Dec 7, 2010

Recommended Vaccinations for Travel to Senegal

Source: http://www.mdtravelhealth.com/destinations/africa/senegal.php
Summary of recommendations:

All travelers should visit either their personal physician or a 
travel health clinic 4-8 weeks before departure.
Malaria: Prophylaxis with Lariam (mefloquine), Malarone
(atovaquone/proguanil), or doxycycline is recommended for all areas. 


Vaccinations:
Hepatitis A
Recommended for all travelers
Typhoid
Recommended for all travelers
Yellow fever
Recommended for all travelers. Required for travelers arriving from a yellow-fever-infected area in Africa or the Americas.
Meningococcus
Recommended during the dry season (November through June)
Polio
One-time booster recommended for any adult traveler who completed the childhood series but never had polio vaccine as an adult
Hepatitis B
Recommended for all travelers
Rabies
For travelers spending a lot of time outdoors, or at high risk for animal bites, or involved in any activities that might bring them into direct contact with bats
Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)
Two doses recommended for all travelers born after 1956, if not previously given
Tetanus-diphtheria
Revaccination recommended every 10 years


You need to make sure you have your health card and medical
coverage from your home country before you come to Senegal.

Dec 6, 2010

Meet the YOWLI 2010 Participants (III)

     Kra  Kouamé Constantin-Ivory Coast-25 years
        
         My name is Kra Kouamé Constantin and I am 25 years old, I am from Ivory Coast . I got my baccalaureat in 2006 and a two-years technical degree in legal and judicial carreer in 2008.
   
     I did a training course in Democratic Rights and Duties where I  handled many tasks like social justice. I am currently  the vice assistant  secretary of the IC-YOWLI  that was created in July , 2009.

          Christelle Sidonie Nzoynem-Cameroun-25 years

I am Christelle Sidonie Nzoynem , I am from Cameroun (Yaoundé) and I am 25. I got a BA degree in Sociology and I did a training in  management of social security. I am particularly interested in development activities and above all in gender insertion in all development areas. I am the executive assistant of an  association called Support Service for  Environment’s protection.

Ndeye Rokhaya-Senegal-22 years

My name is Ndeye Rokhaya. I was born on September 14th  1988 in Médina Sabakh in the region of Kaolack (Senegal). I am currently  in charge of the data collection  information of a project called PRODEL based in Kaolack. I like the African Culture and I am  an available and social person. I am ready to share my knowledge with the other participants.


Médoune Cissé-Senegal

  My name is Médoune Cissé . I am a law student at the University of  Dakar. I work in collaboration with AEMO( Educative Action in Rural Areas) . Its mission is to reinsert children that have problems with the justice and to assist children in general in their social education.

   We offer them programs related to their reinsertion, their education and training. In addition, I work with the ADO center on violence and sexual exploitation that young persons ( girls and boys)  are victims of.













Dec 2, 2010

Press Release: Official YOWLI 2010 Logo & Slogan

The African Women's Millennium Initiative (AWOMI) is pleased to share the official YOWLI 2010 Slogan and Logo, and the theme for the YOWLI International Conference on Wednesday December 29, 2010 in Dakar, Senegal.

YOWLI 2010 Slogan: 

"Engaging Africa's Women and Youth to Lead Economic and Climate Justice"

Design By: Sughey Abreu


YOWLI 2010 International Conference Theme: 
"Economic Governance and Climate Justice: Developing the Knowledge and Capacity 
of Africa's Youth to Lead and Organize"



Meet the YOWLI 2010 Participants (II)

Kula Aatoz Zodua -Liberia- 24 years 
I am  Kula Aatoz Zodua from Liberia.I was born on the 17th of September 1986 at the John F. Kennedy Medical Centre.As a child, I attended the Miss Simmons KinderCare; and at the age of five I was later transferred to the St. Theresa’s Convent High School where I acquired a solid learning foundation under the watchful eyes of the Convent Sisters and great school teachers.I participated in several competitions back in primary school, where I was able to win for myself several awards. Competitions like the spelling bee, Arts Contest, Essay Writing, Basketball etc.

