Job Opportunity at OSIWA

Osiwa seeks a COUNTRY COORDINATOR for its Guinea Office. OSIWA seeks a Country Coordinator for its Guinea office to provide a variety of strategic program implementation services and administrative oversight, supported technically by the OSIWA regional office under the direction of the OSIWA management. Job Advert Osiwa Country Coordinator - OSIWA Guinea
 for myhttp://www.osiwa.org/spip.php?article155

World Bank youth forum

Dear All, As part of efforts to put meat and structure to the World Bank Youth Forum (NIGERIA), it has become necessary for ALL members to register. Please kindly complete the form below.

If you have trouble viewing or submitting this form, you can fill it out online:
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dFJvQm5WVUF4UWpsdG16eUNZRmUwNXc6MQ

Nairobi

Today I travel to Nairobi Kenya to attend the Commonwealth Investing in Young People's Conference. Topmost on my mind is how development partners and government agencies can finally start working together to change the lives of young people

More importantly, is my interest in Kenya as the PRIDE OF AFRICA, the nature of its people and way of life in general. What opportunities for investment can young people take advantage of in this country.

As i feast on a corn made meal, and experience the difference in cuisine, i look forward to exploring the opportunities of engaging different structures to work with young people as equal partners in development

Regards

All about Dynamic Views for Readers - Blogger Help

All about Dynamic Views for Readers - Blogger Help

Programme Manager (YWET), Commonwealth Youth Programme (CYP) Africa Centre

Reference: 110300311
Location: Lusaka, Zambia
Closing Date: 18 Apr 2011

Job summary

The Programme Manager: Youth Development is part of a team of three technical officers who assist the Regional Director in the formulation of the Regional Strategic Plan and the Annual Operational Plan. S/he is responsible for implementation of the said plans, particularly in respect of the programme strategic area assigned to her/him. Towards this, s/he will provide technical leadership in the design, development, implementation and evaluation of capacity building/knowledge management initiatives in the region. These capacity building initiatives are designed to improve knowledge, skills and attitudes in youth development. S/he will organize campaigns, conferences, events and conduct programmes aimed at strengthening the knowledge management in youth development for the region. S/he will prepare related training materials, reports and publications thereon, conduct research where required and work closely with the communication division of the Commonwealth Secretariat; s/he will carry out other tasks as may be assigned by the Regional Director from time to time. The Programme Manager contributes to all aspects of CYP operations, supporting the efforts of governments and youth organizations, and collaborating with international organizations in the promotion of range of youth development activities.

Task description

The primary task of the YWET PM will be to work with programme staff, youth networks, youth workers, Governments, partners and stakeholders to develop coordinated capacity building and skills enhancement initiatives that meets the needs of the Africa region in the field of youth development. The responsibilities under this task will include but not limited to:

• Conducting training needs assessments with the relevant target audiences (where appropriate);
• The design of integrated strategies (based on evidence) to address the priority areas of capacity needs in the region;
• Overseeing the development and production of appropriate training, capacity building and IEC resources using print and electronic media (e.g. tools, learning aids, manuals etc.) for the target audiences;
• Facilitate and ensure the resources are pretested for relevance and are appropriate for the target audience;
• Commission youth development research that strengthens the knowledge building in the field;
• The organization and facilitation of youth development training courses, workshops and conferences that contributes to the addition/sharing of new developments/best practices in the field;
• Establish partnerships that will contribute to the capacity and skill building in the region and capacity development of young people in the area of youth development.

The PM will also advocate for the recognition of youth work professionals (where necessary) in collaboration with governments (e.g. public service commissions) educational institutions, training agencies, youth workers and other stakeholders. The responsibilities will include:

• Designing and implement advocacy and marketing strategies that promote the merits of youth work professionals;
• Supporting the establishment of youth worker networks/associations (where required);
• Facilitate new training opportunities for youth work professionals through universities, training agencies etc. (by e.g. increasing the number of institutions that offer the Commonwealth Youth Development diploma course);
• Advocate for the introduction and promotion of National standards for youth work professionals.

The PM will oversee and coordinate the implementation of the pilot Commonwealth Youth Development Diploma in the region

• Managing and coordinating the Commonwealth Youth Development Diploma programme with the various Partner institution in the region;
• Develop and oversee the implementation of a Marketing strategy for the diploma;
• Develop and oversee a sustainability plan for partner institutions that have completed the pilot phase of the programme.

