COMING SOON: FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF #AFRICA_EDUCATES_HER CAMPAIGN, A RALLYING CALL TO GET GIRLS BACK TO SCHOOL

The African Union International Centre for Girls and Women's Education in Africa (AU/CIEFFA) officially launched its #Africa Educates Her campaign on 20^th September 2020. This campaign is a rallying call to African Union Member States, education stakeholders and youth to take positive actions to ensure that girls and young women return to school as they re-open. 

We have so far received over 200 pledges, including creative submissions from African youth to help girls to return to school. Pledges include financial interventions, sanitary kits, and initiatives to support vulnerable girls.  

From these creative submissions, AU/CIEFFA selected a theme song for the campaign with the title: “I am an African girl””, written by Afrie, a young artist from Uganda, and features Ifé from Nigeria and Smarty, the UNICEF Burkina Faso Goodwill Ambassador. AU/CIEFFA facilitated the collaboration among these artists and co-produced the song and video. The song is a powerful call for Africa to continue educating girls.  

The first anniversary of the campaign offers an opportunity to officially release the theme song and music video to the world.

In the meantime we encourage you to watch the behind the scenes video of the making of the music video and to subscribe to our YouTube channels: 

Behind the Scenes Video of the "I am an African Girl" music video

Let's remember how the first and last editions was in Angola led by Sofonie Dala

 Successful conclusion of the first phase of Africa Educates Her Campaign - Angola 2020

let's clap our hands for these guys. They shared with us their coronavirus stories and how negatively it has affected their studies.

There is no doubt that their useful feedback will contribute for the betterment of society. 

Times like these – lockdown through a child’s eyes

Missing friends, school and teachers, can't go out without face masks, will repeat the academic year but enjoying spending more time with family; lockdown for children across the region has had both upsides and downsides.

Over 90% of the world’s children and students have missed out on school because of coronavirus. Children everywhere have had their lives turned upside down. Right now, their future hangs in the balance.

We spoke to children in Angola to hear how they were feeling during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how it was impacting their lives and their education.

 1. Webisode 1. Interview with Augusta. https://she-leads.blogspot.com/2020/09/africa-educates-her-campaign-with.html

2. Webisode 2. Interview with Rosa. https://sofoniedala.blogspot.com/2020/09/africa-educates-her-campaign-with.html

3. Webisode 3. Interview with Madalena. https://she-leads.blogspot.com/2020/09/africa-educates-her-campaign-angola-day.html

4. Webisode 4. Interview with Maria. https://sofoniedala.blogspot.com/2020/08/covid-19-africa-educates-her-campaign.html

5. Webisode 5. Interview with Candido. https://she-leads.blogspot.com/2020/09/covid-19-africa-educates-her-campaign_14.html

6. Webisode 6. Successful conclusion of the first phase. Interview with Patricio. https://she-leads.blogspot.com/2020/09/covid-19-we-are-celebrating-completion.html

Official launch of phase 2. Interview with teacher Eulalia. https://she-leads.blogspot.com/2020/09/we-are-pleased-to-announce-official.html

Phase 2

As prepared for delivery

Good evening, everyone, and thank you for always being here with us!

Loide Paulino is an Angolan university student and gospel singer.

Today we don't have interviews, we have a musical concert. These songs go out to all the people who were impacted by Covid-19 pandemic.

Ladies and gentlemen, meet our singer Loide with the song '' Don't let your faith fail away.'' 

COVID -19 has affected over 133 million female learners across the continent and through this campaign we seek to highlight the experiences of learners at primary, secondary and tertiary education levels during the COVID 19 related school lockdown.

We spoke to students and teachers in Angola. Over twenty girls and young ladies were interviewed. 

We also count with the participation of some boys, the gospel singer Loide Paulino and two musical groups. Moreover, we had the privilege to distribute some school and bio-safety materials to girls in need.

Ladies and gentlemen, meet our musical group with the song '' Together we'll beat Covid-19.''

The real measure of success lies in what this campaign will enable schools to create the necessary conditions to protect student's life during the time of Covid-19 pandemic and also  develop solutions to minimize the damage already caused by the pandemic and combining efforts to mitigate the current situation; which is by far the worst crisis of the 21st century.

We're Done With the Project. Now it's Time to Celebrate!

STATE MINISTER LAUNCHES WATER REHABILITATION PROJECT IN MENONGUE

Menongue - The Minister of State for Social Affairs, Carolina Cerqueira, Friday launched the Akz 1.5 billion project for rehabilitation and expansion of water distribution system in Menongue, capital of Cuando Cubango.

The project will benefit over 50,000 new consumers.

The work, as part of the Integrated Plan for Intervention in Municipalities (PIIM), will take ten months.

The project will be in two phases, the first of which will be refurbishment of the distribution grid in the old area, which covers neighbourhoods such as Azul, Cunha, Jubilei, Cambumbe, Bom Dia, Feira, São Pedro and Camaneiro, at a cost of 1.5 billion kwanzas, to be carried out by Prelundo, SA.

