International Youth Day 2024: "From Clicks to Progress"

2024 Theme: "From Clicks to Progress"

August 12, 2024 – This date marks International Youth Day, an occasion dedicated to celebrating the vital contributions of young people in shaping our world and addressing the challenges they face. Observed annually on August 12, this day also serves as a platform for raising awareness about the socio-economic and socio-political issues that impact youth across the globe.

While challenges such as digital divide persist, young people are often considered 'digital natives', being at the forefront of adopting and innovating with new technologies. They form the largest demographic of users and developers shaping digital trends globally. As the 2030 deadline for the SDGs approaches, youth remain an essential demographic group in leveraging the transformative power of technologies to address global challenges.

In 2024, International Youth Day aims to honor the role of youth in the digital world and foster collaboration to advance sustainable development goals. Through various awareness campaigns, community events, and concerts, the day celebrates how young people can harness digital tools to contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future.

Leaving No One Behind in a Digital World

Africa has the lowest implementation of appropriate capacity development aspects with only 25% of citizens having access to basic ICT skills.” 

Africa's Mobile Gender Gap: Millions of African women still offline.

Ma'am good afternoon!

Good afternoon!

What's your name?

My name is Luisa!

How old are you?

I am 36 years old.

Why are you using this old model phone?

I'm using this phone, because life is very difficult, I can't buy a digital phone that I would like to have, due to lack of financial resources I only managed to get an old phone like this one.

Have you ever used a digital phone?

I've never used it.

Why?

I don't have the economic empowerment that would allow me to buy a digital phone.

Don't you have someone who can offer you a smartphone?

I don't have. I ask for help to acquire a digital phone.

Would you like to use one?

Yes, I would love to use it.

Do you have a computer?

I don't and have never owned a computer.

And how do you see yourself living in a world so developed in n technology, without a computer and a digital telephone? Don't you feel a little limited?

I feel very limited, I sometimes feel the need to find out about the things that happen around the world but I can't because of the lack of a digital phone and a computer.

OK thank you.

It is worrying to see thousands of Angolans behind the digital world contributing to climate change due to lack of knowledge and access to communication and information technologies.  Incomes in Africa are low and the price of mobile prices are generally quite high, if people express that in a ratio, the difference becomes  even bigger.

In Africa many regions are difficult to access — it is particularly expensive to set up infrastructure there." The costs are a challenge for most Africans, prices here are thus much higher than in other parts of the world, and especially compared to industrialized countries, mobile internet is many times more expensive than would be appropriate in view of the country's economic power.

What is the digital divide?

The digital divide refers to the gap between those able to benefit from the digital age and those who are not. 

There are various types of digital exclusion that exists, we have outlined some below to help you understand the spectrum of where an individual or community may sit within it: 

● Internet access refers to those who are able to access the internet by whatever means (including via a smartphone or through a connection in their homes). 

● Internet non-users refers to those who have never used the internet or last used it more than 3 months ago. 

● Digital skills refer to those skills that are needed to safely and competently use the internet. 

There are many reasons why digital exclusion exists reflecting socio-economic inequalities. Some variables being but not limited to: 

● Income inequality 

● Rural and remote access

 ● Gender discrimination 

● Education 

● Housing

 ● Age

 Accelerating Investments in Youth

“Resilient Youth, Resilient Africa”

 How can technology improve sustainable production, consumption, and management of resources, reduce pollution creation, and protect biodiversity to create a greener future?

Proposed Solutions:

• Developing hybrid learning platforms (web-based apps) and chatbots tailored for out-of-school women, girls, and children with disabilities.

• Creating healthy, inclusive digital environments that empower individuals and foster community growth.

• Offering non-formal training in rural areas to promote climate justice in alignment with the SDGs.

“Thinking equal, building smart, innovating for change”

This is a dynamic online community of young leaders committed to developing innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges.

WHO ARE WE?

We are relentless innovators, chosen to develop, test, and implement solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges in six focus areas: education, environment and climate change, gender equality and human rights, zero hunger, poverty alleviation, and public health.

https://talentosmultiplus.blogspot.com/2021/06/bridging-digital-divide-by-sofonie-dala.html

Enhance the capacity to measure, analyze, and act decisively on carbon emissions.

Decrease the volume and demand for materials with the highest waste impact (plastics, electronics, food, textiles) while promoting opportunities for reuse and recycling.

Develop effective and measurable strategies to promote, preserve, and protect biodiversity.

