As promised, here is a copy of the President Atta Mills' third State of the Nation Address - "Raising Ghana to the Next Level" - which was delivered earlier on today (17th February 2011). It is rather lengthy, so instead of posting the whole speech I'll highlight a few key areas (education, youth and - after the jump - corruption). If you want to see a copy of the full text, click here.
Here's what he had to say on education:
Madam Speaker, this year, we will further intensify our commitment to free exercise books, free school uniforms and turn more schools under trees into brick and mortar classroom blocks.
We will also expand the Capitation Grant as well as the School Feeding Programme support.
The latter program has been restructured in such a way that the development partners which earlier pulled out on account of poor financial and procurement audit reports are considering resuming their financial support for the programme
Government will continue to provide incentives and motivation packages for teachers, especially those in deprived areas.
Madam Speaker, in the coordinated programme of economic and social development policies I referred to earlier, we have noted the rate at which the computerized placement mechanism is blocking access to second cycle education by pupils from basic schools in the catchment areas.
It has therefore been decided that from the 2011-12 academic year, the policy of selecting 30% of first year students from within 10-mile radius of where schools are situated will be restored.
Madam Speaker, the Ministry of Environment Science and Technology has already begun distributing computer notebooks to brilliant but needy science students.
In line with Government’s vision to expand ICT infrastructure development, this Administration has also put in place a Tertiary Institutions Internal Access Programme (TIIAP) of institutions to benefit from a discounted laptop scheme.
The first batch of beneficiaries of the Mathematics, Science and Technology Scholarship Scheme as promised in our manifesto will be awarded scholarships before the end of March.
The scheme covers needy but brilliant science biased students in second cycle and tertiary level institutions.
Madam Speaker, Government will continue to support the expansion of especially tertiary education including those in the private sector but will not allow a mushrooming of institutions without the appropriate accreditation.
As you are aware I have already cut the sod for work to begin on the promised two additional public universities in the Volta and Brong Ahafo Regions.
Madam Speaker, the sod-cutting for the commencement of works on the construction of the University of Health and Allied Sciences in the Volta Region, as well as the University of Energy and Natural Resources in the Brong Ahafo Region, is ample testimony to our commitment to breathe life into our manifesto pledges.
Here's what he had to say on the youth:
...The Youth and Sports Ministry is being tasked to collaborate with the GFA and private stakeholders to rebuild colts football as a base for the growth of Ghana’s football.
Other sporting disciplines will also be used as rallying points to harness the potential of the youth.
Madam Speaker, we are going make an effort to reorient the psyche of our youth towards what we consider to be Ghanaian values – especially on the issue of moral consciousness.
The Ministry of Education will be working in conjunction with the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Culture as well as the relevant state and private entities to reinforce Arts and Culture Festivals in second cycle institutions.
Also, Choral Festivals will be organized from the district to the national level.
The idea is to have a National Festival of Arts, Culture and Choral Music championed by the youth to reignite their sense of belonging.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
State of the Nation Address
President Mills will deliver a State of the Nation's Address to Parliament later on this morning. I will post a copy (or link to) the full text when it becomes available. For now though, here's what you can expect according to the Daily Graphic:
The fight against the drug menace, efforts to improve on education and health as well job-creation and governance will feature prominently, in the address.
There are strong indications that key drug cases in the past will be reviewed and measures taken to discourage the country being used as a subsidiary for drug trade and a sanctuary for the drug barons.
This year's address, which is the third to be delivered by President John Evans Atta Mills, would encompass all the ingredients of the better Ghana agenda, a highly government source told the Daily Graphic in Accra yesterday on what he thought would be the dominant features of the President's address.
The source said although the address would reflect all aspects of the "action year" as declared by the President, priority attention would be placed on sensitive areas such as security, agriculture, youth employment, job-creation, education and housing.
On education, the source said the President would focus on the achievements of his administration, particularly the free uniform programme for children in public schools, the elimination of schools under trees through the construction of more classrooms, the increase in the capitation grant and the initiative to establish two public universities in the Volta and Brong Ahafo regions.