This first phase aims to consolidate the currently existing project, with production of 11,500 cubic metres per day, which is insufficient to serve the more than 350,000 inhabitants of the city of Menongue and outlying neighbourhoods.

The second batch is related to the adduction of the distribution network to benefit the Castilhos and Popular neighbourhoods, by the same company and for the same duration, at a cost of 1.9 billion kwanzas.

PRESIDENT JOAO LOURENÇO HONOURED IN WASHINGTON

 Luanda - The Angolan Head of State, João Lourenço, will be honoured in Washington, the first stage of his visit to the United States of America (USA), for his involvement in environmental defence initiatives, it was learned today in the Angolan capital.

A note from the Press Office of the President of the Republic said that the Angolan statesman, who leaves Luanda Saturday (18), will also participate in the general debate of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly, in New York.  

In the US capital, President Lourenço will participate Monday in the Annual Gala of the International Foundation for Conservation of the Environment (ICCF), at which he will deliver a speech in the presence of high-level political figures, both local and foreign, including the President of Colombia, Iván Duque Márquez, and numerous congressmen.

On the same day, he will take part in a round table on investments in Angola, an initiative of the United States-Angola Chamber of Commerce, where he will speak to American businesspeople and convey a message on business opportunities in Angola.

On the last day of his visit to Washington, the President will go to the Capitol for a meeting with Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi and visit the African-American History Museum, where he will meet descendants of slaves who left Angola more than 400 years ago and settled in the Virginia region, with relevant participation in the shaping of what is now known as the United States of America.

In New York, the Head of State will make his speech at the United Nations General Assembly, being the fifth speaker of the day, after the leaders of South Africa, Guyana, Botswana and Cuba.

In addition to participating in the annual general debate of the United Nations General Assembly, the President of the Republic will meet with leaders of several countries present in New York.

NI100: Michael D Higgins defends decision not to attend centenary event

Irish President Michael D Higgins has denied that he is snubbing the Queen by turning down an invitation to a church service to mark the centenary of Northern Ireland.

The president said he declined the invite because the event had become politicised.

The Queen is due to attend the event in Armagh on 21 October.

President Higgins said the title of the service made it inappropriate for him to attend as head of state.

He said the title, which states that the event will “mark the centenaries of the partition of Ireland and the formation of Northern Ireland”, was political, the Irish Times and the Belfast Telegraph has reported.

President Higgins also said he had been incorrectly referred to as the president of the Republic of Ireland in the invitation rather than the president of Ireland.

DUP criticism ‘a bit much’

Speaking from Rome where he met Pope Francis on Friday, the president said the event had started out as an invitation to a religious service but had become a political statement.

image caption Pope Francis with Irish President Michael D Higgins during his visit to the Vatican on Friday morning

“I am not snubbing anyone and I am not part of anyone’s boycott or any other events in Northern Ireland,” he said

“I wish their service well but they understand that I have the right to exercise discretion as to what I think is appropriate.”

President Higgins was speaking for the first time since news broke on Wednesday that he had declined the invitation.

The president’s decision provoked criticism in Northern Ireland, with Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson saying it was a “disappointing and retrograde step”.

However, President Higgins said criticism from the DUP was “a bit much”.

“I have gone up to Northern Ireland to take part in events. There often has not been a great deal of traffic down from the DUP people who are criticising me now.”

Sir Jeffrey said the president’s comments were “not conducive to reconciliation” and added that he was disappointed by his remarks about the DUP.

image caption President Higgins with the Queen, who has also been invited to the church service, during a visit to England in 2014

‘Correct decision’

He told BBC Radio ULster Good Morning Ulster programme on Friday morning that the church service was intended to mark the event of the centenary and “reflect where we are”.

“It is not just my party that has raised this as a concern. unionists will be disappointed,” he said.

“Failing to recognise the existence of Northern Ireland does not help anybody.”

Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald, however, tweeted that the partition of Ireland had been a “catastrophe for our people and our country”.

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.

She added: “The partition of Ireland costs us to this day, holds us back, divides us. Uachtarán na hÉireann has made clear his decision not to attend a commemorative event. His decision is the correct one.”

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood called for political leaders across the island to “pause and reflect on the weight of their words”.

He said “cynical criticism” of President Higgins’ decision not to attend the event would “not advance the cause of reconciliation, particularly when it comes from quarters that have downplayed and degraded the importance of all-island cooperation for two decades”.

“I would respectfully ask that those for whom this is disappointing reflect on the honest remarks made by President Higgins last night and understand the views of those for whom partition is not a cause for celebration or commemoration,” he added.

Once elected Irish presidents, like the Queen, are rarely criticised and are expected to be above daily politics.

So, it is no surprise there has been to date a largely muted reaction south of the border to President Higgins’ decision not to attend the centenary event organised by the four main Christian churches.

Those few voices that have asked him to reconsider his position have done so in the name of north-south reconciliation – a cause he would argue he has been to the forefront of with his first state visit to the UK by an Irish president.

Those who support his decision say no head of state of any country could acquiesce to an event that marked the partitioning of his country and caused huge harm.

