Friday, 16 June 2017

WHEN BEING TRUTHFUL TURNS SOUR

I can remember from one of my few Sunday school sessions' teachings telling us when we were young to always uphold the case of truthfulness.

The good book as well admonished each and every one to speak the truth at all times and the truth shall set us free.

This in some cases doesn't bind considering the human facet of life where at certain points, the lie will rather exonerate you out of a situation that should have been worse if the truth had been said.
Life as always has it's own way of teaching is lessons to build our stature as human beings. Experiences on the other hand, is the documentary tool for which we fall on when we need some form of reference.

I am sure you'll be wondering what I am driving at at all? Well full details to me won't be of much relevance to this post.
One will then ask, what then is the relevance for this post? BE TRUTHFUL in all dealings even if it'll cost you your job, salary, etc. especially when there is a clear conscience towards what you're doing or who you're dealing with.

Another experience of life made me to appreciate life in another state. I helped a friend and something arose, in reporting, I chose the truth for which superiors escalated what wasn't supposed to be an issue in the first place to be a third world war brouhaha.
Sometime down the line, I was vindicated and all along, the friend who actually lost it all because of me choosing the truth, was actually backing me and was wishing I wasn't affected in anyway.
Immediately I arranged a meet up, and we reconnected. We have been more closer than before and life goes on.

I know I hardly share personal digs of my life around but I thought I shared this to I hope inspire someone.

Thanks for stopping by my blog. See you later when I have another thing interesting to post.

A very lazy blogger like me so kindly bare with me. Lol !!!

Cheers!!

Wednesday, 24 May 2017

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS : COUNTRY AMBASSADOR

Opportunities Knock Your Door (OKYD) is seeking applications for “Global Ambassadors Program” as a Country Ambassador.


Country Ambassador is an elite position awarded to passionate individuals from all over the world to share opportunities, promote United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), write articles on youth and culture.
Objectives
The Global Ambassador Program is a 6 month intensive program that aims to:
Connect youths to the right opportunities that facilitate their growth and experiences.
Create a platform of articles on a range of topics for youths to learn about other regions/current issues.
Educate youths on the Sustainable Development Goals.
Inspire youths to contribute to the SDGs by organising events.

Benefits

Knowledge and experience working with a start up organization run solely by young people
Leadership and organizational skills
A powerful network of ambassadors from all over the world
Experience writing articles
Online mentoring on all ambassador reports
Social media skills
Electronic promotional goods for effective SDG related campaigns to be planned and executed by an ‘Ambassador’
E-certificate on successful completion of Ambassador term
E-reference letter to exceptional Country Ambassadors
Recognition of the “Best Ambassador of the term” shall be given to 1 (One) ‘Ambassador’ who shows the most passionate and active social accomplishments as well as organizing events of Opportunities Knock Your Door.
A certificate and souvenir will be given to the Best Country Ambassador at the end of the term. The process and final decision on the selection shall be planned and confirmed by Opportunities Knock Your Door team.

Eligibility Criteria;

Applicants can be of any age
Applicants must be passionate about youth, social engagement and Sustainable Development Goals
Applicants must have a desire to change the world
Responsibilities:
Posting opportunities on our website
Writing articles and blogs
Recruiting City Ambassadors as a part of 1 Million Impact campaign
Organizing in-person events to promote UN Sustainable Development Goals
Striking partnerships with companies or startups that want publicity for their opportunities or events.
Advocating OKYD as a brand
Sharing content to your social networks
Providing regional insight and feedback
Creating a stronger regional presence for OKYD

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online via given website.

Friday, 24 February 2017

Plastic Usage Ban in France

Well if you don't know, then this is it!

France has also become the first country to ban the usage of plastic plates and cutlery.
France has started to take measures to slowly get rid of those plastic cups, plates, spoons, forks, knives and food containers, with the exceptions to this rule being, biodegradable or compost-material plastic.

As part of the new Energy Transition for Green Growth Act, a new law which also made the usage of plastic bags illegal in department and grocery markets very recently. Although, some countries such as the US, already outlawed plastic bags, France’s new no-plastic rule seems to be gaining momentum.

Those behind making this law a reality say that this is a follow-up on last year’s conference held in Paris regarding curbing global warming and enabling a recycled economy, from product design to waste disposal to recycling and repeat.
Besides the obvious knowledge about plastic and the environment, which is that plastic is not biodegradable, hence turning into smaller particles which then threaten wildlife, especially in oceans, as animals do not know that plastic cannot be consumed. More often than not, it has harmed and even killed these poor creatures.