The President would also highlight the historical feat chalked up by his administration in cutting the sod for work to begin on the housing project that would provide accommodation for the security services.
On youth development, the source said the, "future belongs to the youth and so it is important that the youth buy into the 'Better Ghana' agenda and become an integral part of that vision".
On governance, the President would credit his administration for setting up the Constitutional Review Commission to look at the aspects of the constitutions about which concerns had been raised.
The President is expected to speak on food and food security pointing out the gains chalked up, particularly how rice importation had gone down by 120 million dollars.
The fight against the drug menace, efforts to improve on education and health as well job-creation and governance will feature prominently, in the address.
There are strong indications that key drug cases in the past will be reviewed and measures taken to discourage the country being used as a subsidiary for drug trade and a sanctuary for the drug barons.
This year's address, which is the third to be delivered by President John Evans Atta Mills, would encompass all the ingredients of the better Ghana agenda, a highly government source told the Daily Graphic in Accra yesterday on what he thought would be the dominant features of the President's address.
The source said although the address would reflect all aspects of the "action year" as declared by the President, priority attention would be placed on sensitive areas such as security, agriculture, youth employment, job-creation, education and housing.
On education, the source said the President would focus on the achievements of his administration, particularly the free uniform programme for children in public schools, the elimination of schools under trees through the construction of more classrooms, the increase in the capitation grant and the initiative to establish two public universities in the Volta and Brong Ahafo regions.
The President would also highlight the historical feat chalked up by his administration in cutting the sod for work to begin on the housing project that would provide accommodation for the security services.
On youth development, the source said the, "future belongs to the youth and so it is important that the youth buy into the 'Better Ghana' agenda and become an integral part of that vision".
On governance, the President would credit his administration for setting up the Constitutional Review Commission to look at the aspects of the constitutions about which concerns had been raised.
The President is expected to speak on food and food security pointing out the gains chalked up, particularly how rice importation had gone down by 120 million dollars.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Competition: Google Africa's Young Minds
Google Africa is giving the chance to 12 young people (aged 18-24) the chance to take part in their annual Zeitgeist event. Here's more information from their blog:
Young Minds is a competition supported by Google and hosted on YouTube, seeking the pioneers, change-makers and leaders of tomorrow. They will take part in a special programme of masterclasses and workshops run near London in May 2011.
From February 1st till March 21st, the search is on at www.zeitgeistyoungminds.com to find 12 exceptional, motivated and inspiring 18-24 year-olds from across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, who are making a positive impact on their world.
Winners will be invited to participate in Google’s annual Zeitgeist event, where previous speakers have included Archbishop Desmond Tutu, former US President Bill Clinton, Black Eyed Peas superstar Will.i.am and global entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson.
Zeitgeist Young Minds is an incredible platform for future world-changers to meet some of the most powerful and inspiring people on the planet today.
For a chance of winning a place at Zeitgeist 2011, applicants simply need to upload a video telling their story, explaining what matters to them, and showing how they’re making a positive impact on the world to www.zeitgeistyoungminds.com
21 years of freedom
Reblogged from ONE:
As of today, February 11 will go down in history for two very important events: the day that Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak stepped down from power, and the day that Nelson Mandela was freed from prison.
Mr. Mandela was freed from prison 21 years ago. He served 27 years in the Robben Island prison, located offshore of Capetown, South Africa, because of his involvement in the anti-apartheid movement. During his prison sentence, Mandela became a symbol of the struggle against racism.
While in prison, Mandela famously said, “I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society, in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunity. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and achieve. But, if need be, my Lord, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.”
He was elected president of South Africa in 1994 and became the country’s first black president. His work in social justice continues to be celebrated—he received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 for his work in liberating South Africa from apartheid rule. In 1998, Congress awarded Mr. Mandela the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor for his fight against discrimination and oppression.
