Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Planning education for a better world

Dawn to refining the culture of education:

Chair of the UNESCO ducation Commission Dr Kris Rampersad Chairs the UNESCO Education Commission


Deframing the Framework for Action to 2030

Dr Kris Rampersad, Chairperson UNESCO General Conference – 38th Session, Education Commission, Opening Speech, 5 November 2015 UNESCO Headquarters Paris France

 Your Excellencies,
Honourable delegates,
Representative of the Director General and the members of the UNESCO Secretariat,

Thank you for the confidence you have placed in me in the election as Chair of the Education Commission of the 38th UNESCO General Conference.
Welcome to all of you to these most significant engagements poised as we are between the seasons of change as we embark on implementing the reform and re-visioning of UNESCO and its role in a world that places priority on the needs of the next generations in a climate of sustainable development. And to signal that process of change, and of where we are placing our priorities, you will see I have seated here with me for this opening session, the representatives of the 9th session of the UNESCO Youth Forum.
Ms Biru ANJANIE from Indonesia, Ms Esther VAN DUIN from the Netherlands, and Mr Faisal Khalid BIN GHANNAM from Saudi Arabia.
Also part of our team are: Secretary of the Education Commission, Mr Borhene Chakroun and the Assistant Director-General of Education, Mr Qian Tang (Chan Tang) and colleagues who will be co-piloting the Education Commission with me. Once again I would like to congratulate (Finland), (Gabon), (Kuwait), (Pakistan) and (Slovakia) on their election as Vice-Chairs and Rapporteur.
Today is significant because we are celebrating the UN and UNESCO’s 70th birthday.
A local calypso bard from my region might say, ‘70 years have passed, how you feel?’