In past comments, President Higgins, who was a left-wing politician, has spoken about “ethical remembrance” and reminding the British of their role in colonialism and imperialism and the legacy of that for descendants.

While his non-attendance at the event has been criticised by unionist and other politicians, it is unlikely to damage his reputation south of the border where the controversy is largely seen as – at least until now – a “political bubble” story.

Catholic Bishop of Derry Donal McKeown said he believed President Higgins was acting in good faith and would have taken very serious considerations before making a statement.

“It is really very unfortunate because I know the church leaders wanted a non-political event,” he told BBC’s Radio Foyle.

“I have no doubt this is very much a principled decision on the part of Michael D Higgins – he simply feels it would be impossible for him to be part of what he sees as a politicised event.”

Responding to President Higgins’ explanation for not attending the church service, Ulster Unionist MLA Mike Nesbitt said he had previously admired the president’s outreach.

“If there was a problem with language then there is no reason why the presidential support staff could not have opened a quiet back channel to resolve all issues of language,” he said.

‘No clear advice’ from Irish government

He added that the issue had the potential to “infect good relations and reconciliation”.

Alliance MP Stephen Farry previously called on President Higgins to reconsider his decision, saying the event was “very much in keeping with the reconciliation efforts of successive Irish presidents and the Queen”.

image caption Irish Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney says the government did not give “clear advice” on whether or not President Higgins should attend the October church service

Irish Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney travelled to Belfast on Friday to continue talks with Stormont parties as the controversy over the service continues.

Speaking ahead of another event to mark the centenary organised by the Presbyterian church, he confirmed the Irish government had been consulted about the president’s invitation to the church service.

But he said there was no “clear advice” given on whether or not he should attend.

He added President Higgins had made his own decision and that had to be respected.

The Irish government previously said the issue of attendance at the service was a matter for the president alone and any invitation for a government representative to attend would be considered.

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Covid vaccine and test passes to be introduced in Wales

 People in Wales will need to show a pass proving they have been fully vaccinated or had a negative Covid test to attend clubs and large-scale events.

The new rules begin on 11 October.

Customers will be able to use an NHS Covid Pass to show they have been vaccinated, or had a negative lateral flow test in the past 48 hours.

The pass will be needed for clubs, indoor no-seating events with more than 500 people and outdoor no-seating events with more than 4,000 people.

It will also be required for any event with more than 10,000 people.

First Minister Mark Drakeford made the announcement as part of the latest review of coronavirus restrictions, despite warnings from a nightclub trade body that the move may damage the nightclub industry.

“The last thing we want is further lockdowns and for businesses to have to close their doors once again,” he said.

“That’s why we must take small but meaningful action now to control the spread of the virus and reduce the need for tougher measures later.”

The Welsh government rejected the idea of a vaccine-only passport for large-scale events as it would discriminate against those who cannot get a vaccine, Mr Drakeford said in a news conference.

The first minister said only allowing the double-jabbed into nightclubs or sports matches raised “a series of ethical, legal and technical questions”.

Scotland is introducing vaccine passports on 1 October, but the Welsh government will use what is calls vaccine passes instead, which allow people to use a negative lateral flow test to gain entry.

Under the UK government’s winter plan, vaccine certification will be required for nightclubs and other large events in England if data suggests action is needed to “prevent unsustainable pressure on the NHS”.

The cabinet met four times this week to discuss the introduction of a Covid pass with the final decision only taken on Thursday afternoon, the first minister said.

He said the new passes were not being introduced until 11 October to allow the relevant sectors time to prepare.

“I myself am acutely aware, and the cabinet is always acutely aware, of the civil liberties implications of everything we do,” he said.

“Nobody wants to interfere with people’s liberties, other than to the extent necessary to prevent other restrictions on people’s lives.”

Those suffering from Covid-19 also had rights, he said, adding “part of their freedom is to live in a society where we take those reasonable measures to keep one another safe”.

He said the Covid pass was already freely available and venues could already read it with existing technology – with festivals such as Green Man already using the system.

“These measures are examples of what Sage [the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies] calls low cost interventions, which may be enough to prevent the need for tougher restrictions later on.”

image caption The Green Man Festival, at Crickhowell in Powys, used the technology, said the first minister

The Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats in the Senedd expressed concerns about bringing in a Covid passport scheme, and before the first minister’s announcement urged Mr Drakeford not to implement one.

One of the fears some companies have raised in Scotland is around the definition of a nightclub and ministers there are still working on it.

‘Build up our defences’

At Friday’s news conference, Mr Drakeford also said people should keep working from home where possible.

Although the guidance has no legal force, the Welsh government said it wanted to “reinforce the importance” of working from home.

Many large employers are already using “hybrid” models, with staff splitting time between home and the office.

Mr Drakeford said: “If you don’t need to be in the office, for example, please work from home whenever you can.

“In England, working from home is part of their Plan B – here in Wales is part of our Plan A and in line with that advice from Sage that we should build up our defences in the autumn and winter early.”

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