In honor of the 21st anniversary of Mr. Mandela’s release from prison, Rep. Waters commented, “President Mandela is an inspiration to millions of people in South Africa and around the world, and on this anniversary we honor him and the many South Africans who put their lives on the line by confronting racism and discrimination head-on.”
Mr. Mandela’s struggle against apartheid is still important today. Mr. Mandela never lost hope that all South Africans would be treated equally, and he never compromised with the apartheid government.
*The 11th of February is also the date the royal regime was overthrown in Iraq (in 1979).
As of today, February 11 will go down in history for two very important events: the day that Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak stepped down from power, and the day that Nelson Mandela was freed from prison.
Mr. Mandela was freed from prison 21 years ago. He served 27 years in the Robben Island prison, located offshore of Capetown, South Africa, because of his involvement in the anti-apartheid movement. During his prison sentence, Mandela became a symbol of the struggle against racism.
While in prison, Mandela famously said, “I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society, in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunity. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and achieve. But, if need be, my Lord, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.”
He was elected president of South Africa in 1994 and became the country’s first black president. His work in social justice continues to be celebrated—he received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 for his work in liberating South Africa from apartheid rule. In 1998, Congress awarded Mr. Mandela the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor for his fight against discrimination and oppression.
In honor of the 21st anniversary of Mr. Mandela’s release from prison, Rep. Waters commented, “President Mandela is an inspiration to millions of people in South Africa and around the world, and on this anniversary we honor him and the many South Africans who put their lives on the line by confronting racism and discrimination head-on.”
Mr. Mandela’s struggle against apartheid is still important today. Mr. Mandela never lost hope that all South Africans would be treated equally, and he never compromised with the apartheid government.
*The 11th of February is also the date the royal regime was overthrown in Iraq (in 1979).
Mini Seminar: Sex Sense
On Friday, Ben Ahunu took our second Mini Seminar of the term. It was a highly interactive session that was not only informative but enjoyed by all. Mr. Ahunu structured his talk on the first five books of the Bible. I'll briefly run through the main points of each.
Genesis: It is not good for man to be alone
Man was created as a social being; relationships are not only important, they are necessary. There are two kinds of relationship each man is required to have - a relationship with God and a relationship with man. People (or things) can't replace the part God is meant to fill in our lives and vice versa. Relationships must be build and maintained.
Exodus: It was not so from the beginning
This part of the discussion addressed certain paradigms that need to be set right. Remember; paradigms are the beliefs, viewpoints, ways of thinking etc we hold that shape the way we see the world. Some inaccurate paradigms are:
Leviticus: A Kingdom of Priests
Here, Mr. Ahunu outlined ways for 'Kingdom people' to form healthy relationships with people of the opposite sex. He mentioned that there are three levels of relating to other people. First we have those who mentor you (role models) - learn from them. Next we have friends - enjoy their companionship and share with them. Finally we have protégés, or those who learn from you - teach them but don't take advantage!
Numbers: When shall I?
Here we disused the ideal age - when is the best time in to 'zoom in' on a particular person for a relationship? Mr. Ahunu suggested that you're most likely to make the right choice in our late teens/tweens. That said, a more important factor than age is maturity. Are you physically, spiritually, mentally, socially and economically mature? These things are important especially considering that relationships are for the long term. Mr. Ahunu suggests that you don't engage in a relationship unless you're thinking about gettina married within the next 2 to 3 years.
Deuteronomy: What are the commandments?
This was the concluding section of our seminar, which was summed up with 10 rules - the 10 commandments of relationships if you like.
Genesis: It is not good for man to be alone
Man was created as a social being; relationships are not only important, they are necessary. There are two kinds of relationship each man is required to have - a relationship with God and a relationship with man. People (or things) can't replace the part God is meant to fill in our lives and vice versa. Relationships must be build and maintained.
