is designed to run just like a secondary school, dividing the students into the following categories:

• Junior Category and

• Senior Category

The students will be taught for three weeks and will be expected to write an exam during the fourth week of the program. They will offer the following basic subjects including one science subject:

• Mathematics

• English

• Biology (for senior category) 

• Basic Science (for junior category)

• Government (for senior category)

• Civic Education (for junior category) and

• History

Students will be given the opportunity to acquire different skills, as a number of skill acquisition tutors have volunteered to pass on the knowledge of their respective skills across to them. Following the three weeks of learning, there will be a week of examination and, their scripts will be marked and collated within 4th August to 8th August, 2017.

The time table for the summer school has breakout sessions, during which students will be divided into groups, and will be thought how to play educative board games.

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NEEDS OF THE PROJECT 

Please note that questions as to how you can participate in the program can be answered through the contact details in the picture above.

1. Volunteers (teaching and non-teaching)

2. Feeding for a month

3. Welfare resources for Volunteers 

4. Uniforms and sports wears

5. Educational Materials (notebooks, textbooks, writing materials, crayons, drawing books, flip charts, marker boards and other related materials).

6. Resources for the opening and closing ceremonies.

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The Ternary Volunteer

After graduating from university with a degree in International Law and Diplomacy, I was ready to take on the world. I see myself as a self-acclaimed humanitarian especially as I had memorized chunks of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, so why not?
I worked as the project and operations manager at start-up social enterprise, a content manager for a social media platform for lawyers, and project manager for a women targeted show at the same time over a year. The following year, I went on to work at the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution Abuja for a year as a research assistant doing nothing fulfilling really; I however met a few inspiring
people; but volunteering had never crossed my mind. I would often donate to charities, like and comment on matters that concerned humanity on Facebook, but that wasn’t enough. At the end of 2015, I shaved my natural hair off and decided I was going to throw myself to the universe to do whatever it pleased, dramatic! I know. I found an Ad for International Citizen Service, applied, fundraised and I was off to another country for 3 months. I was suddenly a London based Nigerian volunteer to Kenya. Having a red passport helped!



I packed my 30kg suitcase, 7kg of snacks off to Nakuru Kenya with a group of 10 other people who had the same passion as me! I was extremely terrified, Kenya would not be like Nigeria, I did not have any family there to bring me food. I also hated that my UK counterparts kept saying it would not be different for me as I had lived in Nigeria anyway and  the funky toilets would not be new to me *rolls eyes 360 degree*. Regardless, I was elated to share my knowledge and experience to help local people build small businesses to improve their standard of living; “teach a man how to fish rather than give him 100 fish”. I was also very excited about working with Kenyan Youth, I expected they would be just like me; we are after all African AWOO! (I know I play too much).
helped!


My experience volunteering in Kenya was nothing like I expected. Coming out of it, I would say the people had more impact on me than I on them.The entrepreneurs I worked with taught me market sense – tacit knowledge! Things I could not have learnt in a classroom or at my office desk. My host family was also amazing! I saw Africa like never before. Living in Nigeria made the Africa experience random to me, but in Kenya I had the opportunity to enjoy the show that is Africa from

 the side-line, the overwhelming hospitality of the people, passion and diehard tenacity, the beautiful strangeness of language and ultimately, love extended to strangers. One thing I did not appreciate though was the lack of heat in food! I had to go to two markets before I found some pilipili (pepper)
to bless my food with





International volunteering gave me the opportunity to hear other perspectives and understand that what is right is not always right! Basic understanding you may say. Example! Talking about gender roles, one of the Kenyan volunteers in my team who had been to university and is highly intelligent expressed that her dream is to be a pastor’s wife. Pastor’s wife!! My brain almost knocked. What Millennial, in 2017 wants to be just a pastor’s wife, she could be a pastor herself, she had been to university and could work a white collar job, or run her own business, she was after all empowering other people. Yes! I said all these to her, in my normal fashion, I knew better as was going to help her know and do better too; feminist alert! A few weeks later, it dawned on me that there was nothing wrong with what she wants do with her life, how would I have felt if somebody told me that my vision for my own life was not good enough. That single event was an amazing awakening for me! I found the meaning of empowerment, doing whatever YOU want to do for YOURSELF! i travelled across the globe to learn that.




My hair did not grow much sadly, the struggle is real! But, I picked up a little Swahili; “Momma, I is multilingual now!”; have a place and amazing family to go to if I am ever in Kenya again, got beautiful picture with and of the amazing landscape and wildlife – giraffes, hippos, crocs, gazelles, flamingos; learnt to make some mean chapattis, made lifelong friends in my entrepreneurs, acquired valuable knowledge and a beaded Kenyan flag bracelet which I have found to be a great conversation starter.



kuzungumza hivi karibuni. Asante Sana!

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Band Leaders, Diehard and Core Fixers.

When you Volunteer...

Good morning! One of the most talked about topics in the universe right now is the concept of volunteering! Given it's importance and growing relevance, you can't afford to miss the global discussions centered around it. The discussions are so profound many feel compelled to join the band, some for good reasons and some for extremely personal reasons! Very personal lol.

Volunteering is service to humanity, an activity that encourages you to put others especially the vulnerable before you. The beauty of volunteering is that it is always a win-win situation! Everyone
gets better at the end of the activity! Whether you like it or not! It just happens! It's a consequence of volunteering! You improve the community or target audience and you improve yourself in more ways than you know (you will notice the improvement over time).

However, with the constant and increasing discussion, comes this pressure that doesn't exist. The pressure is so artificial, it affects just a particular group: The group which doesn't understand it. I will discuss in detail, the different types of volunteers with relation to the Artificial Pressure.