The PM will participate in setting the overall CYP Strategy and enhancing the programmes that are implemented by:

• Assisting in the development of a regional strategic plan based on the new strategic areas and the mandates of the Commonwealth and the CYP planning and decision-making bodies, and an annual operational plan, its implementation and evaluation;
• Advocating and lobbying multilateral and bilateral development organizations to increase resource allocation for youth mainstreaming and the development of indicators;
• Assisting in the preparation of materials for meetings of CYP regional planning and decision making bodies;

Preparing reports on the CYP Africa Centre’s work;

Any other duties as may be assigned by the Regional Director from time to time.

>> Apply online

Download Application Guidelines and full job description

For more details see

http://www.thecommonwealth.org/job/191203/167709/234770/110300311.htm

Commonwealth Scholarship UK awards

http://www.cscuk.org.uk/docs/Prospectus_Scholarships_2011.pdf

I N T R O D U C T I O N
Since their inception in 1959, some 26,000 individuals have benefited
from the award of Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships to pursue
advanced academic study in other Commonwealth countries. About two
thirds of awards have been tenable in the United Kingdom. The vast
majority of award holders have returned to make a significant
contribution to their home countries, in many cases at the highest level,
making the award scheme one of the largest and most prestigious in the
world.
This prospectus describes the Commonwealth Scholarships offered
by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the United Kingdom
for citizens of other Commonwealth countries in 2011-2012. Separate
programmes and prospectuses exist for the scholarships offered by
distance learning and on a shared funding basis, and for short mid-career
fellowships, both academic and professional, offered by the
Commonwealth Scholarship Commission. Please visit the CSC website
at www.cscuk.org.uk for details of these programmes. For information
on Commonwealth Scholarships offered by other Commonwealth
countries, please visit the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship
Plan (CSFP) website at www.csfp-online.org

W H A T   T  Y  P E S   O F   A W A R D
A R E   A V A I L  A B L E   A N D   H O W
C A N   I   A P P L Y ?
The Commission invites the nomination of candidates for Common -
wealth Scholarships from a number of sources. These are described below.
Candidates may choose any of these ‘nominating routes’ for any category
of award, subject to the exceptions noted. Candidates must, however,
apply locally in the first instance.  The Commission does not accept
direct applications.
For the following categories of award…
• 12-36 months’ support towards completion of either a  full-time
taught or a doctoral post graduate qualification at an eligible UK
institution. These awards are open to those candidates nominated
either by the Vice Chancellor/Executive Head of their employing
institution or by the appointed agency in their home country
• 12 months’ non-degree study in the United Kingdom on a Split-Site
basis to aid the completion of a doctoral degree undertaken at a
university in the candidate’s home country
• 6 months’ clinical training in medicine or dentistry (available only
to candidates from developing countries). These awards are open to
candidates nominated by their Vice Chancellor/ Executive Head or
by the appointed agency in the home country

E L I G I B I L I T  Y
To apply for the awards covered in this prospectus, candidates should:
• Be Commonwealth citizens, refugees, or British protected persons
• Be permanently resident in a Commonwealth country other than the
United Kingdom, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man
• Be available to commence their academic studies in the United
Kingdom by the start of the UK academic year in September/October
2011
• Hold, by October 2011, a first degree of upper second class
Honours standard (or above); or a second class degree and a relevant
postgraduate qualification, which will normally be a Master’s degree
AND
• In the fields of medicine and dentistry, have qualified as a doctor or
dentist between 1 October 2001 and 30 September 2006


follow the links at www.cscuk.org.uk/apply/postgraduate_study.asp

World Bank Scholarship Program 2011

Are you a national of a World Bank member country? Then you might be eligible for Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program scholarship from World Bank. Apply Today: Application Deadline: March 31, 2011 Applicants are strongly encouraged to use our on-line application. The mission of the World Bank Group is to reduce poverty and improve living [...]

http://www.scholars4dev.com/2735/japan-world-bank-graduate-scholarships-for-development-related-studies/

The few face of UNFPA

UN Sec Gen appoints Osotimehin as UNFPA Executive Director

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has chosen former Nigerian
health minister Babatunde Osotimehin to head the United Nations
Population Fund, U.N. diplomats said Thursday.