Exodus: It was not so from the beginning
This part of the discussion addressed certain paradigms that need to be set right. Remember; paradigms are the beliefs, viewpoints, ways of thinking etc we hold that shape the way we see the world. Some inaccurate paradigms are:
- Some men were made for men and some women for women
- Relationships with the opposite sex must be sexual
- Love=Sex
- Young people cannot abstain from pre-marital sex
- Using a condom makes pre-marital sex ok
Leviticus: A Kingdom of Priests
Here, Mr. Ahunu outlined ways for 'Kingdom people' to form healthy relationships with people of the opposite sex. He mentioned that there are three levels of relating to other people. First we have those who mentor you (role models) - learn from them. Next we have friends - enjoy their companionship and share with them. Finally we have protégés, or those who learn from you - teach them but don't take advantage!
Numbers: When shall I?
Here we disused the ideal age - when is the best time in to 'zoom in' on a particular person for a relationship? Mr. Ahunu suggested that you're most likely to make the right choice in our late teens/tweens. That said, a more important factor than age is maturity. Are you physically, spiritually, mentally, socially and economically mature? These things are important especially considering that relationships are for the long term. Mr. Ahunu suggests that you don't engage in a relationship unless you're thinking about gettina married within the next 2 to 3 years.
Deuteronomy: What are the commandments?
This was the concluding section of our seminar, which was summed up with 10 rules - the 10 commandments of relationships if you like.
- Find Your God-given purpose
- Improve yourself
- Have a clear mental sketch of the kind of person you want (negotiables vs non-negotiables)
- Set S-M-A-R-T goals (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, time bound)
- Pray into the future
- Decide to court and not just date
- Resolve to abstain from pre-marital sex
- Watch what you watch (& listen to)
- Watch where you go
- Watch what you touch and with what (declare boundaries & remember - hormones are not believers!!)
Friday, February 11, 2011
History is made!!!
After 18 days of angry protests, Egypt's president Mubarak has finally decided to resign. Coinciding with the date Nelson Mandela was released from prison 21 years ago, the 11th of February is made all the more significant. Leadership and indeed common sense have finally prevailed. God bless the Egyptian people for their persistence and unity. BBC reports:
Hosni Mubarak has decided to step down as president of Egypt. In an announcement on state TV, Vice-President Omar Suleiman said Mr Mubarak had handed power to the military.
It came as thousands massed in Cairo and other Egyptian cities for an 18th day of protest to demand Mr Mubarak's resignation. Protesters responded by cheering, waving flags, embracing and sounding car horns. "The people have brought down the regime," they chanted.
Mr Suleiman said Mr Mubarak had handed power to the high command of the armed forces.
"In the name of God the merciful, the compassionate, citizens, during these very difficult circumstances Egypt is going through, President Hosni Mubarak has decided to step down from the office of president of the republic and has charged the high council of the armed forces to administer the affairs of the country," he said.
The military high command is headed by Defence Minister Mohamed Hussein Tantawi. Mr Mubarak has already left Cairo and is in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh where he has a residence, officials say. In Cairo, thousands of people are gathered outside the presidential palace, in Tahrir Square and at state TV. They came out in anger following an address by Mr Mubarak on Thursday. He had been expected to announce his resignation but instead stopped short of stepping down, transferring most powers to Mr Suleiman.
Hosni Mubarak has decided to step down as president of Egypt. In an announcement on state TV, Vice-President Omar Suleiman said Mr Mubarak had handed power to the military.
It came as thousands massed in Cairo and other Egyptian cities for an 18th day of protest to demand Mr Mubarak's resignation. Protesters responded by cheering, waving flags, embracing and sounding car horns. "The people have brought down the regime," they chanted.
Mr Suleiman said Mr Mubarak had handed power to the high command of the armed forces.
"In the name of God the merciful, the compassionate, citizens, during these very difficult circumstances Egypt is going through, President Hosni Mubarak has decided to step down from the office of president of the republic and has charged the high council of the armed forces to administer the affairs of the country," he said.
The military high command is headed by Defence Minister Mohamed Hussein Tantawi. Mr Mubarak has already left Cairo and is in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh where he has a residence, officials say. In Cairo, thousands of people are gathered outside the presidential palace, in Tahrir Square and at state TV. They came out in anger following an address by Mr Mubarak on Thursday. He had been expected to announce his resignation but instead stopped short of stepping down, transferring most powers to Mr Suleiman.
