Hello there,

This is a follow-up mail from last week's seminar on Education and
Sustainable Development. I am writing on behalf of the Sustainable
Development Association (SDA) in Alexandria, to invite you to take
part in an online discussion, following on from the seminar, to give
you the opportunity to post comments/ideas/suggestions that you
might not have had the time or inspiration to do at the event
itself.

If you didn't attend the seminar, this is the perfect opportunity
for you to express you views on what is arguably one of the most
important and complex issues of our time.

You can spend anything from 2 minutes to 2 hours on the forum,
depending on how much you have to say. For detailed instructions on
how to take part, please see below.

Best of luck, and see you online!

Amy Lodge
SDA Researcher


INSTRUCTIONS

Go to the SDA website – www.sda-web.org
Click on the 'Forum' icon on the top right hand side of the screen.
You will be transferred to another page.
On the Forum page, if you haven't done already, you will need to
register. Click on the 'register' link in the red bar towards the
top of the page.
The registration is simple –the first page will ask you to read
terms and conditions, and agree to these. You will then be asked to
fill out your details (username, password, etc). Make sure you
remember these! When you visit the website again, you can go
directly to 'log-in', where you will be asked for these details.
Once you have finished registering, you are free to post messages.
Click on the 'Education and Sustainable Development in Alexandria'
forum, and either respond to one of the existing posts (by clicking
on the post itself and then going to 'Add Reply' on the top right of
the screen), or post your own topic by going to 'New Topic'. If you
have a simple yes/no question you would like people to answer, you
can post a poll, by going to 'New Poll'.

If you have any difficulties, please don't hesitate to contact us.
In the meantime, enjoy!

amyklodge@...

[http://www.h-network.org/peace/news.php]

Taraba Hosts Human Network Workshop On Role of ICTs In Conflict Situations

10 April 2005, Taraba, Nigeria – The Human Network PEACE Project has has kicked
off in Africa with a workshop taking place in Taraba in north-eastern Nigeria.
Bringing together high-level policy makers, peace workers and ICT enthusiasts,
the Taraba State workshop marks the commencement of the efforts of Human
Network's young researchers in Africa. The Taraba State workshop included four
prominent speakers including 'Gbenga Sesan, one of the twelve young researchers
leading the Human Network PEACE and ICT research initiative.


Speakers at the event included the state's Chief of Staff, Mallam Aminu Jika -
representing Chairman, Hon. Charles Maijankai, Special Adviser to the Governor,
Taraba State on Security, and the Commissioner for Special Duties, Hon. Tahiru
T. Nyawo. They helped highlight the role of government in the pursuit of
peaceful co-existence in the state while recognising the need to employ the
opportunities provided by new Information and Communication Technologies
(ICTs). Rev. Dr. Innocent Solomon, chairman of the Community Peace Mission and
Development Centre, member of the Taraba State council for inter-religious
affairs, also addressed the seminar. Author of "Peace in Nigeria: The Starting
Point" among several books, Rev. Solomon, spoke about his findings from his
work within the state since 1992. He established a link between poverty and
conflict, and workshop delegates agreed that if ICTs can contribute to possible
wealth creation and better livelihoods, it can extend its contributions to
peaceful co-existence by one more virtue.

'Gbenga Sesan, who was Nigeria's first Information Technology Youth Ambassador,
also addressed the seminar as part of his visit to Taraba State from April
8-10, 2005. In his presentation titled, "ICT for Peace", Sesan highlighted the
possible influences that ICTs can hold in conflict situations and led workshop
participants through the completion of a questionnaire that asked questions
about their knowledge of ICT and the digital divide, their opinion on the role
of new ICTs in conflict situations and their impresion of the present state of
their communities (and Nigeria itself) in relation to peace.

Taraba State in north-eastern Nigeria had an unfair share of conflicts in 1992,
a few months after the state was carved out of the then Gongola State. During
the coflict, the capital city (Jalingo) was literally razed in what many agree
was a religion-induced conflict but various efforts have helped restore calm in
the state.

The Human Network PEACE and ICT research initiative is set to continue in Africa
with a call for essays from young people on this topic among other research
efforts within Nigeria and other African countries.

--
'Gbenga Sesan
Program Manager | Lagos Digital Village | www.lagosdigitalvillage.org.ng
Team Leader | Paradigm Initiative Nigeria | www.pin.org.ng
"Why? Why not?" | www.gbengasesan.org.ng | www.gbengasesan.com





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ECA PRESS RELEASE No. 1/2005         FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AFRICA PREPARES FOR SECOND PHASE OF WORLD SUMMIT ON INFORMATION SOCIETY

Addis  Ababa,  12  January 2004 (ECA) - Approximately 1,000 people from the
private   sector,   civil  society,  media,  government  and  international
institutions  will  meet in Ghana, next month to discuss an "Action Plan on
Africa  and  the  Knowledge Economy" (APAKE), for expanding access to - and
use of - information and communications technologies in Africa.

The  theme  of  the  African  Regional Preparatory Conference for the World
Summit  on  the Information Society (WSIS), is "Access - Africa's key to an
inclusive  Information Society."  The meeting is scheduled for February 2-4
in the Ghanaian capital, Accra.

The  three-day  meeting  will be opened by the President of the Republic of
Ghana, H.E. John.A. Kufuor, and addressed by the Executive Secretary of the
UN Economic Commission for Africa, K.Y. Amoako, among others.

According  to  a statement by President Kufuor, "the conference mirrors the
continent’s  resolve to totally embrace a common vision and strategy for an
information-based  society  that  not  only  recognizes  ICT  as a tool for
economic   innovation,   but   also   as   a  platform  for  socio-economic
development."

The  conference  is  intended  to  prepare African countries for the second
stage  of WSIS, to be held in Tunisia later in the year. The first phase of
the Summit took place in Geneva in December 2003.

"We are aiming for very concrete results, based on critical questions, such
as  the  need  for  a  common  GSM  card  for Africa, removal of regulatory
obstacles  to  facilitate  content  provision using different technological
platforms  and  media, including the Internet, digital radio and television
services."  says  Aida Opoku-Mensah, Officer-in-charge of ECA's Development
Information Services Division (DISD), which is spearheading preparations.

The  Action Plan for Africa and the Knowledge Economy will include concrete
proposals  for  facilitating  investment  in  ICTs  and  recommendations on
e-strategies  and  applications  across various sectors, such as education,
agriculture and commerce, as well as human resource development.

Government  ministers  charged  with  advancing ICTs in Africa will use the
forum  to  take  stock of the achievements made since the establishment, in
April  2004, of an African Ministerial Committee to act on proposals coming
out  of the WSIS in Geneva. The Committee has 13 member countries, with the
African Union and ECA providing institutional and logistical support.

"We  are  expecting  heated  and  in-depth discussions and proposals on the
global  partnerships  Africa  requires  to  finance access, particularly in
light  of  the  Digital  Solidarity  Fund  proposed at the Geneva Summit by
Senegalese  President, Abdoulaye Wade and adopted by the AU Summit of Heads
of States in July 2004," said Makane Faye, ECA's Senior ICT Policy Advisor.

The  outcomes  from  Accra will constitute Africa's contribution to various
WSIS  meetings  scheduled  for Geneva in February 2005, namely the Thematic
Meeting  on  Indicators,  the  Working  Group  on  Internet  Governance and
Prepcom2 and later, Tunis 2005.

Online discussions are in full swing to solicit inputs from a wide range of
stakeholders on issues to be addressed by the Conference.

For more information contact:
Aida Opoku-Mensah
Officer-in-charge
Development Information Services Division (DISD)
Email: aopoku-mensah@...

Or visit the Ghana-WSIS website at http://www.uneca.org/aisi/accra2005/

From: Mercy Wambui, ECA
--
'Gbenga Sesan
Program Manager | Lagos Digital Village | www.lagosdigitalvillage.org.ng
Team Leader | Paradigm Initiative Nigeria | www.pin.org.ng
"Why? Why not?" | www.gbengasesan.org.ng | www.gbengasesan.com


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From Bamako To Accra: Drumming Support for Africa’s Youth
by ‘Gbenga Sesan, www.gbengasesan.com, me@...
December 23, 2004

Africa held the first Regional Meeting Preparatory to the World Summit on the
Information Society (“WSIS”) at the Palais des Congrès in Bamako, Republic of
Mali from 28 to 30 May 2002 and the conference had representatives from 51
African countries, delegates from many other countries and representatives of
African and global entities, the private sector and civil society.

The meeting had five young people (among others) sponsored by the
Telecommunications Development Bureau (TDB) of the International
Telecommunications Union (ITU) for the purpose of driving youth input into the
process. These young people lobbied and recorded major success as the
roundtable discussion threw a lot of support behind the clamour for youth
empowerment and inclusion. Eventually, one of the major outcomes of the
conference, the Bamako 2002 Declaration, requested, “that African States should
actively involve the youth in national and regional ICT activities”[1] .

Building on this momentum and other fortunate networks, Africa was duly
represented when eight (8) young people from 5 continents met in Geneva in July
2002 to kickstart the process of global youth involvement in the WSIS. They
started the Youth Caucus and made clear its objectives even at the first
preparatory committee meeting of the WSIS. The WSIS Youth Caucus, then led by
Nick Moraitis of TakingITGlobal, is now anchored by a team of three young
people – with Titilayo Akinsanmi (Nigerian – and obviously African – working in
Johannesburg) as the Global Facilitator.

From the Bamako meting, through the preparatory committee meetings, December
2003 summit, side events, and to local, national, regional and international
WSIS-related meetings (including the recently concluded United Nations ICT Task
Force meeting in Berlin), young Africans have remained active in the process.
At the times when visa and funding problems would not allow us attend the
meetings physically, we took to the World Wide Web for help. The African Youth
eConference on the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) held online
at www.yahoogrups.com/group/wsisyouthafrica between the 20th and 30th of
November 2002. It was coordinated by Paradigm Initiative Nigeria and ninety-six
(96) young Africans from over 13 countries (from Western, Eastern, Central,
Northern and Southern Africa) participated in the eConference which sought to
strengthen the role of African Youths in the WSIS processes, and the eventual
action plans that will be drawn[2].

Sincerely, Youth is not a thematic issue within the WSIS process, and the need
to involve and empower Africa’s youth is not just another conference statement
bullet point. It is imperative that young Africans participate in the process,
and are empowered to translate words and thoughts into action. We are the proof
of sustainability, and the bridge between today and tomorrow. With this fact
accepted, Africa’s development process utilizing Information and Communication
Technologies (ICTs) can be accelerated. You just need to see the passion in the
blood of the empowered African youth within the WSIS process and the action
they have been able to place on the discussion table to appreciate the song
this piece seeks to sing!

One very obvious outcome of African youth involvement in the WSIS process is
the
National Information Society Youth Campaign. The official website of the WSIS
Youth Caucus [3] reports that, “During the second half of 2003, young people in
21 countries worldwide mobilized around Information Society issues through
"National Information Society Youth Campaigns"… young people implemented a
vibrant series of workshops, prime-time radio programs, media outreach, video
conferences, websites and more. They held meetings in community halls, visited
schools, published newsletters, trained other youth in technology skills at
internet cafes, talked with decision-makers, and implemented concrete local
projects” [4]. Nigeria, Ghana, Egypt and Sierra Leone were the 4 African
countries that led National Information Society Youth Campaigns (NISYC).

Nigeria’s NISYC, tagged “Policy Train” stopped in three representative cities
in
the northern, eastern and western regions of the country. On the 11th of
October 2003, young Nigerians met in Port Harcourt to discuss youth involvement
in the WSIS process, and the role of youth in acting out the outcome of the
summit. The train proceeded to Kano on the 18th of October and the final phase
of the consultation held in Lagos on the 22nd of the same month [5]. With the
commencement of the second phase of the WSIS, Policy Train II has taken off
with a decentralized system coordinated by Paradigm Initiative Nigeria and
seeking more active participation from Nigeria’s youth.

On January 8, the Lagos consultation will hold. The Abuja version of the Policy
Train holds on the 12th of January and more states are being confirmed as I
write this, courtesy of the Nigerian Policy Train Coordinators – youth
volunteers who believe that action speaks louder than words. A January 17
Nigerian WSIS pre-event to be hosted by the Policy and Development Centre will
witness the initial showcasing of the multimedia presentation of Policy Train
II, which will be one of Nigeria’s youth’s contribution to the WSIS process as
proof of action within the WSIS process. Just yesterday, Ghana’s NISYC was
launched and it is coming at a very important time – when Ghana is hosting
Africa for the Second Regional Meeting Preparatory to the WSIS (Accra 2005).

Fortunately, Accra 2005 will provide an opportunity for Africa to evaluate how
we have been able to build enduring processes within the framework of the WSIS.
The conference’s official website states that “the African Regional Preparatory
Conference for the WSIS, in Accra, with the theme “Access – Africa’s key to an
inclusive Information Society” will prepare Africa for an effective
participation in the second phase of the WSIS to ensure a strategic and
interdependent digital partnership that will promote economic growth and human
development of the continent. The conference will bring together all
stakeholders, ranging from Government to civil society, the private sector and
academia, parliamentarians, local authorities, African regional institutions,
development partners and international organizations.” [6]

The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA, one of Africa’s youth’s
best friends as far as development is concerned), along with her partners in
progress will be hosting pre-conference workshops, which include a strong focus
on Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships (MSPs). During the MSP breakout sessions,
young Africans will be given the opportunity to address the all-important
theme, “Empowering Youth in the Information Society” [7]. This builds on the
brilliant participation that Africa’s youth recorded in a virtual community set
up earlier by the ECA. The online group, “African Youth in the Information
Society” [8], has been discussing relevant Information Society issues to date
and has even gone ahead to propose concrete action towards Africa’s accelerated
development. Accra 2005 is an opportunity for the group to consolidate and give
Africa a New Year gift – an African Youth ICT4D Network.

