Saturday 21 January 2017

Join Youth Practitioner's Network

Youth workers are those that work to shape the lives of children and young people around the world. They work in different fields and sectors to impact and change lives. From health to education, sport and social services among others. They are asset to the world. Yet youth workers have been kept low for just too long. And is not fair. Fair that we want a better world but mindless of those shaping better world. And is it time that all youth workers/practitioners all over the world arise in unionism, and change the game.




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Youth Practitioner's  Network

Youth practitioner's Network is created to be independent and for the first time, is bringing together the voices of youth practitioners especially those doing great works in different communities to nexus with those doing lovely things at international level so that ideas can be shared, lessons learnt and skill sharpened to tackle the increasing violence extremism, radicalization, terrorism, rape, drug abuse, bullying, fraud, gender based violation and many other social vices the world is facing with.

Youth Practitioners Network is free and open membership, umbrella network of youth workers, by youths and for youths. It is administered by Youth Practitioners Council and membership is vetted by the council. The council will also regulate its membership ethics and code of conduct, while creating spaces for capacity building of its members.

OUR PLAN : To have a global umbrella of youth workers, by youth workers and for youth workers as independent organ.
OBJECTIVE: To bring together youth workers especially those at local communities and from different sectors to activate and for amplified voice.
OUR ROLE: We intend to stand in and build, develop member' capacity, create space for all, promote dignity in service and welfare, share ideas and experience and regulate its membership ethic of service.
OUR STAND: We shall work with all other similar networks and groups ,UN and Commonwealth Council etc at any times without conflicts.

Giving a helping hand

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Are you a youth worker? Come join us. Youth workers are youth development practitioners working critically in various local communities and sectors to activate, guide and direct youth-led engagements. Yet, over the years they are barely recognized on the vital role they play. We have no global network that carry every one along.  But every body plays the role and is vital.

Recognizing this and the vital role youth workers plays; is the reason we are forming an umbrella global network to be known as - Youth Practitioner' Network.
The network will bring all youth worker's voice together and amplify. 

For the first time we will be having a platform where young people after years of experience in youth-led activism can graduate to and give back to youth advancement at a higher level. Our idea is to create space for younger people in youth-program-value-chain.

Interested individuals can become a member, or be part of the formation of our team as Council member.

To become a member is easy, please send us a mail requesting for membership details on -

youthpractitionerscouncil@gmail.com

or click this link and fill the form

https://form.myjotform.com/70203166948558

You can always like our face book page and stay updated with information. Join the movement now.

Thursday 5 January 2017

Wetin United Nations Dey Do Sef?



I grew up not knowing exactly what United Nations does. Nobody could explain it to me and I was left alone to  draw up a mental picture about who they are. My picture was that they fight war. I mean peacekeeping. So many have so many meaning to what United Nations means to them. Some thinks they are western, some that they are against Arab nations and so many notions.Image result for arab people with united nations pictures

If you have ever wondered what United Nations does, you may not be alone. So many people have asked this question and many wanted to but couldn’t, while many never ever knew whom to ask the question. We are many in this dilemma and when many things comes to your mind daily without concrete answers, it may give room to right and wrong perception as answer depending on the side of the mirror to the explanation. But this write-up has come to dissolve and put ice into such conflicting questions with simple answers.

When you think of reasons President-elect Donald Trump criticized the United Nations as an international body that has “potential” to do something good, but just isn’t living up to expectations. You wouldn’t be wrong, than eager to know more about what United Nations does given the statement? In fact, the incoming president said that right now, the U.N. is just a special “club” for people to get together and talk. So sad!” Trump tweeted.

But United Nations had since responded to Trump’ statement in a way and manner I learn a lesson from. By taking time to explain exactly what they do more clearly to me and you and to others too. And for those of us asking what United Nations does and are living in hard to reach locations all over the world, take a read and see if this would explain.


WETIN UNITED NATIONS DEY DO SEF?

Image result for picture  of UN keeping peace

The United Nations came into being in 1945, following the devastation of the Second World War, with one central mission: the maintenance of international peace and security. The UN does this by working to prevent conflict; helping parties in conflict make peace; peacekeeping; and creating the conditions to allow peace to hold and flourish. These activities often overlap and should reinforce one another, to be effective. The UN Security Council has the primary responsibility for international peace and security. The General Assembly and the Secretary-General play major, important, and complementary roles, along with other UN offices and bodies.

