[youth development in Nigeria] Apply: Mary Robinson Award for Young Women's L...

If you are a young woman, under the age of 30, involved in Human Rights
work - Please nominate yourself for the Mary Robinson Award for Young
Women's Leadership in Human Rights.

The deadline for submission of the reviewed nomination is October 31,
2010. Download the Nomination form at
http://www.worldywcacouncil.org/Mary-Robinson-Award or find attached.
Email the completed form to maryrobinsonaward@worldywca.org

The World YWCA established the Mary Robinson Award for Young Women's
Leadership in Human Rights to recognise young women leaders and human
rights activists. The first recipients of the award will be honoured and
celebrated during the International Women's Summit in Zurich,
Switzerland from July 12 - 13, 2011.

The award recognises:

1.      A young YWCA human rights activist
2.      A young woman human rights activist from the broader community
of partners working on human rights
3.      A member association that demonstrates exemplary support and
promotion of young women's leadership in the field of human rights.

Mary Robinson is a renowned human rights activist and a trailblazer for
women's rights and leadership, was the first woman President of Ireland
(1990-1997) and former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
(1997-2002). She has spent most of her life as a human rights advocate.
As an academic (Trinity College Law Faculty 1968-90), legislator
(Senator 1969-89) and barrister (1967-90, Senior Counsel 1980, English
Bar 1973) she has always sought to use law as an instrument for social
change, arguing landmark cases before the European Court of Human
Rights, the Irish courts and the European Court in Luxemburg. Mary
Robinson served as Chair for the Council of Women World Leaders and is
presently leading Realising Rights: the Ethical Globalisation
Initiative.

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Posted By rotimi to youth development in Nigeria at 9/30/2010 06:04:00 AM

[youth development in Nigeria] Apply: ICRC Young Reporter Competition - Deadl...

Participate in the ICRC Young Reporter Competition and get an inside look at the ICRC's humanitarian action, in collaboration with national Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The five best entries will win a one-week mission to ICRC delegations in Senegal, Georgia, Lebanon, Liberia and the Philippines. You will get to interview young people affected by armed conflict or other situations of violence and have a chance to report back to your peers, using your own words and creative talents. With the guidance and coaching of an ICRC communication specialist, selected candidates will produce a news report on their mission—in print or film—to be published and/or shown in a variety of media outlets. The finished products will be presented during a ceremony held in Geneva, Switzerland, around May 8, 2011.

To see all entry requirements, see their website:

http://www.icrc.org/web/eng/siteeng0.nsf/htmlall/youth-competition-2010

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Posted By rotimi to youth development in Nigeria at 9/30/2010 12:28:00 AM

[youth development in Nigeria] Apply: Crossing Borders, Global studies

The Crossing Borders Global Studies is a unique programme designed for
internationally-minded and socially-committed applicants from around
the world. The programme focuses on current institutional, cultural,
environmental, conflict and citizenship dimensions of globalization,
including the UN 2015 Millennium Development Goals. The programme
includes introduction to Danish society and culture and study tours
around Denmark.

What does the scholarship cover?

The scholarship covers full tuition, food, accommodation in double
room during the semester period 9 January to 11 June 2011, including 2
week study tour around Denmark.

Who is the scholarship for?
To be considered, scholarship applicants must be
• from Muslim countries
• aged between 20 and 30 years old
• active in youth, grassroots or civil society organisations in their countries
• interested in contributing to the peaceful development of their communities
• eager to contribute with articles and/or other media production
about their countries
• willing to share experience, knowledge and exchange ideas with
fellow youth from different cultures.


How to apply
• Fill out the online application form:
http://krogerup.dk/Application-Form-in-English
• Send by email a motivation letter of 250-300 words to
garba@krogerup.dk together with 2 recommendation letters from two
different youth, public or civil society organisations and an update
CV.

