#Regional Economic Communities

[yohane23]

The African Union and the Regional Economic Communities

[darnellafrica]

Peace Talks: Niger 🇳🇪 Junta, ECOWAS & Niger 🇳🇪 President Are Haggling To Save Face

After a war of words was issued between opposing sides, it is excellent news that the Economic Community Of West African States (also known as ECOWAS) was finally able to meet with the Niger 🇳🇪 Junta & Niger 🇳🇪 President to seek out a diplomatic solution that avoids a regional proxy war.

ABUJA/NIAMEY, Aug 19 (Reuters) - A delegation from West Africa's main regional bloc ECOWAS on Saturday met Niger's ousted President Mohamed Bazoum and held talks with junta leader General Abdourahmane Tiani in the capital Niamey, a Nigerian presidential spokesperson said.

The West African group is pursuing diplomatic ways to reverse the July 26 coup. The coup leaders' acceptance of the mission could signal a new willingness to negotiate after the bloc on Friday doubled-down on its threat to use force as a last resort to restore democracy. It said an undisclosed "D-Day" had been agreed for possible military intervention. […]

In the meantime, Tiani said the junta was pursuing its own agenda and would launch a national dialogue to consult on a transition back to democracy, which "should last no longer than three years."

Both sides want a resolution to this crisis, as time is not on either side. ECOWAS wants to discourage further coups in the region & avoid a war that would extend to Mali 🇲🇱 & Burkina Faso 🇧🇫 (which would only benefit agents of chaos like terrorists & crime lords).

Junta leaders in Niger 🇳🇪 (as well as Mali 🇲🇱 & Burkina Faso 🇧🇫) desire an end to economic & military sanctions which ultimately hurt citizens & strengthen the hands of terrorists (the latter who is sadly winning throughout this crisis).

Despite the threats of war, it is unlikely that ECOWAS will invade Niger 🇳🇪 after the Senate in Nigeria 🇳🇬 rejected using military force against their neighbor.

What will probably happen is that Niger 🇳🇪 will announce a return to democracy timetable, which will be mimicked by Mali 🇲🇱 & Burkina Faso 🇧🇫 later on. ECOWAS, in return, will ease up on sanctions, & (alongside the United States 🇺🇸 & Russia 🇷🇺) provide military assistance in striking terrorist targets in the regions.

If peace talks fail, we will witness Mali 🇲🇱, Burkina Faso 🇧🇫 & Niger 🇳🇪 descend into chaos as terrorist groups like Islamic State & Al Qaeda affiliates conquer vast swaths of territory, turning the region into a never-ending war zone.

[greenthestral]

Breaking Barriers: The Challenge of Electrification in Remote Areas

In today's rapidly evolving world, the importance of electrification cannot be overstated. Access to electricity is a cornerstone of modern living, enabling progress in education, healthcare, communication, and economic development. Over the past few decades, remarkable strides have been made in electrification efforts, but there remains a significant challenge in reaching the hardest-to-reach areas. This article explores the obstacles hindering impressive progress in electrification and sheds light on the efforts being made to overcome these challenges.

The Significance of Electrification

Electrification is a critical component of building sustainable and inclusive societies. It enhances the quality of life for people in both urban and rural areas, enabling them to access vital services and technologies. Electricity facilitates the functioning of schools, hospitals, industries, and communication networks, empowering communities to thrive and participate in the global economy. However, despite its transformative power, millions of people around the world still lack access to electricity.

The Impressive Progress

In recent years, electrification efforts have achieved remarkable progress. Governments, non-profit organizations, and private companies have collaborated to expand electricity access to remote and underserved regions. The adoption of renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydro power, has played a significant role in bringing electricity to areas with limited infrastructure. Additionally, advancements in technology and innovative micro-grid systems have made it possible to overcome geographical barriers and provide energy solutions to previously inaccessible locations.

Challenges in Reaching the Hardest-to-Reach

While impressive progress has been made, electrification in remote areas faces formidable challenges. Some of the key obstacles include:

Geographical Barriers: Many remote regions are situated in rugged terrains, such as mountains, forests, or deserts. Building and maintaining traditional power infrastructure in these areas can be prohibitively expensive and logistically challenging.

Lack of Infrastructure: Remote regions often lack basic infrastructure like roads and transportation networks, making it difficult to transport materials and equipment needed for electrification projects.

Affordability: In impoverished regions, the cost of setting up and maintaining electricity infrastructure can be a burden for both the communities and the providers.

Political and Social Instability: In certain areas, political conflicts and social unrest can hinder progress in electrification efforts, discouraging potential investors and disrupt ongoing projects.

Environmental Concerns: Balancing the need for electrification with environmental conservation is crucial. Some remote areas are ecologically sensitive, and care must be taken to ensure sustainable and eco-friendly energy solutions.

Solutions and Initiatives

Despite the challenges, numerous initiatives are actively working to bring electricity to the hardest-to-reach regions. These efforts include:

Off-Grid and Micro-Grid Systems: Off-grid solar systems and micro-grids provide localized and decentralized energy solutions, bypassing the need for extensive infrastructure. They can be tailored to suit the specific energy demands of a community.

Mobile Technology: Mobile technology has become a powerful tool in facilitating electrification. Mobile payment platforms and smart grids help manage energy distribution efficiently.

Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborations between governments, non-governmental organizations, and private companies have proven effective in pooling resources and expertise to tackle electrification challenges.

