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Gambia Adopts Strategy To Promote Technical, Vocational Education

Rhoda Onuzulike
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Gambia Adopts Strategy To Promote Technical, Vocational Education

The African Union’s heads of state and government adopted the Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA 2016-2025) as the framework for a transformative education and training system in Africa.

They have further requested member states and partners to promote the alignment of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) skills and to expand TVET opportunities. Aware of the potential that TVET represents for sustainable development, the Government of The Gambia is currently reforming its TVET sector. The TVET units of the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology and the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education are currently developing their respective curriculum frameworks, which will serve as guidelines for teachers and set the standards and regulations that will ensure that TVET education is mainstreamed into the overall education system of The Gambia.

In line with CESA and its TVET strategy, UNESCO Dakar has partnered with the Gambian Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education and other key stakeholders in the Gambian education sphere to reinforce the TVET system in the country through the implementation of this project.

This project aims to contribute to the development of sustainable, affordable, accessible, relevant and quality Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in The Gambia through the following results:

Relevance of the TVET system strengthened through supporting the development of the TVET policy in The Gambia.

Quality of TVET improved through enhanced TVET institutions management, TVET teacher training and provision of pedagogical resources and equipment.

Perception and attractiveness of TVET pathways improved through skills competitions, an incubator system and communications campaigns.

The project will have an impact on the whole TVET system through actions such as the development of an improved TVET Policy and TVET EMIS and communication strategies to improve TVET perception.

Besides, specific TVET skills and areas will be targeted by the project through targeted measures: equipment provision (Computer Science); review and development of curricula (Carpentry and Joinery, Electrical Installation, Motor Mechanics, Welding and Fabrication, Plumbing an Pipe fitting, Building Construction, Further and Adult Education and Teacher Training, Road Construction, Industrial Electronics and Web Application Development) and the celebration of Skills Competitions to enhance TVET visibility and positive perception (electrical installation, fashion and designing, refrigeration and air conditioning amongst

The overall goal of the project is to create an enabling environment that will give young people, especially girls, a better chance of finding decent employment by providing them with lifelong learning opportunities as recommended by SDGs 4 and 8, through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

The direct beneficiaries of this project are Gambian institutions such as the Gambia Technical Training Institute (GTTI).

The National Accreditation and Quality Assurance Authority of The Gambia (NAQAA), Policymakers, private sector stakeholders and Teaching staff in TVET institutions, including TVET institutions leaders.

At least 1,000 young Gambians will benefit indirectly from this project.

The expected results will be achieved through the development of the following activities:

1.Development and approval of a TVET Policy,development and review of TVET curricular.

2.Provision of modernindustry-standard equipment for training and upgrading of teacher trainings.

3.Create teacher training institutions.

4.Strengthening of the management information System (EMIS) creation of an incubator systemorganization of a Regional (RSC) and National Skills Competition (NSC)

5.Development of a guidance and communication strategy to change the perceptions of TVET.

Each activity is being carried out by an ‘activity cluster’, conformed by a UNESCO expert/technical institute and the most relevant technical unit/Directorate in The Gambia.

Telecom Trains Lagos Teachers on Effective Classroom Communication

Rhoda Onuzulike
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Telecom Trains Lagos Teachers on Effective Classroom Communication

As part of efforts to improve the quality of education and enhance the development and wellbeing of the Nigerian child, Nigeria’s telecom provider, 9mobile, recently organised a one-day train-the-trainer workshop for teachers within the Lagos State Education District III, comprising Lagos Island and Etiosa Local Councils.

With the theme ‘Understanding Affirmative Communication and the Emotional and Psychological Needs of a Child’, the workshop was an opportunity to equip teachers with the skills to manage and influence the upcoming generation of students to be future agents of positive change.

Facilitators Emike Oyemade, a trained counsellor and therapist, and Adesoga John-Mabun, a certified life coach and management trainer, identified areas that need improvement in the management of the teacher-student relationship.

Oyemade said teachers need to adapt to the new realities of the times. “As teachers, your style of communication must align with modern reality. You must learn to speak and understand your students’ language, use the right words to impact and influence them, and connect to correct where mistakes have been made.”