Ahead of the emergence of this all-important network, the onus lies on the
entire African community – and her friends – to support the value- and
demand-driven initiative. We accept that as told in the story of the proverbial
bird in the hand of a young child, whether the “bird” lives or dies, we decide.
But just as another African proverb says, “a child who lifts his hands will get
the support of his mother”. We lift our hands and ask for support. Support –
not for individuals or selfish interests, but for the future of our continent.


We have moved around in circles long enough, its time to join forces and weave
a
new continent we can be proud to call home. No longer shall we just tend the
gardens of others, our own flowers will blossom. It is Africa’s time to reveal
to the world that the pyramids of Egypt and mineral resources of Nigeria are
not accidents but gifts planted ahead of a day of celebration – today!
It is time for action, and support. Relay the message of the network to other
young people, publish the emerging items in your local media outlets, advise
the network’s youth, make resources available for the ambitious but necessary
work, and hold us accountable for our promises. We believe in positive peer
pressure and will enjoy a healthy competition on the track of development.

Fortunately, the fifth African Development Forum has its theme as “Youth and
Leadership in the 21st Century” and we believe that it comes at a great time
for us in order to weave these efforts into one fine matrix.
From Bamako to Accra, Africa’s youth have toiled. In the words of David Diop,
“the blood of your sweat / the sweat of your work / … / That is your Africa /
springing up anew / springing up patiently obstinately / Whose fruit bit by bit
acquire / The bitter taste of liberty” [9]. Here comes liberty, and it is time
to support these efforts and network with other stakeholders to announce the
birth of a New Africa, one riding on the wings of Information and Communication
Technologies for accelerated development. Viva Africa.

-------
Notes:
[1] Bamako 2002 Declaration. African Regional Meeting Preparatory to the World
Summit on the Information Society.
[2] Final eConference Statement from the African Youth eConference on the World
Summit on the Information Society. 20 – 30 November 2002.
[3] www.wsisyouth.org
[4] wsisyouth.takingitglobal.org/phase1-natcampaigns.php
[5] www.ydco.net/policy/wsis-nigeria
[6] www.wsisaccra2005.gov.gh
[7] www.wsisaccra2005.gov.gh/preconf.htm
[8] www.dgroups.org/group/aisi-youth-l
[9] AFRICA. David Diop - www.bowwave.org/AfricanWriters/David%20Diop.htm

Please note that this article is also attached as "b2a.pdf"

--
'Gbenga Sesan
Program Manager | Lagos Digital Village | www.lagosdigitalvillage.org.ng
Team Leader | Paradigm Initiative Nigeria | www.pin.org.ng
"Why? Why not?" | www.gbengasesan.org.ng | www.gbengasesan.com





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"A message read or heard is best understood when it is turned into pictorial in
the mind. Now imagine the sense a pictorial message will make."
- 'Gbenga Salu

Fellow World Changers,

I invite you to take part in the "ART MY FEELINGS" project. This project
is designed to give opportunities to AFRICAN CARTOONISTS amateur,professionals
or just about anybody that can draw to pass across a message. (No age limits,
please. Just as long as you are an African and you share the burden of seeing a
better Africa.) Participating artists will have the oppourtunity to be invited
for the 1st Africa Art my feelings conference later next year.

Through the "Art My Feelings" project, African Cartoonists and artists
will be using art (cartoons and illustrations) which is the universal
language to express their feelings about the situations of things as it
concerns them and their community.

You can draw about anything that does not go down well with you in your
country, Africa or the world in general.Or it could even be things that
is worth encouraging too.A maximum of three works per artist are welcome.
Formats are restricted to black and white,please. Deadline for submission is
20th Feburary, 2005.

The artworks will be compelled into a book, and this will stand as a
pictorial documentation of the feelings of Africans,which will be sent
out to so many international NGOs, and Governmental organisations in the
countries of participating artists. Credit will be given for every work
published. And artists published will also have the oppourtunity to be
invited for the 1st Africa "Art my feelings" conference later next
year.

Please also remember to send a very short profile of yourself along
with your work. Works can be sent through post to:

"Art my feelings"
Gbenga Salu
P.O Box 173,
Unilag,
Lagos, Nigeria.
OR
Send it as a JPEG attachment to
artmyfeelings@...

Do spread the message across to any cartoonist or artist that you know.
Africa shall be great!

SUPPORTS FROM:
Oxfam International Youth Parliament (OIYP)
African Youth Parliament (AYP)

"Art My Feelings" is a project of CAW (Cartoon as the Weapon)
www.caw.4t.com

Project coordinator,
'Gbenga Salu (Nigeria)
tel: 234-0802-826-9605
www.caw.4t.com

--
'Gbenga Sesan
Program Manager | Lagos Digital Village | www.lagosdigitalvillage.org.ng
Team Leader | Paradigm Initiative Nigeria | www.pin.org.ng
"Why? Why not?" | www.gbengasesan.org.ng | www.gbengasesan.com





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“YOUTH AGENDA: Getting Involved on National, Regional and International Platforms”

Paradigm Initiative Nigeria started with a discussion between friends. Concerned about the obvious rate of illiteracy and lack of involvement of youth in Information Society processes, the initiative seeks to fill the existing gap by equipping youth with appropriate Information and Communication Technology skills while also linking them with opportunities to develop themselves, join in the task of nation building, give expression to their talents towards the need for regional cooperation, and ensure global participation. This initiative has, since 2001, moved in the direction of this ambitious task.

Paradigm Initiative Nigeria is volunteer-based, youth-led, flexible, virtual and practical in its approach. We believe that in the next five years, other efforts and ours will be weaved into a fine matrix in order to produce a sustainable youth inclusion and empowerment drive that will help fulfil Nigeria’s dream of active participation in the Information Society, and the global economy at large.

Paradigm Initiative Nigeria’s team of volunteer members, though active in their respective organisations, remain committed to the ideals and values of our collective effort, and hold dear the dream of a New Nigeria.

In line with the objectives of this dream, Paradigm Initiative Nigeria holds awareness sessions tagged “What’s in the Box?” These sessions introduce young Nigerians to concepts, opportunities and ideas that have hitherto remained an “inscrutable mystery box” to them. One of such areas we feel strongly about is the involvement of young people in policy processes and action at the national, regional and international level. While Information and Communication Technologies will prove a veritable platform for these involvements, we believe in the need to expose young Nigerians to the materials, documents and events that drive these same processes.

On the 18th of December, 2004, fifty (50) young Nigerians will meet for discussions, networking and action-planning towards youth involvement in national, regional and international processes. This session will build on existing instruments, and will focus on the United Nations Youth Toolkit and United Nations World Program of Action for Youth. With the theme, “YOUTH AGENDA: Getting Involved on National, Regional and International Platforms”, the event will discuss the roles and opportunities open to young Nigerians along this line of youth involvement.

The forum will also discuss the place of National Youth Policies in addressing Nigeria’s NEEDS; the relationship between the proposed African Youth Charter and the African dream as enshrined in NEPAD; and the various events that promote these virtuous ideals during 2005. Such events include, but are not limited to, the African Regional Meeting for the second phase of the World Summit on the Information Society, NEPAD Youth Summit 2005, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa’s Fifth African Development Forum with the theme, “Youth for Leadership in the 21^st Century, and more.

To apply, send an email to pin@... stating your name, what you do, and why you wish to participate (250 words maximum) on, or before, 12 midnight, Saturday November 20, 2004.

Please advise appropriately (see below) if you know any youth organisation that
fits the bill - for support.

Regards,

--
'Gbenga Sesan
Program Manager | Lagos Digital Village | www.lagosdigitalvillage.org.ng
Team Leader | Paradigm Initiative Nigeria | www.pin.itgo.com
"Why? Why not?" | www.gbengasesan.org.ng | www.gbengasesan.com

----- Forwarded message from ayf-info@... -----
     Date: Wed, 08 Sep 2004 10:58:11 +0200
     From: ayf-info@...
Reply-To: ayf-info@...
  Subject: AYF-News> Fwd: Re: ICT Health Information Center in Tansania
       To: ayf-news@...

From: Soddemann, Monika soddemann.spitzer@...
Sent: Monday, September 06, 2004 12:45 PM
Subject: AW: ICT Health Information Center in Tanzania

The German Technical Cooperation (GTZ) aims to assist communities and in
particular women and youth in Tanzania to improve their livelihood through the
use of appropriate Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) that
facilitate increased access to relevant Health Information.

GTZ asked me to identify similar projects which deal with the availability and
use of health relevant information through ICT in particular for disadvantaged
women and youth.

Now I am looking for similar initiatives and projects and would be grateful for
any hints, ideas and references.

I look forward to receiving comments on this. Thanks in advance.

Sincerely,

Monika Soddemann
Consultant/ InWEnt Project Manager
Ernst-Moritz-Arndt Str. 40
53225 Bonn
email: soddemann.spitzer@...

_______________________________________________________
WEB.DE Video-Mail - Sagen Sie mehr mit bewegten Bildern
Informationen unter: http://freemail.web.de/?mc=021199

---
AYF-News is hosted on Kabissa - Space for change in Africa
To post, write to: AYF-News@...
Website: http://lists.kabissa.org/mailman/listinfo/ayf-news

----- End forwarded message -----


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__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com

Dear LEO Friends,
i would like to share an international project with you, which i feel
will be a project for fit for young people like you and your club
this year between Sept 18 to Oct.18 2004

  America's Clean Water Foundation (ACWF) and the International Water
Association (IWA) are working together to coordinate World Water
Monitoring Day. Because the need for clean water knows no boundaries,
it makes sense that collaborative efforts to protect and preserve the
world's most precious natural resource should involve the global
community. Much can be learned from each other when a collaborative
spirit prevails. Many people are already engaged in activities that
protect the world's water resources. World Water Monitoring Day seeks
to capitalize on the vast knowledge of those who are experienced to
introduce water monitoring to people throughout the world that have
never assumed a personal stake in protecting their local watershed.

World Water Monitoring Day was created with two major purposes in
mind. First, to serve as an educational platform to introduce people
to the importance of water monitoring and connect them personally
with efforts to protect and preserve their local watersheds, and
second, as a means of expanding the base of information available
about the health of each watershed over time.
On October 18, citizens of the global community will join in World
Water Monitoring Day (WWMD), a worldwide opportunity to positively
impact the health of rivers, lakes, estuaries and other waterbodies.
Volunteer monitoring groups, water quality agencies, students, and
the general public are invited to test four key indicators of water
quality: temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, and turbidity.
please feel free the visit the WMD web site:
www.worldwatermonitoringday.org

if you are interested to participate the first thing to do is to
contact me through my mail or at francisabayomi@... or via my
phone: 08056715557 and you or your club is entitled to receive one
free water quality monitoring kit for each testing site that you
intend to monitor Please note that there are a limited number of kits
available. Each water monitoring kit can be re-used up to 50 times.
please note that these Kits worth money Kits cost $13.00 each plus a
$6.95 shipping and handling charge per kit but I am giving it out
free and please note that your response to this mail is on or before
wednesday August 11th 2004 so as to give me the opportunity to order
your kits from America and UK as soon as possible.
please send me the following information:

  1. The number of sites you want to monitor
  2. The name and description of each of the testing sites
  3. The full address where the testing kits should be sent to you
  4. The number of participants you expect in your club

i look forward to hearing your thoughts.


till then
be well
francis abayomi

FYI

Regards,

--
'Gbenga Sesan
"Why? Why not?" | www.gbengasesan.org.ng | www.gbengasesan.com
Paradigm Initiative Nigeria | www.pin.itgo.com





----- Forwarded message from Lisa Thurston <lisathurston@...> -----
     Date: Sun, 25 Jul 2004 12:40:52 +0930
     From: Lisa Thurston <lisathurston@...>
Reply-To: humannetwork@yahoogroups.com
  Subject: [hn] APPLICATION CLOSE 30 July - Opportunity for women in Asia
Pacific, Africa, Latin America, and Eastern Europe
       To: humannetwork@yahoogroups.com

Hi HN-ers!

The following invitation applies to Women in the Asia Pacific, Africa, Latin
America, and Eastern Europe.

Especially if you are interested in or entering a career in journalism (or
other media-related field).

The due date for fellowship applications in 30 July (so only 5 days!!)  The
conference is mid September in Barcelona, Spain.

Cheers
Lisa



INVITATION FOR APPLICATION

Young Journalists Fellowship to the Grassroots Women's International Academy
and the World Urban Forum; 7-17 September 2004; Barcelona, Spain

Huairou Commission
huairougwia@...

Greetings from the Huairou Commission!