Miniaturized Technologies: Technological advancements have led to the creation of compact and efficient energy solutions, such as portable solar panels and mini wind turbines, making them suitable for deployment in remote areas.

Community Engagement: Empowering local communities to take ownership of electrification projects fosters a sense of responsibility and sustainability.

Conclusion

Impressive progress in electrification has undoubtedly improved the lives of millions, but there is still much work to be done to reach those hardest-to-reach areas. The challenge of electrifying remote regions requires innovative solutions, collaborative efforts, and a commitment to sustainable development. As technology continues to advance and awareness grows, there is hope that the barriers hindering electrification will gradually crumble, lighting up the lives of those who have remained in the dark for far too long. It is essential for governments, organizations, and individuals to come together and invest in electrification as a means of driving positive change, fostering economic growth, and leaving no one behind in the pursuit of a brighter and sustainable future.

What's In It For Me? (WIIFM)

Are you curious about the state of electrification in remote areas and the challenges hindering its progress? Discover how impressive efforts to bring electricity to the hardest-to-reach regions impact global development, the environment, and the lives of millions. Learn about innovative solutions and initiatives that can transform the future of those in need, while contributing to a sustainable and inclusive world.

Join the Movement: Let's Light Up Lives Together!

Be a part of the electrification revolution! Help us overcome the challenges of reaching remote areas with electricity. Share this article to spread awareness and inspire others to support electrification efforts. Together, we can make a difference and empower communities worldwide. Click here to learn more about how you can get involved and contribute to this meaningful cause.

Blog Excerpt

The quest for electrification in remote and underserved areas has seen impressive strides, yet it faces significant challenges that slow its progress. Access to electricity is pivotal in shaping modern living, but millions of people still lack this essential resource. This article delves into the obstacles hindering electrification, including geographical barriers, lack of infrastructure, and affordability issues. We explore the solutions and initiatives driving change, such as off-grid and micro-grid systems, mobile technology, and community engagement. By addressing these challenges head-on, we can create a brighter and sustainable future for all.

Meta Description (320 characters)

Discover the challenges impeding impressive progress in electrification efforts to reach remote areas. Explore innovative solutions and initiatives, empowering communities and transforming lives worldwide.

[howdoesone]

How does one create sustainable and resilient architectural solutions that respond to regional challenges?

Creating sustainable and resilient architectural solutions that respond to regional challenges is a critical aspect of modern design practice. Regions around the world face unique environmental, social, and economic challenges that require innovative and context-specific approaches. This article explores the significance of creating sustainable and resilient architectural solutions, discusses the…

[reasonsforhope]

"Cody Two Bears, a member of the Sioux tribe in North Dakota, founded Indigenized Energy, a native-led energy company with a unique mission — installing solar farms for tribal nations in the United States.

This initiative arises from the historical reliance of Native Americans on the U.S. government for power, a paradigm that is gradually shifting.

The spark for Two Bears' vision ignited during the Standing Rock protests in 2016, where he witnessed the arrest of a fellow protester during efforts to prevent the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline on sacred tribal land.

Disturbed by the status quo, Two Bears decided to channel his activism into action and create tangible change.

His company, Indigenized Energy, addresses a critical issue faced by many reservations: poverty and lack of access to basic power.

Reservations are among the poorest communities in the country, and in some, like the Navajo Nation, many homes lack electricity.

Even in regions where the land has been exploited for coal and uranium, residents face obstacles to accessing power.

Renewable energy, specifically solar power, is a beacon of hope for tribes seeking to overcome these challenges.

Not only does it present an environmentally sustainable option, but it has become the most cost-effective form of energy globally, thanks in part to incentives like the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.

Tribal nations can receive tax subsidies of up to 30% for solar and wind farms, along with grants for electrification, climate resiliency, and energy generation.

And Indigenized Energy is not focused solely on installing solar farms — it also emphasizes community empowerment through education and skill development.

In collaboration with organizations like Red Cloud Renewable, efforts are underway to train Indigenous tribal members for jobs in the renewable energy sector.

The program provides free training to individuals, with a focus on solar installation skills.

Graduates, ranging from late teens to late 50s, receive pre-apprenticeship certification, and the organization is planning to launch additional programs to support graduates with career services such as resume building and interview coaching...

The adoption of solar power by Native communities signifies progress toward sustainable development, cultural preservation, and economic self-determination, contributing to a more equitable and environmentally conscious future.

These initiatives are part of a broader movement toward "energy sovereignty," wherein tribes strive to have control over their own power sources.

This movement represents not only an economic opportunity and a source of jobs for these communities but also a means of reclaiming control over their land and resources, signifying a departure from historical exploitation and an embrace of sustainable practices deeply rooted in Indigenous cultures."

-via Good Good Good, December 10, 2023

[read-marx-and-lenin]

I'm asking this in good faith, but this is something I'm genuinely confused about. Regarding the Holodomor, or the Soviet famine of 1930 in general, why does it matter if it was a genocide or not? At best it seems to be a natural famine exacerbated by poor decision making, and while that is far different from a genocide, I don't understand why that specification matters, because it was still made worse by Soviet intervention, unless I'm getting the facts wrong which I probably am.