On his part, Mabun stressed the importance of adopting a communication style that enhances the synergy between teachers and students.

He said: “You cannot deliver well if you do not see your students as your children. Understanding the psychological and emotional needs of your students is a skill, and you must be deliberate about it.”

Commenting on the workshop, the Executive Director, Regulator and Corporate Affairs, 9mobile, Abdulraham Ado, represented by the PR Lead, Chineze Amanfo, restated the company’s commitment to prioritising the interest of the youths. He said it will continue to invest in initiatives that impact their development.

He said the company organised the training because teachers play a critical role in shaping a child’s future aside from guiding students in academics and extracurricular activities.

One of the participants, Akande Abideen of Akande Dahunsi Senior School, Ikoyi, described the workshop as informative, eye-opening, and helpful. He encouraged his colleagues to put to good use all they learnt from the session to improve their relationship with their students.

China Urges United States To Protect A Chinese Space Station

Angel Gimalo
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China Urges United States To Protect A Chinese Space Station

China is calling on the United States to protect a Chinese space station and its three-member crew after Beijing complained that satellites launched by Elon Musk’s SpaceX nearly struck the station.

A foreign ministry spokesman accused Washington on Tuesday of ignoring its treaty obligations to protect the safety of the Tiangong station’s three-member crew following the July 1 and Oct. 21 incidents.

The Tiangong performed “evasive maneuvers” to “prevent a potential collision” with Starlink satellites launched by Space Exploration Technologies Corp., the government said in a Dec. 6 complaint to the U.N. Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space.

The United States should “take immediate measures to prevent such incidents from happening again,” said the spokesman, Zhao Lijian.

Zhao accused Washington of failing to carry out its obligations to “protect the safety of astronauts” under a 1967 treaty on the peaceful use of space.

The American Embassy in Beijing didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

Musk also is chairman of electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla, Inc. The company opened its first factory outside the United States in Shanghai in 2019.

The Tiangong, however, is a prestige project for the ruling Communist Party, making it unlikely Beijing would tolerate disruption even by a major foreign investor in China.

The main module of the Tiangong was launched in April. Its first crew returned to Earth in September following a 90-day mission. The second crew of two men and one woman arrived on Oct. 16 for a six-month mission.

SpaceX plans to launch some 2,000 Starlink satellites as part of a global internet system to bring internet access to underserved areas. In its 34th and latest launch, SpaceX sent 52 satellites into orbit aboard a rocket December 18.

Parents, Experts Seek Chess As Part Of School Curricula

Rhoda Onuzulike
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Parents, Experts Seek Chess As Part Of School Curricula

Some parents and experts have called on the government to introduce the game, Chess into the National educational curriculum as the game is seen as a valuable educational tool.

This, according to them, is because chess is about decoding and analysis, thinking strategically, and foreseeing the consequences would improve comprehension and social interaction.

Speaking at a chess clinic recently organised by Lekoyi Empowerment Initiative in Lagos, coach Ola Olawiyi said chess might be the perfect vehicle for teaching children.

He said it is about protecting kings, capturing queens and stealing rooks, but about quadrants and coordinates, lines, angles, weighing the options and making decisions.

Olawiyi noted that chess is becoming a part of global curricula and as such Nigerian must consider introducing the game into the National curriculum.

 “Through this game, kids learn to be strategic in their actions, school and ways of life”,  Olawiyi added.

A member of the trustees of the Lekoyi Academy, Titi Masha said  chess helps kids “develop their rational, creative and logical thinking to collaborate differently using cognitive skills to understand what the next person is about to do.”
Also, Ben Langat, a parent, and chess enthusiast, handed out the medals to participating children, said it encouraged kids to embrace the game.

Once Upon A Time – Dec. 29 – 1903 – French Equatorial Africa Separates Into Gabon, Chad And Ubangi-Shari

Angel Gimalo
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Once Upon A Time – Dec. 29 – 1903 – French Equatorial Africa Separates Into Gabon, Chad And Ubangi-Shari

1640 Robert Boyle Converted in a Thunderstorm

1835 Treaty of New Echota is signed between the US government and representatives of a minority Cherokee political faction to cede all lands of the Cherokee east of the Mississippi River to the United States.

