Johannesburg, Africa is generally not a safe place to have a same-sex relationship, you can be shunned by society,. beaten up, thrown in jail, or worse. In Malawi you can get 14 years in prison with hard labor. In a bold move, Malawi's Centre for the Development of People (CEDEP) and South Africa's Gay and Lesbian Memory in Action (GALA) have collected the stories of 12 lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) women and men and published them in a book, Queer Malawi. Two of the 12 writers recall that their first sexual experience was with a family member.
Fear is a theme that runs through the stories in Queer Malawi - fear of not being accepted by family and community, of violence and arrest. Human rights activists noted that the trial heightened anxiety in Malawai's underground LGBT community and compromised HIV prevention efforts among men who have sex with men (MSM). Many African countries, including Nigeria, Uganda, Zambia and Malawi, have banned same sex relationships, with the legislation sometimes being interpreted so as to leave individuals without adequate protection by the law and open to beatings and arrests. In the case of lesbians, such legislation has sometimes led to "corrective rape", in which men rape lesbians in the violently mistaken belief that this will "turn them strainght:.
http://allafrica.com/stories/201105111062.html
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Mozambique: Renamo Walks Out of Parliament
Paliamentary deputies of Mozambique's main opposition party, the former rebel movement Renamo, boycotted the country's parliament, rather than listen to a report from the ad-hoc-committee set up to consider amendments to the constitution. The commission was set up last year, but Renamo refused to appoint the three members to which it is entitled. Currently, the commission consists of 16 deputies from the majority Frelimo Party, and one from the Mozambique Democratic Movement (MDM).
Renamo protested enough that Frelimo has not indicated which parts of the constitution it wishes to amend. It also complained at the budget for the commission of 2 million meicais, saying it could be better spent on other tasks. Thus when the commission chairperson, Eduardo Mulembue, began delivering his report Renamo deputies present walked out of the chamber, thus ensuring that onlyu Frelimo and the MDM would take part in the brief debate.
Last year fears were expressed that Frelimo wanted to amend the current constitutional restriction on presidential terms of office. The constitution states that no citizen may hold more than two consecutive terms as President of the Republic. Frelimo has insisted that it is not attempting to secure a third term for the current President, Armando Guebuza, and Guebuza himself has repeatedly stated that he is not interested in a third term. Frelimo has also said that it merely wishes to improve the constitution along its current lines, and does not intend to make radical changes.
http://allafrica.com/stories/201105170906.html
Renamo protested enough that Frelimo has not indicated which parts of the constitution it wishes to amend. It also complained at the budget for the commission of 2 million meicais, saying it could be better spent on other tasks. Thus when the commission chairperson, Eduardo Mulembue, began delivering his report Renamo deputies present walked out of the chamber, thus ensuring that onlyu Frelimo and the MDM would take part in the brief debate.
Last year fears were expressed that Frelimo wanted to amend the current constitutional restriction on presidential terms of office. The constitution states that no citizen may hold more than two consecutive terms as President of the Republic. Frelimo has insisted that it is not attempting to secure a third term for the current President, Armando Guebuza, and Guebuza himself has repeatedly stated that he is not interested in a third term. Frelimo has also said that it merely wishes to improve the constitution along its current lines, and does not intend to make radical changes.
http://allafrica.com/stories/201105170906.html
Zimbabwe: Ian Mutonhori Speaks Out On Father's Murder
The 17-year old son of Strover Mutonhori has spoken exclusively to SW Radio Africa about the 1999 murder of his father - a high profile case in which co-Home Affairs Minister Kembo Mohadi was implicated.
Mutonhori (senior), an emploee of the Lutheran World Federation, disappeared from the Omadu Hotel in Kezi and his remains were later found in Mzingwane outside Bulawayo. Allegations at the time were that he had had an affair with Mohadi's wife Tambudzani and the then Deputy Minister of locan Government ordered a hit on him.
Ian says that since the murder of his father the family has been struggling to make ends meet. Mutonhori left behind a wife and three children, ian is 17 and two girls now aged 20 and 26. An added challenge to finding work is that they keep having to move houses, because Mohadi allegedly keeps track of where they are staying and they are afraid of being in one place for too long.
Although police have in the past interviewed Mohadi in connection with Mutonhori's murder, he was later promoted to Home Affairs Minister in 2002. Ian said, "ever since Mohadi was made Home Affairs Minister, nothing has moved," in terms of the investigatino and a possible prosecution.
http://allafrica.com/stories/201105190097.html
Mutonhori (senior), an emploee of the Lutheran World Federation, disappeared from the Omadu Hotel in Kezi and his remains were later found in Mzingwane outside Bulawayo. Allegations at the time were that he had had an affair with Mohadi's wife Tambudzani and the then Deputy Minister of locan Government ordered a hit on him.
Ian says that since the murder of his father the family has been struggling to make ends meet. Mutonhori left behind a wife and three children, ian is 17 and two girls now aged 20 and 26. An added challenge to finding work is that they keep having to move houses, because Mohadi allegedly keeps track of where they are staying and they are afraid of being in one place for too long.
Although police have in the past interviewed Mohadi in connection with Mutonhori's murder, he was later promoted to Home Affairs Minister in 2002. Ian said, "ever since Mohadi was made Home Affairs Minister, nothing has moved," in terms of the investigatino and a possible prosecution.
http://allafrica.com/stories/201105190097.html
Southern Africa: SADC "Sabotaged" Tribunal
The southern African Development Community (SADC) has been described as "sabotage:. The summit that ended on Friday decided that a process aimedat the relevant SADC legal instruments pertaining to the Tribunal be considered in August. In the meantime, members of the Tribunal whose term of office expired in August 2010 should not be reappointed, and that there will be no freplacement of those whose term of office will expire on October 31, 2011. The summit further place a moratorium on receiving any new cases or hearings of any cases by the Tribunal until the SADC Protocol on the Tribunal has been received and approved.
The director of the Southern Africa Litigation Centre (SALC), Nicole Fritz, says "by sabataging the Tribunal, SADC leaders have shown exactly where their loyalities lie. Protecting theuir friend, President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe, from the consequence his regime's illegal activities rather than defending the rights of the SADC's 200 million citizens. SALC said the suspension of the Tribunal for a further 12 months could spell a fatal blow to the rule of law within the region.
http://allafrica.com/stories/printable/201105231144.html
The director of the Southern Africa Litigation Centre (SALC), Nicole Fritz, says "by sabataging the Tribunal, SADC leaders have shown exactly where their loyalities lie. Protecting theuir friend, President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe, from the consequence his regime's illegal activities rather than defending the rights of the SADC's 200 million citizens. SALC said the suspension of the Tribunal for a further 12 months could spell a fatal blow to the rule of law within the region.
http://allafrica.com/stories/printable/201105231144.html
Monday, May 23, 2011
Liberia: CDC Intellectuals Wants Weah Quit 2011 Election
A group of Congress for Democratic Change CDC partisans under the banner of CDC Free, Conscious, Independent and Objective Thinkers are calling on their party’s political leader and 2005 election standard bearer, Amb. George M. Weah to consider his decision of contest the 2011 election.