Calypso and the rich musical heritage of my land, as some of you may know, is generally celebratory, but it is also reflective, introspective and an articulate chronicle of the times, and so it provides a mood very much attuned to an anniversary as significant as the biblical milestone of three scores and ten.
I was hoping to get some of the music of Trinidad and Tobago played – calypso, chutney and indeed we are in the season of parang which all are part of the music of our multicultural milieu - to mark the end of your speaking time but we are hoping that we wouldn’t have to use music as most of you would respect the timeframe of the agenda we have set ourselves to complete.
Some of you would have participated in yesterday’s launch of the Education 2030 framework of action.  
It was another opportunity to take a close look at where we have come as an institution, charged with building peace in the minds of men and women, as is in the motto of UNESCO - the leading UN agency for education. More significantly, however, is that it provides an opportunity for introspection for all of us to assess ourselves, and our roles as leaders, as ministers of governments, as officials of the public and private sectors, as policy makers, academicians, as social workers as youth, as citizens, and as men and women – of our role in working towards the achievement of our motto of building peace in the minds of men and women.
Let us remind ourselves of the realities before us:
This year, we are celebrating the 70th anniversary of UNESCO. In 1945, we, the Member States, enshrined in UNESCO’s Constitution our commitment to build peace in the minds of men and women. The fundamental role of education in this process is no longer an issue for debate. Our pledge to work to ensure that all people have access to inclusive and quality education and lifelong learning opportunities that lead to fulfilling lives for themselves and future generations is the cornerstone of UNESCO’s noble mandate.
This year 2015 is also the year of global action for people and our planet: a historic and unprecedented opportunity for us all to embark on sustainable paths to improve the lives of people everywhere, protect our planet and address climate change and the interests of the small and marginalised.
Our heads of states adopted a new global agenda to end poverty by 2030 and pursue a sustainable future. Education is central to this new Sustainable Development Agenda, with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 seeking to “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all”.
The vision of the Education 2030 agenda is universal. It is inspired by a humanistic vision of education. It reaffirms that education is a public good, a fundamental human right and a basis for guaranteeing the realization of other rights. It is essential for peace, tolerance, human fulfilment and sustainable development. It suggests that we focus our efforts on access, equity and inclusion, quality and learning outcomes, within a lifelong learning approach.
The new education agenda’s focus on inclusion and equity requires the political attention and the need for increased efforts especially aimed at reaching those marginalized or in vulnerable situations and more broadly giving everyone an equal opportunity, and leaving no one behind.
The attention to quality highlights the need to shift the attention from only access to learning and learning outcomes. Teachers play a crucial role in improving the quality of education. This means that it is of utmost importance to change current practices and mobilize efforts and resources including Information and Communication Technologies at an unprecedented pace.
The Education 2030 agenda is also emphasising on the importance of Lifelong learning opportunities and the need for new criteria and for new kinds of learning outcomes. For reasons of employability in a world characterised by fast changing labour markets and growing insecurity, unemployment and underemployment, learning outcomes should not just be more relevant at a given moment but they should be transferable. New kinds of learning outcomes have become important as well. These include the ability to learn, to be entrepreneurial, to think and act sustainably and to collaborate and live together as global citizens.
In terms of structure of the education systems, lifelong learning perspective gives strong arguments for recognising the cumulative nature of learning, creating open and flexible learning pathways, providing a rich variety of learning settings, and recognising non-formal and informal learning outcomes. For individuals, the lifelong learning approach gives them a more active role and responsibility in shaping their own learning pathways.
Rather than viewing education in isolation from other Sustainable Development Goals, we should consider that the realization of the Education 2030 Agenda is essential for the success of all the others. The challenge ahead is both to give attention to the complex interrelationships between education and key development sectors and also to determine which education strategies, policies and programmes are most effectively linked to the economic, social, environmental and political priorities of the new sustainable development agenda as a whole. 