We are pleased to announce that we are pioneering an initiative to offer 10
Fellowship for Young Journalists as part of our Strategy in building
partnership with the media in a concerted effort to strengthen and support
our work, and make grassroots women's contribution to development process
more visible.

The Huairou Commission in partnership with Cordaid, Netherlands are happy to
announce that they will sponsor a 12 day Fellowship Program for Young
Journalists to report on Grassroots Women's International Academy (GWIA) and
the World Urban Forum (WUF) in Barcelona, Spain. For detail information on
the Fellowship, please visit our website at www.huairou.org
<http://www.huairou.org> . Closing date for the application is 30 July 2004.
Please write to us if you want us to send the electronic format of the
application package directly to you (a big file, hence we are not
circulating them with this list).

This Fellowship will have young reporters participate in a day and a half of
classroom discussion, attend both the GWIA and WUF and, in stories
following, will be expected to report not only on specific grassroots
solutions but also to show how important grassroots governance processes are
to the long term social, political and economic development of their
communities.

The Young Journalists Fellowship Program, will fund at least 10 young
journalists from Asia Pacific, Africa, Latin America, Eastern Europe and the
Netherlands to participate and follow both GWIA and WUF to enable them to
interact and learn of grounded applications of grassroots women's practices
that have proven to contribute towards sustainable human development and
social change.

We would be grateful if you could circulate this information to others who
would be interested to apply for this Fellowship.

For more information, please contact:

Jan Peterson
Chair - Huairou Commission
249 Manhattan Ave
Brooklyn, NY 1121, U.S.A.
Tel: +1-718-388-8915; Fax: +1-718-388-0825
Email: huairoucom@...  & huairougwia@...
Website: www.huairou.org <http://www.huairou.org>

----- End forwarded message -----


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> Dear Friends,
>
> The North-South Centre is organising  the 2nd AFRICA-EUROPE Training
> Course for Youth Organisations: "Youth participation for Poverty
> Reduction". The Course will happen in the CEULAJ, Mollina, SPAIN from the
> 8-15 October 2004 in the larger frame of the University on Youth and
> Development.
>
> Please find enclosed the presentation of the training course and the
> application form to be sent to the North-South Centre before the 23 August
> 2004. Please send preaferably by email to
> nsc.youthandglobalisation@....
> The selected participants will be informed in September of the results
> of the selection.

> We would be very pleased if you could circulate this information among
> your contacts  and partners in Africa and Europe.
>
> Thank you!
>
> Best Regards
>
> Marcos Andrade
> Co-ordinator - youth Dimension
> North-South Centre - Council of Europe
> *: +351 21 358 40 39
> Fax: +351 21 358 40 72
> marcos.andrade@...
> www.nscentre.org <http://www.nscentre.org>
> www.coe.int

PRESENTATION:

With the Support of:
The Government of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
The Spanish Youth Institute (INJUVE)


Summary of the Course

This will be the second edition of this training Course after a very encouraging
first experience in April 2002 in Tarrafal, Cabo Verde.  The 2nd Euro- African
Training Course for Youth Organisations will enable key youth multipliers in
Africa and in Europe to share strategies to increase co-operation in youth work
and to strengthen youth participation in civil society. The course will focus
on capacity building for key multipliers in national youth structures, in
particular in the design, implementation and evaluation of youth-led poverty
reduction strategies.

In this course participants will acquire knowledge and skills to develop the
capacity of their organisations as civil society, non-state actors in the
development process. Participants will learn of differing models of
capacity-building, initiatives in the field of youth participation in
poverty-reduction strategies; they will also learn of new models being
developed in different African and European contexts.

The week-long course is designed using a process of mutual learning, the
participants' experiences being the starting point of the training process.
Active participation and in-depth reflection are key methodologies used in the
course - as methodologies that have proven successful in similar courses
previously. Participants will compare their approaches to youth work and youth
participation, engaging in the implementation and evaluation of the programme
with the team of trainers.

The course will also provide an excellent space for networking and finding
partners; this dimension will be most strongly encouraged by the team of
trainers. As a result of the course, an experimental project in best practice
in youth participation in poverty reduction will be identified, implemented and
jointly monitored by the participants.

Background

There has been growing recognition in the last decade of the need for civil
society involvement in development processes. More recently, there is a clearer
understanding that civil society is diverse, and that capacity building with
particular sectors of civil society is required in order for these sectors to
fully shape, participate in, and benefit from the development process. Nowhere
is this clearer than with the youth sectors in both European and African
countries.

The North-South Centre has been taking and active part in increasing the role
and the capacity of civil society and its recognition in Euro-African
Co-operation. Moreover it has been following closely the most relevant
international processes and fora that are developing strategies in this
direction. This has been the case of the Copenhagen Process and more recently
of the European Social Development Conference. The Centre has equally paid
particular attention to the different Intergovernmental Euro-African
co-operation processes such as the Lomé Conventions, the ACP-EU Agreement from
Cotonou and the Grand Bay Declaration at African level, and has been involved
in putting forward a common vision of promoting Euro-African civil society
partnership and strengthening the role of the non State actors.

The North-South Centre, in the frame of the 2000 Euro-African Summit in Cairo,
initiated and convened the Africa-Europe Civil Society Forum, which allowed
representatives from African and European NGOs communities to express their
main concerns and to address recommendations to the Heads of State and
Government during the Summit. These recommendations opened long-term
perspectives, allowing the main objective of the Forum to be achieved: to
formulate an agenda and an action plan for the reinforcement of the Civil
Society in Africa and its consolidation in the context of a Euro-African
partnership.

Strengthening civil society’s ability to organise and take action, in particular
in connection with decentralised co-operation; supporting and promoting civil
society action to prevent conflict and ensure respect for the rule of law and
good governance; organising effective efforts to combat poverty with a view to
promoting social welfare.


The Role of the North-South Centre

The North-South Centre has continued his engagement in promoting multilateral
cooperation between Europe and African not only at the Intergovernmental level
but also by encouraging and supporting the cooperation of Civil Society in
Africa and in Europe. It has been strongly involved in the NEPAD process,
particularly by encouraging the full participation of Civil Society.

In this comprehensive framework programme a number of initiatives are foreseen
which also include a strong youth dimension. The Final Declaration of the Civil
Forum stated “We recognise that Youth organisations have a strong role to play
in the creation of peaceful and democratic societies where good governance
exists.  Therefore we are committed to supporting the creation of youth
oriented programmes within programmes of the EU, African Union and through
bilateral co-operation of their member states.  These will allow youth
organisations to build up training exchanges and development projects in Africa
and Europe. We recommend the creation of a space to promote and foster
permanent and stable co-operation and partnership between youth organisations
of both regions so as to identify new partners, promote relevant actions and
activities and build our capacities.  We support the proposal articulated by
Youth organisations of African and European youth societies for the creation of
an Africa Europe Youth Forum which will mobilise the key youth actors in the
two regions and develop their long term strategy and commitment”

The North-South Centre is organising this training course to ensure a platform
for capacity building of youth leaders and youth workers in the specific frame
of the Africa Europe Co-operation, to enhance youth organisations role as
non-state actors in the development process.

The North-South Centre partners, and more particularly the Youth Organisations
active in North-South Co-operation, engaged and with interest in the Euro
African co-operation, have identified and requested the experience of the
North-South Centre as fundamental to ensure the richness and outreach of this
type of projects.  Due to extensive network of working relations with youth
organisations in both regions, but also because of its unique quadrilogue
working structure, the Centre is well placed to provide a clear added value to
such a project, furthermore the first edition of the Euro-African Training
Course in 2002 was a very successful process that strongly encouraged the
North-South Centre to organise a second edition of this course.

The North-South Centre has identified youth and its organisations as a priority
target for its activities, in doing so the Centre also includes youth
organisations in its statutory bodies and engages in a co-management of its
youth programme with the regional youth platforms. The North-South Centre aims
at raising awareness and increase solidarity among young people by promoting
and facilitating their active participation in the field of Global
Interdependence and Solidarity. It also works towards the implementation of
policy to include youth perspectives in all development policy of the national
states, as well as to strengthen youth participation in all programmes and
policies relating to Global Interdependence and North-South Dialogue. The
Centre strives to support and enhance capacity building for youth organisations
in North-South Dialogue and development education at national and regional
level.

This project would be a natural progression of the training programme for youth
organisations of the North- South Centre developed over the past 12 years. Such
training programme includes an annual training course for Youth Organisations
in North-South Co-operation, an Africa Europe Training Course for Youth
Organisations, the Partnership on Euro-Mediterranean youth co-operation in the
field of training, a Euro-Asian Training Course and the University on Youth and
Development. The North-South Centre is also developing a specialised pool of
trainers in North-South Youth Work with trainers and experts from the different
regions, experienced in different themes, methods and dimensions of North-South
training. This pool of trainers will assist in the development of the course.





Aim of the Course

The training course aims to strength the role of youth organisations as civil
society actors and youth ability to organise and take action, in particular in
connection with decentralised co-operation on poverty eradication and Social
cohesion and to identify educational principles to promote global citizenship
of young people in Europe and Africa.

Course Objectives

The concrete objectives of the training are to enable participants:
to strengthen individual and organisational capacities for youth participation
in development;
to increase skills and understanding regarding youth participation and
leadership;
to acquire know-how on concepts and challenges of youth work, youth policies and
institutions in the two regions;
to reflect upon topics of importance to strengthen active citizenship (e.g.
culture and identity, human rights, democracy, participation, exclusion and
integration), development, education, globalisation;
to co-operate in a network with other participants and their projects;
to create operational tools and act as multipliers by passing on the training
and knowledge acquired;
to gain an understanding about the needs and possibilities for co-operation and
dialogue between the societies in Europe and Africa;
to live through an intercultural experience with the opportunity to develop
expertise and know-how on intercultural learning in the specific Euro-African
context;
to identify, plan, and, after the course, monitor and evaluate a pilot project.



Methodology of the training

The course is designed as a process of mutual learning, with the participants'
experiences and realities as the starting point of the training process. Active
participation and in-depth reflection are the keys to the success of this
course. Participants will compare their approaches to youth work and
participate in the implementation and evaluation of the programme with the team
of trainers.

The training methodology is based on a number of successful experiences of
training for youth workers and youth leaders developed by the North-South
Centre and the Directorate of youth and Sport of the Council of Europe as for
example: 10 years of North-South Training Courses for Youth Organisations, The
University on Youth and Development, the Euro-Mediterranean Youth Training
Programme and over the 3 decades of Youth Work Training of the Directorate of
Youth and Sport of the Council of Europe. The North-South Centre, together with
its partners, has developed and tested training methods and tools for this type
of activities; it also benefited from the knowledge of some of the best
trainers and youth workers in the field of co-operation. The team of
experienced trainers from Africa and Europe will be responsible to further
design and implement the methodology of the course.



Invited guests and experts will provide proposals for reflection in a process
based on non-formal education and participant-centred methodologies. Thus, the
course will be also a mutual learning situation, where participants can compare
their approaches and concerns in a dialogical intercultural approach and
environment.  The use of experiential methods and workshops will strengthen the
practical side of the course.

The course is a week-long training Programme using a variety of educational
methodologies such as: thematic, methodological and political inputs and
discussions, new technologies, guides and reference documents, simulation
exercises, groups dynamics, interactive role plays, examples of good practices,
etc.

Educational team of the course

The educational team for this course is composed by 4 trainers with relevant
experience in youth work and Euro African co-operation, two of the trainers are
African and the other two European. The trainers have specific and
complementary experience and will be recruited specifically to further design
and implement this course. It should be expected that the trainers’ team also
reflect gender balance and the cultural, political and geographical diversity
of the regions.

Working languages

The different sessions of the Course will be in English and French, candidates
are requested to indicate all their working languages and language level in the
application form and should be fluent at least in one of the two languages.

Expected results

Build the capacity of multipliers in youth organisations in Europe and Africa
with the necessary skills to develop and run Africa Europe co-operation
programmes, notably those aiming at poverty reduction;
An informal network of youth leaders and organisations with interest in
developing Africa Europe co-operation and actively committed to the
strengthening of Civil Society;
A series of co-operation and exchange programmes between youth organisations in
Europe and in Africa;
An increase in understanding and dialogue between young people, and their
organisations, in European and African countries.
An increase in the understanding of the cultural, social, economical and
political context of the Africa Europe Relations

Profile of Participants

The participants in this course are representatives of youth organisations in
Europe, and Africa. For the European participants the course is open for
residents of all member-states of the Council of Europe. National and
international youth organisations will be invited to propose candidates for
this course, using the resources of contact mailing lists of the North-South
Centre and partner organisations.

Approximately fifty percent of the participants in this course will come from
youth organisations in Europe; the other fifty percent will come from youth
organisations in Africa. Gender balance will be ensured in the selection
process of the participants, as well as the balance between the type and/or
nature of organisations.

Concerning participants and their profile:
should be a key multiplier playing an active role within a youth organisation,
network or service at local, national or regional level, and plan to continue
this work in the near future;
the course should have up to 30 Participants;
seeking gender balance;
diverse social and geographical background (including disadvantaged and minority
groups);
aged between 18 and 30;
have already some qualification or experience in terms of training and project
work;
be committed to attend the full duration of the course and be supported by a
youth organisation or service;
be able to present the context of their work, their way of tackling problems,
the challenges they meet and identify;
be in a position to act as multipliers or trainers within their organisation or
service;
be able to work and communicate in English and/or French.