A release quoting the CDC Intellectual group as saying that their calls for the CDC Standard bearer to allow go the forth coming national election is based on the inactiveness of the members across the country.
GA_googleFillSlot( "AllAfrica_Story_InsetA" );
CDC –FCIOT release under the signature of its chairman, Morris A.S. Swen, Jr. said CDC only existed on papers and in some communities in Monrovia and not rural Liberia as being widely believed among the party leadership.
The group further said in the release that it welcomed recent comment by Amb. Weah that there will be no free ride by partisans to contest any legislative seat on the expense of the party terming it to be in the right direction of the party and the country.
The CDC- FCIOT also maintained that with the high level of development being carry out in the country by Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, it was not possible for the CDC to win the forth coming elections in Liberia. Meanwhile the group has express appreciation for the far sightedness of House Deputy Speaker and CDC Stewart, Hon Tokpa Mulbah to have recognized the development al initiatives being implemented and achieved by the Liberian government through President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
A release quoting the CDC Intellectual group as saying that their calls for the CDC Standard bearer to allow go the forth coming national election is based on the inactiveness of the members across the country.
GA_googleFillSlot( "AllAfrica_Story_InsetA" );
CDC –FCIOT release under the signature of its chairman, Morris A.S. Swen, Jr. said CDC only existed on papers and in some communities in Monrovia and not rural Liberia as being widely believed among the party leadership.
The group further said in the release that it welcomed recent comment by Amb. Weah that there will be no free ride by partisans to contest any legislative seat on the expense of the party terming it to be in the right direction of the party and the country.
The CDC- FCIOT also maintained that with the high level of development being carry out in the country by Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, it was not possible for the CDC to win the forth coming elections in Liberia. Meanwhile the group has express appreciation for the far sightedness of House Deputy Speaker and CDC Stewart, Hon Tokpa Mulbah to have recognized the development al initiatives being implemented and achieved by the Liberian government through President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
US Drug Case Linked Sirleaf Gets 2 Convictions
NEW YORK — A drug investigation initiated by the son of Liberia’s president after a drug organization tried to corrupt the country’s officials resulted in two convictions and two acquittals Thursday after a monthlong trial.
http://allafrica.com/stories/201105030410.html
Robert B. Zoellick the President of the World Bank Group and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the President of Liberia, who is also the incoming Chair of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA), which comprises African Heads of State and Government working to end malaria-related deaths in Africa, in a joint statement outline the state of play in the ongoing battle against the scourge of malaria...
GA_googleFillSlot( "AllAfrica_Story_InsetA" );
We have encouraging news out of Africa this week of World Malaria Day, as we take stock of the illnesses and deaths caused by this longtime scourge.
Eleven countries in Africa had slashed the number of confirmed malaria cases, malaria-related hospital admissions or deaths by more than 50 percent by end 2009. When 2010 data becomes available we expect it to show that even more countries have shown similar progress. In a region that has borne a heavy malarial burden of death and debilitating illness, part of the good news stems from the fact that approximately three-quarters of the people at risk of contracting malaria were using insecticide-treated mosquito nets by the end of 2010. With a decisive push, the goal of protecting Africa's population with bed-nets and effectively preventing the fevers and crushing headaches that are the dreaded symptoms of malaria appears within Africa's reach.
GA_googleFillSlot( "AllAfrica_Story_InsetB" );
Even as we mark what may be a turning point, we know that malaria is an ancient foe we can never underestimate. Although global deaths from malaria have fallen from nearly a million a year in 2000, the disease continues to exact a great toll, killing 781,000 people across the world in 2009. More than 90 percent of these deaths occurred in Africa, where the disease accounted for about one in six child deaths.
The collective success is substantial, but is also fragile and must be sustained. The consequences of losing the focus on malaria would be deadly.
Mosquito bed-nets last about three years and a failure to replace the over 300 million nets blanketing Africa over the coming three years could lead to resurgent malaria illness and deaths. Just this past year, Zambia faced a resurgence of malaria in a few provinces when mosquito nets were not replaced in time. Deaths and illness increased within months. Rapid action to address this increase has since been taken by the Zambian government, together with the World Bank, UN Foundation, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Stanbic Bank, the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA), and the UN Special Envoy's Office.
GA_googleFillSlot( "AllAfrica_Story_InsetC" );
While funding is important, it is really the partnerships that have been built with citizens, governments, and healthcare providers as well as the increasing reliance on and use of science, technology and the body of global knowledge on what works that can accelerate progress in this area.
For instance, beyond the wide distribution of mosquito nets, ending malaria deaths will require making sure that effective diagnosis and timely treatment become available to every patient. Health authorities need to keep better track of where malaria still exists and which drugs produce the best health outcomes.
We want funding to be effective, not simply throwing money at the problem.
GA_googleFillSlot( "AllAfrica_Story_InsetD" );
In the wake of the financial crisis, we face difficult choices with limited resources. In Liberia, the priority is to end deaths from malaria above many other pressing needs, for both health and economic reasons. As a result, Liberia is on track to protect its entire population by year's end. Liberia is not alone. Thirty-nine African countries have united against the disease under ALMA, chaired by Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete. We have determined that the only way we can overcome the disease is through working together. No country is an island when it comes to malaria; mosquitoes do not respect borders.
In mobilizing the money, the bed nets, and the treatment, and in strengthening supply chains for lifesaving medicines, our bedrock guiding principle must be stronger accountability. ALMA's flagship accountability initiative is a simple tool, commonly employed in the private sector: a scorecard. Currently under development with our partners in the Roll Back Malaria Partnership, the scorecard will track progress, identify what is working, what is not, and highlight where intervention is required. We will further expand the use of new technology platforms, such as SMS and Twitter, to reach hundreds of millions of people to create positive pressure at all levels, and to encourage demand for transparency, accountability and results by citizens.
Relevant Links
Malaria
Health
Africa's partners, including the World Bank, are committed to ending deaths from malaria. Last year the Bank pledged US$200 million to anti-malaria efforts in Africa, largely to provide bed-nets to families in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Sierra Leone and Zambia. This helped to close emergency gaps. Consistent with the priorities of African countries, we expect new financing mobilized from the latest replenishment of the International Development Association, the Bank's fund for the poorest countries, to be committed to the fight against malaria, including through our work on helping African countries build stronger health systems.
So, as we take inspiration this World Malaria Day from African countries that now have malaria in retreat, we also need to recommit to finish the job.
