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April 24, 2011

Your Inspiring story - International Essay Contest. Apply now!


Are you a changemaker, aged 15 - 25years? Are you doing something to solve a problem in your community?


What fired you up to start what you are doing today? Great question right?


Here's a chance for you to share with the world your truly inspiring story in 800 words and you could just be the one to win up to $1,200 and a trip to Japan! 


The Goi Peace Foundation and UNESCO are sponsoring an essay contest called "My story of 
inspiration."  They want to know YOUR story of inspiration - what's driven you to make a change in the world.  Submit your essay and you could win a trip to Japan this fall!


Deadline: June 30, 2011


Click here or the image above to read more.

April 23, 2011

International Year of Youth!



( Note: This article is curled directly from the America.gov blog. Click here: http://blogs.america.gov/bythepeople/2011/01/05/the-international-year-of-youth/ to read the original post).
by Tanya Brothen

Young African Social Entrepreneurs (SUSI) Photo by Grace Ihejiamaizu
In 2009 the United Nations declared that August 2010 – August 2011 would be the International Year of Youth.  Now that 2011 has begun, and there are only nine months remaining in the International Year of Youth (IYY), it’s a good time to refocus our attention on the unique needs, desires, talent and aspirations of youth around the world. 
First, let’s remember what youth, who represent 18% of the world’s population, are facing in today’s global environment.  United Nations fact sheets tell us:
–  In 2009, about 81 million young people were unemployed, the most ever;
–  In 2008, young people accounted for 40% of all new global HIV infections in people aged 15  years and older;
–  Children and youth are uniquely vulnerable to involuntary military recruitment;
–  More that 1.8 million young people aged 15 to 24 die each year, mostly due to preventable causes.
But not all the news about today’s youth is discouraging.   Young people everywhere are improving their societies and focusing their energies on the issues that matter most to them.  For example, youths are leading the way on climate change, organizing campaigns to help victims of natural disasters, preparing to be the next generation of government leaders, and innovating new ways to educate their fellow young global citizens.  In August President Obama’s Forum with Young African Leaders brought dozens of young men and women to Washington, DC to discuss the future of the African continent.
Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon has said, “Youth should be given a chance to take an active part in the decision-making of local, national and global levels.”   The IYY encourages “Everyone… to promote the ideals of peace, freedom, progress and solidarity towards the promotion of youth development.”
What will you do in 2011 to support youth in your community?

RYPE takes another Leap!


"The day I heard of RYPE, I thought it was just an ordinary seminar but before I knew it I found my self in GLADDEM Digital Company. I have started snapping pictures, sitting on computer, editing pictures, doing invitation cards, ID cards, calendars, and many things I could not believe in my life. I am happy and always thanking them especially sister Grace Ihejiamaizu, I am grateful may God bless you, amen."     Ishaq Aiye Gbajeje, RYPE Trainee/Intern 2011
These are the exact words we received from one of participants just yesterday and five weeks into his internship program with GLADDEM Digital Company. What other fulfillment can you get other than to see that your seeds are bearing fruits? Determine to make a difference today. Be the change you want to see.
Learning...
The one week training that brought together 15 secondary school graduates in Calabar was a leap into the dream and vision of the young and passionate volunteers who initiated the program. The important thing is that "we did not just tell them, we also showed them how to make a difference in this world".



Presentation...
The training which spanned from the 18th through 26th March 2011 left indelible marks on the lives of the young people. It was an intensive learning experience but it an exciting time for the participants as they learnt and drew experience from young professional who trained them in the areas of Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Career choice, volunteering, ethics and etiquette, personal development, self-awareness, presentation skills and time management.
Trainers and speakers included:
Mr. Cornel Agwu- A public speaker and Consultant with the Entrepreneurship Development Centre, Calabar
Mr Jonah Benjamin- A Human Resource Consultant and staff of AfriHUB Nigeria Ltd (Calabar)
Ms. Grace Ihejiamaizu
Mr. Philip and a host of others who were really inspiring.


We could not do all of this without rounding it up with a "dinner/graduation ceremony". This took place on 19th March at the Apples Fried Chicken. On this special day, awards were given, certificates presented and most importantly, the trainess were divided in two groups of similar skills (Photography/Video Editing and Fashion Designing/Textile), and finally handed over to the two companies to serve as interns and volunteers.





Our special thanks goes to all who made this possible, the passionate RYPE Volunteers and Trainers. Many thanks to Ashoka's Youth Venture for supporting the initiative and Apples Fried Chicken for supporting us tremendously.

Participants with trainees and mentors...showcasing their certificates.

April 11, 2011

Sarah Kay: If I should have a daughter ... | Video on TED.com


Sarah Kay: If I should have a daughter ... | Video on TED.com