Alleviate global food insecurity through improved distribution methods and sustainable farming practices.

Ensure equitable access to sustainability solutions, education, and employment opportunities.

International Youth Day 2023 

 Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World

International Youth Day, observed annually on 12 August, shines a spotlight on youth issues and celebrates the potential of young people as key partners in today’s global society.

The theme for International Youth Day 2023, "Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World," underscores the critical need to equip young people with the skills necessary to help shape a sustainable future.

INTERVIEW

Interviewer: Hello, and Happy International Youth Day!

Joana: Hello! I'm Joana, 22 years old, and today we’re discussing green business.

Interviewer: Good afternoon, Joana!

Joana: Good afternoon.

Interviewer: Are you involved in the green business?

Joana: Yes, I am. My mom and I run a plant-selling business.

Interviewer: That’s great! Can you tell us more about your business? How do you sell the plants, who are your customers, and what are the prices like?

Joana: Sure! Many of our customers are Chinese businessmen and emigrants. When they visit us, they pick out the plants they like, and we discuss the price. We typically sell each plant for 2000 to 3000 kwanzas. If a customer asks for a discount, we negotiate and can lower the price to 2000 kz for a plant that’s originally priced at 3000 kz.

We take care of the plants by washing, watering, decorating, and packaging them nicely before selling them. Our customers appreciate this effort and often return because they’re satisfied with the service.

Interviewer: Do you also sell plants door-to-door in your neighborhood?

Joana: Yes, we do! Our neighbors frequently come to our door to buy plants. When they’re looking for a specific plant, they tell us the name, and my mom checks if we have it in the yard. If we do, we quote a price of 3000 kz, but if that’s too high for the customer, we can offer a discount down to 2000 kz.

Interviewer: Is this business profitable and sustainable?

Joana: Absolutely! The plant business is very profitable and sustainable. There’s a good margin of profit.

Interviewer: What advice would you give to young people who might not be interested in selling?

Joana: My advice is simple: if I, as a young person, can sell plants to make a living in this challenging world, so can you! Don’t just stand by waiting for your dream job to fall into your lap. Life is tough, and you can’t afford to do nothing.

Be proactive, like me, and start selling something. Selling plants is a great green business—it’s beautiful, profitable, and it can make your home look lovely.

Interviewer: Thank you, Joana.

Joana: You’re welcome! Bye, take care!

A Brief History

International Youth Day was established by the United Nations in 1999 following a proposal from the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth, which took place in Lisbon on December 17, 1999. The first celebration occurred on August 12, 2000, and since then, the day has been used to educate the public and advocate for youth-related issues.

The United Nations General Assembly began its efforts to engage and inspire young people in 1965 by promoting values such as peace, respect for others, and intercultural understanding.

REMEMBERING|| Ladies Without Plastic - Green Menstruation. Environmental challenge by Sofonie Dala, Angola. Webisode 13

Our Africa Educates her Campaign season 5 is on going

Green Menstruation - Day 13

Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, 

Welcome to our environmental challenge Women Without Plastic - Key to reduce our carbon footprints! 

This initiative will help limit the ecological damage caused by disposable pads being thrown into rivers and on the streets in rural areas where there is no municipal trash collection.

Our guests for today are mothers who prefer to use washable pads. Please meet Suzana and Isabel.

Interview with Suzana

Hi, which of these two pads do you prefer?

I prefer this one, made of cloth.

Why?

Because I'm allergic and that disposable pad causes me an infection. But as I am already used to the normal washable pad, I feel more comfortable with this.

In addition, the disposable absorbent contains many chemicals, these chemicals could cause different reactions to each user depending on the person's blood.

Some people react well and feel comfortable using disposable pads, with other people it happens the opposite.

I recommend women to use the washable pad, because we grew up using reusable pads.

Very well said. In addition to what you said, these waste menstrual products also cause ecological damage to our planet such as global warming.

Interview with Isabel

Madam Isabel good evening!

Good evening thanks.

Can you tell us which of these pads you prefer?

I prefer to use this fabric one.

Why?

Because with this fabric I feel more comfortable.

Have you ever used this disposable absorbent?

this one I don't use. I don't like it.

Don't you like this?

No.

OK. Thanks

We have underprivileged girls and young women are struggling with their menstruation cycles. Many are too poor to afford hygiene products each month. There is also the environmental factor of non-reusable pads being thrown into the rivers and land.

Reusable pads will have a long operational use, therefore it will cut down on discarded disposable pads as non-recyclable, and hazardous, waste in the community. Moreover, It will have a cost-saving effect for local young women and girls by eliminating the monthly expense of sanitary pads and tampons. 