Ban has informed the fund's executive board of his choice and called
for reaction before making an official announcement, the diplomats and
others familiar with the exchange said. They spoke on condition of
anonymity because no announcement has been made.

Osotimehin, a medical doctor who specialized in clinical pathology,
served as Nigeria's health minister from December 2008 to March 2010
and is currently provost of the University of Ibadan's College of
Medicine. He studied medicine in Ibadan and at the University of
Birmingham in Britain.

He would succeed Thoraya Ahmed Obaid of Saudi Arabia, an expert on
women's issues who cracked a glass ceiling for women in the Arab world's
most conservative nations. She has served as the fund's executive director
since 2001.

The world's population is edging toward 7 billion people, up from 2.5
billion in 1950, with almost all of the growth expected in cities of less
developed countries.

The 1995 U.N. population conference in Cairo changed the focus of the fund,
known as UNFPA, from numerical targets to promoting choices for individual
women and men, and supporting economic development and education for girls.

UNFPA supports countries in using population data to develop policies and
programs to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted and every birth is safe.
It also works to promote reproductive health, to combat HIV in young people
and to promote equality for girls and women and economic development


Source: Edith M. Lederer, The Associated Press

AIDS Activists die-in delays AIDS 2010 Opening Ceremony

Hundreds of angry people living with HIV and AIDS activists marched
through the Messe Wien conference center in Vienna, Austria the site
of the 2010 International AIDS Conference on Sunday where they staged
a mass die-in.

Red Umbrellas were carried by a group of the activists. The sound of
Vuvuzelas, sirens and whistles were heard amongst chanting of slogans
'Governments count pennies, Africa counts graves", Stop silencing sex
workers", You made a promise, now make it happen",
What year is it, 2010?"

The activists intended to delay the Opening ceremony of the Conference
to illustrate how governments around the world are slowing and scaling
back their commitments toward Universal Access to HIV care, treatment
and prevention.

Tombstones, held to remind conference attendees of the 15 million
people who are in immediate need of treatment, read "Broken Promises
Kill, No Retreat,Fund AIDS."

Recently, the U.S. and European governments have pulled back in their
support for AIDS care, treatment and prevention and to the fact that
governments in Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe, have failed to live
up to their commitment to fund AIDS treatment and other health needs
as laid out in the Abuja Declaration.


The Global Fund (GFATM), the world's response to the AIDS crisis,
was forced to adopt 10% budget cuts to the first 2 years of funding,
and 25% cuts to for the last 3 years.

Michael Gwaba from the Zambia Community Initiative for Tuberculosis,
HIV/AIDS & Malaria (CITAM+) and the Here I Am Campaign, said, "There
remains a huge funding gap for Round 10, opened in May 2010, which
will result in countries scaling back programs and resisting
investment in activities with recurrent costs, such as hiring
desperately needed health workers or enrolling new patients in treatment.

In 2010, the U.S. Congress paid $1.05 billion to the GFATM which is
$1.7billion less than the U.S. fair share. For 2011, President Obama
proposed to cut funding to only $1 billion, even though at least $2
billion is needed from the US to begin to close the GFATM's funding
gap.

"The African Union countries have failed to live up to their Abuja
commitments on health, and our finance ministers recently suggested
that these spending targets should be dismissed altogether. Already,
access to HIV treatment is being cut back.
Waiting lists are growing",she said.

Despite their repeated rhetorical recognition that investment in
health is critical for socio-economic development, governments around
the world are retreating from their commitments particularly with
regards to universal access to HIV prevention, treatment and care,"
said Paula Akugizibwe from ARASA.

There are many important discussions that will take place during the
International AIDS Conference. However, in order for any of those
discussions to have any relevance, all conferees must first address
the growing crisis in funding for AIDS care and prevention said,
Mabel Takana, an AIDS activist with Health GAP from Cameroon.

The Opening Ceremony of the Conference also focused on three plenary
presentations of the state of the epidemic setting the stage for
discussions on the theme "Rights Here, Rights Now".