Application deadline
Application deadline is 15 October 2010

For more information on:
Visit: http://krogerup.dk/Crossing-Borders-Global-Studies,175 and
www.crossing-borders.org
For more information on the Foundation, visit:
http://www.davidmus.dk/en/information.

For further information, contact

Garba Diallo
garba@krogerup.dk
tel. +45 49213371 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              +45 49213371      end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Krogerupvej 9, 3050 Humlebaek, Denmark

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Posted By rotimi to youth development in Nigeria at 9/29/2010 09:06:00 AM

Y! Empire :)

young. nigerian. It's called Y!
I think you'll love it. Look what I found on the site, for example:

Fight Poverty
Posted by Y! Magazine Online in The Money Maestro,
Glory Enyinnaya

Biola Johnson was an upwardly mobile engineer climbing the career ladder steadily. One day his company became the victim of a hostile take-over and the next day, he was tossed out on his ear. Ijeoma Nwosu was a British-trained beautician ready to take the world of cosmetology by storm. When she was diagnosed with leukemia, her dreams came crashing down. Halima Abdul was a starry-eyed lady looking forward to relocating to the United States after wedding her heartthrob, Yusuf. When Yusuf lost his job in the stock-market crisis, the wedding had to be put on hold indefinitely.

What causes poverty? Only the naïve and insensitive think the only cause of poverty is laziness. In these days of stock market crashes, downsizing and bank failures, poverty strikes high-powered professionals, CEOs and other hard workers. The recent recession brought about by the subprime mortgage crisis in the U.S. impoverished many. How can you poverty-proof yourself so that when the tide of ‘’sudden disaster’’ comes in, you’re safe and sound?

There are a few tried-and-true habits which I’ll share with you this week.

* Pay Yourself First:

Since the ax can fall on anyone – illness, disability and layoffs – it’s best to be prepared rather than live in a bubble of invincibility. Before you cut a check for your transportation, dining or utilities, set aside 10% of your income in a savings account. The funds in this savings account should be kept frozen. This way, when tragedy falls, you’ll be cushioned from the huge blow.

* Release Yourself from Your Creditors:

What most people don’t know is that by paying the minimum monthly installments on your debts, you’re almost guaranteed to remain in debt for ages. Cut down on your indulgences and look for ways to write off huge chunks of your outstanding balance. Be proactive and find ways –even if it means calling your creditors and scheduling a meeting to discuss a rate reduction. Getting out of the debt noose is worth it.

* Think ‘’Multiple Streams of Income’’:

Having a primary source of income that pays all your living expenses and then some is a luxury few people are able to enjoy. Still, it doesn’t hurt to have a business on the side. Job security is a joke, and there’s no loyalty in the corporate world. You can be your bosses’ right hand man today, and out on the streets tomorrow. Don’t let them get the last laugh.

Access to Capital: It's slowly increasing.

Source
ALF SIGNS TRAINEES LOAN AGREEMENT WITH NERFUND
The Africa Leadership Forum (ALF) April 7, 2010 in Abuja, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Economic Reconstruction Fund (NERFUND) to provide single digit interest loans to trainees of the Entrepreneurship Development Centre, Lagos.

The disbursement of the loan will be monitored by both NERFUND and the ALF to ensure that beneficiaries merit and have produced bankable business plans approved by the Business Development unit of the EDC, Lagos. Each loan has a maximum tenure of three years with a six to nine months moratorium. All the trainees with business in productive sector can benefit from the scheme. First batch of business plan submitted for risk analysis and assessment. Disbursement will follow as soon as this exercise is completed.

According to the MOU selected beneficiaries must established their businesses under the supervision of ALF-EDC and NERFUND and they must be graduates of the EDC, Lagos whose businesses are registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission. Each of the beneficiaries would be required to provide 10 percent of value of the proposed business and also provide copies of their EDC training certificate and business plan endorsed by the Centre.
The terms are further clarified that small enterprises are the primary focus “with the possibility to cover small and medium enterprises later”. Such enterprises are also expected to engage in direct production of goods and services “with not less than sixty percent (60%) local content”.