When it is based on the principles of democracy, quality and equity, education is a powerful vector to bring many other economic, social and environmental benefits, such as better employment and revenues, raised productivity gains - fuelling economic development, social participation, improved individuals’ health, reduced malnutrition, reduction of violence and discrimination in particular gender discrimination, better care for the environment and sustainable consumption patterns and behaviours.
In this context, UNESCO should fulfil its five key functions including supporting its Member States to strengthen their policies, systems and capacities to transform their education system and to develop appropriate normative instruments and standards, to act as a laboratory of ideas and ensure a clearing house function. As the specialized UN agency in education, UNESCO should be a catalyst of international cooperation and should play a vital leadership role in co‑ordinating partners.
As I examined the Global Framework for Action for Education to 2030 launched yesterday I recalled a line from one of Trinidad and Tobago’s two Nobel Laureates for Literature:
“The purpose of education,” says a schoolteacher, standing before a classroom on the first day of school, “is to form, not to inform.”
It is a scene from Laureate Sir Vidia Naipaul’s epic novel, A House for Mr Biswas, set in Trinidad and Tobago, but it could have been any school across the globe. For how long has the focus of our systems of education been on forming, moulding, shaping, when it should be creation, formation, remaking.
This global framework - the Sustainable Development Agenda which includes the education goal SDG 4 mandates us, I repeat, to “Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.”
They are well chosen words. And if I were to de-frame them we will punctuate each word to absorb its significance:
Ensure.
Inclusive.
Equitable.
Quality.
Education.
And.
Lifelong Learning.
Opportunities.
For All.
We cannot miss the lyricism of the words lifelong learning – preceded as it is by the gaps we need to fill in the education process to make it inclusive – and nurture generations who can rise above prejudice and discrimination whether it is at political, social or economic levels that are responsible for so much of the social strife that occupies UNESCO’s attention today.


We have assessed the successes – and the shortcomings - in reaching the targets of the Millennium Development Goals.
But the world of change before us is not insignificant. It is a world in which all knowledge can be contained in a computer chip the size of our thumbnails; and it is the knowledge that we do not yet know that deserves attention.
We live in a time when all scientific truths that used be considered facts; are as liable to become obsolete as the next discovery, the next invention or the next unearthing of an ancient culture.
We all have testimonies personal and otherwise of the value of education and many of us are living examples of the ability of education for social and personal enrichment and fulfilment and to transform a society and poise us to lead meaningful lives as nationals and as global citizens.
But the challenges remain and the new agenda mandates us to recognise that most of learning occurs not inside a classroom wall but outside, not within school hours but outside on the streets, in communities, in religious institutions, among gangs and peers as my friends from the Youth Forum here can testify - and in families.
So in the education mandate, SDG 4, there is the significant word and which must be neutralised if we are to de-frame the framework so that our education mandate to the process of lifelong learning are inseparable and indistinguishable from each other. That would set us well on the part of achieving sustainable development.
Colleagues, today feels like the first day of school. We are about to embark on perhaps one of the most significant journeys of our time; a journey that will lead us towards fulfilling our mandate, not just as a UN agency, not just as UNESCO, but as leaders of our societies, as teachers, as parents, as citizens.
That thought brings to mind the words of another of our Nobel Laureates for Literature – one whom we share with St Lucia, our Caribbean neighbour, or should I say famalee – as we do in Trinidad and Tobago – as, although minute islands- we see ourselves intrinsically part of the global as our roots are in all the continents of the world.
Laureate Walcott, whose works are inscribed on the UNESCO International Memory of the World Register, in his Nobel Laureate acceptance speech, evokes for us the primeval spirit that is contained in lifelong learning which finds fertile soil for germination and perpetual renewal in our region:
There is a force of exultation, a celebration of luck, when one finds oneself a witness to the early morning of a culture that is defining itself, branch by branch, leaf by leaf, in that self-defining dawn, which is why, especially at the edge of the sea, it is good to make a ritual of the sunrise.
… The sounds of leaves, palm fronds, and birds are the sounds of a fresh dialect, the native tongue. The personal vocabulary, the individual melody whose metre is one's biography, joins in that sound, with any luck, and the body moves like a walking, a waking island.
 