5th World Youth Congress

Turkiye will welcome 1000 young people from around the world to meet during Ýstanbul’s year as the European Capital of Culture. You will have the chance learn a lot about Turkish culture, about Turkish people, and the history of one of the oldest civilizations of the world – which is now the 2nd fastest growing modern economy in the world after China.




Also, just as in Hawaii, you learned about the word ‘Aloha’ – and here in Canada – you learned the meaning of ‘Regeneration,’ in Turkiye, we hope you will discover the meaning of the word: "imece" - a turkish word which doesn’t have exact definition in English. It refers to an ancient tradition of solidarity - working collectively for the common good. But it carries with it – not the connotation of effort or duty – but the fun of collaboration: like its always a festival of enjoying yourself when you work and achieve things together.



We hope that this is how young people around the world will see youth-led development: the effort to make poverty history in our lifetimes – and create peace, human rights, democracy, Trust, Volunteerism and a prosperous green economy that will bring sustainable happiness to every race and nation on the earth – this is imece! And it will be the greatest source of joy and fun for us all to take part in this effort.



Istanbul is at the crossroads of civilisations – a meeting point of two great continents. Join us in Istanbul, and help us write another chapter in this history of this fascinating city: one in which the young people of the world and their governments learn to work together in ‘imece’ to eliminate the scourge of poverty from our world

KEEPING UP

The way life goes at times is very difficult to keep track. leadership forces alot of responsibilities and takes away one's rights. i usually say this alot until i found out that as a youth leader I could not do the things i usually do normally for example..., it use to be ok for me to protest to things from my perspective before i became a regional Youth caucus member, now its very difficult to have an opinion of my own as i am required to look at everyone's perspective and options before taking a stand on any issue...in fact am expected to talk last....and i can tell you its so difficult

I have found out that the best i can do for myself is seek advice from my inner circle of trusted friends who do not feel threathened by my progress and are willing to look at me in the face and correct me in the best manner possible. i had to rely on such advice recently when my intentions were not considered in a decision i took, only my mistakes were beamed upon.

My  advice to my collegues is simply  'Leadership requires one to be meticulous and selfless' , if you can't do that, don't bother aspiring for leadership as your failure will become headline news too.

Ciao 

Young Commonwealth Competition 2010

Do you enjoy writing, film or photography?
Interested in the world around you?
Are you creative?Enter the Royal Commonwealth Society,s Young Commonwealth Competitions!These prestigious awards, open to anybody under the age of 30 living in a Commonwealth country, encourage creative responses to global challenges and offer a unique international platform for young talent.
Over 60,000 young people enter our Competitions every year. But our winners are often those picking up a camera or putting pen to paper for the very first time. Don,t be put off! We,re not looking for perfection. We,re looking for a creative spark, a unique insight, a new idea...
Enter one of our Competitions and you could: Take part in expert workshops with leading figures in your creative field Meet famous authors, film directors, and photographers at a Gala
Awards Ceremony held in Central London’s Commonwealth Club Visit the BBC’s global headquarters, Buckingham Palace, the Commonwealth
Secretariat and other high-profile venues in the UK’s capital city See your work exhibited in different locations around London and
featured in the press worldwide Attend a show in London’s West End and take part in drama workshops Win cash prizes and camera equipment Meet other young people from around the world who share your interests
Through our Competitions we aim to: Nurture the creative talent of young people Encourage young people to respond to current international issues Enable young people to share their thoughts with peers around the world Give young people a safe, creative forum for their ideas and a global
platform for their talent Promote the use of the English language
The Young Commonwealth Competitions take a different theme each year. In 2010, the focus is on Science, Technology and Society. We want to encourage you to think about the role that science and technology can play in helping to tackle challenges faced by your own community, or those living in another part of the world.
Keep reading to find out how you can enter our Essay, Film or Photography Competitions...
Commonwealth Essay Competition
Run by the RCS for over 100 years, this is the world’s oldest and largest schools’ writing competition. Choose from a list of ten topics which all aim to fire your imagination on the theme Science, Technology and Society. Write us an essay or go creative and compose a story, a poem, a film script, a play… the possibilities are endless! We ask only that your entry must be your own original work. Send us your entry by 1 May 2010.
For full details, please visit: www.thercs.org/youth/essaycompetition
Commonwealth Photographic Awards
One powerful image can often say more than many pages of writing. If you want to make your response to the Science, Technology and Society theme an image, then start snapping! Whether you use a digital, analogue, or disposable camera – or even a mobile phone – we want to see your pictures. Send them in by 1 June 2010 and you’ll be in line for some fantastic prizes.
For full details, please visit: www.thercs.org/youth/photoawards
Commonwealth Vision Awards
Aspiring young filmmakers are invited to make a 30-90 second film responding to the Science, Technology and Society theme. Submit your storyboard ideas, in written, picture or film format, by 1 March 2010 and you could win a seed grant of up to £1,000. Alternatively, submit your fully-made film via YouTube or post a hard copy before the closing date of 1 July 2010.
For full details, please visit: www.thercs.org/youth/visionawards
For the Essay Competition please choose ONE of the following topics:
What technological invention(s) would most improve life in your community?
The mad scientist.
What positive steps can you or I start to take to tackle climate change?
The day the computer started misbehaving.
“Science never solves a problem without creating ten more.”
(George Bernard Shaw)
An adventure in space.
What is knowledge? Who owns it? How can it best be taught or transmitted?