It is also meant for starting new businesses as well as business expansion for those trained under the EDC scheme. The MOU was signed on behalf of ALF by Mr. Ayodele Aderinwale, its Executive Director, while the Managing Director of NERFUND, Mr. Baba Maina Gimba endorsed the agreement for the Fund. Also present were the Project Director, EDC, Lagos, Dr. Olumide Ajayi; NERFUND Project Legal Adviser, Mrs. I. Ike.
Other government agencies that signed similar MOU with NERFUND include National Centre for Women’s Development, National Directorate for Employment (NDE) and Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agencies (SMEDAN).

The EDC Lagos, operated by the Africa Leadership Forum, is the implementing Agency (IA) for the South West geopolitical zone of the CBN Entreprenuership Development Project. It has trained 7,881 and counseled 8,501 clients since inception in April 2008. Furthermore, the Centre has trained thousands of clients of the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA). Currently, the Centre is working with Ekiti State Government and to date, 97 graduates of Ekiti State origin have undergone a three- month training programme, while the second phase of 103 graduates is due to commence shortly. In similar vein, EDC is partnering with the Foundation for Skills Development (FSD), Lift Above Poverty (LAPO), New Life Empowerment Initiative and other non-governmental organizations in the execution of its mandate.

[youth development in Nigeria] Apply: 2010 Voices of Our Future

 

Join the Revolution. YOU are a Voice of Our Future.

Welcome to the Voices of Our Future Applicants group! By joining this group, you are embarking on an exciting journey to the frontiers of new media and global womenʼs empowerment. We are thrilled you have decided to apply.

What is Voices of Our Future?

Voices of Our Future is an online training program in Web 2.0, citizen journalism, and empowerment for emerging grassroots women leaders. Thirty applicants will be selected to become Correspondents (the title we give to program participants) and take part in the full five-month long program. They will gain the tools and knowledge to amplify their voices and speak to the world; overcome barriers and challenges to achieving their dreams through empowerment coaching; and raise awareness about the real issues they, their families, and communities face through opportunities for publication on the World Pulse website, magazine and through partner media organizations.

Benefits of the program include:

• Web 2.0 and citizen journalism training via phone and Internet by renowned experts, including The Press Institute and The Op-Ed Project
• Mentoring sessions and support via phone and Internet from an Empowerment Mentor selected by the Empowerment Institute
• Opportunities for publication
• Opportunities to connect with grassroots women leaders from around the globe
• Personal development, including increased self-awareness, confidence, and empowered leadership
• Professional development, including improved Internet communication skills, writing skills, decision-making, and networking
• Nurturing and collaborative relationships with women, and our allies, across the globe
• Increased visibility and resources for issues and challenges you and/or your community face
• Technology stipend to offset communication costs*

How Do We Select Applicants?

During the course of the four-week application process, you will be given a set of learning materials through the Voices of Our Future Applicants Classroom, and asked to complete an associated writing assignment. A panel of staff and selected volunteers, called Listeners, will choose 30 applicants based on the following criteria:

• Completion of all assignments
• Expression of a positive vision for the future and solutions-oriented writing
• Commitment to promote global issues through the eyes of women
• Communication of personal experience as an underrepresented voice in your community, nation, or world; living in a developing country or conflict zone; or facing discrimination on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, race, or social class
• Demonstration of leadership on a personal, community, national, or global level

You will have the opportunity to demonstrate the above criteria through your writing assignments and through your interaction with staff, other applicants, and our online community on PulseWire. We encourage you to reach out during this process and begin (or expand!) to build your own online community and discover the amazing women who are active on PulseWire every day. Read about the women who participated in Voices of Our Future in 2009 and add them to your community!

How do I apply?