Allowing hard-won gains to be reversed cannot be an option.
GA_googleFillSlot( "AllAfrica_Story_InsetA" );
We have encouraging news out of Africa this week of World Malaria Day, as we take stock of the illnesses and deaths caused by this longtime scourge.
Eleven countries in Africa had slashed the number of confirmed malaria cases, malaria-related hospital admissions or deaths by more than 50 percent by end 2009. When 2010 data becomes available we expect it to show that even more countries have shown similar progress. In a region that has borne a heavy malarial burden of death and debilitating illness, part of the good news stems from the fact that approximately three-quarters of the people at risk of contracting malaria were using insecticide-treated mosquito nets by the end of 2010. With a decisive push, the goal of protecting Africa's population with bed-nets and effectively preventing the fevers and crushing headaches that are the dreaded symptoms of malaria appears within Africa's reach.
GA_googleFillSlot( "AllAfrica_Story_InsetB" );
Even as we mark what may be a turning point, we know that malaria is an ancient foe we can never underestimate. Although global deaths from malaria have fallen from nearly a million a year in 2000, the disease continues to exact a great toll, killing 781,000 people across the world in 2009. More than 90 percent of these deaths occurred in Africa, where the disease accounted for about one in six child deaths.
The collective success is substantial, but is also fragile and must be sustained. The consequences of losing the focus on malaria would be deadly.
Mosquito bed-nets last about three years and a failure to replace the over 300 million nets blanketing Africa over the coming three years could lead to resurgent malaria illness and deaths. Just this past year, Zambia faced a resurgence of malaria in a few provinces when mosquito nets were not replaced in time. Deaths and illness increased within months. Rapid action to address this increase has since been taken by the Zambian government, together with the World Bank, UN Foundation, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Stanbic Bank, the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA), and the UN Special Envoy's Office.
GA_googleFillSlot( "AllAfrica_Story_InsetC" );
While funding is important, it is really the partnerships that have been built with citizens, governments, and healthcare providers as well as the increasing reliance on and use of science, technology and the body of global knowledge on what works that can accelerate progress in this area.
For instance, beyond the wide distribution of mosquito nets, ending malaria deaths will require making sure that effective diagnosis and timely treatment become available to every patient. Health authorities need to keep better track of where malaria still exists and which drugs produce the best health outcomes.
We want funding to be effective, not simply throwing money at the problem.
GA_googleFillSlot( "AllAfrica_Story_InsetD" );
In the wake of the financial crisis, we face difficult choices with limited resources. In Liberia, the priority is to end deaths from malaria above many other pressing needs, for both health and economic reasons. As a result, Liberia is on track to protect its entire population by year's end. Liberia is not alone. Thirty-nine African countries have united against the disease under ALMA, chaired by Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete. We have determined that the only way we can overcome the disease is through working together. No country is an island when it comes to malaria; mosquitoes do not respect borders.
In mobilizing the money, the bed nets, and the treatment, and in strengthening supply chains for lifesaving medicines, our bedrock guiding principle must be stronger accountability. ALMA's flagship accountability initiative is a simple tool, commonly employed in the private sector: a scorecard. Currently under development with our partners in the Roll Back Malaria Partnership, the scorecard will track progress, identify what is working, what is not, and highlight where intervention is required. We will further expand the use of new technology platforms, such as SMS and Twitter, to reach hundreds of millions of people to create positive pressure at all levels, and to encourage demand for transparency, accountability and results by citizens.
Relevant Links
Malaria
Health
Africa's partners, including the World Bank, are committed to ending deaths from malaria. Last year the Bank pledged US$200 million to anti-malaria efforts in Africa, largely to provide bed-nets to families in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Sierra Leone and Zambia. This helped to close emergency gaps. Consistent with the priorities of African countries, we expect new financing mobilized from the latest replenishment of the International Development Association, the Bank's fund for the poorest countries, to be committed to the fight against malaria, including through our work on helping African countries build stronger health systems.
So, as we take inspiration this World Malaria Day from African countries that now have malaria in retreat, we also need to recommit to finish the job.
Allowing hard-won gains to be reversed cannot be an option.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Somaliland commemorated the 20th anniversary of its founding on Wednesday -- a major milestone in itself considering the unfortunate plight of central-south Somalia which plunged deep into a seemingly bottomless quagmire.
After the hand-over of power President Silanyo, the new government immediately talked many of the outstanding problems. It managed to considerably improve the economic prospects through intensified contacts with international partners who agreed to reiterate their support to Somaliland, while maintaining peace and stability in the face of challenges initiated from outside.
Music of Somalia
Somaliland music, as opposed to clan music, based on folklore traditions consists of a combination between the tender melodies of the nomads, the explosive hot drumbears of black Africa and just a little colorful instrumental accompniment. This music as transimitted by radio and tapes and performed at innumerable afternoon and night parties and weddings, is comparatively young.
Abdullahi Qarshe was the father of Somali music. He was a great poet and musician and was the first Somalian to introduce instrumental accopaniment, the lute in particular, to urban and radio audiences.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Dangers of Unsupervised School Accomodations
An absence of boarding facilities for high school pupils in the Zambia's northern province of Luapula is forcing children to share lodgings with their peers - unsupervised by adults - leading to teeneage pregnancies and HIV/AIDS infections. The Mabumba High School enrolls some of its 690 students from as far away as the capital Lusaka and about 500 of the students are responsible for their own accomodation arrangements.
Zambian law classifies having sex with anyone under the age of 16 as defilement, and is punishable by a prison term of up to 25 years.
http://allafrica.com/stories/201105180752.html
Zambian law classifies having sex with anyone under the age of 16 as defilement, and is punishable by a prison term of up to 25 years.
http://allafrica.com/stories/201105180752.html
Promising Economic Growth
On Wednesday the IMF (International Monetary Fund) stated that the EAC (East African Community) were among the fastest growing economies in Sub-Saharan Africa and more broadly the develoiping world. Even with these growths the region still lags behind the successful economies in terms of export growth and savings mobilization.
In the top twenty fastest growing countries from 2005 to 2009, Urganda ranks sixth, Rwanda ranks ninth, and Tanzania ranks sixteenth. The region's population growth has constrained the poverty reduction. The recent growth path, however, will not be enough to achieve middle-income status and substantial poverty reduction by the end of the decade.
http://allafrica.com/stories/201105111059.html
In the top twenty fastest growing countries from 2005 to 2009, Urganda ranks sixth, Rwanda ranks ninth, and Tanzania ranks sixteenth. The region's population growth has constrained the poverty reduction. The recent growth path, however, will not be enough to achieve middle-income status and substantial poverty reduction by the end of the decade.
http://allafrica.com/stories/201105111059.html
Sunday, May 15, 2011
RWANDA SHINES AT 2010 WORLD TRAVEL MARKET
RWANDA SHINES AT 2010 WORLD TRAVEL MARKET
For the past ten years Rwanda has been participating in the World Travel Market in the United Kingdom, promoting the country as a diverse and exciting destination for those who love to travel and forging partnerships that result in an increased number of tourists to the country. This year was no exception.
