Coronavirus: Angolan TAAG banned from European airspace

Angola Airline (TAAG) has been banned from flying to Portugal and the whole European Schengen Space, due to the rising cases of the covid-19 pandemic hitting the country as of late.

The decision follows recommendations from a meeting of the European Union’s concerned organisation that has spared Africa’s Rwanda, Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco, out of a list that includes Brazil and the United States of America.

According to a note from the meeting that reached Angop on Thursday, only  planes from 11 countries which have the covid-19 pandemic under control are free to operate in the said EU airspace.

Commenting on the fact, TAAG spokesperson, Carlos Vicente, considered the ban fair as Angola is not the only country affected by the measure on account of the novel coronavirus pandemic.

In 2019, TAAG was recertified to unrestrictedly operate until 22 May 2021, after the company complied with all IATA’s Operational Safety Audit requirements (IOSA).

IOSA is an internationally recognised evaluation system to check the compliance of air companies’ operations and has nothing to do with the present EU ban which is solely associated with covid-19.

In the last 24 hours, Angola has detected 24 new positive cases of covid-19, its highest in one day since the pandemic hit the country in March this year, bringing the total to 315 infections.

According to the secretary of State for Public Health during the daily covid-19 update briefing on Thursday evening, two deaths were also reported in the last 24 hours.

With the newly reported cases, the country’s covid-19 records show 315 infections (231 locally transmitted, 35 imported and 17 with unknown links), 97 recoveries, 201 active patients and 17 deaths.

Covid-19: Angola records 24 new positive cases and two deaths. Local transmission moving fast. Angolans misunderstand the national state of disaster

 Angolans misunderstand the national state of disaster, thus rising the local transmission of coronavirus

Angola has detected 24 new positive cases of covid-19 in the last 24 hours, its highest in one day since the pandemic emerged in the country, bringing the total to 315 infections. Unfortunately, two deaths were also reported in the same period of time.

Angola still has no community cases of Covid-19. but we have been witnessing on tv an increase in local transmission infections every day, currently estimated at 231.

 

The Health official, who was briefing on the Covid-19 in Angola, said that there were reported two more cases of local infection, rising from 206 to 231.

With 24 new cases yesterday, the number of positive cases of covid-19 with no epidemiological link increased to 49, involving people of various African nationalities from one to 60 years of age.

The coronavirus pandemic has emerged unexpectedly worldwide, and Angola was not spared. With the new cases, Angola’s covid-19 records show 315 infections (231 locally transmitted, 35 imported and 17 with unknown links), 97 recoveries, 201 active patients and 17 deaths.

Misunderstanding the National State of Disaster (calamity)

Since the first case of covid-19 was diagnosed in the country on March 21, 2020, the president of the Republic declared the state of emergency that prevailed in Angola from March 27 to May 25 this year.The Angolan authorities then took several measures, notably the closure of national borders, the prohibition of the movement of people between the provinces of the country.

During this period, schools were also closed and religious services with more than 50 people and sports activities were prohibited. Public institutions worked with only 50 percent of their workforce, markets and commercial establishments operated on defined days and times.

However, these measures have caused tragic consequences, hunger and poverty have doubled, street crimes, murders and domestic violence have also increased significantly. In addition, policemen became the greatest danger to society, they abused their power by killing people simply for walking without masks or for selling on the streets, especially women who were the main victims.

Unfortunately, a lot of people died in the state of emergency period. People died not from covid-19, but because of hunger and other factors mentioned above.

We were not prepared for these changes and were suffering a lot. For this reason on May 26, 2020, the state of emergency was replaced by the state of public calamity (disaster)  and continues to exist to this day with ease restrictions. The lack of a clear understanding of these terms leads people to break the rules of prevention against covide-19. 

There is no distance of 1 m between people, in public transport we sit 3 people on the same bench. Moreover, the crowding of people continues to be visible, whether in leisure areas or in commercial establishments and banks, without maintaining the required social distance. Especially in the peripheral neighborhoods, where people continue to circulate, "moving around in bars and tents work" as if nothing had happened. In addition, there are still people thinking that coronavirus is not a disease for the poor, others say it's not a disease for black people. 

Most impressively, they don't believe in the numbers of positive cases and the deaths caused by covid-19. They claim that it is yet another lie from the government in order to raise money from outside the country. "Coronavirus is the most successful business of the moment," commented a taxi driver, who was carrying a large number of passengers (more than allowed) inside his car.