REMEMBERING|| Ladies without plastic - Green Menstruation. Environmental challenge by Sofonie Dala, Angola. Webisode 12

 WEBISODES FROM 05/12/2021

Women without plastic - Key to reduce our carbon footprints 👣 

Greetings for the day! 

Welcome to day 12 of our Green Menstruation Challenge!

Because of women’s relationship with the environment, they can be critical agents of environmental conservation, sustainable development and adaptation to climate change.

Our guest for today is a 25-years-old Isabel-Branca, she is willing to accept the challenge of changing from disposable to reusable products for the sake of the environment.

Disposable pads and tampons create a lot of waste that goes to the landfill. Much of it is non-biodegradable. They also create pollution of the land and water from the cotton growing process, as well as the manufacturing process.

Organics are slightly better, in that they don’t pollute the environment. However, there is still the waste problem to consider.

Is there a better solution than just going organic? The good news is that there is—consider making the switch to reusable feminine hygiene products. By reusables, I mean a menstrual cup, reusable cloth menstrual pad, or a pair of period panties. Here’s a bit of information about each of these eco-friendly period solutions.

As women’s participation in environmental management has increased, they have become more visible. By enrolling women and their communities as partners, we will increase community awareness of sustainable practices while supporting traditional knowledge. Workshops on how to dispose of plastic responsibly, use solar cookers, use reusable menstrual pads, improve management of water resources, including rain water harvesting, and other good practices that are kinder to the environment enhance the quality of rural life.

Interesting links about Isabel: https://sofoniedala.blogspot.com/2021/01/africa-educates-her-campaign-angola_4.html

https://sofoniedala.blogspot.com/2020/12/corona-voice-angola-tok-show-with_29.html

Happy International Day Of The World’s Indigenous Peoples 2024 || Protecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples in Voluntary Isolation and Initial Contact

International Day Of The World’s Indigenous Peoples

Protecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples in Voluntary Isolation and Initial Contact

The Angolan context

On December 23, 1994, the United Nations General Assembly declared in its resolution 49/214 that the International Day of the World's Indigenous People would be observed annually on August 9. This date commemorates the first meeting of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations in 1982.

The 2024 International Day is being observed online on Friday, August 9, with this year's theme focusing on "Protecting the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Voluntary Isolation and Initial Contact."

Today, we are reflecting on the identities and urgent challenges faced by Indigenous Peoples living in voluntary isolation and those in initial contact. We also call on everyone to share progress on how their rights can be effectively recognized and protected.

There are an estimated 476 million indigenous people across 90 countries worldwide. They represent less than 5% of the global population but account for 15% of the poorest. They speak the majority of the world’s approximately 7,000 languages and embody 5,000 distinct cultures.

Indigenous peoples are custodians of unique cultures and have distinctive ways of relating to others and the environment. They have preserved social, cultural, economic, and political characteristics that set them apart from the dominant societies in which they live. Despite their cultural diversity, indigenous peoples around the world face common challenges in protecting their rights as distinct groups.

A Glimpse into the Mumuila Tribe in Angola

Over the past few years, Sofonie Dala has been tirelessly working to identify and engage with indigenous communities dispersed across Angola, particularly the women of the Mumuila tribe. These women often struggle with communication in Portuguese and face discrimination in urban areas, leading to difficulties in selling their products, such as oil. Many are forced to migrate to major cities due to hunger, drought, and poverty, where they also face the threat of sexual abuse.

To address these challenges, the startup Talentos Multiplus, led by Sofonie Dala, has created a socio-economic inclusion platform specifically for Mumuila tribe women and girls dispersed throughout Angola. This initiative aims to support their integration and uplift their living conditions, providing them with opportunities and protection.

Mumuila Tribe Ladies 

Indigenous peoples’ communities are tightly bound to key elements of promoting peaceful and inclusive societies (SDG 16).

Video on demand 

Ladies good afternoon!

Good afternoon.

What's your name?

My name is Elisa

And you?

My name is Ana.

What province did you come from?

We came from Lubango.

Why did you come to Luanda?

We came to sell oil.

What kind of oil is this and for what purpose?

This is mupeke oil and this is dibaleia oil.

Mupeke oil can be put in the hair, and dibaleia oil can be used to massage the body and relieve pain.

How is life here in Luanda? Is it easy or hard?

Well, this business is not paying off, people are not buying.