A ‘eureka’ moment.
Is your generation wiser than your grandparents’ generation?
Welcome to my Utopia!
We will be accepting entries to all the Competitions from 8 March 2010.
In the interests of limiting our carbon footprint, we would prefer you to make all entries online. However, we do understand that this won’t be possible for everyone, so postal entries can be sent to:
The Competitions Manager Royal Commonwealth Society
25 Northumberland Avenue London WC2N 5AP United Kingdom
Please note that all applicants must fill in an application form or their entry will not be processed.
These forms, as well rules and deadlines, can be found on our website:
www.thercs.org/youth/competitions.
If you have a query, please email us at competitions@thercs.org or call us on +44 (0)207 766 9204.
So,... join in and let,s get creative!

The RED card campaign

Victims and survivors of apartheid era gross human rights abuses were red carded by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and by the South African government — especially former President Thabo Mbeki, former Minister of Justice Penuell Maduna, and the officials in the TRC unit in the Department of Justice.

The promise made to victims and survivors was, that by testifying at the TRC and thereby participating in the process which led to the perpetrators receiving amnesty, they would receive reparations. These promises were only partly kept. The TRC’s recommendations for reparations were not accepted by the South African government — in fact only about a sixth of the amount recommended was finally (after five years) granted to those victims who testified at the TRC. But many perpetrators received amnesty and continued to receive it after the TRC officially closed its books.

Victims of apartheid crimes who did not make it to the TRC are to this day not recognised but simply ignored. The South Africa we live in today owes an enormous amount to the victims and survivors of the struggle. Some of these were heroes who have ended up in plush and cushy government jobs — but most have literally been red carded from society and stay out of sight and out of the mind of the South African peoples. Even their comrades have forgotten them.

The victims and survivors were directly and indirectly damaged by the actions of companies supporting the security forces and policies of the apartheid government — such as Daimler, Ford, General Motors, IBM, Rheinmetall and others: including banks and oil companies.

But who should continue to be red carded? The victims? Or the businesses who profitted (hugely) from apartheid?

UNICEF voices youth:Call for Contributors

UNICEF Voices of Youth: Call 4 contributors Source: Youth Section and the Adolescent Development and Participation (ADAP) Unit of UNICEF  On behalf of UNICEF we are inviting you to contribute to our new Voices of Youth blog.  In the Youth Section and the Adolescent Development and Participation (ADAP) Unit of UNICEF we are working on the relaunch of the Voices of Youth blog which is a complement of our website. Voices of Youth is a platform where young people can Explore, Speak Out and Take Action! Thanks to Voices of Youth, children and young people can discuss and partner on issues related to human rights and social change, as well as develop their awareness, leadership, community building, and critical thinking skills through active and substantive participation with their peers and with decision makers globally. We at the Youth Section and the ADAP Unit of UNICEF are extremely excited about Voices of Youth relaunch. The new Voices of Youth blog will report on different projects of Unicef. Once or twice a month we would like to publish new articles written by contributors from the projects or by us. That is why we need you. We are looking for young and dynamic contributors who could send us articles, pictures and/or videos about current projects. Mainly we are focused on UNICEF projects. If you are interested, and would like to join the Voices of Youth relaunch as a contributor, we would appreciate it if you would contact Katharina at the Youth Section of UNICEF: jacobsen.katharina@gmail.com Please do not hesitate to contact us for further information or guidance on how you can contribute and make a lasting impact here at the Youth Section and the ADAP Unit of UNICEF on our relaunch of Voices of Youth website.