The application embodies the spirit of Web 2.0. You will need regular and reliable access to the Internet throughout the process.
Step 1: Join this group by September 14, 2010. Simply click on the orange Join button above. If you are not currently registered or logged in to World Pulse, you will be taken to the Login | Registration page. Once you have completed the registration, you will be directed back to this page, and then you can click the Join button above. This group serves as a space where you can ask questions and receive feedback and support from World Pulse staff and other applicants.
Step 2: After you click "Create New Account" a welcome e-mail will be sent to the e-mail address you used to register. You MUST log into your e-mail account, open this message, and click on the link to verify your account before you can post in PulseWire.
Step 3: After you have joined this group, please read the post titled "Welcome to the Voices of Our Future Applicants Group 2010". This post can be found under the Group Journal tab at the top of the page. Please fill out the short intake survey before September 15th (required). Then, jump in! Begin a dynamic dialogue with other women in this group and on PulseWire, build your network, and exchange stories, solutions, and information.
Step 4: From September 15th through October 13th, applicants will be given a series of four (4) assignments to complete. Our panel of Listeners will choose the top 30 most impressive applicants based on the criteria above by October 31st.
Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to speak for yourself to the world and advance your dreams for social change.
Apply Today!

Important Dates

September 14, 2010	Last day to join Voices of Our Future Applicants group.
September 15, 2010	Application process begins.
October 13, 2010	Application process ends.
October 31, 2010	Correspondents announced!
November 15, 2010	Voices of Our Future Program begins.
April 7, 2011	Voices of Our Future Program ends.

We welcome women's organizations, NGOs, and other civil society groups to encourage women in your networks to apply for this exciting opportunity.
For complete rules, click here.
*Stipends will be determined based on individual need and circumstance.
For any further questions, please feel free to contact scott@worldpulse.com

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Posted By rotimi to youth development in Nigeria at 9/09/2010 06:25:00 AM

The Good Bandwagon

It's better to hustle and take care of my own business.
It's best if I just make as much money as possible to defend against the horrors of the society. Remember that money can buy an SUV (to oppress potholes), a generator (to give the middle finger to NEPA), a ticket (to win a seriously high-paying job in future elections), a good address (to impress ladies) etc etc.
But before you join the band of hustlers, read this:

I was at a great seminar this week for future parliamentary staff, where I got some good answers to the question that has been on my mind for a while now:
WHy WOrk for tHe CoMmoN GOOD?
I ask this because some wonderful, talented, frankly great people are dropping out of the good wagon. They're looking around and saying, "Oh boy, I'm on my own o. I better just get money." In Lagos, many people already said this long time ago. They have their very good reasons for concluding that individual hustle is the answer, but they may be wrong, and in fact they may be making life worse for themselves by their choices.

Dr. A. Momoh in his answer to my question suggested a utilitarian argument for why common good is worth working for. Here is a scenario explaining the utility argument:

(A) I put in 10 units of effort and get 10 units of good... for myself, versus (B) I put in same effort and get 1 unit of good for each of 200 people, myself included.
Hey, then you see I just created 20 times more good. That's a higher utility/good. For high-minded people, this is a sufficient argument, since more good is created.

But not everybody is so high-minded. For normal selfish people, the question is "how many my share?" The scenario below shows that when we work for the common good, my own share also increases.

Imagine a society of 200 people all putting in 10 units of effort (but we will say later if they are working like A or like B), read on to see the amount of good in their lives:

(A) All selfish people putting in 10 units of effort each, will produce 2000 units of good (the citizens enjoy 10 units each.)

(B) All community-serving people putting in 10 units of effort each, will produce 40000 units of good (the citizens enjoy 200 units each. Wow. Now everybody wants to become a citizen of this community.)

Can you believe that it only takes 5% people being selfless to DOUBLE the good we each get.

If 11 people are community-serving, with 189 selfish, but remember all 200 make the same 10 units of effort, they will produce a total of 4090 units of good (the citizens enjoy more than 20 units each.)

From another speaker A. Sanusi's segment I gained an understanding of what Hobbes' Common-Wealth means. There is individual wealth, there is also common wealth. Join the bandwagon and invest.