From November 8th-12th 2010 Rwanda participated in the annual World Travel Market (WTM) in the United Kingdom. The global event took place in London Docklands at the ExCeL exhibition and conference centre. Almost 46,000 senior travel industry professionals, government ministers and international press, embark on ExCeL in London every November to network, negotiate and discover the latest industry opinion and trends at WTM. This year the Rwanda Development Board was represented by the Head of Tourism and Conservation, Mrs. Rica Rwigamba and the Marketing Division Manager Ms. Joan Mazimhaka. The private sector was represented by 14 delegates of the Rwandan travel industry—tour operators, travel agents, hoteliers and the national carrier Rwandair. Included in the delegation were:
Manzi Kayihura and Elise Milenge of Thousand Hills Expeditions; Rosette Rugamba and Bonita Mutoni of Songa Africa; Joseph Birori of Primate Safaris; Jeannette Gisa of International Tours and Travel; Isabelle Kayirangwa of Zebra Country Tours; Anny Batamuliza of New Dawn Associates; Jean Luc Miravumba of Nyungwe Forest Lodge/Mantis; Michael Otieno of Rwandair; Aline Bentley and Praveen Moman of Volcanoes Safaris; Eric Degraf of Magic Safaris; and Evert Jakobs of Access Rwanda Safaris.
Of Rwanda’s participation at the event Mrs. Rwigamba stated, “This year we were determined to showcase Rwanda as a diverse destination for adventure, culture, unrivaled beauty and our main focus was the promotion of Nyungwe National Park as a destination.” In September RDB launched the Canopy Walk in Nyungwe National Park with the Honorable Minister Monique Nsanzabaganwa as the guest of honor. At this occasion the Nyungwe Interpretation Centre was also inaugurated. With the new Nyungwe Forest Eco-Lodge attracting visitors to its luxurious location at the Gisakura tea estates, Nyungwe is fast becoming Rwanda’s premier destination of choice.
Visitors to the Rwanda stand were treated to Rwandan coffee and many stopped to take photos in front of the uniquely designed stand, a stand out in the entire World Travel Market. Rwanda was also a major feature of the East African Community some of whose members—Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya—held a cocktail function during the event in celebration of East Africa as a single tourism destination. The Tourism Minister for Tanzania was the guest of honor and the Honorable Minister from Uganda was present as well. The Rwandan High Commissioner in the UK, Ernest Rwamucyo received an award from the East African Community on behalf of Rwanda. Heads of the respective tourism boards were also in attendance and in the midst of the celebration the East African Community focused attention on the single tourist visa
which allows all visitors to cross East African borders freely without having to acquire visas for each country.
Overall the World Travel Market was a success for the Rwandan tourism industry who kept the stand very active holding meetings to generate new contracts and re-establish contacts with existing partners. It also showcased a new side of Rwanda tourism to the general public, going beyond the mountain gorillas to show a truly diverse tourism product.
2010-11-22 10:02:07
For the past ten years Rwanda has been participating in the World Travel Market in the United Kingdom, promoting the country as a diverse and exciting destination for those who love to travel and forging partnerships that result in an increased number of tourists to the country. This year was no exception.
From November 8th-12th 2010 Rwanda participated in the annual World Travel Market (WTM) in the United Kingdom. The global event took place in London Docklands at the ExCeL exhibition and conference centre. Almost 46,000 senior travel industry professionals, government ministers and international press, embark on ExCeL in London every November to network, negotiate and discover the latest industry opinion and trends at WTM. This year the Rwanda Development Board was represented by the Head of Tourism and Conservation, Mrs. Rica Rwigamba and the Marketing Division Manager Ms. Joan Mazimhaka. The private sector was represented by 14 delegates of the Rwandan travel industry—tour operators, travel agents, hoteliers and the national carrier Rwandair. Included in the delegation were:
Manzi Kayihura and Elise Milenge of Thousand Hills Expeditions; Rosette Rugamba and Bonita Mutoni of Songa Africa; Joseph Birori of Primate Safaris; Jeannette Gisa of International Tours and Travel; Isabelle Kayirangwa of Zebra Country Tours; Anny Batamuliza of New Dawn Associates; Jean Luc Miravumba of Nyungwe Forest Lodge/Mantis; Michael Otieno of Rwandair; Aline Bentley and Praveen Moman of Volcanoes Safaris; Eric Degraf of Magic Safaris; and Evert Jakobs of Access Rwanda Safaris.
Of Rwanda’s participation at the event Mrs. Rwigamba stated, “This year we were determined to showcase Rwanda as a diverse destination for adventure, culture, unrivaled beauty and our main focus was the promotion of Nyungwe National Park as a destination.” In September RDB launched the Canopy Walk in Nyungwe National Park with the Honorable Minister Monique Nsanzabaganwa as the guest of honor. At this occasion the Nyungwe Interpretation Centre was also inaugurated. With the new Nyungwe Forest Eco-Lodge attracting visitors to its luxurious location at the Gisakura tea estates, Nyungwe is fast becoming Rwanda’s premier destination of choice.
Visitors to the Rwanda stand were treated to Rwandan coffee and many stopped to take photos in front of the uniquely designed stand, a stand out in the entire World Travel Market. Rwanda was also a major feature of the East African Community some of whose members—Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya—held a cocktail function during the event in celebration of East Africa as a single tourism destination. The Tourism Minister for Tanzania was the guest of honor and the Honorable Minister from Uganda was present as well. The Rwandan High Commissioner in the UK, Ernest Rwamucyo received an award from the East African Community on behalf of Rwanda. Heads of the respective tourism boards were also in attendance and in the midst of the celebration the East African Community focused attention on the single tourist visa
which allows all visitors to cross East African borders freely without having to acquire visas for each country.
Overall the World Travel Market was a success for the Rwandan tourism industry who kept the stand very active holding meetings to generate new contracts and re-establish contacts with existing partners. It also showcased a new side of Rwanda tourism to the general public, going beyond the mountain gorillas to show a truly diverse tourism product.
2010-11-22 10:02:07
A Female mountain gorilla in Volcanoes Park gives birth to twins
http://www.rwandatourism.com/test/ContentList.php?tbl=press
A Female mountain gorilla in Volcanoes Park gives birth to twins
February 7th 2011.The Volcanoes National Park is announcing the birth of twins in one group of mountain gorillas, Hirwa. The good news was announced by RDB gorilla trackers of the Hirwa group on Thursday 3rd 2011 after observing the twins, who were born to the mother called Kabatwa. The twins are both males and looked very healthy at birth.