Moreover, gallons of oil are being used every year to produce these plastic utensils, bags and the like, which environmental specialists have warned is a major player in climate change.
French President, François Hollande said that the plastic ban is a piece in a much larger puzzle, which is to make France a global role-model by decreasing greenhouse gas emissions, allowing for the usage of new energy models with renewable energy substitutes.

The first step to the plastic ban would be the usage and distribution of plastic cutlery in fast-food places including beverage cups from vending machines. However, there are some that still frown upon this movement, such as Brussels, that sees this new law as something that is going against the European Union legislation on free movement of goods and defending the rights of manufacturers.
Beyond the brainchild behind escargot, making their trademark with navy and white striped tops and berets, or even being bold about women not having to shave, France has become the first country to ban the usage of plastic plates and cutlery.

Yes, France has started to take measures to slowly get rid of those plastic cups, plates, spoons, forks, knives and food containers, with the exceptions to this rule being, biodegradable or compost-material plastic.
As part of the new Energy Transition for Green Growth Act, a new law which also made the usage of plastic bags illegal in department and grocery markets very recently. Although, some countries such as the US, already outlawed plastic bags, France’s new no-plastic rule seems to be gaining momentum.

Those behind making this law a reality say that this is a follow-up on last year’s conference held in Paris regarding curbing global warming and enabling a recycled economy, from product design to waste disposal to recycling and repeat.
Besides the obvious knowledge about plastic and the environment, which is that plastic is not biodegradable, hence turning into smaller particles which then threaten wildlife, especially in oceans, as animals do not know that plastic cannot be consumed. More often than not, it has harmed and even killed these poor creatures.

Moreover, gallons of oil are being used every year to produce these plastic utensils, bags and the like, which environmental specialists have warned is a major player in climate change.
French President, François Hollande said that the plastic ban is a piece in a much larger puzzle, which is to make France a global role-model by decreasing greenhouse gas emissions, allowing for the usage of new energy models with renewable energy substitutes.
The first step to the plastic ban would be the usage and distribution of plastic cutlery in fast-food places including beverage cups from vending machines.

However, there are some that still frown upon this movement, such as Brussels, that sees this new law as something that is going against the European Union legislation on free movement of goods and defending the rights of manufacturers.
One such example is Eamonn Bates, the secretary general of Pack2Go Europe, which is a company based in Brussels. He said he will challenge France’s no-plastic law based on infringement of the European Commission laws and will be representing those in favor of using plastic utensils in Europe.

On the flip side, those in favor of the law want an earlier introduction to France, maybe even by 2017. However, the French Environment Minister, Ségolène Royal, said this would not do because, it will be at the cost of those in the low-income bracket of the society, who depend on plastic utensil usage.

Therefore, the ban will be in effect as of 2020.
Considering the rate at which Earth is deteriorating, it is a wonder if anything can be salvaged with France’s movement alone, or if this law will prove to be redundant by 2020, if the environment has reached its threshold and become irreparable, by then.

Story Credit : CureJoy App

Thursday, 9 February 2017

LOCS4Africa 2017: Water & Climate Congress


The Local Climate Solutions for Africa (LOCS4Africa) Congress series is Africa’s leading platform on local climate action for cities and other sub-national governments across the continent.

It connects business and industry, investors, scientists, technical experts, development partners, national governments and civil society with Africa’s cities and urban networks. LOCS4Africa offers opportunity for direct engagement and strategic discussions around current local solutions and emerging trends relating to urban resilience and low-carbon development in Africa.

It is a well-established pan-African bi-annual congress, each with a strategic theme critical to urban sustainable development, in line with emerging global trends. The congress places strong emphasis on local leadership and innovative approaches to sustainable development in Africa's urban context.

If you will want to be a part of this congress happening in South Africa from 20th March - 23 rd March of 2017, take a look at the attached document below to know who qualifies to be a part of this wonderful congress.





See you there in March !!

Wednesday, 23 November 2016

Njeri appointed as Greenpeace Africa Executive Director

PRESS RELEASE

Kenyan born Njeri Kabeberi, has been named as Executive Director for Greenpeace Africa after an extensive search for a combination of skills required to drive the organisation towards a people powered movement.

According to the Greenpeace Africa Board, Africans are hungry for a new story, one with a better take on nature, on humanity, their livelihoods, their future and their connection to the earth. “It was critical to find someone who embodies passion, activism and understands the context of environmental justice in Africa and we are confident that Njeri represents that” said Greenpeace Africa Board Chair Brian Kagoro.

Greenpeace currently runs campaigns on four key issues on the continent, to protect the Congo Basin from large scale deforestation, stop overfishing in West Africa, promote ecological farming in the horn of Africa as well as demand a shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources in South Africa in order to reverse the impacts of climate change.