It matters to the Western propagandists who were insistent for decades despite zero evidence that the famine was used to commit atrocities against the people of Ukraine. The refrain the whole time was that once the Soviet archives were made public, they'd finally have the proof they needed. The archives are eventually opened, and surprise surprise, there's not only no evidence of the deliberate withholding of grain, there's evidence of significant amounts of food aid being sent to help alleviate the famine. The myth of a Ukrainian genocide began as Nazi propaganda and was adopted as part of the "double genocide" narrative by Western reactionaries after WW2 to downplay the crimes of the Nazis and to maintain a narrative about liberal opposition to "authoritarianism", painting Western capitalists as the "free world" fighting against both fascism and communism. (Don't ask them why they stopped fighting fascism after WW2 though.)

As for the human elements of the famine, it is also part of the typical Western narrative, even among those who admit the Holodomor was not a targeted anti-Ukrainian genocide and who admit that there were environmental factors, to try and put substantial amounts of blame on the Soviet collectivization of agriculture. I am not going to lie and say collectivization went smoothly with no issues, but you cannot ignore the factors of reactionary sabotage by kulaks (including the destruction of animals and grain and the outright murder of party officials) and the effects of Western sanctions and sabotage on the economic development of the USSR.

While some have argued that there was a complete "gold blockade" on the USSR during the famine and so the Soviet Union was forced to export grain to facilitate international trade, the blockade was never enforced by all Western nations at the same time and the Soviets were still able to export gold and silver at various times throughout the 1920s. It is true, however, that gold reserves were stretched thin at the time and the Soviets simply didn't have enough gold to cover their international debts. Soviet gold mines had never been extraordinarily productive and the rest of the Soviet economy was still developing at the time, so grain was one of the few things that they expected to have in surplus. In addition, there were various other sanctions in place by 1930 that did limit who they could trade with and what they could trade with, but the export of grain was almost never restricted. The famine caught them off guard at a very bad time.

While international grain exports were restricted during the famine as grain was diverted to famine-stricken regions of the country (and grain imports were increased as well), the problems with hoarding only worsened as in the panic of the famine, kulaks sought to exploit the people and create a profitable black market on grain. A struggle against the kulaks coincided with worsening environmental effects and the spread of disease among both crops and humans.

The famine was not man-made, it was not entirely natural, and it was not the inevitable outcome of collectivization. It was a perfect storm of a variety of factors. Stalin was not some heartless monster condemning millions of Ukrainians to death for daring to defy the glorious Soviet Union. He was not some idiot who had no idea what he was doing, plunging the nation into famine out of ineptitude. He was not a stubborn maniac who refused to abandon failing economic policies even at the cost of human lives. He was a human being, one of many in charge of the Soviet Union, dealing with concurrent disasters as best as they could.

[kittenintheden]

I've had a fair few people ask me how I write dialogue, and other than touting the sort-of-dismissive-feeling "I've had a lot of practice and have been doing this a long time" comment I usually make, here are a few quick tips for improving dialogue writing.

1) Listen to people talk. Like. This sounds very "no fuckin duh." But I don't mean casually overhearing conversations. I mean if you have a character with a specific background, then get some headphones and find video/audio of someone you envision them speaking like, close your eyes, and simply listen. Full immersion. Let the cadence of their voice and the vocabulary they use wash over you. Absorb it.

2) Read some screenplays and start listening to dialogue like a writer. Screenplays are a good source because film/television often relies heavily on dialogue to communicate character. The lines are intentional, they're economic, they convey ideas in a way that most of us wouldn't be able to come up with off the cuff. Consider the different ways lines can be delivered and how that can change their entire meaning.

3) Everyone has vocal tics. We all have certain ways of speaking. It's where regional accents and slang come from and it's how we express a specific image of ourselves. People SPEAK differently. Uptalk, vocal fry, pauses for emphasis, laughing to lighten the heaviness of the words, certain turns of phrase, mumbling, showmanship, whatever. Train your ear to clock those things and figure out how to use them to bring out character personality.

4) Check out some improv. If you have an improv group in your area, check them out! There's also tons of improv content online. If you're ever like "how did someone come up with that absolute fucking BANGER of a line just off the top of their head???" The answer is 1) they probably didn't just think of it, and 2) they've practiced rapid-fire back and forth, often with a comedic bent.

5) Read out loud. If you're ever like "what would a real person sound like saying this," you have the answer. Say it yourself, in the way you envision them saying it, and see where it sounds clunky and can be smoothed out. Is there a way for you to convey emphasis where it's needed?

6) Dialogue tags do in fact matter. Every once in a while you'll see the advice that you should NEVER use dialogue tags besides "says/said" because "the dialogue should speak for itself." It's mostly bullshit. Don't use them for the sake of adding a different tag to every line of dialogue, but the WAY people say things can change the meaning of the words. So use them intentionally.

7) PRACTICE. Look. I fuckin know lol. But this advice always stands. Any creative expression requires practice to improve. It's incredibly rare to have a "natural" talent for anything. So just keep on keeping on. You're doing great. And you will continue to improve.

[kneedeepincynade]

Paet 2 of economic rights in the Xinjiang region

As always the post is machine translated

The translation is at the bottom

The collective is on telegram

⚠️ DIRITTI ECONOMICI NELLO XINJIANG - PARTE 2 ⚠️

⭐️ Durante il 13° Piano Quinquennale (2016 - 2020), è stata completata la costruzione di 1,2 milioni di abitazioni per famiglie a basso reddito, ed è iniziata la costruzione di 1,3 milioni di unità abitative urbane a prezzi accessibili, a beneficio di milioni di persone.