Did you bring a lot of oil from Lubango?

Yes we brought a lot of oil but it is not yielding, this business is slow, everything is stagnant.

Here in Luanda where do you live?

We live in Bem-fica.

From Bem-fica to here? Too far?

And how do you live in the Bem-fica? Is there a big house where you all reside?

We are living with a countrywoman of ours.

So you came to the municipality of Cazenga to try to market the mupeke oil business that is not being profitable?

Yes, yes we are trying to spread our business.

Is this your baby?

Yes.

Do you have husbands?

Yes, the husbands stayed in Lubango.

Your husbands stayed there to graze animals, didn't they?

Yes, they are taking care of the land.

These women abandoned their land because of famine and drought in southern Angola. They came to Capital Luanda, looking for better living conditions. But the reality here in the city is much more cruel, they face discrimination and social exclusion, many have been victims of sexual violence.

They usually sell traditional oils, mupeke oil for hair and dibaleia (cow fat) oil for body massage, but due to social discrimination, this business is not profitable and they end up begging and wandering around the city of Luanda. 

These women live a life of extreme poverty in the country's capital, face discrimination and social exclusion, which makes it difficult for them to earn income from their business.

Sometimes stopping to talk to them and buy one of their products, even if you don't need it, is an act of solidarity that can raise these women's self-esteem and make them feel useful and valued.

The Mumuila people are people from the ‘Nhaneca-humbi’ ethno-linguistic group spread throughout the province of Huila.

They are one of the peoples who still maintain their ancient customs and traditions. Many people are unaware of its existence. The Mumuilas are cattle breeders, which is their main source of livelihood.

Circulating in the city's arteries or positioned in the streets and markets, children, girls and adult women, mumuilas arouse the curiosity of anyone, especially visitors, forcing them to make a short stop.

Generally, the ladies have part of the body adorned with samakaka cloths, typical braids, the neck surrounded with beads of various colors, which also serve to adorn the head, neck, trunk, where the necklaces are placed forming the mathematical sign of times (X), as well as bracelets representing the local transcendental cultural wealth, to be preserved and valued.

On the streets, they sell natural teas and mumpeke and Ngundi oil to vitaminize the hair. Naked, by cultural imperative, these women attract the eyes of most tourists, some unaware of the uses and customs of the Nyaneka-Nhkumbi ethno-linguistic group.

Indigenous peoples play a unique and valuable role in ensuring the sustainable management of a significant share of the world’s lands, ecosystems and biodiversity. Indeed, the territories of indigenous peoples are home to 80 per cent of the world’s biodiversity.

Equally important, the food systems of indigenous peoples are anchored in sustainable livelihoods and the principle of ensuring the food sovereignty and well-being of communities.

It is therefore an especially unfortunate reality that indigenous peoples are among the people most likely to be left behind – poverty rates among the world’s estimated 476 million indigenous peoples are significantly higher than for populations at large – as a result of discrimination, historic injustices, and inability (or, in some cases, lack of political willingness) to protect their internationally enshrined rights to their lands and territories.

As a result of indigenous peoples’ strong engagement in the process towards the 2030 Agenda, the final resolution “Transforming Our World: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”  (A/RES/70/1) refers to indigenous peoples 6 times, three times in the political declaration; two in the targets under Goal 2 on Zero Hunger (target 2.3) and Goal 4 on education (target 4.5) – and one in the section on follow up and review that calls for indigenous peoples’ participation. 

In addition to the above-mentioned goals on hunger, the environment and climate, and peaceful societies, in contexts where issues related to the exclusion of indigenous peoples from the benefits of development – and failure to uphold their rights – are not adequately addressed, it will be impossible to end poverty (SDG 1), achieve gender equality (SDG 5) or reduce inequalities (SDG 10). 

Indigenous peoples have sought recognition of their identities, their way of life and their right to traditional lands, territories and natural resources for years. Yet, throughout history, their rights have been violated. Indigenous peoples today, are arguably among the most disadvantaged and vulnerable groups of people in the world. The international community now recognizes that special measures are required to protect their rights and maintain their distinct cultures and way of life.

In order to raise awareness of the needs of these population groups, every 9 August commemorates the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, chosen in recognition of the first meeting of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations held in Geneva in 1982.

REMEMBERING|| Ladies Without Plastic - Green Menstruation. Environmental challenge by Sofonie Dala, Angola. Webisode 11

  WEBISODE FROM 03/12/2021

Our Africa Educates her Campaign season 5 is on going 

Green Menstruation - Day 11

Good evening ladies and gentlemen, 

Welcome to show eleventh of our environmental challenge Women Without Plastic - Key to reduce our carbon footprints! 