THE ARTIFICIAL PRESSURE.

The artificial pressure is that push, the unnecessary fear or propellant that makes you feel the "dire" need to volunteer for all the wrong reasons.

You have looked at people's profiles on social media and the ones with the good jobs or seem really cool are the ones who have once volunteered or work with charity. This has certain effects on you and puts you under an artificial pressure, you are likely to be one of these;

Volunteering is the New Cool: "The Band Leaders"

These set of people are naturally propelled to be affiliated to the cool stuff. They are the first to do anything that is beginning to look cool, they are the pace setters for the cool stuff. Given the growing importance of volunteering and the comments you see on pictures of volunteers or related agencies, you feel the need to be a part of it as the volunteers are the ones that look good now! Everyone seems to be praising them. You join in so that people can call you humble or warm hearted. You are quick to take a picture at the service venue, while at your service point, your priorities include a good picture preferably by the lowliest side of the service venue, the post to accompany the pictures and a prediction of the number of likes you may get on that post. You do not have bad intentions, you just need to keep your cool game 100!. After getting your pictures, you get too tired or irritated to do the main job because you find out that you are there for all the wrong reasons then you get exasperated
and your actions have adverse effects on your service areas.




Volunteering is the new path: "the Diehard "

These volunteers want to work in the multinational organizations, speak at world class conferences
and need the good jobs or worst off want to attend free international programs at all costs. These
organizations ask for the charitable work that you have done as part of the considerations for the role. They have good intentions, but the diehard misses the point. To the diehard, volunteering is the

stepping stone, so he is a part of so many charity programs, owns an organization (maybe), takes the most pictures and updates his cv and social media profile every now and then to reflect the charity for the week. He will get tired along the way and will begin to renege on commitments made. He has merely taken up space and has deprived the well meaning people of their chance to get the job done.


Volunteering is the only way: "the core fixers ". 

These volunteers believe that volunteering is the only way to save the world. The world needs fixing and all hands must be on deck. They embark on a project with a lot of ideas, goals and expected results. They try so hard but feel disappointed when all the objectives are not met. They feel like they have done nothing and may be reluctant to volunteer again because they believe that volunteering really can't achieve much. The mistake with this is that, as an individual, there is so much so can do, but the consistency in your efforts and collaboration with others through actions would bring the desired result. The global issues threatening our existence can be achieved through joint efforts and that's why everyone is encouraged to volunteer in order to put the bits every one has to make the perfect whole. Your efforts are always material, don't feel bad when you can not see the results now,
often times, the manifestations visible are on the long run.

Volunteering is a beautiful and laudable thing to do but you must engage in it for the right reasons in order to achieve the right results. True service, love for humanity and the obligation to make the world a better place should propel you. Not the ensuing fame or benefits you gain from exploiting the status of the vulnerable. Truth is, everything good will come if you do the right thing. Volunteering is always a win win situation, the volunteer and the service area would ALWAYS get better if we do the right things.
What do you think?


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MBULO TONNA; FINGERPRINTS OF SERVICE

TONNA!

Hi! My name is Mbulo Tonna, I am a gradute of International Law and Diplomacy. I am fun, openminded; optimistic, witty maybe but at most ready to be at the forfront of change. I believe I am a force to reckon with.


WHY VOLUNTEER?
Sincerely,  more Nigerians should volunteer.  Volunteering is a platform for one to see the world from a different perspective; gives one a clearer view of the important things in life.


SERVICE AT THE IDP CAMP.
My inspiration  for my event at  the Internally  displaced  persons camp  was my three months volunteering program in a local community  in Kwara state.  The program is organised by an INGO called VSO. The agency has been in operation since 1960 but started the youth program  in 2013,  They believe that the youths of today are the best agents of change. I worked in a multi-cultural environment , having counterparts  from the uk, being exposed  to alot of culture shock in a local community.  I was fascinated.
The only challenge I faced was having anxiety. I wanted everything to be perfect that I almost  lost sight of the essence of why I wanted to be there for the children  in the first place, I was worried if the sweets and juices wouldn't be enough. My project intention is using play learning as an instrument to improve  the quality of Education  in the country through  thought -provoking means such as board
games.





ON IMPACT.
I want people to understand that you don't have to possess alot of resources to make an impact in anyone's life. The little you do still counts. The best ways I think Nigeria can achieve their global goals is by diversifying in areas that are innovative,  creative and cost effective. Focus more on the children and youths for the good of the country's  future and more so be open to change.

VOLUNTEERING IN A COMMUNITY.
My volunteering in a local community  was life changing. I had UK counterparts  who I rubbed minds with. I realised there is beauty in diversity.  The three months I volunteered  was one of he best days of my life because I was part of a cause that is not only life changing for me but for the community, I have also had an overload of amala and ewedu lol. What inspired me the most was how welcoming and appreciative the community  was.


HEARTBREAKING EXPERIENCE.
My most heart breaking experience was when we tried to mobilise women to take a free diabetes test to create awareness, 55% of the women were skeptical and did not want  to partake in the activity. What stood out to me the most was a funny comment one of the women we tried to mobilise  said.  She spoke in yoruba and said " I am not having sex anymore, my husband  is dead therefore I am fine
 in Jesus name", it made me feel  like there's a long way to go but there's still hope.


PARTING WORDS.
The advise I would love to give the country is pleading that they use the youths to achieve sustainable goals. Youths are vibrant,  energetic, exposed, enthusiastic and go -getters. No one else would be prefect for the role as an agent of change.  "IF YOU CAN THINK IT , YOU CAN DO IT ".

Thank you for taking time to read and share this post. Should you have any questions, comments or suggestions do not hesitate to use the comment box.

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