🛣 Ogni villaggio ha ottenuto l'accesso a strade asfaltate e in cemento, ai servizi pubblici per l'autobus, ai servizi per l'Internet veloce e alla completa alimentazione energetica.

🚝 Superstrade e ferrovie ad alta velocità sono state costruire da zero e ora coprono ogni prefettura e città, e sono stati completati ventidue aeroporti civili.

📄 Il Diritto al Lavoro è pienamente tutelato, e il Governo dello Xinjiang ha reso prioritaria l'occupazione lavorativa, lavorando per garantire l'occupazione tramite iniziative pubbliche e private, fornendo sostegni governativi che premiano l'imprenditorialità.

📈 Ogni Governo Locale ha intensificato gli sforzi nella formazione professionale per aumentare l'occupabilità dei lavoratori, lavorando per migliorare le competenze professionali tramite programmi di formazione e costruzione di istituti professionali e scuole di formazione tecnica.

📊 Dal 2014 al 2020, la Popolazione Occupata Totale è passata da 11,4 milioni a 13,6 milioni, con un aumento di quasi il 20%.

📊 La popolazione occupata urbana è cresciuta di una media annua di 470.000 unità, di cui il 39% nello Xinjiang Meridionale

⭐️ Il Governo dello Xinjiang garantisce, in conformità con la legge, pari opportunità di lavoro, retribuzione, assicurazione sociale, ferie e sicurezza sul lavoro a uomini e donne.

📕 Inoltre, è stato costituito un Sistema di Supervisione per la protezione dei Diritti del Lavoro, e sono state affrontate segnalazioni e reclami riguardanti arretrati salariali, mancata fornitura di contratti di lavoro e altre violazioni.

🏛 Autorità Giudiziarie, Dipartimenti delle Risorse Umane e della Sicurezza Sociale e le Organizzazioni Sindacali lavorano a stretto contatto con le aziende e il Governo per indagare e correggere violazioni dei diritti del lavoro.

🧾 Fonte

🌸 Iscriviti 👉 @collettivoshaoshan

⚠️ ECONOMIC RIGHTS IN XINJIANG - PART 2 ⚠️

⭐️ During the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016 - 2020), the construction of 1.2 million homes for low-income families was completed, and the construction of 1.3 million affordable urban housing units began, to benefit millions of people.

🛣 Each village has gained access to paved and concrete roads, public bus services, high-speed Internet services and full energy supply.

🚝 Expressways and high-speed railways have been built from scratch and now cover every prefecture and city, and twenty-two civilian airports have been completed.

📄 The Right to Work is fully protected, and the Xinjiang Government has prioritized employment, working to secure employment through public and private initiatives, providing government support that rewards entrepreneurship.

📈 Each Local Government has intensified efforts in vocational training to increase the employability of workers, working to improve vocational skills through training programs and construction of vocational institutes and technical training schools.

📊 From 2014 to 2020, the Total Employment Population increased from 11.4 million to 13.6 million, an increase of almost 20%.

📊 The employed urban population has grown by an annual average of 470,000, of which 39% in Southern Xinjiang

⭐️ The Government of Xinjiang guarantees, in accordance with the law, equal employment opportunities, pay, social insurance, holidays and work safety for men and women.

📕 In addition, a Supervisory System for the protection of Labor Rights has been established, and reports and complaints have been addressed regarding wage arrears, non-provision of employment contracts and other violations.

🏛 Judicial Authorities, Human Resources and Social Security Departments and Trade Unions work closely with companies and the Government to investigate and correct labor rights violations.

🧾 Source

🌸 Subscribe 👉 @collectivoshaoshan

[ekvan]

zero day cast bios (archived through wayback machine) :

Andre Kriegman – Andre Keuck

A classically trained, tri-lingual actor who specialized in Shakespeare, Andre Keuck has held roles such as Oberon, Hamlet, Orsino, The King of France, Astrov, and a young Edwin Booth. For his role in the regional hit, "The Countess", Keuck won an award for his outstanding performance as the dutiful butler Frederick Crawley. Andre, who is 17 years old, is currently editing his first original short film, "Answering Machine", which he plans to submit to numerous festivals. Keuck plans on pursuing a variety of roles in filmmaking and theater. Andre enjoys working with computers, playing video games, pole vaulting, driving, and politics. Andre will start college this year at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C., where he will study International Conflict & Security and International Economics.

Cal Gabriel – Calvin Robertson

At age 8, Cal Robertson was already studying Shakespeare and had his first taste of acting in Stratford, Connecticut community theater. Originally from Minneapolis, Cal is currently a home schooled Junior focusing on the writing programs at NYU and Wesleyan University. 

In addition to Zero Day, Cal can be seen in a soon-to-be released indie film [what year], Pursuit of Happiness, with Peter Riegert and Isabella Rosalini and in a new episode of the Sopranos. Cal, 16 years old, enjoys spending time at the New Haven Zen Center, at his family’s bookstore and climbing mountains. He is currently repped by Gersh.

[jcmarchi]

The power of representation and connectivity in STEM education

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/the-power-of-representation-and-connectivity-in-stem-education/

The power of representation and connectivity in STEM education

On Oct. 13 and 14 at the Wong Auditorium at MIT, an event called Bridging Talents and Opportunities took place. It was part of an initiative led by MIT Latinx professors and students aimed at providing talented Latinx high school students from the greater Boston area and various Latin American countries a unique chance to explore the world of science and innovation within MIT’s campus.