(2011-02-07 03:52:54)
Joint News Release: Census confirms increase in population of the critically endangered Virunga mountain gorillas
Census confirms increase in population of the critically endangered Virunga mountain gorillas
(2010-12-08 01:28:26)
Nyungwe Canopy Launch: Exhilarating experience for Tourists
Nyungwe: In celebration of World Tourism Day under the theme “Tourism & Biodiversity”, Rwanda Development Board launches the Canopy Walk at Nyungwe National Park this October 15th 2010.
(2010-10-28 10:48:03)
World Environment Day & Kwita Izina
Many Species, One Planet, One Future ¡°Raising global awareness of biodiversity conservation as we give names to our gorillas¡±
(2010-05-07 03:11:58)
Rwanda: The New African Dawn Exhibits at ITB-2009
Rwanda, recently named among the hot top 10 travel destinations for 2009 by Lonely Planet is showcasing some of her attractions at ITB-2009 from the 11th to 15th March 2009.
(2010-02-08 04:57:27)
A Female mountain gorilla in Volcanoes Park gives birth to twins
February 7th 2011.The Volcanoes National Park is announcing the birth of twins in one group of mountain gorillas, Hirwa. The good news was announced by RDB gorilla trackers of the Hirwa group on Thursday 3rd 2011 after observing the twins, who were born to the mother called Kabatwa. The twins are both males and looked very healthy at birth.
(2011-02-07 03:52:54)
Joint News Release: Census confirms increase in population of the critically endangered Virunga mountain gorillas
Census confirms increase in population of the critically endangered Virunga mountain gorillas
(2010-12-08 01:28:26)
Nyungwe Canopy Launch: Exhilarating experience for Tourists
Nyungwe: In celebration of World Tourism Day under the theme “Tourism & Biodiversity”, Rwanda Development Board launches the Canopy Walk at Nyungwe National Park this October 15th 2010.
(2010-10-28 10:48:03)
World Environment Day & Kwita Izina
Many Species, One Planet, One Future ¡°Raising global awareness of biodiversity conservation as we give names to our gorillas¡±
(2010-05-07 03:11:58)
Rwanda: The New African Dawn Exhibits at ITB-2009
Rwanda, recently named among the hot top 10 travel destinations for 2009 by Lonely Planet is showcasing some of her attractions at ITB-2009 from the 11th to 15th March 2009.
(2010-02-08 04:57:27)
Monday, May 9, 2011
History of the terroist group Al Shabaab
Al Shabaab, which means "the youth" in Arabic, is an organized, but shifting, Islamic group in Somalia. It has had several incarnations. It is frequently referred to as a terrorist group in the media, and the U.S. State Department designanted it a terrorist group in March, 2008. However, it also may be understood as a political party, militia, and a movement.
It was founded in 2003 or 2004. Al Shabaab members are reported to be mostly adolescents and young men in thier early twenties.
For more information visit the following link:
Avenging bin Laden's death
Somalia's al Qaeda-linked rebels vowed on Saturday to avenge the killing of Osama bin Laden and said his death would not hurt thier fight to topple the country's Western-backed government.
Analysts have said bin Laden's death is unlikely to dampen the insurgency waged by Somalia's al Shabaab militants, who are regrouping amind infighting among the country's politicians after a recent government offensive.
After news broke of bin Laden's death in Pakistan, some al Shabaab combatants in the Somali capital Mogadishu wore white as a sign of grief.
"We shall redouble our jihad and we shall overpower our enemies. Osama is not the first martyr, may God rest his soul," al Shabaab spokesman Sheikh Ali Mohamud Rage told reporters on Saturday.
Eritrean history...on facebook?!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Official-Eritrean-History-Page/109124312447378
here it is everyone, the page you have all been waiting for! lol
here it is everyone, the page you have all been waiting for! lol
Posts morning of 5/9/11
If the two posts regarding Eritrea this morning aren't showing up or merely say advertisement there was a snafu where I wasn't able to post from home. I've decided to leave them up and just post new ones instead of spending the time troubleshooting it.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
2 alleged Rwandan rebel leaders face war crime charges in Germany
2 alleged Rwandan rebel leaders face war crime charges in Germany
From Diana Magnay, CNN
May 4, 2011 9:00 a.m. EDT
Ignace Murwanashyaka (pictured in 2005) and Straton Musoni are on trial in Stuttgart, Germany.
Ignace Murwanashyaka (pictured in 2005) and Straton Musoni are on trial in Stuttgart, Germany.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
Alleged rebel leaders are the first to be tried under a German law passed in 2002
The two suspects are accused of crimes against humanity
A third suspect is being held by the International Criminal Court
The alleged crimes occurred in the Democratic Republic of Congo
(CNN) -- Two Rwandan rebel leaders went on trial in Germany on Wednesday on charges of crimes against humanity, war crimes and being members of a foreign terrorist group, a court statement said.
Ignace Murwanashyaka, 47, and Straton Musoni, 49, are alleged members of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR). They are on trial at the Stuttgart high court.
The rebel group mainly comprises Hutu extremists who fled to Congo after taking part in the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
"They stand accused of controlling the strategy and tactics of the FDLR from Germany," the court said. "In this capacity they're supposed to have been responsible for 26 crimes against humanity and 39 war crimes" carried out by their militias in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2008 and 2009.
Human Rights Watch said the trial marks a milestone.
"This trial will be the first in Germany under its Code of Crimes Against International Law, adopted in June 2002, which integrates the crimes of the Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) into German criminal law and allows German courts to investigate and prosecute them wherever they are committed in the world, because of their sheer gravity," Human Rights Watch said.
2010: Rwanda's journey of progress
RELATED TOPICS
Rwanda
A third alleged rebel leader, Callixte Mbarushimana, has been transferred to the International Criminal Court to face charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Mbarushimana was arrested in Paris in October under an ICC warrant involving allegations of mass rape and other crimes committed in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
He is charged with 11 counts of crimes against humanity and war crimes including rape, gender-based persecution and property destruction by his group in 2009, an ICC statement said in October.
The ICC statement blamed the group for instigating war in Congo as part of its efforts to topple the government in neighboring Rwanda.
Mbarushimana left Rwanda in the aftermath of the war and worked for the United Nations until he was dismissed in 2001 when it was revealed that he was the subject of an investigation by the United Nations' own criminal tribunal for Rwanda.
In 2005, CNN spoke with Mbarushimana in France, where he had refugee status. He maintained his innocence.
"I am not afraid of justice. What I am afraid of is injustice, like what is taking place in Rwanda for instance, where people are not really tried properly," he said.
The ICC said Mbarushimana "has held senior positions in the political leadership of the FDLR" since 2004.