Due to the fourteen-year crisis, my family and I were forced to leave Monrovia for Accra, where we spent a total of five years in exile, roaming around Ghana and Nigeria. Upon my return to Liberia, I didn't get a place at St. Theresa’s Convent, because classes were full and their fees were really low, that every parent  could afford it  regardless the social status.  With this, I was compelled to enroll at the B.W. Harris Episcopal High School and won a full basketball Scholarship. I obtained my High School Diploma in 2005. 

Upon completing High School, I enrolled at a Secretarial School, where I successfully graduated as an Executive Secretary.  With this, I felt motivated to continue my college education. I gained admission to the African Methodist Episcopal University in 2007, where I am presently reading Sociology and Public Administration.I like Playing basketball, reading, writing, volunteering, singing and surfing the net; but using the net and reading are what keeps me on bridge waters.  For a particular reason, I got drawn into advocacy and social work.  I am a friend to all, I am recognized by all, and I give my ears to all.   For this, I do comprehend fully the disparity among the upper, middle and lower class in a given society.  In my little effort, I tried to work in close relation with the lower and mid class and at the same time affiliate these two, most especially the formal with the upper class.  In so doing, we can all work together in rebuilding MAMA Liberia without encountering social barriers.

Additionally, I have been equipped and armed by numerous national and international training exercises that serve as motivational tools in helping me continue my good work as a Young Feminine Activist. I envision a world wherein we are all treated free and equal; a world without gun men or tormented check boarders.  I hope to incorporate more young women in same area and thereby encourage men to support our cause.


Marion Akinyi Ochieng - Kenya - 24 years

 My name is Marion Akinyi Ochieng’ 24 years. I am a Diploma Graduate in Community Development and social work. I love dancing, singing and making friends.

I am a good leader, having been in leadership positions since early childhood and have managed to get recognition from my fellow participants in activities i am involved in.

I currently work at YADEN EAST AFRICA as a programs assistant in charge of the S.H.E program. I am a mother of one.


Namumbya Justin Ntule -Uganda- 24 years

My name is Namumbya Justin Ntule.  I was born in Kampala, Uganda, on August 25th, 1986 and have lived in Uganda all my life. I graduated from Makerere University Business School this year  (January 2010) with a degree in Human Resource Management. I Currently work as a Human Resource Operations Officer for Future Options Consulting Ltd, a Human Resource Consultancy firm in Kampala and part time as HR and Cultural Consultant for Seafast Holdings, a logistics and Security Firm.

I am a very social person, I love interacting with different people especially the rural girls. I am reliable and conscientious in my dealing with individuals from all walks of life. I am a very open minded person who respects opinions from different people.I am also aware of cultural differences between, male, female, young and old, as well as Africans and beyond.


I am currently in Icon Leadership Academy and a member of movements such as the Uganda women’s movement and Girls to leaders Movement. I am able use my experience to assist young women and men in understanding the ethos of empowerment and  advocacy and mentoring and also have a passion for being a role model to young girls and Youth in the rural area where I come from.My hobbies include playing active sports such as Volley ball, participating in interactive debates, information sharing and reading inspirational literature.

Dec 1, 2010

WORLD AIDS DAY

Source : www.avert.org

World AIDS Day

Started on 1st December 1988, World AIDS Day is about raising money, increasing awareness, fighting prejudice and improving education. The World AIDS Day theme for 2010 is 'Universal Access and Human Rights'. World AIDS Day is important for reminding people that HIV has not gone away, and that there are many things still to be done.
According to UNAIDS estimates, there are now 33.3 million people living with HIV, including 2.5 million children. During 2009 some 2.6 million people became newly infected with the virus and an estimated 1.8 million people died from AIDS. The vast majority of people with HIV and AIDS live in lower- and middle-income countries. But HIV today is a threat to men, women and children on all continents around the world.