The primary goal of the effort is to inspire and empower talented, low-income high school scholars, particularly those from first-generation and low-income backgrounds. These students are driven by the inspiring life stories of Latinx scientists who have overcome similar circumstances to make remarkable contributions to the field and who are now affiliated with some of the world’s top universities.

The two-day gathering commenced with a roster of esteemed speakers who were scientists, academics, philanthropists, and trailblazing entrepreneurs, most of Hispanic and Latin American origin. They shared stories of success and their affiliation with prestigious institutions globally, and underscored the achievements and the heights to which one can rise with determination and support.

As part of the event, students, parents, and teachers had the opportunity to visit some science labs at MIT such the Laboratory for Nuclear Science (LNS)’s Laboratory of Exotics Molecules and Atoms, Laboratory for Atomic and Quantum Physics, and the Robotic Lab. With the support of the Harvard Colombian Student Society the group was also able to take a tour to the Harvard University campus.

Diana Grass, an organizer of Bridging Talents and Opportunities, is a second-year PhD student in medical engineering and medical physics in the Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology program. She also serves as the co-founder and co-president of the Graduate First Generation Low-Income student group at MIT (GFLI@MIT).

“In countries like Colombia, it takes an astounding 11 generations, according to the OECD [Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development], to escape poverty,” Grass emphasized. “Education is the most powerful tool to break this chain. As a first-generation student and a Latina, I have firsthand experience of the socioeconomic obstacles that hinder educational pursuits and degree attainment. Bold actions are needed if we are to address diversity, the gender gap, and equity within the realm of science. It’s immensely gratifying that we can drive these actions forward from top universities like MIT.”

Grass added, “Latino students — especially women — have historically been underrepresented in STEM careers, underscoring the urgency of instilling early motivation in the educational journey. Creating opportunities for first-generation low-income students is an essential step in this direction. This initiative recognizes that addressing educational disparities requires proactive measures.”

The event also hosted Jeison Aristizabal, recognized as the 2016 CNN Hero of the Year and the founder of the first Latin American University for people with disabilities. Overcoming his own cerebral palsy, Aristizabal is now a social communicator and lawyer, redefining the concept of disability and serving as an inspiration to countless students with disabilities. Grass states, “His journey highlights the extraordinary achievements that can be realized through perseverance and determination.”

Edwin Pedrozo-Peñafiel, another event organizer, is a research scientist in the Research Laboratory of Electronics and MIT-Harvard Center for Ultracold Atoms. He stated that “Seeing such a dynamic group of accomplished individuals from similar cultural backgrounds made a compelling statement. It’s essential that the younger generations see successful figures they can identify with. Representation in any field, but particularly in STEAM [science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics], is not just about checking a box. It’s a potent source of inspiration. When young students can look up and see someone who looks like them, speaks like them, and shares a similar cultural narrative achieving greatness, it tells them one vital thing: ‘I can do it, too.’”

He continued, “Beyond individual success stories, the event spotlighted the importance of collective effort. By connecting diverse stakeholders around the shared goal of education, we can amplify the message of the value and transformative power of STEAM careers. Students should recognize that these fields aren’t just viable career paths; they’re avenues to impact their families, communities, and even the world positively.”

Boleslaw Wyslouch, professor of physics and director of the Laboratory for Nuclear Science and the Bates Research and Engineering Center, provided introductory comments in a welcome at the beginning of the Friday session. He said, “I was delighted that MIT and the Laboratory for Nuclear Science were able to help welcome Latino students from the Boston area, from around the country, and from abroad to the workshop. The combination of inspirational speakers, practical information, and visits to world-class MIT laboratories organized by Professor Ronald Garcia Ruiz was an excellent way to showcase the opportunities in science and engineering. I am very grateful to many outside organizations for sponsoring the students and their families to attend the event.”

Professor Garcia Ruiz, who is a researcher in LNS and one of the organizers, emphasized, “Disadvantaged youths, especially those from underserved communities, are disproportionately affected by the world’s major challenges, including climate change, inequality, water scarcity, and food security, to name a few. However, these firsthand experiences also provide them with a unique perspective and motivation. When equipped with the right resources and education, these individuals do not merely thrive — they lead.

“By creating bonds between these talented young individuals, their families, committed educational foundations, global leaders from various fields, and visionary entrepreneurs and institutions, the event aimed to secure opportunities to empower them to become the innovators and transformative leaders of tomorrow. However, a stark reality persists. Often, even in the face of available opportunities, many of these young individuals do not take them — either due to lack of awareness, the pressure of their communities, or fear of venturing into the unknown. We are hopeful that our initiative will help bridge this gap.

“The wave of support from LNS, the MIT community, and from outside has been deeply heartening. The gratitude expressed by participants, especially by the students and their families, serves as our strongest motivation to continue with this mission.”

[coochiequeens]

“If women weren’t losing access to farmlands, they would dare to leave their husbands earlier.” - Milla Nemoudji

By  ROBERT BOCIAGA, August 28, 2024

BINMAR, Chad (AP) — When Milla Nemoudji, a 28-year-old from a village in southern Chad, divorced her husband following years of physical abuse, she found herself without means for survival. Though raised in a farming family, she struggled to get by in a community where access to land is customarily controlled by men.

With little support for women in her situation, divorce being relatively rare in Chad, she fought for economic independence. She sold fruits and other goods. During the rainy season, she plowed fields as a laborer. Last year, however, a women’s collective arrived in her village and she decided to join, finally gaining access to land and a say over its use. She farmed cotton, peanuts and sesame, making enough money to cover basic needs.