The ICC, seated at The Hague in the the Netherlands, describes itself on its website as "the first permanent, treaty based, international criminal court established to help end impunity for the perpetrators of the most serious crimes of concern to the international community."
From Diana Magnay, CNN
May 4, 2011 9:00 a.m. EDT
Ignace Murwanashyaka (pictured in 2005) and Straton Musoni are on trial in Stuttgart, Germany.
Ignace Murwanashyaka (pictured in 2005) and Straton Musoni are on trial in Stuttgart, Germany.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
Alleged rebel leaders are the first to be tried under a German law passed in 2002
The two suspects are accused of crimes against humanity
A third suspect is being held by the International Criminal Court
The alleged crimes occurred in the Democratic Republic of Congo
(CNN) -- Two Rwandan rebel leaders went on trial in Germany on Wednesday on charges of crimes against humanity, war crimes and being members of a foreign terrorist group, a court statement said.
Ignace Murwanashyaka, 47, and Straton Musoni, 49, are alleged members of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR). They are on trial at the Stuttgart high court.
The rebel group mainly comprises Hutu extremists who fled to Congo after taking part in the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
"They stand accused of controlling the strategy and tactics of the FDLR from Germany," the court said. "In this capacity they're supposed to have been responsible for 26 crimes against humanity and 39 war crimes" carried out by their militias in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2008 and 2009.
Human Rights Watch said the trial marks a milestone.
"This trial will be the first in Germany under its Code of Crimes Against International Law, adopted in June 2002, which integrates the crimes of the Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) into German criminal law and allows German courts to investigate and prosecute them wherever they are committed in the world, because of their sheer gravity," Human Rights Watch said.
2010: Rwanda's journey of progress
RELATED TOPICS
Rwanda
A third alleged rebel leader, Callixte Mbarushimana, has been transferred to the International Criminal Court to face charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Mbarushimana was arrested in Paris in October under an ICC warrant involving allegations of mass rape and other crimes committed in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
He is charged with 11 counts of crimes against humanity and war crimes including rape, gender-based persecution and property destruction by his group in 2009, an ICC statement said in October.
The ICC statement blamed the group for instigating war in Congo as part of its efforts to topple the government in neighboring Rwanda.
Mbarushimana left Rwanda in the aftermath of the war and worked for the United Nations until he was dismissed in 2001 when it was revealed that he was the subject of an investigation by the United Nations' own criminal tribunal for Rwanda.
In 2005, CNN spoke with Mbarushimana in France, where he had refugee status. He maintained his innocence.
"I am not afraid of justice. What I am afraid of is injustice, like what is taking place in Rwanda for instance, where people are not really tried properly," he said.
The ICC said Mbarushimana "has held senior positions in the political leadership of the FDLR" since 2004.
The ICC, seated at The Hague in the the Netherlands, describes itself on its website as "the first permanent, treaty based, international criminal court established to help end impunity for the perpetrators of the most serious crimes of concern to the international community."
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Namibia - Hailstorm Wipes Out Crops
A hailstorm destroyed crops and killed livestock in the Outapi, Onesi and Ruacana constituencies of the Omiusati Region last Monday, leaving people worried about their food supplies. The storm destroyed mahangu, mealies, beans and vegetable crops and even a number of goats and sheep. Bigger animals such as cattle and donkey were left with wounded eyes, noses and ears.
Malawi - Thousands Hit by Flooding
At least 4,600 families in Malawi's northern Karonga district have been affected by flooding since the beginning of April. The heavy rains caused a dyke to collapse along the North Rukuru River. The full extent of flood water damage to crops, homes, sanitation and livelihoods are still unclear.
Bill on Constitution Will Be Withdrawn in Tanzania
In Tanzania, the Constitution Reform Bill, which has sparked heated arguments at several public forums, will not be debated in Parliament, as had been expected, with information emerging that it is to be sent back to the government for redrafting.
Nation Too Broke to Organize Elections This Year
Zimbabwe is facing a $150 million defict this year. The government had set a revenue target of $2.7 billion this year, but the economy has performed poorly due to the unstable environment. The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission has submitted a budget of $400 million needed to organize elections for this year. The finance manager Tendai Biti says that Zimbabwe doesn't have it.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Sub-Saharan Africa HIV & AIDS statistics
Sub-Saharan Africa HIV & AIDS statistics
Copyright © AVERT
ref
An estimated 22.5 million people were living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa at the end of 2009, including 2.3 million children.
During 2009, an estimated 1.3 million Africans died from AIDS. Almost 90% of the 16.6 million children orphaned by AIDS live in sub-Saharan Africa.
The estimated number of adults and children living with HIV and AIDS, the number of deaths from AIDS, and the number of living orphans in individual countries in sub-Saharan Africa at the end of 2009 are shown below.
Country
People living with HIV/AIDS
Adult (15-49) prevalence %
Women with HIV/AIDS
Children with HIV/AIDS
AIDS deaths
Orphans due to AIDS
Angola
200,000
2.0
110,000
22,000
11,000
140,000
Benin
60,000
1.2
32,000
5,400
2,700
30,000
Botswana
320,000
24.8
170,000
16,000
5,800
93,000
Burkina Faso
110,000
1.2
56,000
17,000
7,100
140,000
Burundi
180,000
3.3
90,000
28,000
15,000
200,000
Cameroon
610,000
5.3
320,000
54,000
37,000
330,000
Central African Republic
130,000
4.7
67,000
17,000
11,000
140,000
Chad
210,000
3.4
110,000
23,000
11,000
120,000
Comoros
<500
0.1
<100
...
<100
<100
Congo
77,000
3.4
40,000
7,900
5,100
51,000
Côte d'Ivoire
450,000
3.4
220,000
63,000
36,000
440,000
Dem. Republic of Congo
(430,000-560,000)
(1.2-1.6)
(220,000-300,000)
(33,000-86,000)
(26,000-40,000)
(350,000-510,000)
Equatorial Guinea
20,000
5.0
11,000
1,600
<1,000
4,100
Eritrea
25,000
0.8
13,000
3,100
1,700
19,000
Gabon
46,000
5.2
25,000
3,200
2,400
18,000
Gambia
18,000
2.0
9,700
...
<1,000
2,800
Ghana
260,000
1.8
140,000
27,000
18,000
160,000
Guinea
79,000
1.3
41,000
9,000
4,700
59,000
Guinea-Bissau
22,000
2.5
12,000
2,100
1,200
9,700
Kenya
1,500,000
6.3
760,000
180,000
80,000
1,200,000
Lesotho
290,000
23.6
160,000
28,000
14,000
130,000
Liberia
37,000
1.5
19,000
6,100
3,600
52,000
Madagascar
24,000
0.2
7,300
...
1,700
11,000
Malawi
920,000
11.0
470,000
120,000
51,000
650,000
Mali
76,000
1.0
40,000
...