Distinguished Delegates:
Who in this room does not feel this force of exultation to celebrate this dawning of redefining a culture which is our task here – to remake the culture of education, bringing together conventional systems of education with original and primeval instinct for lifelong learning, clause by clause, branch by branch, leaf by leaf.
The purpose of our education agenda to 2030 is not just to form nor inform as Laureate Naipaul’s small island school teacher might pronounce, but also to remake, reform and transform; to break down the barriers of prejudice, discrimination, and conflict to respect the natural human rights as global beings that is at the core of the youth vision we would hear shortly.
We can ritualise that through our work here in this room over the next few days so at to provide our societies, with our own vocabulary for change, a fresh dialect for transformation, a native tongue for inclusivity with a self-defining melody that adds a spring to our projections and like Walcott’s awakening island, to create the world we want.
I thank you.


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Chair of the UNESCO ducation Commission Dr Kris Rampersad (second from left) with representatives of the 9th session of the UNESCO Youth Forum at the opening of the US CO Education Commission at the 30th General Conference  Ms Biru ANJANIE from Indonesia, Mr Faisal Khalid BIN GHANNAM from Saudi Arabia and Ms Esther VAN DUIN from the Netherlands 

Oct 25, 2013 Some 50 percent did not vote. The local government elections results lends further proof of the discussion began in Clash of Political Cultures: Cultural Diversity and Minority Politics in Trinidad and Tobago in Through The ...http://kris-rampersad.blogspot.com/
Demokrissy: Sounds of a party - a political party
Oct 14, 2013 They are announcing some political meeting or the other; and begging for my vote, and meh road still aint fix though I hear all parts getting box drains and thing, so I vex. So peeps, you know I am a sceptic so help me decide. http://kris-rampersad.blogspot.com/
Demokrissy: T&T Constitution the culprit | The Trinidad Guardian
Jun 15, 2010 T&T Constitution the culprit | The Trinidad Guardian · T&T Constitution the culprit | The Trinidad Guardian. Posted by Kris Rampersad at 8:20 AM · Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook ...http://kris-rampersad.blogspot.com/
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Apr 30, 2010 'How we vote is not how we party.' At 'all inclusive' fetes and other forums, we nod in inebriated wisdom to calypsonian David Rudder's elucidation of the paradoxical political vs. social realities of Trinidad and Tobago. http://kris-rampersad.blogspot.com/
Demokrissy: DEADLOCK: Sign of things to come
Oct 29, 2013 An indication that unless we devise innovative ways to address representation of our diversity, we will find ourselves in various forms of deadlock at the polls that throw us into a spiral of political tug of war albeit with not just ...http://kris-rampersad.blogspot.com/
Demokrissy: The human face of constitutional reform
Oct 16, 2013 Sheilah was clearly and sharply articulating the deficiencies in governmesaw her: a tinymite elderly woman, gracefully wrinkled, deeply over with concerns about political and institutional stagnation but brimming over with ... http://kris-rampersad.blogspot.com/
Demokrissy: Trini politics is d best
Oct 21, 2013 Ain't Trini politics d BEST! Nobody fighting because they lose. All parties claiming victory, all voting citizens won! That's what make we Carnival d best street party in the world. Everyone are winners because we all like ...http://kris-rampersad.blogspot.com/
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Jan 09, 2012 New Media, New Civil Society, and Politics in a New Age | The Communication Initiative Network. New Media, New Civil Society, and Politics in a New Age | The Communication Initiative Network. Posted by Kris Rampersad ...http://kris-rampersad.blogspot.com/
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Oct 20, 2013 Choosing the Emperor's New Troops. The dilemma of choice. Voting is supposed to be an exercise in thoughtful, studied choice. Local government is the foundation for good governance so even if one wants to reform the ... http://kris-rampersad.blogspot.com/
Old Casked Rum: The Emperor's New Tools#1 - Demokrissy - Blogger
Apr 07, 2013 Old Casked Rum: The Emperor's New Tools#1 - Towards Constitutional Reform in T&T. So we've had the rounds of consultations on Constitutional Reform? Are we any wiser? Do we have a sense of direction that will drive ...http://kris-rampersad.blogspot.com/
Demokrissy: Valuing Carnival The Emperor's New Tools#2
Apr 30, 2013 Valuing Carnival The Emperor's New Tools#2....http://kris-rampersad.blogspot.com/
See Also:
Demokrissy: Winds of Political Change - Dawn of T&T's Arab Spring
Jul 30, 2013 Wherever these breezes have passed, they have left in their wake wide ranging social and political changes: one the one hand toppling long time leaders with rising decibels from previously suppressed peoples demanding a ...http://kris-rampersad.blogspot.com/
Demokrissy: Reform, Conform, Perform or None of the Above cross ...
Oct 25, 2013 Some 50 percent did not vote. The local government elections results lends further proof of the discussion began in Clash of Political Cultures: Cultural Diversity and Minority Politics in Trinidad and Tobago in Through The ...http://kris-rampersad.blogspot.com/
Demokrissy: Sounds of a party - a political party
Oct 14, 2013 They are announcing some political meeting or the other; and begging for my vote, and meh road still aint fix though I hear all parts getting box drains and thing, so I vex. So peeps, you know I am a sceptic so help me decide. http://kris-rampersad.blogspot.com/
Demokrissy: T&T Constitution the culprit | The Trinidad Guardian
Jun 15, 2010 T&T Constitution the culprit | The Trinidad Guardian · T&T Constitution the culprit | The Trinidad Guardian. Posted by Kris Rampersad at 8:20 AM · Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook ...http://kris-rampersad.blogspot.com/
Related:
Demokrissy: To vote, just how we party … Towards culturally ...
Apr 30, 2010 'How we vote is not how we party.' At 'all inclusive' fetes and other forums, we nod in inebriated wisdom to calypsonian David Rudder's elucidation of the paradoxical political vs. social realities of Trinidad and Tobago. http://kris-rampersad.blogspot.com/
Demokrissy: DEADLOCK: Sign of things to come
Oct 29, 2013 An indication that unless we devise innovative ways to address representation of our diversity, we will find ourselves in various forms of deadlock at the polls that throw us into a spiral of political tug of war albeit with not just ...http://kris-rampersad.blogspot.com/
Demokrissy: The human face of constitutional reform
Oct 16, 2013 Sheilah was clearly and sharply articulating the deficiencies in governmesaw her: a tinymite elderly woman, gracefully wrinkled, deeply over with concerns about political and institutional stagnation but brimming over with ... http://kris-rampersad.blogspot.com/
Demokrissy: Trini politics is d best
Oct 21, 2013 Ain't Trini politics d BEST! Nobody fighting because they lose. All parties claiming victory, all voting citizens won! That's what make we Carnival d best street party in the world. Everyone are winners because we all like ...http://kris-rampersad.blogspot.com/
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Jan 09, 2012 New Media, New Civil Society, and Politics in a New Age | The Communication Initiative Network. New Media, New Civil Society, and Politics in a New Age | The Communication Initiative Network. Posted by Kris Rampersad ...http://kris-rampersad.blogspot.com/
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It is placing increasing pressure for erasure of barriers of geography, age, ethnicity, gender, cultures and other sectoral interests, and in utilising the tools placed at our disposal to access our accumulate knowledge and technologies towards eroding these superficial barriers. In this context, we believe that the work of UNESCO remains significant and relevant and that UNESCO is indeed the institution best positioned to consolidate the ..... The Emperor's New Tools ...
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Jun 15, 2010
The Emperor's New Tools. Loading... AddThis. Bookmark and Share. Loading... Follow by Email. About Me. My Photo · Kris Rampersad. Media, Cultural and Literary Consultant, Facilitator, Educator and Practitioner. View my ...
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Focus-resources on real crime
Ask About LiTTscapes,