The influence that parenting styles can have on a child's identity and emotional stability can be positive, negative or a combination. Educating parents about more sustainable period products is important, as it encourages both parent and child to seek reusable options.

Our guest for today is Viviane, she will tell us about who inspires her to do the things she does.

Good afternoon lady!

Good afternoon.

What is your name?

My name is Viviane.

How old are you?

I am 13 years old.

Which of these pads do you use?

I use the disposable pad.

Why do you prefer this one?

Because my mom tells me to wear this one.

Do you use this just because your mother says?

Yes.

Have you ever used the washable pad?

No, I never used it.

Did you know that this disposable absorbent is harmful to the environment? “There’s a huge carbon footprint that goes into making these products, and then they get thrown on the ground When wrapped in plastic bags, feminine hygiene waste can take centuries to biodegrade.

No. I didn't know about this.

For these reasons,  we recommend using cloth absorbents, as they are more sustainable and economical, and they are affordable.

OK.

So will you start using the reusable pad one day?

Yes, I will try it.

It’s time to #DitchDisposables and refuse everyday products which cannot be reused! 

Swap single use items for reusable alternatives. If the current trend continues there will be more plastic than fish in the oceans by 2050! We mean, instead of using disposable pads and tampons that are discarded after just one use, consider using reusable products instead.

REMEMBERING|| Ladies without plastic - Green Menstruation. Environmental challenge by Sofonie Dala, Angola. Day 10

 WEBISODE FROM 02/12/2021

Ladies without plastic - Key to reduce our carbon footprints 👣 

Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, 

Welcome to tenth day of our environmental challenge Women Without Plastic - Key to reduce our carbon footprints! 

Amenorrhea is when a girl’s menstrual bleeding (period) doesn’t occur. Primary amenorrhea is when the first menstrual bleeding at puberty doesn’t occur by age 15. Delayed puberty in girls occurs when breasts don't develop by age 13 or menstrual periods do not begin by age 16.

Although most girls get their first period when they're around 12, our today's guests have already reached 14 years of age and are still not menstruating.~

 Interview with Georgina

Good afternoon young lady!

Good afternoon.

What is your name?

My name is Georgina.

How old are you?

I'm 14 years old.

Which of these pads do you use?

None of them.

Why?

Because I'm not menstruating yet.

Oh, haven't you started menstruating yet?

Not yet.

Is this normal to happen in your family?

Yes.

How old do girls start menstruating in your family?

With 16 years of age.

Who started menstruating at the age of 16 in your family?

My mother and my sisters.

Is this natural to happen in your family? Have you ever consulted a doctor to find out why you have late menstruation?

No, we didn't consult the doctor.

If your mom didn’t get their period until they were 15 or older, chances are that being a late bloomer runs in your family. That may especially be true if your aunts, grandmothers, and cousins also started menstruating only after they were well into high school. 

 Girls usually start their periods between 10 and 16 years of age. Most girls get their first period when they're around 12. It’s a sign that your body is maturing, so that one day, if you want to, you should be able to have a baby.

Interview with Vilcya

~

Hey, good afternoon!

Good afternoon!

What is your name?

My name is Vilcya.

Vicya how old are you?

I'm 14 years old.

Okay, can you tell us which of these pads you use?

Well, I don't use any.

Why?

Because I haven't started menstruating yet.

oh, 14 years old, and still not menstruating?

Yes it's true.

Are these cases common in your family?

Yes.

At what age do women usually start menstruating in your family?

Women in my family start menstruating at the age of 17.

Seriously?

Yes Yes,

OK thanks.

How does climate affect your menstrual cycle?

While climate change does not directly affect your period, it results in a lot of other changes that can throw your cycle off-balance: changes in your food habits, differences in your exercise patterns, increased levels of stress. Moreover, many factors that affect the timing menarche in girls could be affected by climate change.

Research from climatology was incorporated to describe how climate change events, including increased hurricanes, avalanches/mudslides/landslides, and extreme weather events could alter the age of menarche by disrupting food availability or via increased toxin/pollutant release. These perturbations in the timing of menarche are likely to increase the disease burden for women in four key areas: mental health, fertility-related conditions, cardiovascular disease, and bone health. In summary, the climate does have the potential to impact women’s health through perturbation in the timing of menarche and this, in turn, will affect women’s risk of disease in future.