NB: I can forward the forms to you if you're interested. I wouldn't want to
forward attachments to the Yahoogroup since it'd not be attached anyway.

Regards,

--
'Gbenga Sesan
"Why? Why not?" | www.gbengasesan.org.ng | www.gbengasesan.com
Paradigm Initiative Nigeria | www.pin.itgo.com





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Call for Papers, Participation: "Enhancing Human Resource Development through
ICT"

The International Federation for Information Processing (IFIP) is
calling for participation at the 8th International Conference on Social
Implications of Computers in Developing Countries. "Enhancing Human
Resource Development through ICT" is the umbrella theme of the
conference, which will explore issues concerned with building a skilled
and adaptable workforce in developing countries (DCs) for the
information age.

The conference will be held in Abuja, Nigeria, May
25-28, 2005.

Deadline: August, 31, 2004.

http://is.lse.ac.uk/ifipwg94/pdfs/2005firstcall.pdf

--
'Gbenga Sesan
"Why? Why not?" | www.gbengasesan.org.ng | www.gbengasesan.com
Paradigm Initiative Nigeria | www.pin.itgo.com





----------------------------------------------------------------
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Call for Papers, Participation: "Enhancing Human Resource Development through
ICT"

The International Federation for Information Processing (IFIP) is
calling for participation at the 8th International Conference on Social
Implications of Computers in Developing Countries. "Enhancing Human
Resource Development through ICT" is the umbrella theme of the
conference, which will explore issues concerned with building a skilled
and adaptable workforce in developing countries (DCs) for the
information age.

The conference will be held in Abuja, Nigeria, May
25-28, 2005.

Deadline: August, 31, 2004.

http://is.lse.ac.uk/ifipwg94/pdfs/2005firstcall.pdf

--
'Gbenga Sesan
"Why? Why not?" | www.gbengasesan.org.ng | www.gbengasesan.com
Paradigm Initiative Nigeria | www.pin.itgo.com





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Hello all,

Applications are now open for internships under the Youth Fellowship >Program
(YFP) of the Global Knowledge Partnership (GKP). Through the YFP, 12 GKP member
organizations will host youths of 18 to 26 years of age, in a capacity building
initiative in the field of Information and Communication Technologies for
Development (ICT4D).

The internship will be for a period of 3 months and will begin in September
2004. The Youth Fellowship Program is a component of the GKP Youth Program,
aimed at realizing the potential of young people as leaders in using ICT to
achieve sustainable development in their communities and around the world.
Each of the following GKP member organizations is offering one internship
position:
1. Bangladesh Friendship Education Society (BFES), Bangladesh
2. PROSHIKA, Bangladesh
3. Digital Divide Data (DDD), Cambodia
4. *Open Forum of Cambodia (OFC), Cambodia
5. RITSEC, Egypt
6. MITRA Technology Foundation, India
7. African Women's Development and Communication Network (FEMNET), Kenya
8. World Assembly of Youth (WAY), Malaysia
9. Fantsuam Foundation, Nigeria
10. Youth for Technology Foundation (YTF), Nigeria
11. Mailstation.net in, Philippines
12. Foundation for Media Alternatives (FMA), Philippines

The internship positions are open to candidates who are citizens of, and
residing in, the same country as the Host organization.

* The position at Open Forum of Cambodia is restricted to applicants from East
Timor. The deadline for submitting applications is July 31st 2004. Successful
candidates will be notified by August 15th 2004. Interested applicants should
visit the program page on the GKP portal at http://www.globalknowledge.org/yfp
for more information about the YFP, host organizations, eligibility
requirements and the application form.

All the best,

--
'Gbenga Sesan
"Why? Why not?" | www.gbengasesan.org.ng | www.gbengasesan.com
Paradigm Initiative Nigeria | www.pin.itgo.com





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The 4th Melaka International Youth Dialogue
28-30th June 2004


DECLARATION: Youth Participation in Decision-Making Processes



Preamble


	 We, the participants of the 4th Melaka International Youth Dialogue (MIYD),
convened in Melaka from the 28th – 30th of June 2004 to discuss Youth
Participation in Decision-Making Processes.

	 Over 200 participants from 43 countries around the world attended this MIYD.

The focus of this dialogue was to empower youth to be active participants in
decision-making process in issues that affect them, thus ensuring that they
make informed decisions.

	 The dialogue was based on major issues affecting youth:

i) Individual knowledge and skills development for effective youth participation
in decision-making processes
ii) Overcoming barriers to effective youth participation in decision-making
processes at community level
iii) Enhancing institutional capacity of youth organizations for effective youth
participation in decision-making processes

After thorough evaluation through plenary sessions, workshops and side events
we, the MIYD participants identified challenges in decision-making processes
that youth face today.

We, as MIYD participants from around the world have put together this document
with recommendations that we strongly feel need to be implemented for effective
youth participation in decision-making processes.



Challenges and Recommendations

1. Barrier - Lack of Quality Education

Recommendations:

• Make education available to all.
• Further emphasis on character building.
• Improve education facilities.
• Employ committed and qualified staff in the education system.
• Change the education system from being objective to being rational, shifting
emphasis from academic results to personal development.

Refer to Appendix


2. Barrier - Inadequate personal and social education

Recommendations:

• Provide parenting skills to youth (potential parents) and the family unit to
allow a more holistic development for the young person.
• Make informal education available to all to ensure that a child is developed
socially, emotionally, mentally, spiritual and physically.


3. Barrier - Negative attitude and perceptions

Recommendations:

• Ensure that youth participation is interesting, engaging and enjoyable.
• Create awareness of youth rights to encourage meaningful participation.


4. Barrier - Negative Peer Pressure

Recommendations:

• Educate youth through interactive methods concerning their rights to ensure
that their opinions are not compromised by others.
• Create youth programs to sensitize youth to express their own views and not
that of their peers.


5. Barrier - Poor dissemination of information

Recommendations:

• Make information available to all.
• Enhance youths own media channels through newsletters, radio and television
programmes.


6. Barrier - Poor media coverage

Recommendations:

• Obtain Good Media coverage/exposure by educating the media on youth issues.
• Highlight the work of youth organizations within the community.


7. Barrier - Domination of adult influence incompatible with young people’s
wants/needs.

Recommendations:

• Create awareness groups that target all levels within society.
• Youths should actively and effectively be involved in designing the structures
that govern, and issues that concern, us, specifically at organisational
level.


8. Barrier - Economic and Social Class leading to Inequality & Discrimination in
treatment

Recommendation:

• Encourage inclusive participation from all youth without discrimination of any
kind, irrespective of her/his race, colour, gender, language, religion,
political or other opinion, national, ethnic or social origin, orientation,
property, disability, birth or other status.


9. Barrier- Gender Inequality

Recommendations:

• Encourage young women to realise and exercise their rights in male dominated
societies. This will allow more women to become involved in decision making
processes.
• Lobby the government to create equal opportunities for all young people.


10. Barrier - Poverty & Lack of Societal Support

Recommendations:

• Empower youth to become entrepreneurs.
• Government, NGOs, private sector working together to provide poverty
eradication.
• Implement infrastructure that support the creation of job opportunities for
young people and provide a means for young people to support themselves
financially, gain independence and self-sufficiency.
• Government to offer support to community based programmes to alleviate poverty
and create a better quality of life.


11. Barrier - Inadequate capacity to affect change

Recommendations:

• Governments of the world should ratify and implement the Convention on the
Rights of the Child, UN Declaration on Human Rights and the International
Convention on Civil and Political Rights; and to abolish or amend all laws and
policies that are not in agreement with these treaties.
• Ensure that the civil liberties of all youth are protected, including the
right to voice their concerns in all areas of public affairs and the right to
public assembly.
• Look to youth organisations as partners in decision-making, and youth building
– so that engagement may be constructive, not contentious.
• Youth must be encouraged to comply with appropriate protocol.


12. Barrier - Political Situation that prevent youth from active participation

Recommendations:

• Involve youth in Peace Making Processes at the national and international
level.
• Create awareness on the objectives of political parties to ensure that youths
make informed voting decisions.


13. Barrier - Inadequate organisational structures within youth organizations

Recommendations:

• Work to eliminate bureaucratic red tape and corruption, nepotism and cronyism
from all levels of public service.
• Discourage the influence of donor implementation of programmes and decision
making that hinder youth from participating effectively ie ensure organisations
are principle-driven and NOT donor-driven.
• Work in participation with other organisations/private sector to increase
access to more avenues for funding. Look at alternative means of raising funds,
and minimising costs.
• Ensure youth participation is actively sought and maximised – and appreciated
for the value and diversity of experience and opinions that it adds, as opposed
to mere token participation.
• Organise regular and accessible trainings for leadership skills (e.g. public
speaking trainings, gender sensitising workshops, motivational seminars)
specifically for young people to encourage youth initiative and generate
enthusiasm. Further, allow young people to take on leadership roles to build up
capacities through experience.
• Enhance development capabilities through dialogue and trainings which will
create motivation, build confidence and encourage risk taking amongst youth
that will abolish the culture of fear and convince young people that they are
capable, rational and responsible citizens and members of society, able and
willing to affect social change for the better.


Conclusion

We young people have to take it upon ourselves to apply pressure at the right
points to the right people at the right time. This is the only way we can have
the recommendations of this dialogue implemented in our individual countries.

A step in the right direction would be to create youth forums for lobbying
starting from community level rising to international levels.

The power lies within YOU to affect change. Go forth and use it!

--
'Gbenga Sesan
"Why? Why not?" | www.gbengasesan.org.ng | www.gbengasesan.com
Paradigm Initiative Nigeria | www.pin.itgo.com

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PRESS RELEASE


The Fourth Melaka International Youth Dialogue (MIYD), which ended on June 30,
adopted the Melaka International Youth Declaration on Youth Participation in
Decision-Making Processes.

The Declaration outlines the various barriers to effective youth participation,
and how they can be overcome.

The MIYD was attended by over 200 youths from 43 countries.

Ends.

Attachment: MIYD Declaration 2004

Issued by: World Assembly of Youth

Gender is about men and WOMEN. Please give this a shot.

Regards,

--
'Gbenga Sesan
"Why? Why not?" | www.gbengasesan.org.ng | www.gbengasesan.com
Paradigm Initiative Nigeria | www.pin.itgo.com





----- Forwarded message from Colloque Femme Developpement et Nepad
<cameroun2005@...> -----
     Date: Wed, 30 Jun 2004 07:51:08 +0200 (CEST)
     From: Colloque Femme Developpement et Nepad <cameroun2005@...>
Reply-To: Colloque Femme Developpement et Nepad <cameroun2005@...>
  Subject: Appel à communication/ Call for contribution
       To: zima@...


APPEL A COMMUNICATION / CALL FOR CONTRIBUTION

L’objectif de ce colloque est de promouvoir une meilleure implication de la
jeune femme dans le processus de développement de l’Afrique et à encourager sa
participation dans la réalisation des objectifs du Nepad.

Le colloque sera articulé autour de 4 thématiques principales :
« Evolution du rôle de la femme » ;
« Leadership féminin » ;
« Femme et Environnement » ;
« Femme et Nepad ».

Nous encourageons les propositions traitant des cas africains et rédigées par
des candidats issus de pays africains. Les textes de présentations formeront un
recueil d’actes que nous espérons publier. Titre et résumé doivent être envoyés
avant le 18 juillet 2004, par courrier électronique.

Les propositions de communication (maximum 300 mots) doivent être envoyées avec
un bref curriculum vitae et un plan de stratégie de suivi de la rencontre.

CALL FOR CONTRIBUTIONS



« Young Women, development and NEPAD »

Yaoundé, April 11-15/ 2005



The goal of this course is to promote a better implication of women in the
development processes of Africa and to stimulate their participation in the
realisation of the NEPAD objectives.



The course will be focusing on 4 important themes:

- “Evolution of women’s roles”

- “Women and the environment”

- “Female leadership”

- Women and NEPAD”



We encourage propositions concerning African case-studies. The presented texts
will be joined and published.



The title and a short resume of the propositions have to be send before the 18th
of july 2004, by e-mail.



Individual proposals (maximum 300 words) should be send with a short CV and
proposed follow-up strategy.



Contact:

Christian KOMZE

Association Jeunesse Pour l’Environnement

cameroun2005@...

Tel : (237) 737 73 10/ 753 09 04



---------------------------------
Créez gratuitement votre Yahoo! Mail avec 100 Mo de stockage !
Créez votre Yahoo! Mail

Dialoguez en direct avec vos amis grâce à Yahoo! Messenger !
----- End forwarded message -----


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Please see below.

Apologies for cross-posting.


--
'Gbenga Sesan
"Why? Why not?" | www.gbengasesan.org.ng | www.gbengasesan.com
Paradigm Initiative Nigeria | www.pin.itgo.com





----- Forwarded message from Youth for Technology Foundation
<ytf@...> -----
     Date: Mon, 14 Jun 2004 08:41:36 -0700 (PDT)
     From: Youth for Technology Foundation <ytf@...>
Reply-To: African Information Society Initiative - Discussion Forum
<aisi-l@...>
  Subject: [aisi-l] Digital Bridge Africa, Abuja - June 23rd -June 26th, 2004
       To: African Information Society Initiative - Discussion Forum
<aisi-l@...>

Greetings:

With sponsorship from Global Knowledge Partnership
(GKP), Youth for Technology Foundation is requesting
nominations for individuals interested in attending and
participating in the Digital Bridge Africa conference
in Abuja (June 23rd - 26th, 2004).

