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 !

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.


Please visit and follow us on our social media accounts:

Facebook: The Nineteen Initiative
Instagram: @thenineteeninitiative.
Twitter: @19_thenineteen.

THIS BLOG claims no credit for any images posted on this site unless otherwise noted. Images on this blog are copyright to its respectful owners. If there is an image appearing on this blog that belongs to you and do not wish for it appear on this site, please E-mail with a link to said image and it will be promptly removed.

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

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.

Please visit and follow us on our social media accounts:

Facebook: The Nineteen Initiative
Instagram: @thenineteeninitiative.
Twitter: @19_thenineteen.

THIS BLOG claims no credit for any images posted on this site unless otherwise noted. Images on this blog are copyright to its respectful owners. If there is an image appearing on this blog that belongs to you and do not wish for it appear on this site, please E-mail with a link to said image and it will be promptly removed.

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).

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.

Please visit and follow us on our social media accounts:

Facebook: The Nineteen Initiative
Instagram: @thenineteeninitiative.
Twitter: @19_thenineteen.

THIS BLOG claims no credit for any images posted on this site unless otherwise noted. Images on this blog are copyright to its respectful owners. If there is an image appearing on this blog that belongs to you and do not wish for it appear on this site, please E-mail with a link to said image and it will be promptly removed.

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!

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.

Please visit and follow us on our social media accounts:

Facebook: The Nineteen Initiative
Instagram: @thenineteeninitiative.
Twitter: @19_thenineteen.

THIS BLOG claims no credit for any images posted on this site unless otherwise noted. Images on this blog are copyright to its respectful owners. If there is an image appearing on this blog that belongs to you and do not wish for it appear on this site, please E-mail with a link to said image and it will be promptly removed.

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?

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.

Please visit and follow us on our social media accounts:
Facebook: The Nineteen Initiative
Instagram: @thenineteeninitiative.
Twitter: @19_thenineteen.

THIS BLOG claims no credit for any images posted on this site unless otherwise noted. Images on this blog are copyright to its respectful owners. If there is an image appearing on this blog that belongs to you and do not wish for it appear on this site, please E-mail with a link to said image and it will be promptly removed.

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!

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.

Please visit and follow us on our social media accounts:

Facebook: The Nineteen Initiative
Instagram: @thenineteeninitiative.
Twitter: @19_thenineteen.

THIS BLOG claims no credit for any images posted on this site unless otherwise noted. Images on this blog are copyright to its respectful owners. If there is an image appearing on this blog that belongs to you and do not wish for it appear on this site, please E-mail with a link to said image and it will be promptly removed.

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.

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.

Please visit and follow us on our social media accounts:

Facebook: The Nineteen Initiative
Instagram: @thenineteeninitiative.
Twitter: @19_thenineteen.

THIS BLOG claims no credit for any images posted on this site unless otherwise noted. Images on this blog are copyright to its respectful owners. If there is an image appearing on this blog that belongs to you and do not wish for it appear on this site, please E-mail with a link to said image and it will be promptly removed.