4,400
59,000
Mauritania
14,000
0.7
4,000
...
<1,000
3,600
Mauritius
8,800
1.0
2,500
...
<500
<1,000
Mozambique
1,400,000
11.5
760,000
130,000
74,000
670,000
Namibia
180,000
13.1
95,000
16,000
6,700
70,000
Niger
61,000
0.8
28,000
...
4,300
57,000
Nigeria
3,300,000
3.6
1,700,000
360,000
220,000
2,500,000
Rwanda
170,000
2.9
88,000
22,000
4,100
130,000
Senegal
59,000
0.9
32,000
...
2,600
19,000
Sierra Leone
49,000
1.6
28,000
2,900
2,800
15,000
South Africa
5,600,000
17.8
3,300,000
330,000
310,000
1,900,000
Swaziland
180,000
25.9
100,000
14,000
7,000
69,000
Togo
120,000
3.2
67,000
11,000
7,700
66,000
Uganda
1,200,000
6.5
610,000
150,000
64,000
1,200,000
United Rep. Of Tanzania
1,400,000
5.6
730,000
160,000
86,000
1,100,000
Zambia
980,000
13.5
490,000
120,000
45,000
690,000
Zimbabwe
1,200,000
14.3
620,000
150,000
83,000
1,000,000
Total sub-Saharan Africa
22,500,000
5.0
12,100,000
2,300,000
1,300,000
14,800,000
Notes
These estimates include all people with HIV infection, including those who have not developed symptoms of AIDS.
Adults in this page are defined as men and women aged over 15, unless specified otherwise.
Children are defined as people under the age of 15, whilst orphans are children aged under 18 who have lost one or both parents to AIDS.
Copyright © AVERT
ref
An estimated 22.5 million people were living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa at the end of 2009, including 2.3 million children.
During 2009, an estimated 1.3 million Africans died from AIDS. Almost 90% of the 16.6 million children orphaned by AIDS live in sub-Saharan Africa.
The estimated number of adults and children living with HIV and AIDS, the number of deaths from AIDS, and the number of living orphans in individual countries in sub-Saharan Africa at the end of 2009 are shown below.
Country
People living with HIV/AIDS
Adult (15-49) prevalence %
Women with HIV/AIDS
Children with HIV/AIDS
AIDS deaths
Orphans due to AIDS
Angola
200,000
2.0
110,000
22,000
11,000
140,000
Benin
60,000
1.2
32,000
5,400
2,700
30,000
Botswana
320,000
24.8
170,000
16,000
5,800
93,000
Burkina Faso
110,000
1.2
56,000
17,000
7,100
140,000
Burundi
180,000
3.3
90,000
28,000
15,000
200,000
Cameroon
610,000
5.3
320,000
54,000
37,000
330,000
Central African Republic
130,000
4.7
67,000
17,000
11,000
140,000
Chad
210,000
3.4
110,000
23,000
11,000
120,000
Comoros
<500
0.1
<100
...
<100
<100
Congo
77,000
3.4
40,000
7,900
5,100
51,000
Côte d'Ivoire
450,000
3.4
220,000
63,000
36,000
440,000
Dem. Republic of Congo
(430,000-560,000)
(1.2-1.6)
(220,000-300,000)
(33,000-86,000)
(26,000-40,000)
(350,000-510,000)
Equatorial Guinea
20,000
5.0
11,000
1,600
<1,000
4,100
Eritrea
25,000
0.8
13,000
3,100
1,700
19,000
Gabon
46,000
5.2
25,000
3,200
2,400
18,000
Gambia
18,000
2.0
9,700
...
<1,000
2,800
Ghana
260,000
1.8
140,000
27,000
18,000
160,000
Guinea
79,000
1.3
41,000
9,000
4,700
59,000
Guinea-Bissau
22,000
2.5
12,000
2,100
1,200
9,700
Kenya
1,500,000
6.3
760,000
180,000
80,000
1,200,000
Lesotho
290,000
23.6
160,000
28,000
14,000
130,000
Liberia
37,000
1.5
19,000
6,100
3,600
52,000
Madagascar
24,000
0.2
7,300
...
1,700
11,000
Malawi
920,000
11.0
470,000
120,000
51,000
650,000
Mali
76,000
1.0
40,000
...
4,400
59,000
Mauritania
14,000
0.7
4,000
...
<1,000
3,600
Mauritius
8,800
1.0
2,500
...
<500
<1,000
Mozambique
1,400,000
11.5
760,000
130,000
74,000
670,000
Namibia
180,000
13.1
95,000
16,000
6,700
70,000
Niger
61,000
0.8
28,000
...
4,300
57,000
Nigeria
3,300,000
3.6
1,700,000
360,000
220,000
2,500,000
Rwanda
170,000
2.9
88,000
22,000
4,100
130,000
Senegal
59,000
0.9
32,000
...
2,600
19,000
Sierra Leone
49,000
1.6
28,000
2,900
2,800
15,000
South Africa
5,600,000
17.8
3,300,000
330,000
310,000
1,900,000
Swaziland
180,000
25.9
100,000
14,000
7,000
69,000
Togo
120,000
3.2
67,000
11,000
7,700
66,000
Uganda
1,200,000
6.5
610,000
150,000
64,000
1,200,000
United Rep. Of Tanzania
1,400,000
5.6
730,000
160,000
86,000
1,100,000
Zambia
980,000
13.5
490,000
120,000
45,000
690,000
Zimbabwe
1,200,000
14.3
620,000
150,000
83,000
1,000,000
Total sub-Saharan Africa
22,500,000
5.0
12,100,000
2,300,000
1,300,000
14,800,000
Notes
These estimates include all people with HIV infection, including those who have not developed symptoms of AIDS.
Adults in this page are defined as men and women aged over 15, unless specified otherwise.
Children are defined as people under the age of 15, whilst orphans are children aged under 18 who have lost one or both parents to AIDS.
Africa Education Initiative: Ambassador's Girls' Scholarship Program Replaces Child Labor with Homework in Liberia
Africa Education Initiative: Ambassador's Girls' Scholarship Program Replaces Child Labor with Homework in Liberia
December 21, 2007. Montserrado County, Liberia
Beatrice Roberts has an intense gaze for a 6th grader and stands erect at the podium of a small church next to her school in the Soul Clinic community of Paynesville, a rural suburb of Liberia's capital, Monrovia. She speaks words of thanks for the Ambassador's Girls' Scholarship Program, part of President Bush's $600 million, nine-year Africa Education Initiative (AEI) run by USAID.
In front of the packed congregation U.S. Ambassador Donald Booth and Acting USAID Mission Director Rick Scott presented 37 girls with scholarships, backpacks stuffed with school supplies, and an enthusiastic handshake, a moment captured in a snapshot that each girl will also receive. Also looking on as Beatrice speaks are the principal of her school-the Maggie Lampkins Institute-Soul Clinic community leaders, the managers of the scholarship program, the media, classmates, the other scholarship recipients and their families, and perhaps most important of all for Beatrice, her grandmother.