Nominees should submit their letter of interest and a
brief abstract of their contribution (as a panelist or
speaker) (1/2 a page) to Njideka Harry
(njideka@... or
njideka@...) by
Wednesday, June 16th.

Individuals must be from developing countries.
Round trip airfare and accomodation will be covered.

For more information, visit http://www.ddn-africa.org

Regards,

Njideka Ugwuegbu Harry
Executive Director
Youth for Technology Foundation (YTF)
http://www.youthfortechnology.org

---
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Please see content below.

Regards,
--
'Gbenga Sesan
"Why? Why not?" | www.gbengasesan.com
Paradigm Initiative Nigeria | www.pin.itgo.com


----- Forwarded message from Laurent Straskraba <laurent@...> -----
     Date: 21 May 2004 15:32:47 -0000
     Wrom: YRWTQTIPWIGYOKSTTZRCLBDXRQBGJSNBOHMKHJYFMYX
Reply-To: wsisyouth@...
  Subject: [wsisyouth] Fwd: (Newton, MA area) editorial INTERNSHIP available at
EDC Center for Media & Community
       To: 'Gbenga Sesan <me@...>

Replies to this message will be sent to the group by default.
The sender of this message can be contacted at <mailto:laurent@...>.
---------------------------------------------

Take a look at this wonderful internship opportunity!

Best,
Laurent


>Date: Fri, 21 May 2004 08:44:51 -0400
>
>POSITION AVAILABLE:
>EDITORIAL INTERNSHIP AT THE EDC CENTER FOR MEDIA & COMMUNITY
>
>The EDC Center for Media & Community (CMC) is seeking qualified interns at
>the graduate and undergraduate level to work part-time at our office in
>Newton, Massachusetts. The paid internships will commence in mid-June and
>end in September.  CMC seeks candidates interested in the challenges faced
>by low-income and minority communities  with limited access to technology
>and IT skills. The ideal candidate will have an enthusiasm for promoting
>and developing effective programs that can reach and engage these
>communities.
>
>Primary duties:
>
>
>*Assist in the publication of the Digital Divide Network
>(http://www.digitaldividenetwork.org), which focuses on digital divide
>issues in the United States, and its international sister site, the
>Digital Opportunity Channel (http://www.digitalopportunity.org). Intern
>duties would include researching, collecting and posting articles and Web
>resources, as well as writing articles profiling digital divide
>initiatives and related issues.
>
>*Assist in the development of an initiative on e-government and the
>digital divide (see www.egov4all.org). Duties would include assisting CMC
>staff with research, editorial/publishing, meeting logistics and
>promotion.
>
>Secondary duties:
>
>*Assist in other programmatic activities, including development and
>maintenance of CMC?s organizational website; research and writing of CMC
>publications; attending and summarizing relevant events in the Boston
>area; assisting in the organizing of meetings and conferences.
>
>Education, Skills and Qualifications:
>
>* Graduate student,  or highly experienced undergraduate student
>
>* Knowledge and interest in digital divide issues, domestically and
>internationally
>
>* Excellent writing and editorial skills (experience with AP writing style
>a plus)
>
>* Strong interpersonal communication skills
>
>* Ability to work with limited supervision
>
>* Ability to meet daily deadlines and work under pressure
>
>* Knowledge of HTML and Web publishing; blogging experience a plus
>
>Journalism experience is strongly preferred, though not required.
>Spanish-speaking skills also useful.
>
>The intern would be expected to work a minimum of 20 hours. Candidates
>must be able to work out of our Newton office for a majority of their
>weekly working hours; part-time local telecommuting will be considered on
>a case-by-case basis. The EDC Center for Media & Community will not be
>able to pay for candidates relocating to the Boston area, so candidates
>who are locally based are preferred. Potential candidates will also be
>expected to take a writing test.
>
>To apply, please send a cover letter, resume and a brief writing sample to
>Cedar Pruitt at cpruitt @ edc.org. Please be sure to reference Editorial
>Internship in the email subject line.
>
>
>
>
>Education Development Center. Inc.
>
>The Center for Media & Community (CMC), a new program at EDC initiated by
>the Benton Foundation, promotes innovative uses of information and
>communication technology (ICT) to foster stronger communities and lifelong
>learning through research, innovative program models and policy. Education
>Development Center, Inc. (EDC), an international, nonprofit organization,
>conducts research and creates materials and programs to advance learning
>and promote health. EDC currently manages 325 projects in 40 countries.
>
>
>
>
>
>-------------------------------------------------
>Andy Carvin
>Program Director
>EDC Center for Media & Community
>acarvin @ edc . org
>http://www.digitaldividenetwork.org
>-------------------------------------------------

---
Mag. Laurent Straskraba
Information Society Researcher / Information Society Representative at UN
Youth & Student Association Austria

post: Ontlstrasse 3, A - 4040 Linz, Austria / Europe
mobile: +43.650.7711861 (GMT +1)
e-mail: laurent@...
web: http://www.straskraba.net
---



- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
The WSIS Youth Caucus mailing list

Moderated by Nick Moraitis at TakingITGlobal for Youth Creating Digital
Opportunities

<http://www.ycdo.net>

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Youth without Borders: Caravan Trail Isiolo to Mombasa. 01. – 28. September
2004

INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT SHEET

Youth, accounting for more than half of the population in Kenya and many
other African countries, has an enormous role to play for the development
  of future society. Having been involved in the struggles for human
rights,  justice and peace in the country, youth were important to bring
about  change for multiparty democracy in Kenya in 2002.

Since then – in spite of many declarations – young people have been the
target group of only few policy decisions with even less implementation.
Many youth initiatives have sprung up, organised by young people who take
  their future into their own hands. However, they often lack experience,
expertise, and even public support. Today many youth organisations
realise  that they have to create a higher level of awareness on their
own concerns.  It is they who have to bring their own issues back to the
agendas of public  decision makers. Only then social peace will be able
to be maintained on a  medium and long term basis.

The Caravan

Thus the Voluntary Youth Philanthropists, based in Nairobi, in
partnership  with several youth organisations has embarked on an
extensive awareness  initiative that will incorporate the use of a camel
caravan from Isiolo to  Mombasa and a distance of 1030 km. This is a
pilot project that is  envisaged to be held annually so as to educate
other young people  especially those in rural areas.

The Objectives

The main objective of the caravan is Lobby and advocate for youth issues
to  recognise the contribution of young people in efforts geared at
realising  their full potential in society. Our message is that youth
need to be  consulted in all matters that are central to their lives.
Thus they need to  be involved as equal actors in nation building as the
custodians of today’s  development. In particular:

Ø Creating awareness on the existing national youth policy/millennium
development goals
Ø To sensitise youth on HIV/AIDs and drug abuse
Ø Youth and ICT
Ø To bring the youth issues to the front and centre of the national
debate

It intends to address youth both in and out of school, development
partners, the corporate sector, the Government of Kenya, diplomatic
missions, youth organisations and local NGO's.


EXAMPLE OF YOUTH SITUATION IN KENYA

The population age bracket of 30 years and below constitutes about 75% of
  the Kenyan population. This segment forms the highest source of human
resource. The situation that young people in Kenya face today is dire.
Most  of the ills that plague the country – joblessness, crime, the AIDS
pandemic, affect young people to an inordinate degree. In addition, they
are used as the foot soldiers in politicians’ battles, and left in the
lurch when the wars move on. There has been no concrete effort made,
whether in politics or in business or in public affairs, to acknowledge
the  contribution that the youth can put in, and are putting in, and to
aid them  in these efforts.

The Trail

As mentioned above the caravan trail will start at Isiolo heading to
Mombasa, this is about 1030 km and will take approximately 28 days. This
translates to 50 km per day to cover the total journey. The caravan will
use camels that are being offered by a supporting agency in Nairobi.

Activities during the trail include the popularisation of the National
Youth Policy final draft and its shortcomings, the disseminating other
information to youth on HIV/AIDs, drugs abuse as well as other important
information, the use of drama, poems, dances and art graphics to
publicise  the issues behind the event, forums for speeches, talks and
youth sharing.

The Structure

As mentioned above the caravan trail will start at Isiolo heading to
Mombasa, this is about 1030 km and will take approximately 28 days. This
translates to 50 km per day to cover the total journey.

An interim co-ordinating committee has been formed to run the caravan
tour.  This team consists of seven (7) members. A co-ordinator is already
in place  to co-ordinate the whole process.

The Initiator

Voluntary Youth Philanthropist -VYP is an organisation founded in the
year  2000 under the local churches; Saint John ACK Kangemi and Saint
Joseph the  Worker Catholic Church Kangemi. It was registered in the year
2002 under  the Kenya law and in 2003 in Burundi.

VYP groups together the youth both refugee and citizens. It is a non-
political, non-partisan and a non- governmental organization. VYP is
youth- led organization and unites youth from all walks of life. Its
objective is  to enhance youth participation in the socio-cultural and
economic  structural development in boosting and strengthening the
position of the  vulnerable inculcating positive social values in the
society through youth  initiatives.

The major driving force is to unite the youth to focus on socio-economic
issues like poverty HIV/AIDS, drug abuse, justice, peace and
reconciliation  in promoting the basic rights of the human person.

The organisation activities revolve around three programmes: Justice
Peace  and Reconciliation programme; Voluntary, cultural and sports
programme;  Research and information programme

Support and Participation

You may support this exciting project in different ways:
n You may be included into our electronic mailing list on request
n Obtain information material on the caravan, distribute and publish
it
in your home place.
n Come to Kenya and join the caravan for its full period or part of
it.
Minimum period for participation is seven days.
n Express your solidarity for the project
n Donate to contribute to the expenses of the caravan.

Contact Address Rachel Wambui Kung'u
			 P.O.Box 19705-0202
			 Tel: +254 20 630257
			 Fax: +254 20 3748939
			 Cellular: +254 722 678962
				    +254 734 615037
			 Nairobi -Kenya
			 E-mail: rwaquel@...
				 wcykenya@...

Account details BANK:    CO-OPERATIVE BANK OF KENYA
			 BRANCH:    UNIVERSITY WAY
			 A/C NAME:    VOLUNTARY YOUTH PHILANTHROPIST
			 A/C NUMBER:  0110061311000
			 SWIFT CODE:   KCOOPKENA

RESPONSE SHEET FOR INTERNATIONAL SUPPORTERS

Name: Mr./Mrs.

Address:

Phone

Fax

Email

Nationality:

Age:

I have heard about the Caravan Trail from Isiolo to Mombasa and I am
interested in more information. Please,

o send me more detailed information on the project (at the time being
only electronically available)
o include me into your electronic mailing list.

I would like to support the Caravan by

o Writing on the project in my country (I am going to send you the
newspaper clippings for your documentation).
o Donating once / regularly (every month/ every year/every quarter
once
in six months the following sum. I have transferred this donation on
(date) to account No. 0110061311000
o Joining the caravan.
§ proposed period:
§ special needs:
§ I am aware that the trail will take place under local conditions:
yes/no
§ I am aware that I may be asked to participate in a preparatory
weekend prior to the departure of the caravan.
§ I am aware that I have to cover all my expenses on my own and that
the
organiser will not pay any part of the costs (including insurances,
medical treatment): yes/no
§ I am aware that in case of my participation, I will have to follow
the
instructions of the project officials: yes/no.
§ I enclose a letter describing my personal motivation to participate.
§ I will not hold the organiser responsible for any damage occurring
to
me during the caravan, its preparation and follow-up.

Place, Date

Signature


--
'Gbenga Sesan
"Why? Why Not?" | www.gbengasesan.com
Paradigm Initiative Nigeria | www.pin.itgo.com

***Multiple posting, please do NOT use the Reply-All button but
         you may distribute widely. Regards***

         Dear All,

         The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa is presently
         supporting a discussion group for Africa's youth. The discussion
         aims to create a platform for African youth to share experiences
         and knowledge in order to help develop innovative approaches to
         their needs and to establish a dialogue with public and other
         stakeholders in devising and implementing the WSIS action plan at
         country and regional levels.

         We presently require youth representation from North Africa and
         the Diaspora. please write pin@... if you live in any
         of these two "regions" and you're highly interested in the second
         phase of the WSIS process.

         The discussions are being concluded this week, and please find
         below, the summary of discussions:


         ***Week 1:

         ~"Most of the discussants believe that what the ECA is doing by
         supporting youth - through this discussion - should be a model for
         African governments to follow"~

         INTRODUCTION

         "African Youth and the Information Society". That was the topic of
         many discussions, articles, eConferences and personal emails
         between much of Africa's youth in the past few months. The phrase
         was discussed mostly by youth who wished to contribute their own
         quota to the emanciupation of Africa from economic incompetence,
         through the tool of Information and Communication technologies -
         the driver of the New Economy and the Information Society.