The village, Binmar, is on the outskirts of Chad’s second-largest city, Moundou, in the densely populated Logone Occidental region. Thatched-roof homes stand amid fields where women traditionally harvest the land but, like Nemoudji, have little or no say over it.

In Chad, land access is often controlled by village chiefs who require annual payments. Women are often excluded from land ownership and inheritance, leaving them dependent on male relatives and reinforcing their secondary status in society.

The struggle for land rights is compounded by the dual legal system in Chad where customary law often supersedes statutory law, especially in rural areas. While recent legal reforms mean laws recognize the right of any citizen to own land, application of those laws is inconsistent.

For women like Nemoudji who seek to assert their rights, the response can be hostile.

“There’s no one to come to your aid, although everyone knows that you are suffering,” Nemoudji told The Associated Press, criticizing the traditional system of land rights and urging local leaders to take domestic violence seriously. “If women weren’t losing access to farmlands, they would dare to leave their husbands earlier.”

see rest of article

[decolonize-the-everything]

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s national security adviser indicated that Israel could accept a U.S. plan for a revamped Palestinian Authority to govern the Gaza Strip after the war, a sign that the Israeli leader is easing his opposition to the idea.

Israel is aware of the desire of the international community and the countries of the region to integrate the Palestinian Authority the day after Hamas, and we make it clear that the matter will require a fundamental reform of the Palestinian Authority,” Tzachi Hanegbi, who heads Israel’s National Security Council, wrote in an opinion piece published Thursday on the Arabic-language news site Elaph.

"I'll agree to stop commiting genocide but only if you guys agree to my very specific conditions for the next leadership" is practically in the CIA handbook.

'destabilize a region then exploit the power vaccum and desperation it creates' is a play we've seen over and over again.

The question is why is Israel doing it?

Because it is a puppet state. It's serves the purpose of providing the USA someone to hide behind while they destabilize the region.

A puppet state, puppet régime, puppet government or dummy government is a state that is de jure independent but de facto completely dependent upon an outside power and subject to its orders.

Puppet states have nominal sovereignty, except that a foreign power effectively exercises control through economic or military support.

By leaving a local government in existence the outside power evades all responsibility, while at the same time successfully paralyzing the local government they tolerate.

"Why would the usa be using Israel to destabilize the middle east tho?"

An excellent question!

Short answer: using their own armies to carry out the plans is a surefire way to land themselves in a world war and so using Israel is an easy cop out.

The longer answer is very long.

So what "plans" are they trying to carry out, exactly, right?

Saving the Suez from "Islamist threats" "to secure freedom of navigation." You know, just like our Secretary of Defense said.

You know who else said that though? The plans outlined in Project 2025 by the Heritage Foundation. "The one that's gonna put queer people in detention centers?" Yeah that one. In fact our official are using a lot of the Same Exact Language and working found in Project2025.

Isn't that interesting?

Let's look at page 285, together.

Well, we've certainly seen headlines of this right? "Israel has a right to defend itself" and to take what it deems appropriate measures is how the USA has been avoiding calling Netanyahu a war criminal isn't it? A Google search will show Biden also has tried to block/stop Iran's nuclear development.

Very reassuring that they see the need for that for precaution, isn't it?

And sure maybe you could say this is a conspiracy theory, except US representatives are using the same EXACT language and Islamophobia to justify what's happening. Exhibit #1 the link to secretary of state, but don't worry. We're just warming up and he's not the only one.

Let's continue, we're almost to the part where it all comes together.

Translation: the Suez Canal brings Egypt billions of dollars a year and several parties (the countries listed) would prefer that money be funneled to them instead. The problem is that the aforementioned parties have been destabilizing the region for so long that establishing an alternate trade route through those territories would be seen as an act of aggression if not war.

The heritage foundation has always intended to call anyone who resists that plan a terrorist. Its their way of manufacturing consent to kill people.

And we can see Netanyahu and Biden both following that lead. "The terrorists are just such a giant threat, how could I possibly stop supporting Israel's fight against them?"

From Dec 10, 2023

So isn't it just so crazy that the countries and regions outlined there (US, Israel, India, Egypt, and Gulf States) are ALSO the countries who presented the IMEC at the G20 summit in September, just a month before Israel started it's genocide?

Oh, you don't know what the IMEC is or why it matters?

Well remember the Suez and how much income it brings in? Yeah well it's also regulated by the state, which means it can't be bought or bribed the same way that a canal owned privately could.

Which means that Egypt is the sole benefactor and controls who else gets to benefit. This often does not include the USA.

The USA does not like that.

Enter: the IMEC.

The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) is a rail and shipping corridor that aims to boost regional development and economic interconnectivity between India, the USA, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Israel and the European Union. The project consists of two corridors: the eastern corridor will connect India to the Arabian Gulf, and the northern corridor will connect the Gulf to Europe.

[..]Hence, there are technical limitations that the IMEC may face, not least in the Middle East due to its vast desert regions. The construction of railway lines and subsequent transportation of goods would be a difficult task requiring everything from the standardisation of the railway track gauges to the engine configurations. What’s more, one of the main link ports of the IMEC, Haifa, is in Israel, a country which is unstable at the moment due to the Palestinian freedom struggle.

It's how they intend to circumvent the Suez Canal entirely.