When you meet Phebe Joe Roberts you understand where her granddaughter gets the intense gaze and stoic pose. She is raising eight grandchildren as their parents-her children-were all lost to the 14-year war that ended a few years ago. The education system and the entire country is rebuilding from ruin, as is her family. She breaks rocks to make a living. Beatrice used to help out by selling charcoal. The case of the Roberts family is typical of others in the audience, there to see their girls receive scholarships on this day.
In Liberia, in 2008 1,070 girls, like Beatrice at risk of dropping out of school, receive scholarships to cover school fees, textbooks, copybooks, backpacks, uniforms, shoes, pencils, and pens. Also at the awards ceremony, Ambassador Booth announced that, partly due to overwhelming demand from communities and local government, for the first time 619 boys will be eligible to receive scholarships this year.
Students in 19 schools, largely public, participate in the program. For girls who have more than an hour's walk to school, the scholarships provide bicycles. Boston-based World Education manages the program for USAID's Africa Bureau with local partners Children Assistance Program Inc. in Montserrado County and Development Education Network-Liberia in Bong County.
Since the program began in the 2004-2005 school year, a total of 2,642 scholarships have been awarded to primary school girls in these two counties. The scholarships are awarded competitively by a board consisting of representatives from the Ministries of Education and Gender and Development, USAID, UNICEF, NGO partners, community leaders, teachers, and health workers. Students from very poor households or those who are disabled, orphaned, or affected by HIV/AIDS are invited to go through the application, interview, and screening process.
If they are selected, the children no longer have to worry about going to and staying in school. As Beatrice tells an inquiring visitor after the ceremony, "I don't have to get up in the dark and sell coal anymore." Her classmate and co-awardee, Jasmine Yarziah, eagerly chimes in. "I'm so glad I don't have to pick and sell potato greens anymore to get the school fees. I had to walk all that way before going to school." Asked what she liked best about the program Beatrice shyly grins for the first time and says, "The uniform." For her it is not only a source of school pride, but also personal dignity, "I don't get kicked out of school anymore for not paying the fee or not having the supplies." While they appear to be 11 and 12, Beatrice is 15 and Jasmine is 16, and making up for the lost years of education.
Poster board signs prepared by the students with guidance from the teachers surround the speakers at the event: "Thanks to the U.S. government through USAID. God bless you"; "Long live Ambassador Booth and delegation"; "Education is better than silver or gold." A more spontaneous expression of the children's excitement at the visitors and the awards erupts after a group photo outside their school, too small to accommodate the day's crowd, as they sing multiple rounds of "We Wish You a Merry Christmas!" to the American delegation. It is the Friday before Christmas and the New Year looks promising to the girls, their families, and the community of Soul Clinic, Liberia.
Margaret Sancho-Morris is USAID Education Team Leader for Liberia and Gib Brown is Basic Education Advisor.
December 21, 2007. Montserrado County, Liberia
Beatrice Roberts has an intense gaze for a 6th grader and stands erect at the podium of a small church next to her school in the Soul Clinic community of Paynesville, a rural suburb of Liberia's capital, Monrovia. She speaks words of thanks for the Ambassador's Girls' Scholarship Program, part of President Bush's $600 million, nine-year Africa Education Initiative (AEI) run by USAID.
In front of the packed congregation U.S. Ambassador Donald Booth and Acting USAID Mission Director Rick Scott presented 37 girls with scholarships, backpacks stuffed with school supplies, and an enthusiastic handshake, a moment captured in a snapshot that each girl will also receive. Also looking on as Beatrice speaks are the principal of her school-the Maggie Lampkins Institute-Soul Clinic community leaders, the managers of the scholarship program, the media, classmates, the other scholarship recipients and their families, and perhaps most important of all for Beatrice, her grandmother.
When you meet Phebe Joe Roberts you understand where her granddaughter gets the intense gaze and stoic pose. She is raising eight grandchildren as their parents-her children-were all lost to the 14-year war that ended a few years ago. The education system and the entire country is rebuilding from ruin, as is her family. She breaks rocks to make a living. Beatrice used to help out by selling charcoal. The case of the Roberts family is typical of others in the audience, there to see their girls receive scholarships on this day.
In Liberia, in 2008 1,070 girls, like Beatrice at risk of dropping out of school, receive scholarships to cover school fees, textbooks, copybooks, backpacks, uniforms, shoes, pencils, and pens. Also at the awards ceremony, Ambassador Booth announced that, partly due to overwhelming demand from communities and local government, for the first time 619 boys will be eligible to receive scholarships this year.
Students in 19 schools, largely public, participate in the program. For girls who have more than an hour's walk to school, the scholarships provide bicycles. Boston-based World Education manages the program for USAID's Africa Bureau with local partners Children Assistance Program Inc. in Montserrado County and Development Education Network-Liberia in Bong County.
Since the program began in the 2004-2005 school year, a total of 2,642 scholarships have been awarded to primary school girls in these two counties. The scholarships are awarded competitively by a board consisting of representatives from the Ministries of Education and Gender and Development, USAID, UNICEF, NGO partners, community leaders, teachers, and health workers. Students from very poor households or those who are disabled, orphaned, or affected by HIV/AIDS are invited to go through the application, interview, and screening process.
If they are selected, the children no longer have to worry about going to and staying in school. As Beatrice tells an inquiring visitor after the ceremony, "I don't have to get up in the dark and sell coal anymore." Her classmate and co-awardee, Jasmine Yarziah, eagerly chimes in. "I'm so glad I don't have to pick and sell potato greens anymore to get the school fees. I had to walk all that way before going to school." Asked what she liked best about the program Beatrice shyly grins for the first time and says, "The uniform." For her it is not only a source of school pride, but also personal dignity, "I don't get kicked out of school anymore for not paying the fee or not having the supplies." While they appear to be 11 and 12, Beatrice is 15 and Jasmine is 16, and making up for the lost years of education.
Poster board signs prepared by the students with guidance from the teachers surround the speakers at the event: "Thanks to the U.S. government through USAID. God bless you"; "Long live Ambassador Booth and delegation"; "Education is better than silver or gold." A more spontaneous expression of the children's excitement at the visitors and the awards erupts after a group photo outside their school, too small to accommodate the day's crowd, as they sing multiple rounds of "We Wish You a Merry Christmas!" to the American delegation. It is the Friday before Christmas and the New Year looks promising to the girls, their families, and the community of Soul Clinic, Liberia.
Margaret Sancho-Morris is USAID Education Team Leader for Liberia and Gib Brown is Basic Education Advisor.
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