The BBC's Jon Leyne in Cairo said the announcement caught everyone by surprise, and all over the city drivers honked their horns and people fired guns into the air.
But the army takeover looks very much like a military coup, our correspondent adds. The constitution has been breached, he says, because officially it should be the speaker of parliament who takes over, not the army leadership.
'Historic change'European Union leaders reacted positively to the news of Mr Mubarak's resignation.
Foreign policy chief Baroness Ashton said the EU "respected" the decision.
"It is important now that the dialogue is accelerated leading to a broad-based government which will respect the aspirations of, and deliver stability for, the Egyptian people," she said.German Chancellor Angela Merkel welcomed the "historic change" in Egypt.
Meanwhile Iran described the recent events as a "great victory".
A senior Israeli official expressed the hope that Mr Mubarak's departure would "bring no change to its peaceful relations with Cairo".
The anti-government protests that began on 25 January were triggered by widespread unrest in Egypt over unemployment, poverty and corruption.
They followed a popular uprising in Tunisia which brought about the downfall of President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
We've been reading...
Egypt's Mubarak 'may stand down'
BBC -- Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak is to make an address on national television, amid suggestions that he is preparing to step down. A senior member of Egypt's governing party, Hossan Badrawi, has told the BBC he "hopes" Mr Mubarak will transfer power to Vice-President Omar Suleiman. The US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) says there is a "strong likelihood" that Mr Mubarak will step down soon. It comes on the 17th day of protests against his 30-year rule. Earlier, Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq told BBC Arabic that the scenario of President Mubarak stepping down was being discussed. The BBC's Lyse Doucet, in Cairo, says the fact that President Mubarak's departure is even being talked about is a huge development.
Artists use music to promote maternal health in Tanzinia
UN News -- The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has teamed up with a group of artists from the United States and Tanzania to raise awareness, through music, on the need to have better maternal health services in the East African nation, where deaths related to childbearing remain a serious challenge. The collaboration, made possible with the help of the global network of artists known as MDGFive.com, just concluded a three-day music workshop with the production of a song calling for increased attention to maternal health in the country. Goal number 5 of the eight globally agreed anti-poverty Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) calls for the reduction of maternal mortality deaths by three quarters, and the attainment of universal access to reproductive health services by the target date of 2015...
Gbagbo bans UN radio broadcasts
BBC -- The government of Ivory Coast's incumbent leader Laurent Gbagbo has officially banned UN radio broadcasts. Mr Gbagbo has refused to stand down following polls in November, which the UN peacekeeping mission in Ivory Coast say was won by Alassane Ouattara. The BBC's John James says the UN's FM frequency has already been jammed since the beginning of the crisis, but it has been using unofficial frequencies. He says it is the most widely listened to radio station in the country. Access to the international media has been severely curtailed since the disputed election results came out. It was announced on state television on Wednesday evening that the frequencies assigned to UN peacekeeping mission had been withdrawn...
Small farms, big ideas for food security
CIPE Blog -- For those who believe access to food is a soft issue, relegated to the compassionate humanitarians inspired by photos of starving children, the events of the past few weeks have shown quite the opposite: access to affordable food is the stuff of massive uprisings. High food prices were a significant catalyst that helped tip the scales in Tunisia, in Egypt, and beyond. Hunger has consequences, and unceasing hunger has long term consequences. “Chronic undernutrition leads to negative impacts on intellectual capacity, educational performance, and productivity,” according to a new campaign, 1,000 days. “Two hundred million children around the world suffer from chronic undernutrition”...
BBC -- Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak is to make an address on national television, amid suggestions that he is preparing to step down. A senior member of Egypt's governing party, Hossan Badrawi, has told the BBC he "hopes" Mr Mubarak will transfer power to Vice-President Omar Suleiman. The US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) says there is a "strong likelihood" that Mr Mubarak will step down soon. It comes on the 17th day of protests against his 30-year rule. Earlier, Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq told BBC Arabic that the scenario of President Mubarak stepping down was being discussed. The BBC's Lyse Doucet, in Cairo, says the fact that President Mubarak's departure is even being talked about is a huge development.