With a long history in human rights activism, Njeri will be leading Greenpeace Africa into a new wave of environmental justice for Africans by Africans.

“We will continue to work on our flagship campaigns but more so, we shall be working closely with communities to ensure that our campaigns speak to the local realities on the continent and can effect change in the day to day life of our people” said newly appointed Greenpeace Africa Executive Director Njeri Kabeberi.

“Africa has a major role to play in the global efforts to reverse climate change, protecting its vast natural forest and safeguarding its rich ocean resources is centre to the continent’s contribution in averting the catastrophic effects of climate change. It is important that the continent works together to push for an end to illegal logging, unsustainable fishing and a shift from industrial agriculture to ecological farming to ensure that our biodiversity is protected” added Njeri.

Njeri joins Greenpeace after serving as CEO of the Civil Society Reference Group and as the immediate former Executive Director of the Centre for Multiparty Democracy.  She is also a member of the board of advisors of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) and chairs the board of the International Centre for Policy and Conflict.
  
Njeri is passionate about social justice and women’s rights, and in 2010, amongst others, received the ILO Wedge Award.  She also has extensive INGO leadership and management experience and was on the Board of the Kenya Human Rights Commission for many years.  

Monday, 14 November 2016

WHEN IT MATTERED MOST, WE FAILED!!

Over the years, there's been the case of remembrance or celebration and when appropriate it should be done. Different schools of thought have either stated it to be before or after and at large defending their stance.

A little under a week ago, Ghana lost one of its illustrious football icon in Coach E. K. Afranie affectionately called Coach Hene after a short illness. The sports fraternity was saddened by his demise and a lot of condolences were sent to his surviving family and loved ones.

THE LATE COACH E. K. AFRANIE
A few days into his demise, the senior national team of Ghana, the Black Stars had a game to be fulfilled in their quest for a fourth FIFA world cup appearance against Egypt. Fast forward to the match day and some of us if not most of us spectators were expecting the entire team to show their utmost respect or remembrance to this icon of a coach.

Ironically, almost all if not all of the players that featured had been trained or developed by this man who was no more. It would have been prudent and in line to at least wear the black armband as a sign of remembrance to him. Nothing of that sort was done and I don't know who to put the blame on as I post this piece.
Did the management team of the Black Stars ever think about this?

Did the FA ever think about honouring coach Hene at any point prior to the game?

How about the playing body themselves? Did they project it, if they did was it rejected? If it was why and who rejected the proposal?

I am tempted to draw in the Sports ministry but on this day I feel they won't be an appropriate case to attack.

As a case of fact, nothing like this was done and as a nation circled down to the football loving arena must bow their heads in shame why?
Because when it mattered most, we failed as a group in honouring a son of the land who gave his all to serves in that small capacity and you can't deny the fact that he succeeded in that field for the nation.

Wednesday, 14 September 2016

World Climate Event

They say opportunity comes but once and when it comes your way, you must grab it with both hands and that is what I did when the call came to be a part of the World Climate Simulation event. To know briefly what transpired and the role I played at the event, kindly read further.

The World Climate simulation event gives people a taste of what it is like to be a negotiator at the UN climate change negotiations. World Climate was developed by Climate Interactive, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Sloan School of Management, and the University of Massachusetts Lowell (UML) Climate change Initiative.

The event which was organized by Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO) with support from Climate Interactive and the University of Mohammed VI Polytechnic in Morocco at the Kumasi Hive, Kentinkrono-Kumasi granted me the opportunity to be a part as an Activist/Journalist where my role was to set the minds of negotiators on the importance of the day. Seemingly I had to counter directives that were proposed to the fund seeking delegates to be circumspect of accepting any conditions looking at their countries resources and it's eventual effect on their environment.

I had the final say, by closing the event with my observations and remarks and one thing was obvious, the mindset to which some of our developing country's attend such negotiation events is sad.
Also I explained why the case of climate change research and activism was important for which negotiators should take note in their dealings with developed partners should another opportunity presented itself.

At the end of the two sections, the nation’s decisions were fed into C-ROADS software to calculate if the goal of groups to limit global warming to “well below 2˚C” compared to preindustrial levels was met.

The results from the computer showed the nations have only limited global warming to 2.3˚C which means more intensive actions have to take place to reach the 2˚C goal.

Grateful to the GAYO team for the opportunity they granted me to be a part of this event and I learnt a lot for which the experience gained is still very much valued.

See you soon at another climate related event. When you see me just give me a wave.

Act on Climate!!!