10-12 August 2010: African Youth and Governance Conference (Accra, Ghana)

The objectives of this conference include: mobilization of African youth and constructing a platform for networking.




Eligibility is for persons between the ages of 18-35, associated with any of the categories below who is seeking information on ways to contribute to the development of the youth in Africa. (Applicants older than 35 and participants from other continents are welcome to attend as observers.)



-Civil Society Organization/NGO (Note that you must be registered and operating in an African country).

- Individuals (should be a Youth Worker or demonstrate some level of commitment towards youth development in his/her respective country).



For more information, please visit: www.aygconference.org

Blogger Buzz: Blogger integrates with Amazon Associates

Blogger Buzz: Blogger integrates with Amazon Associates

Training Course on Feminist Leadership, 2010. Call for applications. 05 May 2010

A course for young feminist advocates in NGOs, the public and private sectors
Organised by: The Institute of peace, Leadership and Goverance (IPLG) at Africa University and The Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa (OSISA).
Venue: Mutare, Zimbabwe, 16 - 28 August, 2010.
Deadline for receipt of application is Friday, 09 July 2010.
DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION FORM FOR COURSE (100KB)
Course Description
This training course on feminism and public policy provides a broad conceptual and practical understanding of feminism by locating it within in a pan-African discourse. Engaging in discursive debates and interactive analyses, it is envisioned that participants will be able to redefine the idea of feminism to symbolise young women coming together to share knowledge, skills and good practice, so that they may lead fulfilling lives with self-assurance and passion. By understanding the dynamics of gender inequality and crafting advocacy strategies aimed at promoting women's rights, interests and issues it is hoped that the targeted advocates will embrace the vitality of being female and championing their cause through robust network connections to future generations.
Why is this course necessary?
Quite often women as radicals or reformers or as objects of reform have always differed over ideology and strategy. Feminists have also always vigorously contested the effects and policies aimed at ameliorating women's oppression. This course therefore provides a forum to critically examine some of these differences by looking at the historical tenets of feminism and its evolutionary progression, feminist perspectives to politics, power and power relations, patriarchy, gender-based violence, sexuality, women's rights and justice. The course further analyses the claim that public policy is gendered, implying that public policies affect men and women differently and that men and women participate differently in public policy making processes. The course takes public policy as both an important component in the construction of gender differences and as a site where gender is critiqued, resisted and renegotiated. Thus, the training course explores these claims through a feminist lens and engaging in the analyses of the impact of public policy on women's issues.
Participants will examine feminist activism, a grass-roots movement approach that seeks to cross boundaries based on social class, race, culture and religion. Locating these issues in historical contexts will also help in de-mystifying the negative connotations attached to feminism and feminist advocates with a view of helping women claim their identity as feminists. Also by placing these issues in contexts of feminist theory and discourse, the course offers an analysis of women and public policy as contested and complex domain rather than offering simple recipes or formulas for the feminist policy makers and advocates.
Course aim and objectives
This innovative course is designed for young women who are motivated to play a critical role in promoting women's issues through advocacy and lobbying. Using examples and experiences from their own lives, it is hoped that participants will gain a deeper understanding of a feminist analysis of issues affecting women in the SADC region. The aim of the course therefore, is to provide participants with knowledge and practical skills to engage with feminist discourses and feminist approaches for effective lobbying and advocacy on gender and women's rights. The objectives of the training course are to:
• Familiarise participants with key tenets of feminism and the most influential works in the evolution of feminist theories and ideologies.
• Give the participants a sound grasp of a fundamental and central body of feminist philosophical thinking.
• Engage with young women who are working with gender focused organisations and are at the forefront of best practice in the field.
• Situate and examine the gender question in relation to emerging disciplines.
• Help participants use feminist approaches to analyse, critique and participate in contemporary public policy debates on women issues.
• Facilitate the development of feminist research skills to carry our policy oriented research on issues that impact on women's lives.
Course Content
The training course consists of 12 modules, to be delivered by different facilitators over a 12-day period, and will use a variety of teaching styles, tools and methods, especially participatory and experiential learning models. The following thematic areas will provide a starting point for the discussions:
• Feminist the ory and history
• Schools of thought and feminist ideologies
• The politics of feminism and gender
• 4. Women, law and policy
• Feminist public policy discourse and engagement
• Feminist knowledge production and management
• Feminist research and epistemology
• Feminist youth empowerment models
• Feminist leadership in practice
• Civil society and feminist movement-building
• Sexuality and sexual reproductive health rights
• Governance and citizenship
In addition, there will be evening and side sessions, focused on coaching on key competencies such as self awareness, confidence-building, public speaking among many others.
Course Dates and Duration
The course will be offered over a 12-day period in Mutare, Zimbabwe. The training course will be hosted by OSISA and the Institute of Peace, Leadership and Governance at Africa University in Mutare beginning 16 August and ending on 28 August, 2010. Travel dates will be 15 and 29 August 2010.
Certificate of Competence
Participants who successfully complete the course and fulfil the requirements which include attendance and active participation will receive a certificate of competence from Africa University and OSISA.
Cost and Sponsorship
OSISA will be fully sponsoring this training course. Sponsorship will cover tuition, course materials, airfare/transport, accommodation, teas, lunches and dinners during the course. Participants are however, advised to take out personal and health insurance as the organisers cannot take liabilities in this regard.
Admission Requirements
Prospective participants are expected to meet the following criteria:
• Possess an undergraduate degree in a relevant field.
• Must be a young woman of between 18 and 30 years of age.
• At least 1 year work experience in civil society and /or gender and women's rights related area.
• Currently employed, or working in an area where feminist or gender policy advocacy and lobbying is important.
• English proficiency (as the course will be delivered in English).
• Commitment to participate for the duration of the full course.
• Be from any of the following SADC countries: Angola, Botswana, DRC, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Application Procedures
Young women who wish to apply for the training course are required to submit the following:
• Completed application form.
• No more than one page motivation letter stating. How your participation will add value to the course and how you envision using the training in your work, community and/or personal life.
• Commitment form completed by employer (attached at the end of this document).
Please submit the completed application form, motivation letter and endorsement letter electronically or by fax, to both OSISA and IPLG at the following addresses:
Ms Tsitsi Mukamba
Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa (OSISA)
Email: Tsitsim@osisa.org
Tel: +27 (0) 11 587 5000
Fax: +27 (0) 11 587 5099
And
Mrs Susan Musiyiwa
Institute of Peace, Leadership and Governance (IPLG)
Africa University
Tel: +263 20 66788
Email: iplgsec@africau.ac.zw
Cc:susanvongayi22@yahoo.com
NB: Those who participated in the 2009 course need not apply.
Deadline for receipt of applications is Friday, 09 July 201