Artists use music to promote maternal health in Tanzinia
UN News -- The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has teamed up with a group of artists from the United States and Tanzania to raise awareness, through music, on the need to have better maternal health services in the East African nation, where deaths related to childbearing remain a serious challenge. The collaboration, made possible with the help of the global network of artists known as MDGFive.com, just concluded a three-day music workshop with the production of a song calling for increased attention to maternal health in the country. Goal number 5 of the eight globally agreed anti-poverty Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) calls for the reduction of maternal mortality deaths by three quarters, and the attainment of universal access to reproductive health services by the target date of 2015...
Gbagbo bans UN radio broadcasts
BBC -- The government of Ivory Coast's incumbent leader Laurent Gbagbo has officially banned UN radio broadcasts. Mr Gbagbo has refused to stand down following polls in November, which the UN peacekeeping mission in Ivory Coast say was won by Alassane Ouattara. The BBC's John James says the UN's FM frequency has already been jammed since the beginning of the crisis, but it has been using unofficial frequencies. He says it is the most widely listened to radio station in the country. Access to the international media has been severely curtailed since the disputed election results came out. It was announced on state television on Wednesday evening that the frequencies assigned to UN peacekeeping mission had been withdrawn...
Small farms, big ideas for food security
CIPE Blog -- For those who believe access to food is a soft issue, relegated to the compassionate humanitarians inspired by photos of starving children, the events of the past few weeks have shown quite the opposite: access to affordable food is the stuff of massive uprisings. High food prices were a significant catalyst that helped tip the scales in Tunisia, in Egypt, and beyond. Hunger has consequences, and unceasing hunger has long term consequences. “Chronic undernutrition leads to negative impacts on intellectual capacity, educational performance, and productivity,” according to a new campaign, 1,000 days. “Two hundred million children around the world suffer from chronic undernutrition”...
Stakeholders meet on USAID's project for MDGs
Ghana News Agency reports:
Stakeholders under the Behaviour Change Support Project (BCSP) that promotes the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals health targets, met in Accra on Tuesday to brainstorm among other issues on the implementation of the second year of the project. The BCSP, a four-year United States Agency for International Development (USAID) supported project, is managed by the Johns Hopkins Centre for Communication Programs (JHU/CCP) with CARE and PLAN International in partnership with the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service (GHS). It is being implemented basically in communities in the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies in three regions, namely the Greater Accra, Central and Western regions The meeting created a platform that enabled the participants to devise means of jointly mobilising district support for the implementation of the project. Giving an overview of the BCSP, Mr George Baba Ajaligbong of Care Ghana International, one of the managers of the project, said the targets for first year, especially in the area of community mobilisation and education, were exceeded.
The project covers five thematic areas, which are: Maternal, Neonatal, Child Health and Family Planning; Malaria; Nutrition; Water and Sanitation and Infrastructure and Capacity Building.
Mr Ajaligbong said for year one, 490 communities in the three regions were reached during, which a number of activities were undertaken. The activities included organisation of baseline studies, strategic development workshop, development of core Community Action Kit and integrated materials, implementation of regional specific campaigns as well as family planning and malaria campaigns.
For year two, Mr Ajaligbong said, the work plan for the partners would include selection of 25 communities, organisation of district and sub district advocacy meetings, setting terms of reference for Non Governmental Organisations, carrying out Social Analysis and Action for partners and the formation of networks in sub districts The Hope for Future Generations (HFFG), is one of three selected health NGOs selected in the Greater Accra to implement the BCS project in the second year.
Mrs Cecilia Lodonu-Senoo, Executive Director of the HFFG, said the organisation was implementing the project as a sub recipient in partnership with Care International Ghana which is the principal recipient of the funds from USAIDS. She said HFFG has the capacity given its track record in implementing similar projects in the country and noted that it was currently working with the Ghana Health Service on the MDGs.