Murder She Wrote: Death Written in Stone in Dana Seetahal Assassination
Creating Centres of Peace in Trinidad and Tobago
The Price of Independence:#DanaSeetahalAssassination
Conceive. Achieve. Believe
Demokrissy: Wave a flag for a party rag...Choosing the Emperor's ...
Oct 20, 2013 Choosing the Emperor's New Troops. The dilemma of choice. Voting is supposed to be an exercise in thoughtful, studied choice. Local government is the foundation for good governance so even if one wants to reform the ... http://kris-rampersad.blogspot.com/
Old Casked Rum: The Emperor's New Tools#1 - Demokrissy - Blogger
Apr 07, 2013 Old Casked Rum: The Emperor's New Tools#1 - Towards Constitutional Reform in T&T. So we've had the rounds of consultations on Constitutional Reform? Are we any wiser? Do we have a sense of direction that will drive ...http://kris-rampersad.blogspot.com/
Demokrissy: Valuing Carnival The Emperor's New Tools#2
Apr 30, 2013 Valuing Carnival The Emperor's New Tools#2....http://kris-rampersad.blogspot.com/
See Also:
Demokrissy: Winds of Political Change - Dawn of T&T's Arab Spring
Jul 30, 2013 Wherever these breezes have passed, they have left in their wake wide ranging social and political changes: one the one hand toppling long time leaders with rising decibels from previously suppressed peoples demanding a ...http://kris-rampersad.blogspot.com/
Demokrissy: Reform, Conform, Perform or None of the Above cross ...
Oct 25, 2013 Some 50 percent did not vote. The local government elections results lends further proof of the discussion began in Clash of Political Cultures: Cultural Diversity and Minority Politics in Trinidad and Tobago in Through The ...http://kris-rampersad.blogspot.com/
Demokrissy: Sounds of a party - a political party
Oct 14, 2013 They are announcing some political meeting or the other; and begging for my vote, and meh road still aint fix though I hear all parts getting box drains and thing, so I vex. So peeps, you know I am a sceptic so help me decide. http://kris-rampersad.blogspot.com/
Demokrissy: T&T Constitution the culprit | The Trinidad Guardian
Jun 15, 2010 T&T Constitution the culprit | The Trinidad Guardian · T&T Constitution the culprit | The Trinidad Guardian. Posted by Kris Rampersad at 8:20 AM · Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook ...http://kris-rampersad.blogspot.com/
Related:
Demokrissy: To vote, just how we party … Towards culturally ...
Apr 30, 2010 'How we vote is not how we party.' At 'all inclusive' fetes and other forums, we nod in inebriated wisdom to calypsonian David Rudder's elucidation of the paradoxical political vs. social realities of Trinidad and Tobago. http://kris-rampersad.blogspot.com/
Demokrissy: DEADLOCK: Sign of things to come
Oct 29, 2013 An indication that unless we devise innovative ways to address representation of our diversity, we will find ourselves in various forms of deadlock at the polls that throw us into a spiral of political tug of war albeit with not just ...http://kris-rampersad.blogspot.com/
Demokrissy: The human face of constitutional reform