·         Protect Human Rights
 Image result for picture of UN human right activities
The term “human rights” was mentioned seven times in the UN's founding Charter, making the promotion and protection of human rights a key purpose and guiding principle of the Organization.  In 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights brought human rights into the realm of international law.  Since then, the Organization has diligently protected human rights through legal instruments and on-the-ground activities.



·         Deliver Humanitarian Aid
One of the purposes of the United Nations, as stated in its Charter, is "to achieve international co-operation in solving international problems of an economic, social, cultural, or humanitarian character."  The UN first did this in the aftermath of the Second World War on the devastated continent of Europe, which it helped to rebuild.  The Organization is now relied upon by the international community to coordinate humanitarian relief operations due to natural and man-made disasters in areas beyond the relief capacity of national authorities alone.

From the start in 1945, one of the main priorities of the United Nations was to “achieve international co-operation in solving international problems of an economic, social, cultural, or humanitarian character and in promoting and encouraging respect for human rights and for fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language, or religion.”  Improving people’s well-being continues to be one of the main focuses of the UN. The global understanding of development has changed over the years, and countries now have agreed that sustainable development – development that promotes prosperity and economic opportunity, greater social well-being, and protection of the environment – offers the best path forward for improving the lives of people everywhere.

·         Uphold International Law
The UN Charter, in its Preamble, set an objective: "to establish conditions under which justice and respect for the obligations arising from treaties and other sources of international law can be maintained". Ever since, the development of, and respect for international law has been a key part of the work of the Organization.  This work is carried out in many ways - by courts, tribunals, multilateral treaties - and by the Security Council, which can approve peacekeeping missions, impose sanctions, or authorize the use of force when there is a threat to international peace and security, if it deems this necessary.  These powers are given to it by the UN Charter, which is considered an international treaty.  As such, it is an instrument of international law, and UN Member States are bound by it.  The UN Charter codifies the major principles of international relations, from sovereign equality of States to the prohibition of the use of force in international relations.

#UnitedNations #UN



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Wednesday 4 January 2017

Not too young to run. To where?




"We believe if you are old enough to vote, you are old enough to run for office".Image result for not too young to run

Running for political office in Africa is extremely expensive; that you’ll need a sponsor; political sponsors are the aged and dictate the tune. As you already know, African countries are battling with lust for political powers and long dictatorship. According to Freedom House annual survey, there are 50 world dictators, 21 in Africa, 19 in Asia, 8 in Middle East, 1 in Europe, and 1 in Caribbean.  Algeria, Angola, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Libya, Mauritania, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Swaziland as at 2016, are clear example of what  I am telling you.  Sometimes I wonder what’s the hope for youths in countries where there's political dictatorship, where there are no spaces for young people in governance. I have seen countries where young people are intimidated not to run for office. I have also seen countries where youths see themselves as too young to run for office. What is it have I not seen in Africa!

LOOKING BEYOND THE LINES

Suffix to say that is error for youths to be allowed for use as tools for violence; for any body running for office post or whatsoever, especially when such actions are with promises for political rewards. It's simply affronts and I tell you nothing but the truth, that such rewards are usually empty and meaningless, and must be seen as disrespect to your integrity as youth. Do you know who you are as a youth? If you do, you wouldn’t cheapen yourself to be referred as “Personal Assistant” on violence matters and thug as political reward to office. Whereas that office is yours; I came to tell you how more qualified you are to run for that office henceforth. I also came to tell you to give it a try, to take a chance. You see, nobody would dash you political chance if you don’t dare it. It is your right; rights to run for any office.  Dream it, be inspired about it, and you can achieve it.  

Interestingly, today’s generation of young people is the largest the world ever known. Half of the global population is under 30 and is asset untapped, yet 73% of countries restrict young people from running for office, even though they can vote, but can’t be voted for.  Can you ask questions like, why young people in my country are barred to vote for? Why do we use age discrimination to deny young people their rights to participation in democracy? Why has it been difficult for youths to realize meaning full strategies to utilize their population as strength against the old during elections? How can youths jump over financial hurdles and barriers in running for office? These questions and many more answers are within you, and within youths around the world.  I can hear the rhythm of the music and if you listen carefully now you will hear.  

SHOW GOES ON
Campaigns are under way, on going to promote the rights of young people running for public office by seeking to lower the legal age of candidacy and bring it into line with the age at which young people votes.  And this is good news. But like I questioned you the other time about who is a youth? And you did replied with one answer in different variations.  A youth (18-24 years) by definition in United Nations frame work is the same as a youth (18-35years) in African Union Charter.  And I said yes!  Another, you told me that countries define who its youths are.  That some even says that a youth is a state of mind not age? You know I told you I am not here to argue. So we shall be referring to “youth” as defined in African Union Charter. 
 