Stakeholders under the Behaviour Change Support Project (BCSP) that promotes the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals health targets, met in Accra on Tuesday to brainstorm among other issues on the implementation of the second year of the project. The BCSP, a four-year United States Agency for International Development (USAID) supported project, is managed by the Johns Hopkins Centre for Communication Programs (JHU/CCP) with CARE and PLAN International in partnership with the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service (GHS). It is being implemented basically in communities in the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies in three regions, namely the Greater Accra, Central and Western regions The meeting created a platform that enabled the participants to devise means of jointly mobilising district support for the implementation of the project. Giving an overview of the BCSP, Mr George Baba Ajaligbong of Care Ghana International, one of the managers of the project, said the targets for first year, especially in the area of community mobilisation and education, were exceeded.
The project covers five thematic areas, which are: Maternal, Neonatal, Child Health and Family Planning; Malaria; Nutrition; Water and Sanitation and Infrastructure and Capacity Building.
Mr Ajaligbong said for year one, 490 communities in the three regions were reached during, which a number of activities were undertaken. The activities included organisation of baseline studies, strategic development workshop, development of core Community Action Kit and integrated materials, implementation of regional specific campaigns as well as family planning and malaria campaigns.
For year two, Mr Ajaligbong said, the work plan for the partners would include selection of 25 communities, organisation of district and sub district advocacy meetings, setting terms of reference for Non Governmental Organisations, carrying out Social Analysis and Action for partners and the formation of networks in sub districts The Hope for Future Generations (HFFG), is one of three selected health NGOs selected in the Greater Accra to implement the BCS project in the second year.
Mrs Cecilia Lodonu-Senoo, Executive Director of the HFFG, said the organisation was implementing the project as a sub recipient in partnership with Care International Ghana which is the principal recipient of the funds from USAIDS. She said HFFG has the capacity given its track record in implementing similar projects in the country and noted that it was currently working with the Ghana Health Service on the MDGs.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Leadership blog goldmine
Keeping up with blogs is an easy way to get up to date information on the topics that matter most to you. It's easy to find a blog on just about anything these days. The question becomes not how to find information, but where to find it.
Netherlands based blog Noop have put together a list of the top 150 Leadership and Management blogs. The list is not exhaustive, not by any means, and what they define to be 'good' by their standards may not be the same as everyone else. However, it's a great resource to have on hand; a starting point for research if you like.
They've complied a list of blogs and their corresponding Twitter pages (if they exist) which adds another helpful dimension (excuse the shameless self-promotion, but you can follow us on Twitter here if you aren't already). I've listed their top 10 blogs below; you can have a look at the full list here.
Happy blogging!
Netherlands based blog Noop have put together a list of the top 150 Leadership and Management blogs. The list is not exhaustive, not by any means, and what they define to be 'good' by their standards may not be the same as everyone else. However, it's a great resource to have on hand; a starting point for research if you like.
They've complied a list of blogs and their corresponding Twitter pages (if they exist) which adds another helpful dimension (excuse the shameless self-promotion, but you can follow us on Twitter here if you aren't already). I've listed their top 10 blogs below; you can have a look at the full list here.
| TT | Site | Author | |
| 1 | The Blog of Tim Ferriss | Tim Ferris | tferriss |
| 2 | Leading With Purpose | Michael Hyatt | michaelhyatt |
| 3 | Anthony Robbins Training Blog | Anthony Robbins | tonyrobbins |
| 4 | How to Change the World | Guy Kawasaki | guykawasaki |
| 5 | Daniel Pink | Daniel H. Pink | DanielPink |
| 6 | Management IQ - Business Week | (various) | |
| 7 | GTD Times | (various) | gtdguy |
| 8 | Life Beyond Code Blog | Rajesh Setty | UpbeatNow |
| 9 | Dispatches from the New World of Work | Tom Peters | tom_peters |
| 10 | Three Star Leadership Blog | Wally Bock | wallybock |
Happy blogging!
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