World AIDS Day theme: Universal Access and Human Rights

The theme for World AIDS Day 2010 is 'Universal Access and Human Rights'. Global leaders have pledged to work towardsuniversal access to HIV and AIDS treatment, prevention and care, recognising these as fundamental human rights. Valuable progress has been made in increasing access to HIV and AIDS services, yet greater commitment is needed around the world if the goal of universal access is to be achieved. Millions of people continue to be infected with HIV every year. In low- and middle-income countries, less than half of those in need of antiretroviral therapy are receiving it, and too many do not have access to adequate care services.
The protection of human rights is fundamental to combating the global HIV and AIDS epidemic. Violations against human rights fuel the spread of HIV, putting marginalised groups, such as injecting drug users and sex workers, at a higher risk of HIV infection. By promoting individual human rights, new infections can be prevented and people who have HIV can live free from discrimination.
World AIDS Day provides an opportunity for all of us - individuals, communities and political leaders - to take action and ensure that human rights are protected and global targets for HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care are met.

What can I do? - Wear a red ribbon and raise awareness

A red AIDS awareness ribbon
The red ribbon is an international symbol of AIDS awareness that is worn by people all year round and particularly around World AIDS Day to demonstrate care and concern about HIV and AIDS, and to remind others of the need for their support and commitment.
The red ribbon started as a "grass roots" effort; as a result there is no one official AIDS ribbon manufacturer, and many people make their own. It's easily done - just use some ordinary red ribbon and a safety pin!
If you want to take your awareness raising a step further then try finding a local event to take part in. Around the world there are hundreds of activities taking place to mark World AIDS Day, including candlelight vigils, art shows, marches and religious services. If you can't find anything in your area then why not organise an event yourself?Food for thought!!

Nov 30, 2010

Meet the YOWLI 2010 Participants (I)


Noreen Mukhwana Mutoro - Kenya - 22 years
My name is Noreen Mukhwana Mutoro and I come from Nairobi, Kenya. I am a 3rd year student at the University of Nairobi doing Bachelor of Science Degree in Wildlife Management and Conservation. I am 22 years old, vivacious and with a joie de vivre attitude. I was born on the 24th of May 1988 and I am the 6th born in a family of seven. 

My true passion lies in languages and nature. I enjoy learning new languages, new vocabulary and writing or reading quotes. So far, my favorite foreign language is French. I also speak Swahili which is our national language, English and a bit of my mother tongue, Luhya. Everything about nature fascinates me. 

The current project I am working on, together with my community group, involves the making of traditional baskets and all purpose bags, using eco-friendly materials and labor from the locals. This project would help to reduce the use of plastic bags in our community which have become one of the leading causes of environmental pollution. It was also provide job employment for the youth who we plan to train to make our products and last but not least, it will preserve the culture in our community as people would return to use traditional baskets like in the olden days. From our profits, we plan to set recycling bins in designated areas around the town. 

David Takawira - Zimbabwe - 25 years
I am a realist driven by facts, values and ethics as embroilment of character. I value the sanctity of life and equal opportunities in life. I am conscious of the existence, meaning, purpose, potential and destiny of humankind, people, and self. I am motivated by a self-felt, self-accepted calling to the cause of good, growth, and gain in the lives of others. Influential communication of ideas is a primary way of achieving those objectives. My perception and thinking tend to be holistic and conceptual, by seeing the big picture and moving strategically towards it.

My mission is to nurture, contribute to and initiate actions that lead to empowerment and a sense of purpose in my life and that of others. I therefore undertake to promote, inspire and partner with others in striving for development and equality in all cultures, classes, genders and ages. I am thus committed to transforming people and building the capacity of organizations for better development implementation to benefit deprived communities in Zimbabwe, Africa and ultimately the world.


I have a niche for Democracy, Governance, Leadership, Partner Engagement and Human Rights especially Economic, Social and Cultural rights. 

Eunice Kirunda Nsaire - Uganda - 24 years
As principle researcher at Uganda Development Link, Eunice Nsaire works on gender, human traficking and sexual reproductive health and rights (SRHR) issues with youth in Uganda's slums. She has worked in collaboration with some U.N. agencies as a social worker and helped launch a drug and substance abuse project targeting youth in schools. Additionally, she trains youth on HIV/AIDS and provides them with practical vocational skills and knowledge.

Nov 29, 2010

Official YOWLI 2010 Agenda

Dear YOWLI 2010 Participants,

Please find below the official YOWLI 2010 Agenda. You can follow the link to download the agenda and start doing some basic research on the modules. We should send you additional information shortly with course descriptions and some resources to help you prepare.

Best,
YOWLI 2010 Committee

Yowli 2010 Agenda