         That explains the excitement that greeted the announcement of the
         United Nations Economic Commission for Africa's (UNECA) readiness
         to host this discussion early this year. Even though most of the
         youth who heard about the discussions do not have consistent
         access to the web, they would be glad to discuss this
         all-improtant issue, and were excited that such an highly placed
         organisation was "interested in our plight afterall".

         THE DISCUSSION BEGINS...

         On the 15th of March 2004, Mr. Thierry Amoussougbo of the ECA sent
         an introductory email, which was followed up (on the same day) by
         a welcome message and "duty call" by 'Gbenga Sesan - who moderates
         the group's discussions. Eustache Nguie Sino, our bilingual group
         member has kept the language divide bridged since we began
         discussions with a daily summary of discussions from both
         languages featured on the list, English and French.

         WEEK 1

         Discussions for the first week bagan immediately, with the mailing
         list comprising 89 registered addresses representing much of
         Africa's geographical spread (including that of some UNECA staff).
         Of these, 26 youth were active in the first week, with most of the
         emails and practical examples coming from West, Central, Eastern
         and Southern regions of Africa.

         Discussants placed emphasis on the need to be practical, and most
         people expressed thie displeasure at the verbal (lacking action)
         form that most discussions and meetings in Africa seem to follow.

         The first week's topic was, "In many countries there are a number
         of national e-strategies being formulated and implemented. Are the
         youth aware? What can African governments do to advance the cause
         of youth in the Information Society?
         What needs to be done in the area of ICT policy to enable this
         role? What is being done at the national and regional levels?"

         On the issue of awareness on African government strategies, most
         discussants agree that there is some level of awareness, but that
         such is limited to a few privileged youth. And in most cases,
         these youth have discovered these policies not because of being
         invited, but due to their personal interests - and at times,
         curiosity.

         Most posts dwelt on the need for governments to involve, empower
         and motivate youth in order to take positive progressive steps.
         Most discussants believe that if youth are not involved, it only
         points to the lack of readiness to promote sustainability in all
         the processes and strategies involved. The need to motivate and
         recognise outstanding youth was also emphasised. Most of the
         discussants believe that what the ECA is doing by supporting youth
         - through this discussion - should be a model for African
         governments to follow.

         The wek's discussion came to a close with youth expressing
         complementing opinions on the need for youth themselves to be
         proactive, and not waiting for government inclusion before seeking
         to get involved. This has really set the pace for next week's
         discussions which will focus on education.

         CONCLUSION

         The discussion is timely. Though the low participation at the
         beginning may be due to various reasons, recent youth-led online
         discussions have shown that progressing discussions tend to
         attract more youth who, having seen the seriousness and possible
         impact in the discussions, will latch on to the process and
         provide much flavour and direction.

         Going into the second week with a more personal, proactive and
         decentralised topic, the "African Youth and the Information
         Society" discussion seems set to help Africa's youth in their
         pursuit of bridging the digital divide and providing practical
         solutions that can help Africa in her bid to accelerate
         development through the use of ICTs.

         ===

         ***Week 2:

         INTRODUCTION

         Week 2 began with new members joining the list and we're glad to
         welcome them all. Welcome to today's table, where tomorrow's menu
         is being discussed. Fortunately, we're the ones that will "cook
         this meal" that will help feed Africa's ailing economy, through
         education - which was the second's week focus - and more.

         THE DISCUSSIONS

         Beginning with an introduction from the moderator, which
         challenged list members to explore the role of education in
         Africa's Information Society inclusion and supporting the same
         with location-specific examples, the discussion took an
         interesting turn all week, even though contributions have still
         not risen to more than 50% of listed group members.

         Taiwo Sobande from Nigeria believes that "... to a large, extent
         we are at the mercy of Government policy on education. which is
         why we need to get more involved in real politics". Alfred Friday
         also believs in this line of thought, which he supported by saying
         that "...government funding of education in Africa has been
         inadequate. Inadequate funding of education has been one of the
         most significant causes of low quality of education offered at all
         levels of education in Africa". Jama Abdullahi, an ICTs and Youth
         Activist from Somalia also lent his voive to the discussion by
         highlighting some other obstacles he's seen in his own country.
         Hear him. "The basic school are existing throughout the country
         but, it is limited in the main towns only where UNICEF can reach.
         The remote/rural areas are ignored and neglected."

         As you would expect, the discussions were not only about problems.
         When Ayo Oguntuase said that, "My personal experience shows that
         best method of ICT knowledge acquisition is Personal drive of the
         youth.", group members could not agree less. He also went on to
         say, "my desire to understand ICT began since my childhood in 1989
         but I never had the opportunity until 1997... This initial denial
         of access to ICT made me make up my mind to train as many African
         Youths as I can help free of charge at no cost.... If it can be
         done in Nigeria, it can be done anywhere and by anyone willing to
         do it. Finally bear in mind that when you train a youth you are
         training a generation." While also supporting self-help, femi
         Babawande further opined that he is of the opinion that the ICT
         should be "User Friendly" and not neccessarily a tuff for the
         "technology-hyper-schooled".

         In all, everyone restated the importance of education and next
         week's discussion on employment comes at the best time!

         NEXT WEEK

         The question comes as a natural follow up to the various points
         that have been raised. And the question follows:
         "Employment: Education provides the basis for the youth to be
         ICT-savvy as well as prepares them for the job market. However,
         for those who have not been given this opportunity through
         education, how can ICTs serve as a tool to promote and ensure
         their livelihoods? What kinds of schemes and initiatives need to
         be established for this purpose?"

         This is very practical and I look forward to reading from us all
         on existing projects that Africa's youth are delivering, possible
         projects that are already been thought through, and new ideas!
         This week comes as the most interesting so far as it challenges
         our actual committment to bridging the digital divide. What about
         other youth who are NOT educated? Can they still be employed
         through the use of ICTs?

         ===

         ***Week 3:

         INTRODUCTION

         This has been the most demonstrative week so far, with practical
         project examples coming from almost all African regions - Central
         (Burundi, Cameroun), East (Somalia), South (South Africa), and
         West (Nigeria, Benin, Ghana)! The discussion brought to the fore,
         the reality of the impact of ICTs even in the absence of formal
         education, showing the need and the ongoing exploration of the
         same.

         THIS WEEK

         The week's discussions focused on the topic, "Employment:
         Education provides the basis for the youth to be ICT-savvy as well
         as prepares them for the job market. However, for those who have
         not been given this opportunity through education, how can ICTs
         serve as a tool to promote and ensure their livelihoods? What
         kinds of schemes and initiatives need to be established for this
         purpose?"

         Discussions began with a practical example from east Africa,
         describing how youth are responding to a post-crisis period by
         empowering themselves in the face of an obvious lack of formal
         education. This prompted further examples, including vivid
         descriptions of how youth have been able to beat the odd of
         lacking formal education coupled with the need to employ the
         powers of ICTs, the new generation's tool for relevance.

         Though the need was stated for government intervention with
         respect to policies and actionable projects, discussants cited
         examples of civil society organisations - many of them youth-led -
         that are already acting in the direction of empowering youth who
         might have missed the privilege of exposure to formal education.

         As the week's discussion drew to a close, it became obvious that
         all discussants sang with one tone, "youth can get employment and
         partake in the job market even if they have missed the opportunity
         of (formal) education".


         CONCLUSION

         As would have been noticed in the string of discussions to date,
         the next topic builds on this week's discussions! Entrepreneurship
         has been described as the answer to the provision of a middle
         class, and a practical answer to Africa's economic situation.
         That's our next wtopic for discussion! And feel free to please
         read through the previous reports (below), especially for those
         who're just joining the discussions. Hear from you soon!

         NEXT WEEK

         With this report, the next discussion is open, and its on an
         all-important topic, entrepreneurship! Here's the question for
         discussions:

         "Entrepreneurship: The role of youth in leading and pioneering ICT
         initiatives in countries such as India and Malaysia is well known.
         Now, in some countries there are initiatives underway to support
         youth entrepreneurship in ICTs. How can this be replicated in
         Africa? How adequately prepared are countries to address these
         challenges? In what ways can the support initiatives be achieved?"


         ===

         ***Week 4

         INTRODUCTION

         The week's discussion built on the practical topics that were
         before it. From education and employment, this week moved on to
         the challeneg of entrepreneurship. Participants shared practical
         examples from their countries and regions, and it was a very great
         way to end the discussions - and move on to practical proposals.

         WEEK 4 SUMMARY

         The week's discussion was a great way to highlight the "stormy
         weather" that youth face in their entrepreneurial pursuits across
         the continent. From almost all the regions, we had clear and
         practical examples on the harsh environment that youth face in
         their bid to grow their entrepreneurial dreams.

         From high interest rates to unfriendly government policies,
         various bottlenecks were discussed and there was undisputed
         support for proactive change in attitude from institutions that
         "stand in the way" of youth expressing their entrepreneurial
         skills - policy makers, financial institutions, and others.

         While discussants had different perceptions on the existence of an
         "entrepreneurial spirit" in African youth, everyone agreed on the
         fact that the face of Africa's economy can improve with the
         empowerment of young people in order that they might express their
         skills through entrepreneurial efforts, ventures and projects.

         NEXT WEEK - Quo Vadis?

         The right question to ask now is, "where do we go from here?"
         >From the brilliant discussions, examples, suggestions and
         deliberations, we need to define a "way forward".

         Next week will be spent on: "The way forward: Based on the
         discussions what can be recommended as the way forward to ensure
         that your voices are heard and your causes are mainstreamed in the
         information society at national, sub-regional and global levels?"

         Please take time to read through all the summaries - see below for
         previous summaries - ahead of final suggestions. We need to draw a
         plan, with the mind that it will fly.

         While looking forward to your dynamic input, I'm moved to say,
         "Viva Africa!", and I think it's good time to say so...

         ===

         'Gbenga Sesan
         "Why? Why Not?" | www.gbengasesan.com
         Paradigm Initiative Nigeria | www.pin.itgo.com

JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Recruiting Excellence for Africa

The Careers in Africa recruitment summit, an initiative by the
London-based Global Career Company Ltd (GCC) is a unique annual event
where Africa?s top employers come to meet and interview internationally
oriented African graduates and professionals for a wide variety of
positions for their pan African operations.

Careers in Africa UK Summit, April 24-25th 2004
Apply online for all opportunities now at www.careersinafrica.com
<http://www.careersinafrica.com>

Companies attending include: Coca-Cola, SABMiller, ABI, Heineken,
Colgate Palmolive, Stanbic Africa, Standard Bank Group (SCMB),
Microsoft, Coca-Cola SABCO, Lafarge, Shell, WAMCO and Friesland Coberco,
HSBC, Anglo American, IFC World Bank, Cadbury Schweppes and MTN.


The Africa Society Internship Program

The Africa Society is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, diverse and inclusive
organization dedicated to educating all Americans about the diverse
continent of Africa and its people. We have an immediate opening for a
part time intern (20 hours per week) in our Washington DC office.
Responsibilities of the Intern include:
• Providing administrative, program and research support for issue and
policy forums and other events organized to educate and strengthen the
public and policy makers’ interest in key issues affecting Africa and the
United States.
Qualifications:
• A college student enrolled in an International Relations program or
related field, with specific interest in Africa

Interested ? Contact: Bernadette B. Paolo, Vice President of the Africa
Society.  The Africa Society of the National Summit on Africa
1779 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036
Tel: (202) 232-3862
Fax: (202) 232-3870
Email: bernadettepaolo@...
<mailto:bernadettepaolo@...>

We will continue to make available to you information on events,
opportunities & resources we think you will find interesting and
beneficial. Please feel free to send us any information you would like to
share with others.

Sincerely Yours,
the AFRican Professionals Officials

THIS E-MAIL SPONSORED BY: THE ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIAN PHYSICIANS IN THE AMERICAS (ANPA) New Jersey Chapter. ANPA NJ Chapter cordially invites you to their upcoming Fundraising Banquet on Saturday May 8th, 2004 at the Hilton Hotel in East Brunswick, NJ. For more information, RSVP & Tickets: 973 371 9002.

Happening Around Town... AfriPRO presents: Monthly Networking Series "where young African professionals network" WEDNESDAY APRIL 21st 2004, 6-9pm Bluezette, 246 Market Street, Philadelphia FREE ADMISSION WITH RSVP, $5 w/o Omoge Entertainment presents: A Spring Soiree! SATURDAY, APRIL 24th, 2004 @ Club Demerara 215 W. 28th Street, NY NY 10001. (btw 7th & 8th aves) Before Midnight! ($10+) $20 AFTER MIDNIGHT...

Recruiting Excellence for Africa The Careers in Africa recruitment summit, an initiative by the London-based Global Career Company Ltd (GCC) is a unique annual event where Africa’s top employers come to meet and interview internationally oriented African graduates and professionals for a wide variety of positions for their pan African operations. Careers in Africa UK Summit, April 24-25th 2004 Apply online for all opportunities now at www.careersinafrica.com Companies attending include: Coca-Cola, SABMiller, ABI, Heineken, Colgate Palmolive, Stanbic Africa, Standard Bank Group (SCMB), Microsoft, Coca-Cola SABCO, Lafarge, Shell, WAMCO and Friesland Coberco, HSBC, Anglo American, IFC World Bank, Cadbury Schweppes and MTN.