1845 Texas admitted as 28th state of the Union.

1903 French Equatorial Africa separates into Gabon, Chad and Ubangi-Shari.

1911 Sun Yat-sen elected 1st President of the Republic of China.

1997 Hong Kong begins slaughtering all its chickens to prevent bird flu.

Historical Events Today

Today In Film & TV

1913 1st movie serial “Adventures of Kathlyn” premieres in Chicago.

Today In Music

1902 “The Entertainer” is one of several piano rag compositions copyrighted for Scott Joplin by the US Copyright Office.

Today In Sport

1989 Wayne Gretzky and Martina Navratilova, named athletes of decade by the Associated Press

Do You Know This Fact About Today? Did You Know?

1860 The first British seagoing iron-clad warship, HMS Warrior is launched

Would You Believe This Fact About Today? Would You Believe?

1852 Emma Snodgrass arrested in Boston for wearing pants

Akwa Ibom Ministry of Health Shuts Down Laboratories For Alleged Illegality.

Olasunbo Okoromi
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Akwa Ibom Ministry of Health Shuts Down Laboratories For Alleged Illegality.

Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Health has sealed 12 medical laboratories for allegedly involving in unwholesome medical practices dangerous to excellent health care delivery services.

The state Commissioner for Health, Prof Augustine Umoh, made the disclosure to newsmen in Uyo after the Inspection Team sealed some laboratories on Sunday.

Umoh said the clampdown was in compliance with the State Executive Council’s directive on substandard services of medical laboratories operators in the state.

The commissioner listed the offences of the affected laboratories to include lack of certificate of registration with the state Ministry of Health; lack of evidence of registration with the Medical Laboratory Council of Nigeria; and lack of qualified laboratory scientists and other supporting staff members in the laboratories.

Other offences include lack of test result book in the laboratories; lack of laboratory register, lack of personal operating licence of laboratory technicians as well as unethical practices dangerous to diagnosis of diseases.

The commissioner said monitoring of medical laboratories will be extended to other parts of the state such as Ikot Ekpene, Abak, Eket and Oron.

The Head of the Monitoring Team, Dr. Augustine Udoh, said lack of precision in medical laboratory tests administered to patients had resulted in poor diagnosis.

He said diagnosis emanating from defective laboratory facilities could mislead medical doctors in prescribing drugs.

He disclosed that one of the laboratories visited was using a student on industrial training to work and issue test results instead of a certified laboratory scientist while others impersonate popular laboratory scientists in the state to defraud members of the public.

“The clampdown on fake laboratories in the state would continue in the new year till we reposition their services to achieve health for all in completion agenda of Governor Udom Emmanuel,” he said.

Christmas Lunch: Sant’egidio Community Serves Rome’s Needy

Angel Gimalo
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Christmas Lunch: Sant’egidio Community Serves Rome’s Needy

Members of the community of Sant’egidio organized their traditional Christmas lunch for Rome’s needy and poor.

Volunteers delivered gifts and meals to people sitting socially distanced in the stunning setting of the church of Santa maria in Trastevere.

The Rome-based lay movement of Sant’egidio was founded in the late 1960s and has been nominated several times for the Nobel peace prize for its work with the poor.

The Christmas lunch with the poor is a tradition of the community of Sant’egidio since 1982, when a small group of poor people was welcomed at the banquet table in the basilica of Santa maria in Trastevere.

There were about 20 people invited which includes some elderly friends of the neighbourhood and some homeless people from the streets of Rome.

North Korea Commissions First Domestically Built Cargo Ship In 5 Years

Angel Gimalo
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North Korea Commissions First Domestically Built Cargo Ship In 5 Years

North Korean state media is hailing the commissioning of a new, domestically built cargo ship.

By all indications, it may be the largest commercial vessel registered in North Korea and is also the first new commercial ship the regime has highlighted in five years.

Details on the vessel are scarce other than the media reports saying the Jang Su San is 12,000 tons.

No dimensions or capacity were announced for the vessel. Analysts are comparing the vessel to the Ja Ryok that North Korea commissioned in 2016.