Unfortunately for them, Palestine exists. And as such, this creates a huge problem for them in building the IMEC through Palestine to Haifa. Especially since the resistance fighters through the entire middle east violently oppose the west's imperialism.

So something must be done. Again, we refer back to calling Anyone who questions Israel as an antisemitic terrorist as justification for killing Palestinians en masse. And for the ones they can't justify killing? Moving them.

Meaning that yeah. They planned for that, too.

And not even in secret.

Dated October 13, 2023

From November 7, 2023

What this suggests, as more of Project2025 comes true is that not only is the USA aiding and abetting this war to happen.

But that they are intentionally instigating and provoking action in the middle east.

They WANT headlines like this ⬇️ Because it sets up further justification and manufactured consent to continue their genocide in the name of money.

project2025 ALSO outlines every single group the USA sees as terrorists in the USA and also outlines how each country who provides them shelter should be stripped of aid.

They have already found and written excuses for the USA to get away with collective punishment across the whole middle east.

And finally.

The condition that I fully expect to be announced

For it to be defunded. And for more of an idea we can look to this Netanyahu quote from TheGuardian

Netanyahu also made clear he wanted Israel to retain overall security control after any conflict “with the ability to go in whenever we want in order to kill terrorists”. “There will be no Hamas. There will be no civilian authority that educates their children to hate Israel, to kill Israelis, to destroy the state of Israel. There can’t be an authority there that pays the families of murderers. There needs to be something else there,” he said.

Another puppet government that'll agree to do whatever Israel (and the USA) says, perhaps?

[reasonsforhope]

"Despite the Central Appalachia ecosystem being historically famous as coal country, under this diverse broadleaf canopy lies a rich, biodiverse world of native plants helping to fill North America’s medicinal herb cabinet.

And it turns out that the very communities once reliant on the coalfields are now bringing this botanical diversity to the country.

“Many different Appalachian people, stretching from pre-colonization to today, have tended, harvested, sold, and used a vast number of forest botanicals like American ginseng, ramps, black cohosh, and goldenseal,” said Shannon Bell, Virginia Tech professor in the Dept. of Sociology. “These plants have long been integral to many Appalachians’ livelihoods and traditions.”

50% of the medicinal herbs, roots, and barks in the North American herbal supply chain are native to the Appalachian Mountains, and the bulk of these species are harvested or grown in Central Appalachia, which includes southern West Virginia, eastern Kentucky, far-southwest Virginia, and east Tennessee.

The United Plant Savers, a nonprofit with a focus on native medicinal plants and their habitats, has identified many of the most popular forest medicinals as species of concern due to their declining populations.

Along with the herbal supply chain being largely native to Appalachia, the herb gatherers themselves are also native [to Appalachia, not Native American specifically], but because processing into medicine and seasonings takes place outside the region, the majority of the profits from the industry do too.

In a press release on Bell’s superb research and advocacy work within Appalachia’s botanical communities, she refers back to the moment that her interest in the industry and the region sprouted; when like many of us, she was out in a nearby woods waiting out the pandemic.

“My family and I spent a lot of time in the woods behind our house during quarantine,” Bell said. “We observed the emergence of all the spring ephemerals in the forest understory – hepatica, spring beauty, bloodroot, trillium, mayapple. I came to appreciate the importance of the region’s botanical biodiversity more than ever, and realized I wanted to incorporate this new part of my life into my research.”

With co-investigator, John Munsell at VA Tech’s College of Natural Resources and Environment, Bell’s project sought to identify ways that Central Appalachian communities could retain more of the profits from the herbal industry while simultaneously ensuring that populations of at-risk forest botanicals not only survive, but thrive and expand in the region.

Bell conducted participant observation and interviews with wild harvesters and is currently working on a mail survey with local herb buyers. She also piloted a ginseng seed distribution program, and helped a wild harvester write a grant proposal to start a forest farm.

“Economic development in post-coal communities often focuses on other types of energy development, like fracking and natural gas pipelines, or on building prisons and landfills. Central Appalachia is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. I think that placing a greater value on this biodiversity is key to promoting a more sustainable future for the region,” Bell told VA Tech press.

Armed with a planning grant of nearly half a million dollars, Bell and collaborators are specifically targeting forest farming as a way to achieve that sustainable future.

Finally, enlisting support from the nonprofit organization Appalachian Sustainable Development, Virginia Tech, the City of Norton, a sculpture artist team, and various forest botanicals practitioners in her rolodex, Bell organized the creation of a ‘living monument’ along Flag Rock Recreation Area in Norton, Virginia.

An interpretive trail, the monument tells the story of the historic uses that these wild botanicals had for the various societies that have inhabited Appalachia, and the contemporary value they still hold for people today."

-via Good News Network, September 12, 2024

[adropofhumanity]

the 10 crises the world must not look away from:

1. SUDAN

24.8 million people in need of humanitarian aid. a still-escalating war brings sudan to the top of the watchlist. fighting has more than doubled humanitarian needs in less than a year and displaced 6.6 million people- bringing the country to the brink of collapse. more people are internally displaced within sudan than in any other country on earth. in darfur, human rights groups have reported mass killings and forced displacement along ethnic lines.

2. PALESTINE

3.1 million people in need of humanitarian aid (gaza and the west bank). gaza enters 2024 as the deadliest place for civilians in the world. i*****i airstrikes and fighting have had a direct and devastating impact on civilians that will continue to grow as hostilities persist into early 2024, at least. with more than 18,700 palestinians killed, 85% of the population displaced, and over 60% of gaza's housing units destroyed, people living in gaza will struggle to recover and rebuild their lives long after the fighting ends.