The Africa Society Internship Program The Africa Society is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, diverse and inclusive organization dedicated to educating all Americans about the diverse continent of Africa and its people. We have an immediate opening for a part time intern (20 hours per week) in our Washington DC office. Responsibilities of the Intern include: • Providing administrative, program and research support for issue and policy forums and other events organized to educate and strengthen the public and policy makers’ interest in key issues affecting Africa and the United States. Qualifications: • A college student enrolled in an International Relations program or related field, with specific interest in Africa Interested ? Contact: Bernadette B. Paolo, Vice President of the Africa Society.  The Africa Society of the National Summit on Africa 1779 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036 Tel: (202) 232-3862 Fax: (202) 232-3870 Email: bernadettepaolo@...

We will continue to make available to you information on events, opportunities & resources we think you will find interesting and beneficial. Please feel free to send us any information you would like to share with others.

Sincerely Yours,
the AFRican Professionals Officials

***A GLOBAL REACH*** LIMITED BUDGET ? NEED MORE VISIBILITY ? Do you want to reach thousands about your product or service; or do you want to promote your events! Advertise with us via 1. Bi-Monthly Newsletters: Be a Sponsor! Viewed WORLDWIDE by over 2000+ young professionals and growing. Be a Sponsor! NOW $75 (50% off regular price $150) pick a month today, hurry offer ends soon! 2. Donations: Get listed as a supporter of the vision. Make a donation to support our free services. Any amount is accepted. Our ability to carry out our mission is greatly influenced by your support. Thank You. 3. Events: Sponsor our Business & Social Networking Conventions or a Monthly Networking Series. Our events present an excellent opportunity for your brand exposure to our professional clientele. AfriPRO in collaboration with the AFRican Magazine presents a Professional Networking Series in cities around US "where young African professionals network" FREE ADMISSION 6 - 9 pm Are you an interested sponsor?! e-mail us @ sponsors@... 4. E-mail Blasts: E-mail marketing is among the most effective and efficient means of acquiring new customers and achieving brand exposure at a cost significantly lower than traditional direct marketing methods. Number of Email Addresses One Time Setup Fee Price Per Address 1 to 200 $2.99 $0.10 201 to 1000 $2.99 $0.08 1001 to 5000 $2.99 $0.05 5001+ $2.99 $0.01 5. the AFRican Magazine DOWNLOAD MEDIA KIT For more details, call us at 732 801 6921 or e-mail us at globalreach@...

--------about the NETWORK---------- We are a youth led global network of young African professionals. Since 2002, we have been organizing business & social networking events that inform, entertain, empower and celebrate our aspirations, our potentials & our future as young Africans. Why Business & Social Networking events? "We humans are social beings; we at AfriPRO organize social events that potentially will lead towards positive social change." For more information visit our website @ http://www.AfriPRO.com

Forwarding as received.... Not verified,  But may be useful to someone you
know.
Manny

>===== Original Message From CBCAfricarecruit
<support@...>
=====
Samples of some of the recent jobs at www.findajobinafrica.com for
details and
more kindly visit us

Regional Programme Managers: State and Local Government Programme (SLGP),
Nigeria


Regional Programme Managers: State and Local Government Programme (SLGP),
Nigeria
In a State Capital
HTS is a leading UK based Development Consultancy. Under contract to the
UK
Department for International Development (DFID), we are managing the
State and
Local Government Programme (SLGP) in Nigeria. Further information can be
obtained at www.slgpnigeria.org. and information on the Company at ww
more...


Administrative Officer
Senegal
Provide advice on programme matters, managerial problems encoutered in
project
execution and administrative support involved in daily management of the
WR's
Office. Advice staff assigned to country office on personnel, financial,
immigration and protocol matters. Annual salary (Net of tax) 40,191
more...


Teachers
Lesotho
Machabeng International College has the following teaching vacancies
exist for
August 2004: Head of Science, to teach Chemistry or Bi-ology; Teacher of
Chemistry; Teacher of ESL/English; and Teacher of Maths and IT. Fully
accredited by ECIS and NEASC and is afiliated to AISA. It is an
international
   more...


CHIEF OF STENOGRAPHY UNIT
Sierra Leone
Design a system for proper management of transcripts from their
production to
their acceptance as Court Records;design briefings and training sessions
aimed
at constantly improving the skills and output of Court
reporters;recommend to
the Chief of Section steps to be taken to ensure quality, effici
more...


ASSOCIATE LEGAL OFFICER
Sierra Leone
The incumbent will provide support to the Chambers in the conduct and
management of judicial proceedings, including preparation and
organization of
hearings, document and file management, assessment of judicial
authorities.
Primary duties will relate to trial support, including legal analysis of
tr
more...


CHIEF OF COMMUNICATIONS
Sierra Leone
Oversee the Unit's work schedules and develop ongoing planning for the
installation, maintenance and repair of communications and network
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Identify resources (staff, transport, logistics, equipment, material,
etc.)
required to meet schedules; Track and monitor communications projec
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TRIAL ATTORNEY
Sierra Leone
The incumbent, acting on behalf of the Prosecutor as co-counsel in
proceedings
before Trial or Appeal Chambers is responsible for the following: (a)
prepare
legal submissions/motions as necessary in the course of investigations
and
prosecutions; (b) provide legal advice on diverse substantive and pr
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Regional Director
West Africa
Oversee programs in the region ú Act as a liaison with local and regional
officials, UN and NGO agencies in promotion of planning, coordination,
and
support for existing projects, as well as developing new programs ú
Program
Development ú Prepare and administer program budgets and evaluate finan
more...


Team Leader
Kenya
The long term adviser will be placed in the Ministry of Trade and
Industry and
will work under the responsibility of the PS MoTI. His/her tasks will
include:
Technical support: Provision of technical expertise to MoTI and
KEPLOTRADE and
its technical team on international trade issues, specificall   more...


Business Insurance Claims Consulting - Senior Manager/Forensic & Dispute
Services
South Africa
To develop and grow the Business Insurance Claims service line. Key
aspects of
this position include sales and marketing, managing assignments and
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and developing people. The required skills for this position are as
follows:
Experience in claims preparation, claims adjusting and insuranc   more...


Anti-Dumping Specialist
South Africa
Tracking of clients and information Understanding of the structure and
workings of the Department of Trade Industry (DTI) and International
Trade
Administration Commission (ITAC) Develop relationships with the
Department of
Trade and Industry Research trends in this area of specialization, and
more...


Business Development Manager/Forensic & Dispute Services
South Africa
To develop and maintain a strategically aligned national forensics
marketing
plan and co-ordinate marketing activities. To develop and maintain a
management information system, conducting relevant research and analysis
of
information.This opportunity will allow you to identify and exploit
opportunit
   more...


Chief of Party
Madagascar
Deloitte Emerging Markets (Emerging Markets Group) currently seeks a
Chief of
Party (COP) for a four-year donor-funded business and market expansion
project
in Madagascar, within agriculture, gemstones, and eco-tourism. This
project
will focus on improving Madagascar's agricultural productivity, str
more...


Head of Unit
Kenya
The post is located in the Information Services Section (ISS) within the
Office of the Executive Director of the United Nations Human Settlements
Programme, UN-HABITAT. It reports to the Chief of ISS. The incumbent of
the
position has an important role in projecting a positive and credible
image of
   more...


Chief of Branch
Kenya
The position is located in the Division of Early Warning and Assessment
(DEWA), UNEP in Nairobi, Kenya. The incumbent reports to the Director,
DEWA.
Within delegated authority, the incumbent will be responsible for the
following duties: Manage the work of the Early Warning Branch to
implement
Genera   more...




Audit Assistant
Kenya
This position is located in Nairobi in the Nairobi Audit Section of
Internal
Audit Division II, Office of Internal Oversight Services. The incumbent
reports to the Chief, Nairobi Section, Internal Audit Division II of
Office of
Internal Oversight Services and will work with 7 Auditors in Nairobi and

more...


Chief, Housing Policy & Develoment Section
Kenya
HABITAT at the Nairobi duty station. Under the supervision and general
guidance of the Chief, Shelter Branch, the post is responsible for the
management and supervision of activities in the Section including
initiatives
related to the Global Campaign for Secure Tenure and implementation of
the
Unite   more...


Country Director
Ethiopia
The Health Communications Partnership (HCP) links five leading
institutions
together to accomplish its goal of strengthening public health in the
developing world through strategic communications programs. Through its
strategic approach to communication, HCP and its partners work to create
an
enviro   more...


Manager, Commercial Operations
Kenya
The post operates under the final decision-making authority of the
Director-General of UNON, reporting administratively to the Director of
Administrative Services, UNON and, operationally to the Commercial
Operations
Board of Directors, (COBD). The Manager of Commercial Operations will be
responsibl   more...


Education Program Coordinator
Liberia
Manage budgets of multiple donors in coordination with the IRC education
and
finance staff; Develop proposals to finance existing and future education
activities; Prepare and submit donor reports in accordance with project
demands; Attend regular meetings with donor agencies in building support
for
  more...


Health Coordinator
Liberia
Oversee and advise the current health projects being implemented in IRC
in
Liberia, which includes provision of support to IRC supported MoH
clinics, and
IRC mobile clinics; Design plan of action for the continuation and
development
of selected health activities and establish a time line for impleme
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Girl's and Adult Education Development Officer
Guinea
Develop links with Girls' Education Officers, Principals/Head teachers
and
teachers in the refugee schools that will foster acceptance and encourage
insightful exchange of ideas and information; Review curriculum and
project
proposals adopted for use on project in comparison to progress made i
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Senior Technical Advisor: Program Officer - Health/HIV/AIDS Program
Rwanda
Senior Technical Advisor: Program Officer Health/HIV/AIDS will be play
the
lead role in: a) conceiving and managing program monitoring, tracking and
evaluation systems designed to assist the Health Team in assessing
overall
program impact on development in Rwanda; b) providing general project
develo
more...


Senior Technical Advisor: Population, Health and Environment
Madagascar
Senior Technical Advisor will support PHE program activities funded
through
USAID/Madagascar and the Global Health Bureau. The STA will provide
technical
assistance to expand the reach and effectiveness of PHE interventions. To
achieve this result, the STA will provide support primarily to Voahary
more...


HIV/AIDS Management Development Advisor
Uganda
The HIV/AIDS Management Development Advisor's primary responsibility is
to
provide on-going technical assistance to the Inter Religious Council of
Uganda's (IRCU) HIV/AIDS department and its four religious coordinating
boards
to better enable them to take a lead in coordinating the Faith Based
Organ
more...


Interim Executive Director- African Energy Commission
Ethiopia
The African Union, established as a unique Pan African continental body,
is
charged with spearheading Africa's rapid integration and sustainable
development by promoting unity, solidarity, cohesion and cooperation
among the
peoples of Africa and African States as well as developing a New Partn
more...


Team Leader
Ghana
You must have over ten years experience in a developing country as a Team
Leader or Programme Manager with staff responsibilities Knowledge of
Ghanaian
policy making processes Experience in research-based advocacy for policy
change Experience in establishing and managing small grants programme
more...


Organisational Development Specialist
West Africa
You must have over five years project management experience Experience in
human resource development and capacity building for civil society
organisations Demonstrated experience in monitoring and evaluation
Experience
in West Africa For details and how to apply visit www.ltsi.co.uk Posted

more...


Program Officer
Nigeria
Serves as primary interface with Country Director(s) and local staff to
implement projects. Achieves project requirements within budget,
established
time frame, standards of quality, and funder satisfaction. . Prepares
budgets
and approves field expense reports. Responsible for financial over
more...


Team Leader - PMU Urban Rehabilitation
Democratic Republic
The Urban Rehabilitation Component of the Emergency economic and social
reunification support project will be implemented in the eastern part of
the
Democratic Republic of Congo. Interested candidates for Team leader
should
have a proven record of successfully managing large projects in the field
of
more.

www.findajobinafrica.com              www.africarecruit.com

Replies to this message will be sent to the group by default.
The sender of this message can be contacted at <mailto:nick@...>.
---------------------------------------------

Apparently the dates for Prepcom 4 are 24-26th of June in Tunis. See below.

--Nick

-----Original Message-----
From: bureau-admin@... [mailto:bureau-admin@...] On Behalf
Of Renata BLOEM
Sent: April 4, 2004 6:00 PM
To: CS Plenary; CS Bureau; bureau wsis
Subject: [CS Bureau] WSIS Phase 2 -Process to Tunis

Dear all,

The full Governmental Bureau met on 31 March in a closed meeting and from
what I heard afterwards outlined some of following decisions:

1. To meet in Tunis from 24-26 June for the first official meeting:
First
PrepCom with formal and informal sessions  (the date is 98% sure, the Asian
Group still has some problems. Final,final confirmation will come during
next Bureau meeting on 21 April)

2. At the Tunis meeting they need
	 * to elect a Chairperson, (Mr Samasskou made a statement that
Mali was nor
presenting itself anymore, most probably 	 the Eastern European
Group will
propose Latvia)

	 * to discuss process and adopt some sort of roadmap (based on
Mr Utsumi's
proposal)

	 * to find consensus on what the outcome of Tunis is to be.
Suggested (or
wished by Tunesia) is e.g. a political 	 Declaration (without opening
the
Principles of the Geneva Declaration) and a Tunis Agenda (PoA with concrete
proposals)

3. That there will be some parallel tracks:
	 * The (multistakeholder) process from PrepComs (June 2004,
January 2005 and
September 2005) and Regional and/or 	 Thematic Meetings to Tunis
Summit
November 2005
	 * The Task Force on Finance meetings which might or not report
to PrepComs
	 * The WG on Internet Governance (IG) with its own Secretariat
(consisting
probably of Reps from various UN 		 Agencies, CS not
excluded, and convened
by Switzerland, operational not before May or even June) which will
report
to Tunis Summit but is expected to go beyond.