Not too young to run is a local social campaign turn global, that got me inspirational. Let me commend the initiator of the campaign, a Nigeria NGO- Youth Initiative for Advocacy, Growth and Advancement, for a good concept. When I got wind that the campaign is driven by Office of the Secretary- General’s, United Nations Envoy on Youth, Inter-Parliamentary Union, UNDP, United Nations Human Rights-office of the High Commissioner, European Youth Forum, I was glad. But disappointed that there was no African regional body especially African Union that is partnering in the campaign. 

However, it didn’t take me much time to realize one of the reasons we have more dictatorship in Africa than other continents. Dictators do not support democracy ideals and do not care about the other youths. So they wouldn’t support “Not too young to run” - against them.  That’s just the African truth.  Truth in the sense that African political parties need to first of all give space to young people to run for positions and offices in party structures and not just create a youth political party wing. Enough of that.     
  
Quote me, “dictatorship is more like African bad spirit” and start from the cradle and grows to manifestation at old age. If I ask you, ask United Nations or Commonwealth Youth Council  for instance to mention ten names of African youths that have represented Africa  in your programs in the last ten years, wouldn’t the names be the same year in year out?  It is bad thing to notice that African youth’s barely outgrown youth age limit. I mean – once a youth, always a youth.  They barely grow older and I see it as wrong foundation and as indicator that snowballs in future into spirit of dictatorship.  Thereforeit is my  strong view that “Not too young to run” as a campaign must teach African youths how to live and let live, how youths can create space for other youths, how to give chance and grow. Not too young to run, is greatly appreciated and let's support it now. Join the moving train. 

www.yiaga.org/nottooyoungtorun/ 
www.undp.org 
www.ipu.org 
www.chchr.org 
www.youthforum.org 
www.yiaga.org


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Monday 2 January 2017

Sustainable future is possible



There is continuous use of fossil fuel – oil, coal and natural gas and this is posing a threat to the earth. Climate has, and is changing. Climate change is real, and is done when most developed countries hurriedly use natural resources in unsustainable ways to develop industrially. Industrial development has brought great development and advancement to humanity with attendant problem that industries are finding it difficult to solve. But the window is there, as we move into technological era. Technology is a solution to any challenges.  But unfortunately, under- developed countries are less technologically savvy, pollute less, yet are not aware of what climate change is and what it is not. Yet they will be worst hit by climate change.    
   
Electricity is good. It helps us light our homes, cook meals, listen to radio and makes our lives and our work easier. Transportation is good too; automobiles, railroads and airplanes facilitate our movement at ease. But electricity and transportation usually uses fossil fuels more than any, and pollutes the earth thereby causing global warming.
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Airplanes have large impact on climate system especially those flown at nights. Airplanes emits at cruising altitude high in the atmosphere. And is harmful because its triggers chemical reaction into the air.  At this time, when we need urgent step to reduce greenhouse gas emission, the aviation industry continues to grow.  Making it looks like much is not done to cut emission in line with Doha Amendment, Kyoto protocol.
Solar Impulse 2 completed first round trip flight by a solar powered airplane, after touching down in Abu Dhabi in July 2016. That is good news and is a technological breakthrough. In my view in the next ten years, I see solar powered airplanes being developed further into commercial model flights that will face out airplanes models that use fossil fuel. This technology can make the world much better and cut emission greatly by 2026.

Access and affordability of internet around the world will help in the next ten years as more people will reduce travelling and use video conferencing for meetings, and web cams. 

Electricity is made by burning fossil fuel. Some energy also comes from nuclear power and from large dams.  We need clean energy to replace the increasing use of fossil fuel, nuclear power, and energy from large dams; which lead to toxic pollution, destruction of communities and watersheds, and many serious health problems.  In my view in the next ten years, we must think and act on how we can generate energy locally which is part of clean energy. 

Clean energy can be made with few negative social, cultural, health and environmental effects. In my view in the next ten years, I see the technological development and use of renewable energy in house hold and office items like TV, radio, generators, refrigerators, washing machines, computers, smart phones etc. This will force demand against electricity, and will help reduce burning of fossil fuel.
Any technology in the next ten years that is not renewable and sustainable in the use of natural resources will not stand the test of time. Clean energy technology can save the earth for last.  See you at 2026, a dream come true.      

This article is submitted for 2017 Engage Global Competition.


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