Covid-19 State of Disaster vs State of Emergency: What’s the difference?

There is a need to constantly pass on information about the seriousness of this disease to people. Radio, Television, Newspapers and Social media are the most powerful means of communication and should be used as a medium to transmit knowledge.

People must understand the meaning of State of Emergence and State of Disaster, and what are the differences between them.

A “State of Disaster” is distinct from a “State of Emergency” that can be declared by the President of the Republic. In a State of Emergency, derogations from civil liberties protections under the Bill of Rights such as freedom of assembly are permitted, with some exceptions that include the rights to dignity, life and the right to a fair trial. A government can declare such a state during a natural disaster, civil unrest, armed conflict, medical pandemic or epidemic or other biosecurity risk. Such declarations alert citizens to change their normal behavior and orders government agencies to implement emergency plans.

A State of Disaster is a temporary measure in which certain rights (such as the rights discussed below) are limited and it may be declared invalid if the requirements for a declaration in sections of the Constitution are not met. 

The disease remains serious and lethal, that is why prevention measures must be increasingly improved and put into practice.

An article by Sofonie Dala

Call for application: Rhodes University Student Recruitment. Funding Opportunities

Rhodes University in South Africa is calling all prospective students! 

If you are interested in studying with us, please check out our Rhodes University Student Recruitment page for information about courses, applications and what it means to be a student here.

Funding Opportunities

Rhodes University has many scholarship funding programmes (both internal and funder based) in order to attract postgraduate students to Rhodes University. The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Scholarships, Allan Gray Senior Scholarships, Henderson Scholarships, Ada & Bertie Levenstein Bursary and the Rhodes University Postgraduate Scholarships are the cornerstone of these programmes.

Rhodes University internal awards are made annually covering all disciplines at Honours (R80 000 pa), Masters (R100 000 pa) and Doctoral level (R120 000 pa), in addition to renewals. Scholarship holders are encouraged to be involved within the department’s activities, and are required to tutor  to a maximum of 6 hours a week within the department, gaining experience in the tutoring teaching environment.

Scholarships and other bursaries are on offer and are based on a merit and/or a financial need basis. The Ada & Bertie Levenstein Bursary programme funds approximately 25 academically strong students who are in financial need so as to further their Postgraduate studies. Further funding for postgraduate study is made available through organisations such as: NRF, WRC, MRC and other funding bodies by way of individual bursaries or project linked bursaries.

Students can also apply for a Rhodes University Council loan. These loans are available to those students who are registering full-time and would normally not be able to study if it were not for the assistance of these loans.

• Internal Postgraduate Funding
• External Funding Programmes
• Funding for Overseas Study
• Higher Degrees Guide
• Postgraduate Funding Resources

Further Information
Mr John Gillam
Manager: Postgraduate Funding
Research Office
Tel: 046-603 8755
Fax: 046-603 8822
e-mail: pgfunding (a) ru.ac.za

Apply here: https://www.ru.ac.za/researchgateway/postgraduates/funding/

Recruitment: International Youth Federation (IYF) is looking for a Regional Director for Europe

Does making a difference motivate you? Do you want to be part of the global youth movement? Are you passionate about youth empowerment? Are you driven to be a part of a bigger purpose in the service of the young people? If you think you embody these values then you can apply to join the International Youth Federation as a Regional Director.

Deadline: Ongoing

Apply: https://opportunitydesk.org/2020/04/04/international-youth-federation-needs-a-regional-director-for-europe/

The International Youth Federation is seeking a Regional Director for Europe. The IYF Regional Director (RD) is the senior member of the International Youth Federation who will serve as a senior official for IYF in one of the five regions. The Regional Director provides leadership to IYF Representatives in the region.

The primary responsibility of the Regional Director is to ensure successful engagement of the Country Teams in the region with the IYF global strategies, missions, and vision. She/he is a member of IYF’s Executive Board and contributes to shaping and monitoring overall corporate strategic directions of the IYF interventions in the region.