All this still needs confirmation. Best regards, Renata

Cher tous,
Le Bureau gouvernemental s’est réuni le 31 mars dernier lors d’une réunion
privée et d’après ce que j’ai appris, les décisions suivantes ont été prises
:

1. La première rencontre officielle aura lieu à Tunis du 24 au 26 juin
:
Première Prepcom avec des réunions formelles et informelles (la date est
sure à 98%, le Groupe Asie ayant toujours quelques difficultés. Cette date
sera confirmée lors de la prochaine rencontre du Bureau gouvernemental).

2. Durant la rencontre à Tunis, les décisions suivantes devront être
prises
:
- Elire un président (M. Samasskou a annoncé que le Mali ne se
représentera
pas,
très probablement le Groupe d’Europe de l’Est présentera la Lettonie).
- Discuter des processus et adopter  une ligne de conduite (road map)
(basée
sur les
propositions de M. Utsumi)
- Trouver un consensus sur l’issue (outcome) de la rencontre à Tunis.
Déclaration suggérée
  (ou désirée par la Tunisie) ex. : déclaration politique  (sans recourir aux
Principes de la Déclaration de Genève) et un Ordre du jour (Agenda) de Tunis
(PoA avec des propositions concrètes).
-
3. Des processus parallèles vont se mettre en route :

- Les (multi -stake -holder) processus PrepComs (juin 2004, janvier
2005 et
septembre 2005) ainsi que des Réunions thématiques et/ou régionales sur le
Sommet de Tunis prévu en novembre 2005.
- Le Groupe de travail sur les questions financières qui pourrait ou
non
rendre
compte au PrepCom
- Le WG sur la Gouvernance d’Internet (IG) avec son propre secrétariat
(consistant probablement en des représentants de plusieurs agences
onusiennes, CS n’est pas exclu, et convoqué par la Suisse, ne sera pas
opérationnel avant mai ou juin) et rendra compte au sommet de Tunis mais est
supposé aller plus loin.

Tout cela doit être confirmé. Salutations cordiales.
Renata

Estimados amigos,
El gabinete gobernmental se ha reunido el 31 de marzo en una reunión
privada, y de lo que me dijeron, las siguientes decisiones fueron tomadas:

1. El primer encuentro oficial tendrá lugar en Túnez del 24 al 26 de
junio:
primera PrepCom con reuniones formales e informales (la fecha está al 98%
segura, el Grupo Asia siguiendo con dificultates. Esta fecha será confirmada
duante la próxima reunión del Gabinete gobernamental).

2. Durante el encuentro en Túnez, las decisiones siguientes deberán ser
tomadas:
- elegir un presidente (Sr Samasskou anunció que el Mali no se
representerá,
muy
probablemente el Grupo Europa del Este presenterá a Letonia)

- hablar de los procesos y adoptar una línea de conducta (basada en
las
proposiciones del Sr Uzumis)

- Encontrar un consenso acerca del final de la reunión en Túnez.
Declaración
surgerida (o deseada por Túnez) ej. Declaración política (sin recurrir a los
Principios de la Declaración de Ginebra) y un Orden del día de Túnez (PoA
con propuestas concretas).

3. Acontecimientos paralelos serán organizados:
- los (puestas multiples) procesos PrepComs (junio 2004, enero 2005 y
setiembre
2005) así como las reuniones temáticas y/o regionales acerca de la Cumbre de
Túnez previsto en novienmbre 2005.
- El grupo de trabajo acerca de las cuestiones financieras que podría o no
dar parte al PrepCOm

El WG sobre la ‘Internet Governance (IG)’ con su propio secretariado
(consistando probablemente en representantes de varias agencias de la ONU,
CS no está excluido, y convocado por Suiza, no será operacional antes de
mayo o
junio) y dara parte en la Cumbre de Túnez pero se supone que vayá mas allá.

Todo eso necesitará confirmación.
Atentamente.
Renata



Renate Bloem
President of the Conference of NGOs (CONGO) ________________________ CONGO
C.P.50
CH-1211 Geneva 20
Tel: +41 76 346 2310
Fax: +33 45 085 0816
E-mail: rbloem@...
Website: www.ngocongo.org
Website: www.congoCHR.org
_________________________________________
The Conference of NGOs (CONGO) is an international, not-for-profit
membership association that facilitates the participation of NGOs in United
Nations debates and decisions.  Founded in 1948, CONGO's major objective is
to ensure the presence of NGOs in exchanges among the world's governments
and United Nations agencies on issues of global concern. Our broad
membership email-network has become a major source of information for NGOs
active within the United Nations and seeking collaboration/partnerships with
other NGOs of similar concerns.  For more information see our website at
www.ngocongo.org or email congo@...



_______________________________________________
Bureau mailing list
Bureau@...
http://mailman.greennet.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/bureau



- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
The WSIS Youth Caucus mailing list

Moderated by Nick Moraitis at TakingITGlobal for Youth Creating Digital
Opportunities

<http://www.ycdo.net>

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NigeriaTomorrow: In this issue...

1. eNigeria 2004 holds, with Youth as major stakeholders
2. United Nations-led African Youth in the Information Society discussions
end first week of proactive discussions

DETAILS FOLLOW:

1. eNigeria 2004 holds, with Youth as major stakeholders

This year's edition of eNigeria will see more youth involvement than last
year's. At the closing ceremony, youth will have 30 minutes to present
the "Nigerian Youth Declaration on the WSIS", and will host exhibitions
throughout the event (May 24-26) at the lobby of the event venue. You won't
have to look too far to locate the "Youth Innovation/Exhibition Stand"
where the best of Nigeria's innovation will be displayed!

Information from the organisers of the event reveals that some youth will
have registration waived for them while others will enjoy nice discounts.
please stay connected to www.yahoogroups.com/group/enigeria for more
details on youth involvement in this year's eNigeria event. See you
there.... and while at that, see the full details of the event below:

e-Nigeria is an annual International Conference on Information and
Communication Technologies as well as Exhibition and Gala Night in Nigeria.
The focus of the conference is to discuss current issues and developments
in Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) as effective tools of
national development. e-Nigeria is also an avenue to recognize and reward
government bodies and institutions for their input in the development of
Information and Communication Technology in Nigeria.

It is obvious that the most current development in the global information
society is the World Summit on Information Society (WSIS). It is all about
recognizing that the technological revolution is transforming society in a
profound way and there is therefore, the need to bridge the existing
digital divide, thereby building an all inclusive Information Society. To
achieve the goal, a set of policy statement has been put in place with
corresponding Plan of Action to be implemented by all stakeholders i.e.
government, private sector, civil society including NGOs, the youths and
the media. For Nigeria to be part of the Information Society, it is
expedient to set in motion necessary machineries to implement the plan of
action and adopt “e” strategies - a new way of doing things, for growth and
sustainable development. Consequently, e-Nigeria 2004 would be focused on
the implementation of the WSIS Process in Nigeria.

The conference would be declared open by His Excellency, Chief Olusegun
Obasanjo, GCFR, The President and Commander in Chief, Federal Republic of
Nigeria. While Ministers, state governments and other top decision makers
would be in attendance.

Theme: Implementing the WSIS Process: The case of Nigeria
Venue: Shehu Musa Yar’adua Conference Centre, Abuja
Date: 24th - 26th May 2004
Time: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily

Objectives:

- To draw up strategies for the implementation of the WSIS process in
Nigeria
- To explore the framework for the development and use of Information and
Communication Technologies as the driving force of Nigerian economy
- To identify necessary ICT human resources and infrastructure required for
the deployment of e-strategies
- To proffer solutions to the challenges of ICT within the framework of
Nigeria economy
- To examine the existing strategies for national development and examine
strategies of re-designing them inline with the latest technologies and
applications in the global economic structure
- To showcase new developments and trends in the global ICT industry by way
of exhibition of various components that is relevant to the citizenry
- To recognize and reward organizations, government ministries/parastatals
and institutions of learning that have made outstanding contribution to the
development of Information and Communication Technologies in Nigeria Sub
Themes Transformation of Nigerian economy through the use of ICTs in the
newly emerging Information Society
- ICT Infrastructure Development for Nigerian economy
- Strategies for deployment of ICTs into Nigerian economy to achieve
sustainable growth
- Creating Enabling Environment for the development and deployment of ICT
in national economy
- To examine the existing strategies for national development and examine
strategies of re-designing them inline with the latest technologies and
applications in the global economic structure
- Issues in the design of ICTs as the driving force of Nigerian economy
- Sectoral Applications of IT policy: e-government, e-health, e-education,
e-commerce, e-judiciary

For more information: www.enigeria.org

=======

2. United Nations-led African Youth in the Information Society discussions
end first week of proactive discussions (www.dgroups.org/groups/aisi-youth-
l)

When the United nations Economic Commission for Africa mentioned the idea
of supporting youth through the "African Youth in the Information Society"
discussions, many knew that a new dawn had arrived in the quest to involve
youth in Information Society leadership in Africa.

The discussion is hosted by the UNECA at www.dgroups.org/groups/aisi-youth-
l, and the website says that, "The discussion aims to create a platform for
African youth to share experiences and knowledge in order to help develop
innovative approaches to their needs and to establish a dialogue with
public and other stakeholders in devising and implementing the WSIS action
plan at country and regional levels".

Discussions began on the 15th of March and a report of the first week of
discussions follow:

~"Most of the discussants believe that what the ECA is doing by supporting
youth - through this discussion - should be a model for African
governments to follow"~

INTRODUCTION

"African Youth and the Information Society". That was the topic of many
discussions, articles, eConferences and personal emails between much of
Africa's youth in the past few months. The phrase was discussed mostly by
youth who wished to contribute their own quota to the emanciupation of
Africa from economic incompetence, through the tool of Information and
Communication technologies - the driver of the New Economy and the
Information Society.

That explains the excitement that greeted the announcement of the United
Nations Economic Commission for Africa's (UNECA) readiness to host this
discussion early this year. Even though most of the youth who heard about
the discussions do not have consistent access to the web, they would be
glad to discuss this all-improtant issue, and were excited that such an
highly placed organisation was "interested in our plight afterall".

THE DISCUSSION BEGINS...

On the 15th of March 2004, Mr. Thierry Amoussougbo of the ECA sent an
introductory email, which was followed up (on the same day) by a welcome
message and "duty call" by 'Gbenga Sesan - who moderates the group's
discussions. Eustache Nguie Sino, our bilingual group member has kept the
language divide bridged since we began discussions with a daily summary of
discussions from both languages featured on the list, English and French.

WEEK 1

Discussions for the first week bagan immediately, with the mailing list
comprising 89 registered addresses representing much of Africa's
geographical spread (including that of some UNECA staff). Of these, 26
youth were active in the first week, with most of the emails and practical
examples coming from West, Central, Eastern and Southern regions of
Africa.

Discussants placed emphasis on the need to be practical, and most people
expressed thie displeasure at the verbal (lacking action) form that most
discussions and meetings in Africa seem to follow.

The first week's topic was, "In many countries there are a number of
national e-strategies being formulated and implemented. Are the youth
aware? What can African governments do to advance the cause of youth in
the Information Society?
What needs to be done in the area of ICT policy to enable this role? What
is being done at the national and regional levels?"

On the issue of awareness on African government strategies, most
discussants agree that there is some level of awareness, but that such is
limited to a few privileged youth. And in most cases, these youth have
discovered these policies not because of being invited, but due to their
personal interests - and at times, curiosity.

Most posts dwelt on the need for governments to involve, empower and
motivate youth in order to take positive progressive steps. Most
discussants believe that if youth are not involved, it only points to the
lack of readiness to promote sustainability in all the processes and
strategies involved. The need to motivate and recognise outstanding youth
was also emphasised. Most of the discussants believe that what the ECA is
doing by supporting youth - through this discussion - should be a model
for African governments to follow.

The wek's discussion came to a close with youth expressing complementing
opinions on the need for youth themselves to be proactive, and not waiting
for government inclusion before seeking to get involved. This has really
set the pace for next week's discussions which will focus on education.

CONCLUSION

The discussion is timely. Though the low participation at the beginning
may be due to various reasons, recent youth-led online discussions have
shown that progressing discussions tend to attract more youth who, having
seen the seriousness and possible impact in the discussions, will latch on
to the process and provide much flavour and direction.

Going into the second week wit a more personal, proactive and
decentralised topic, the "African Youth and the Information Society"
discussion seems set to help Africa's youth in their pursuit of bridging
the digital divide and providing practical solutions that can help Africa
in her bid to accelerate development through the use of ICTs.

+ end of report +

To join the discussions, please visit www.dgroups.org/groups/aisi-youth-l
and register.

--
'Gbenga Sesan
"Why? Why Not?" | www.gbengasesan.com
Paradigm Initiative Nigeria | www.pin.itgo.com