That vessel is listed in the international registers at 5,400 dwt with dimensions of 325 in length and a 52-foot beam.

The Ja Ryok was internationally registered with an IMO number. The western news outlet NK News however reports that the new vessel is currently lacking an IMO number and entry into the registry.

The vessel was built at the Ryongnam Shipyard located near the port of Nampho on the west coast of North Korea.

Officials read a letter from the Central Committee that highlighted that the ship was built at a repair yard without the equipment of a shipbuilder.

North Korea describes the Ryongnam facility as a large-scale repair yard able to handle ships up to 10,000 tons. The Ja Ryok was built in the same yard five years ago.

North Korea has a small, ageing commercial fleet hampered by UN sanctions. The country is officially barred from building new vessels or buying vessels from the west.

The largest vessel registered in North Korea had been the Wise Honest, a 27,880 dwt cargo ship. The United States, however, was successful in seizing the vessel for sanction violations, and in 2019 the Wise Honest was sold for scrap.

Germany Commits $1B To Support Green Hydrogen Ventures Abroad

Angel Gimalo
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Germany Commits $1B To Support Green Hydrogen Ventures Abroad

Germany has been granted approval to implement a $1.1 billion program to subsidize the manufacturing of green hydrogen abroad before being imported and sold in the European Union.

The European Commission said it has approved Germany’s ‘H2Global’ program, which is designed to support investments in the production of renewable hydrogen in non-EU countries for import into the EU.

The scheme aims at meeting the EU demand for renewable hydrogen, which is expected to significantly increase in the coming years.

In approving the initiative, the European Commission concluded that H2Global is in line with EU’s State aid rules because it supports projects that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs).

“This German scheme will support projects leading to substantial reductions in greenhouse emissions in line with the EU’s environmental and climate objectives,” said Margrethe Vestager, EU Executive Vice-President in charge of competition policy.

She added that the scheme will contribute to addressing the increasing demand for renewable hydrogen by supporting the development of the clean energy parts of the world where it is currently not exploited.

“The design of the scheme will enable only the most cost-effective projects to be supported, reducing costs for taxpayers and minimizing possible distortions of competition,” she noted.

Germany intends to support the ramp-up of clean energy projects across the world, supporting up to 500 MW of electrolyzers to produce some 40,000 tons of green hydrogen per year.

The green hydrogen import initiative expects physical delivery of the first cargo into Germany by the end of 2024 and is expected to run for 10 years starting from the award of the first contract.

Wreck Of Last Known U.S. Transatlantic Slave Ship Surprisingly Intact

Angel Gimalo
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Wreck Of Last Known U.S. Transatlantic Slave Ship Surprisingly Intact

The wreck of the last known transatlantic slave ship in the United States is surprisingly intact, despite more than 160 years underwater, according to the archaeologists charged with its preservation.

In 1860, decades after the U.S. banned the transatlantic slave trade, the schooner Clotilda took aboard 110 individuals in West Africa and set sail for Mobile, Alabama.

On arrival, the charterers illegally sold about two dozen of the individuals on board, gave five to eight more to the vessel’s master as payment for his services, and divided the ownership of those who remained.

After the captives were transferred to a steamboat for further transport, the ship was burned in shallow water outside of the port.

Though the crime was quickly discovered and investigated, the outbreak of the Civil War ended any enforcement effort and the perpetrators paid no penalties.

In April 2018, a local reporter found remains of a vessel matching Clotilda’s description outside Mobile.

Archaeologists confirmed that the wreck’s dimensions and general design matched with only one vessel in archival survey records from the period – the Clotilda – and that signs of burnt wreckage at the site matched Clotilda’s fate.

According to the Alabama Historical Commission, the wreck is a uniquely valuable piece of evidence from a difficult period in American history.

Not only is the Clotilda the last known vessel to deliver foreign nationals into slavery in the South – she is also “the only archaeological example of an American slave-trading vessel lost in the context of the transatlantic slave trade.”

The vessel is “substantially intact,” preserved by the soft mud of the Mobile River.

The lower hull, interior bulkheads and compartments are largely still in place, and as much as two-thirds of the original structure is believed to be in good condition.

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