Responsibilities

• Managing the IYF Regional Administration in the assigned region IYF:
  • Providing overall leadership and shaping strategic thinking for IYF’s engagement in the region;
  • Identifying existing and emerging youth empowerment challenges and priorities in the region, and defining the strategic programming priorities at the regional and country and implementing measures to improve the quality and effectiveness of programmes;
  • Assist the IYF Headquarters in the implementation of corporate strategies and support resource mobilization and delivery efforts;
  • Provide guidance to the IYF Representatives, including playing a facilitating role with host governments, donors and counterparts as needed; and
  • Building and maintaining strategic partnerships for IYF in the region, with a focus on knowledge sharing, joint activities and resource mobilization and representing IYF, as required, in high-level events and fora relating to the region.
• Advocacy, Leadership and Representation:
  • Lead and direct the Regional Administration (RA) staff members, and ensure the proper functioning of the RA in the region;
  • Lead RA’s effort in Representatives’ nomination, selections, and appointments;
  • Assist the Representatives in establishing IYF Country Teams (IYFCT) which comprises National Volunteer Officers (communications, youth, sport, and women) that are responsible for facilitation of IYF activities at national level;
  • 
    
• Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting:
• Monitor progress, effectiveness and relevance of the IYF country programmes within the region with a view to improving country programme performance;
• Keep the IYF Headquarters well informed of any significant organizational issues such as emergencies, conflicts, developments and/or resolutions in the region which affect IYF’s intervention/programmes of cooperation;
• 
  Eligibility

• Only (18-38) age is accepted for this position.
• Be a citizen of one of the region countries (Europe).
• Highly interest in youth empowerment, youth issues.

Core Competencies

• Strategic planning and creative thinking.
• Planning and organizing.
• Drive for Results.
• Collaboration and Teamwork.
• Leadership, advocacy, engagement and influence.

Functional Competencies

• Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management, and reporting.
• Ability to lead and manage corporate strategic initiatives.
• Excellent computer, internet, social media and information system skills.

Application

This vacancy is a voluntary-based position with (8-10 Hours/Week) part-time commitment. Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview.

Thought for Food Ambassador Program 2020 for Young Changemakers

Deadline: August 1, 2020

Are you passionate about advocating for food system justice, global nutrition, agricultural innovation, farmers and food security, biotechnology, or entrepreneurship? Apply for the Thought for Food Ambassador Program 2020.

The TFF Ambassador Program has created uncountable connections and experiences for young changemakers and has taken the TFF movement to new heights. The TFF Ambassador role is a volunteer position set for one year with the option to renew.

Thought For Food is the world’s entrepreneurial innovation engine for food
and agriculture. They work with more than 20,000 next-generation leaders from over 175 countries, empowering them to generate and scale breakthrough business ventures that build sustainable, inclusive, and resilient food systems. TFF is geared towards embracing the next generation into the workforce and approaching their ideas and methods with an open mind.

Benefits

The role of a TFF Ambassador entails the following tasks and opportunities:

• Host meetups, events and other impactful activities focused on raising awareness about food and agriculture and the opportunities to innovate in this space.
• Play a role in regional, national, and international partnerships.
• Improve your entrepreneurial skills, build a strong network of fellow change-makers and create an impact at the local, regional and global levels.
• Gain access to exclusive resources, training, and tools that are going to supercharge your leadership skills and your ability to develop a community within your city.
• Deepen your professional experiences, expand your network and boost your credentials.
• Depending on your performance in this mission-critical role, you can also earn travel opportunities to attend TFF regional or global events.

Eligibility

• Open to young changemakers around the world;
• Applicants should be shaping the future through innovation, collaboration, and most importantly action.

Application

Join the ranks of influential, boots-on-the-ground rockstars around the world, who are shaping the future through innovation, collaboration, and most importantly action!

Click here to apply

UNDP-UNCDF Digital Finance Internship Program 2020 in Asia

Applications are open for the UNDP-UNCDF Digital Finance Internships 2020. These internships offer a unique opportunity to engage in digital finance, impact investment and to have exposure to leaders in the industry.

Deadline: December 31, 2020

Apply: https://opportunitydesk.org/2020/05/30/undp-uncdf-digital-finance-internship-program-2020-in-asia/

UNCDF manages several initiatives related to digital financial services (DFS) to address the opportunities and challenges of implementing in the developing world, with a focus on the Least Developed Countries in Africa and Asia and the Pacific regions. UNCDF also engages with the large emerging markets globally to foster the digitization of payments.