CYPAC Orientation Memoir: Ben Duntoye Regional Scandal. Clean up the mess?

DAY 2.
16/05/2010

After leaving my hotel to spend the night with my friend at her place a noticed some very clear differences in the way things are done in Zambia as compared to Nigeria and some similarities
For instance, it’s not shocking to find out that the central area of town looked very polished while five5mins drive away from the central the roads are in bad condition…kudos to African government
As against building blocks being made out of sand and cement, in Zambia the building blocks is made out of cement and tiny stones…the sizes are smaller and the blocks looks finer. There are no air conditioners in most of the houses…, they use ventilators which means a tiny part of the building at the topmost level is opened for ventilation to come in….I initially thought it was the central AC that made my room so cold and that the air was so natural until I found out that it was actually the fresh air I was getting. Really cool shei!
On my way back to the university I saw children or better still teenagers in gutters smoking petrol…yes! I mean the same petrol that is used to fuel cars…you can imagine the surprised look on my face...I wished I had my camera with me
Finally I kick started my day with a visit to the National Youth Development Council of Zambia visit to The National Youth Development Centre. It was such an eye opener to what things should really be…, they are having problems but they can thank God that theirs is not a case of fighting and throwing legal punches as we have in Nigeria.
Can you believe that Ben Duntoye is still presenting himself as the National Youth council president of Nigeria at the Pan African Youth Union? My shock exactly when the officials of the Zambian National Youth Development Council said that to me. I was informed of how an office has now been built in Sudan and Ben’s frequent visit to the office…, it is said that it houses an elegant office for him. Gosh! They strongly believe that youth development work and claims in Nigeria is not regulated so anyone claims anything and the likelihood of Nigeria’s capability to win regional trust will be hard after this. My answer is that we are all not the same. Is that the solution? I can confidently say NO! I keep wondering if this is the kind of leadership that our generation subscribes to…, its ok to criticize the older generation and easily point out the faults they committed…, meanwhile we are currently repeating the same thing.
I met with Molako a onetime Zambian Representative to the Commonwealth Youth Caucus, during her time she was Chair for African Region and then the Pan Chair for the whole Commonwealth Youth Caucus. I was too inspired by her deliveries which were present after all her years of service. If I wanted to know that ladies could do a lot.., I saw it clearly today…, and she was so unassuming to say the least…an activist on youth development…she currently works as the program officer for the youth development council. God! I pray I can make an impact during my two years of service and leave lasting impact the way she did.
After lunch it was time to meet the Nigerian Ambassador in Zambia.., however due to schedule it wil wait till tomorrow BUT I had a feel of the Nigerian run away behavior again at the embassy where a Nigerian out stayed his visa period and is claiming right with lots of attitude and curses to whoever. I can’t describe how I felt when I looked at the guy as he was talking to his friend and then they went ahead to say Nigerian ladies do not have respect for men since we cannot kneel when talking to a man. God! Are these guys real!
To end my day was a brief introduction to CYPAC staff members, a short meeting with Nellie, a nice dinner and a nightcap with a nice looking gentleman (wink :=)).

Could I have planned it better? I guess not

‘Ati a sa ale, ati owuro, odi ojo kini’

‘So the morning and the evening were the second day’

Muah!

CYP Orientation Memoir-Transition fron abuja to lusaka

15/05/2010
My trip to Zambia for my orientation as the Deputy Chair for Africa Region, Commonwealth Youth Caucus at the Commonwealth Secretariat.I prepared in a rush to the airport feeling really weird as the start of the day had a little bit of dissappointment.
I never knew the challenges of the day had just started...My flight for virgin was delayed for 3 and a half hours and the lady at the counter checked me in knowing fully wel I had a connecting flight with kenyan Airways in Lagos....

After two hours of waiting and with no other airline available..., another lady called me from the virgin office to really explain my situation to me....'I might not make the KQ flight at all'

She and the others at the office went ahead to help me out...by checking me into the KQ flight without leaving abuja...with the hope that i get there on time...That was almost impossible for Virgin delayed another 30mins after the initial delay

So i informed a nice looking gentleman who checked in at the same time with me that he might have the same problems since i noticed that he too will be on the same KQ flight withe......that was my saving grace

They tried to help him and it was his protocol officers in lagos that saved me from missing the flight...they reopened the counter for us...immigration was super fast...the gentleman was super nice!


Only for me to get to Nairobi to hear of the way immigration officers tail travellers and they said ...'its to ensure Nigerians will not run away'...gosh...i went green!

I was just noting the cold weather as I came down from the plane ...when an irritable immigration officer was asking me to present the note verbal i took to embassy in Nigeria and said my visa...which..please note... was almost showing on the other side is faint!. its not by business to tell how your visa should look like...that he should call the Nigerian office to verify.


I almost lost it...but thank God not yet...he delayed me...knowing i was tired since my eyes were swollen from lack of rest... The Commonwealth secretariat staff even had another visa ready me...but he was not willing to look at it...he made my people swear solemy that I was the property of Commonwealth Secretariat....

After all said and done...the people beyond the bother are fabulous and open minded.They love Nigerian entainment industry like craze...use Yoriyori as ringing tone and eat corn meals which am trying to get the name


After a visit to my friend...who joking told me to come see the other side of town from where i was staying, a very very expensive call rate to reach my family,the fresh air and the nice people...am willing to kick start my program without a thought of the woes i went through

'ati a sa ale, ati owuro, odi ojo kini'

Morining and evening ....makes the first day