3. SOUTH SUDAN

9 million people in need of humanitarian aid. the war across the border in sudan threatens to undermine south sudan's fragile economy and could add to political tensions in the run-up to the country's first-ever elections. meanwhile, an economic crisis and increased flooding have impacted families' ability to put food on the table. a predicted fifth year of flooding could also damage livelihoods and drive displacement.

4. BURKINA FASO

6.3 million people in need of humanitarian aid. as the burkinabè military struggles to contain armed groups, violence is rapidly growing and spreading across the country. roughly 50% of the country is now outside government control.

5. MYANMAR

18.6 million people in need of humanitarian aid. the conflict in myanmar has spread significantly since the military retook political power in 2021. 18.6 million people in myanmar are now in need of humanitarian assistance - nearly 19 times more than before the military takeover. myanmar has seen decades of conflict, but in oct. 2023, three major armed groups resumed clashes with the government. over 335,000 people have been newly displaced since the latest escalation began.

7. MALI

6.2 million people in need of humanitarian aid. dual security and economic crises are driving up civilian harm and humanitarian needs. conflict between the military government and armed groups will likely escalate.

8. SOMALIA

6.9 million people in need of humanitarian aid. somalia faces heightened conflict and climate risks after a record drought. more recently, widespread flooding has displaced more than 700,000 people and will likely continue into early 2024.

9. NIGER

4.5 million people in need of humanitarian aid. a coup in july 2023 triggered massive instability that risks a rapid worsening of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the country.

10. ETHIOPIA

20 million people in need of humanitarian aid. communities across the country are facing the twin threats of multiple conflicts and the likelihood of el niño-induced flooding. the nov. 2022 ceasefire between the government of ethiopia and the tigray people's liberation front (TPLF) continues to hold in northern ethiopia, but other conflicts, particularly in the central oromia region and in amhara in the northwest, are fueling humanitarian needs and raising the risk of a return to large-scale fighting.

11. DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

25.4 million people in need of humanitarian aid. weak state capacity has exposed many congolese to one of the world's most protracted crises, driven by conflict, economic pressures, climate shocks and persistent disease outbreaks. now, a resumed offensive by the M23 armed group is driving up conflict and humanitarian needs. the country enters 2024 with 25.4 million people in need of humanitarian assistance - more than any other country on earth. the magnitude of the crisis has strained services, created high levels of food insecurity and fueled the spread of disease.

— via my.linda__ on instagram

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this story from the Associated Press (AP):

The U.S. government on Tuesday acknowledged, for the first time, the harmful role it has played over the past century in building and operating dams in the Pacific Northwest — dams that devastated Native American tribes by inundating their villages and decimating salmon runs while bringing electricity, irrigation and jobs to nearby communities.

In a new report, the Biden administration said those cultural, spiritual and economic detriments continue to pain the tribes, which consider salmon part of their cultural and spiritual identity, as well as a crucial food source.

The government downplayed or accepted the well-known risk to the fish in its drive for industrial development, converting the wealth of the tribes into the wealth of non-Native people, according to the report.

“The government afforded little, if any, consideration to the devastation the dams would bring to Tribal communities, including to their cultures, sacred sites, economies, and homes,” the report said.

It added: “Despite decades of efforts and an enormous amount of funding attempting to mitigate these impacts, salmon stocks remain threatened or endangered and continued operation of the dams perpetuates the myriad adverse effects.”

The Interior Department’s report comes amid a $1 billion effort announced earlier this year to restore the region’s salmon runs before more become extinct — and to better partner with the tribes on the actions necessary to make that happen.

That includes increasing the production and storage of renewable energy to replace hydropower generation that would be lost if four dams on the lower Snake River are ever breached. Tribes, conservationists and even federal scientists say that would be the best hope for recovering the salmon, providing the fish with access to hundreds of miles of pristine habitat and spawning grounds in Idaho.

[thozhar]

Indian tea production has been in severe crisis since the mid nineties largely due to neo-liberal structural adjustments in the Indian economy. The size of the tea industry, which is second only to China and accounts for 25 percent of global tea production, has made this a huge blow to the country’s agrarian economy. The industry employs 1.26 million people on tea plantations and two million additional people indirectly. As such, the economic crisis has had an enormous impact on the lives of local residents. In Kerala where I have been conducting research, there have been eight cases of suicide and twelve deaths due to starvation on tea plantations since 2001. Along with utter poverty and famine, tea plantation workers have faced increasingly unhygienic work environments, shattered social life/community relations, and withdrawal of the welfare measures previously enjoyed. The crisis punctured the isolated environments of the plantations and precipitated neoliberal reforms that closed down production in many areas either partially or completely. While many families remained on the plantations, large numbers of workers who had lived there for more than five generations were now compelled to seek work outside. Some went with their families to either their ancestral villages or regional industrial townships such as Coimbatore and Tirupur in Tamil Nadu. These plantation workers have now joined the ranks of the massive Dalit workforce powering India’s unorganised and informal sectors. In joining that pool of workers, Tamil Dalit labourers are exposed to aspects of a caste-ridden society from which they had previously been shielded. The situation of Saraswathi, a female retired worker in her early sixties, illustrates the dilemma and struggles of the workers who moved out the plantations.

— The hidden injuries of caste: south Indian tea workers and economic crisis by Jayaseelan Raj