Functional Areas

UNCDF is looking for qualified interns all year-around to support its different activities related to the following functional areas:

• Data Analytics
• Research and Writing in areas related to SDGs and Digital Economy
• Knowledge Management and Communication that includes social media engagement
• Blogging and Developing content related to work of UNCDF
• Engaging on developing infographics, production of video blogs, pictures repository, etc.
• New technology trends like AI, IOT, VR and how could it be deployed in context of digital finance specially for low and moderate income
• New business models that would allow for achieving the SDG goals through digital and finance.
• Start-up engagement through the UNCDF accelerator and incubation programme delivered through financial innovation lab
• Impact investment

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the UNCDF Technical Specialist(s) – Digital Finance and Innovation, the key results expected from Digital Finance interns are: 

• Support in researching and developing summaries on key issues like food security and climate change, gig economy workers, health, diital stack, education, jobs and skills, other related topics under SDGs and where Digital and Finance could play a key role;
• Develop brief summaries as well as help to develop information sheets that summarize key research finding on specific technologies and /or their applications to development issues. These technologies will include those core to digital finance (mobile, payments, fintech) and those which support them (big data, artificial intelligence, internet of things, distributed ledger);
• Identify and review research, publications and news related to how the digitization of finance is being applied to achieve the SDGS;
• Work on areas related to impact investment, research and assist with developing reports that contribute to different agenda of UNCDF;
• Data Analytics that includes working with team on bigdata engagement, analyzing trends, assist the team with documenting the same;
• Communication support that includes social media engagement, through UNCDF community of practice platform and engaging with the members on the topic related to digital economy;
• Engage on developing infographics, production of video blogs, pictures repository, etc.
• With UNCDF staff, participate in calls with industry leaders to take notes which will help provide up to date perspectives on the current applications of digital finance to the SDGs are progressing, the key barriers and risks, as well as the opportunities going forward;
• Be assigned to assist identified leaders to conduct and conclude their own research;
• To the extent convenient and possible, help prepare for participate in, and help document virtual or in person convenings on the topic working with the assigned UNCDF leader;
• Assist in other organizational efforts related to the outreach to stakeholders;
• Other tasks as requested.

Eligibility

Applicants to the internship programme must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements:

• Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher);
• Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent) in the field of Finance/Economics/Business Administration/Development studies and similar discipline from reputed Institution desired.
• Have graduated with a university degree and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation.
• Fluency in English is mandatory.
• Fluency in Hindi or Mandarin Chinese or other languages in Asian region will be considered a distinct advantage.
• Experience

• Demonstrated interest in topics related to socioeconomic development;
• Excellent organizational, inter-personal, communication and administrative skills;
• Able to take initiative and work independently;
• Proven ability to manage diverse and complex tasks;
• Excellent computer capabilities (Word, Excel, Power Point, Data programmes).

Application

Applications are accepted from interested and qualified applicants, on an ongoing basis for these Digital Finance Internships at multiple locations in Asia.

Interested Candidates can apply at any time indicating the timeframe of their availability in the internship form. However, only those candidates selected for interviews /further assessment by hiring managers will be contacted on ongoing basis.

Click here to apply

Apply for the Microsoft Graduate Experience Program 2020 [Nigeria]

Deadline: Ongoing

Are you insatiably curious? Do you collaborate well with others, knowing that better solutions come from working together? Are you motivated every day to empower others to achieve more through technology and innovation? Apply now for the Microsoft Graduate Experience Program 2020.

Microsoft is a workplace unlike any other. Their graduate experience helps new hires hit the ground running, navigate a complex global organization and position themselves for success.

The interactive program is designed to complement a graduates day- to-day role. It exposes them to senior leaders and high-level business strategy to ensure they are plugged into the bigger vision. The graduate experience provides the opportunity to connect and learn from more hundreds of peers and alumni in more than 80 countries – to create professional relationships and cross-cultural experiences that are invaluable to career success.

Benefits

• Industry leading healthcare
• Savings and investments
• Giving programs
• Educational resources
• Maternity and paternity leave
• Opportunities to network and connect
• Discounts on products and services
• Generous time away

Eligibility

• Applicant should be pursuing or within one year of graduation from a full time Bachelor’s or Master’s degree;
• Education background in computer science, computer engineering, IT, electrical engineering, IT & Business innovation or other related fields;
• First practical experiences or internships in IT technology related fields;
• Combining business acumen with technological experience;
• Well developed communication, presentation as well as analytical and problem-solving skills;
• Negotiation, customer service, and interpersonal skills;
• Passion for technology;
• Fluency in English and local language is required;
• Full work authorization is required.

Application

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances.

Click here to apply