Oct 16, 2013 Sheilah was clearly and sharply articulating the deficiencies in governmesaw her: a tinymite elderly woman, gracefully wrinkled, deeply over with concerns about political and institutional stagnation but brimming over with ... http://kris-rampersad.blogspot.com/
Demokrissy: Trini politics is d best
Oct 21, 2013 Ain't Trini politics d BEST! Nobody fighting because they lose. All parties claiming victory, all voting citizens won! That's what make we Carnival d best street party in the world. Everyone are winners because we all like ...http://kris-rampersad.blogspot.com/
New Media, New Civil Society, and Politics in a New Age - Demokrissy
Jan 09, 2012 New Media, New Civil Society, and Politics in a New Age | The Communication Initiative Network. New Media, New Civil Society, and Politics in a New Age | The Communication Initiative Network. Posted by Kris Rampersad ...http://kris-rampersad.blogspot.com/
Demokrissy: T&T politics: A new direction? - Caribbean360 Oct 01, 2010 http://kris-rampersad.blogspot.com/
Oct 20, 2013 Choosing the Emperor's New Troops. The dilemma of choice. Voting is supposed to be an exercise in thoughtful, studied choice. Local government is the foundation for good governance so even if one wants to reform the ... http://kris-rampersad.blogspot.com/
Old Casked Rum: The Emperor's New Tools#1 - Demokrissy - Blogger
Apr 07, 2013 Old Casked Rum: The Emperor's New Tools#1 - Towards Constitutional Reform in T&T. So we've had the rounds of consultations on Constitutional Reform? Are we any wiser? Do we have a sense of direction that will drive ...http://kris-rampersad.blogspot.com/
Demokrissy: Valuing Carnival The Emperor's New Tools#2
Apr 30, 2013 Valuing Carnival The Emperor's New Tools#2....http://kris-rampersad.blogspot.com/
See Also:
Demokrissy: Winds of Political Change - Dawn of T&T's Arab Spring
Jul 30, 2013 Wherever these breezes have passed, they have left in their wake wide ranging social and political changes: one the one hand toppling long time leaders with rising decibels from previously suppressed peoples demanding a ...http://kris-rampersad.blogspot.com/
Demokrissy: Reform, Conform, Perform or None of the Above cross ...
Oct 25, 2013 Some 50 percent did not vote. The local government elections results lends further proof of the discussion began in Clash of Political Cultures: Cultural Diversity and Minority Politics in Trinidad and Tobago in Through The ...http://kris-rampersad.blogspot.com/
Demokrissy: Sounds of a party - a political party
Oct 14, 2013 They are announcing some political meeting or the other; and begging for my vote, and meh road still aint fix though I hear all parts getting box drains and thing, so I vex. So peeps, you know I am a sceptic so help me decide. http://kris-rampersad.blogspot.com/
Demokrissy: T&T Constitution the culprit | The Trinidad Guardian
Jun 15, 2010 T&T Constitution the culprit | The Trinidad Guardian · T&T Constitution the culprit | The Trinidad Guardian. Posted by Kris Rampersad at 8:20 AM · Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook ...http://kris-rampersad.blogspot.com/
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Apr 30, 2010 'How we vote is not how we party.' At 'all inclusive' fetes and other forums, we nod in inebriated wisdom to calypsonian David Rudder's elucidation of the paradoxical political vs. social realities of Trinidad and Tobago. http://kris-rampersad.blogspot.com/
Demokrissy: DEADLOCK: Sign of things to come
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Oct 16, 2013 Sheilah was clearly and sharply articulating the deficiencies in governmesaw her: a tinymite elderly woman, gracefully wrinkled, deeply over with concerns about political and institutional stagnation but brimming over with ... http://kris-rampersad.blogspot.com/
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New Media, New Civil Society, and Politics in a New Age - Demokrissy
Jan 09, 2012 New Media, New Civil Society, and Politics in a New Age | The Communication Initiative Network. New Media, New Civil Society, and Politics in a New Age | The Communication Initiative Network. Posted by Kris Rampersad ...http://kris-rampersad.blogspot.com/
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It is placing increasing pressure for erasure of barriers of geography, age, ethnicity, gender, cultures and other sectoral interests, and in utilising the tools placed at our disposal to access our accumulate knowledge and technologies towards eroding these superficial barriers. In this context, we believe that the work of UNESCO remains significant and relevant and that UNESCO is indeed the institution best positioned to consolidate the ..... The Emperor's New Tools ...
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Demokrissy: Cutting edge journalism
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Thursday, May 19, 2016

Smart Response: Zika Control technology begins field testing

Have you noticed an outbreak of mosquitoes near you?
With the rainy season in the tropics, the announcement of the explosive spread of Zika in the Americas and the alert to Europe on potential spread by the World Health Organisation, testing has begun on a new mobile technology aimed at putting power in the hands of anyone who has a smart phone to become an active participant in the international mosquito eradication effort. 
This, along with establishment of a quick response network of individuals, communities, experts and officials involved are part of a concerted effort at mobilising and harnessing efforts in the fight against the deadly Zika virus, Chik-V, Yellow Fever, Dengue, Malaria and other mosquito-bourne diseases. It you want to get involved please inbox me.
World Health Organisation
/Pan American Health Organisation
Poster on Zika
The technology makes everyone a key player in eradication of the deadly threat of Zika and other viruses from mosquitoes and can prove to be vital in the global monitoring and surveillance efforts of not
just the spread of Zika but also on preventative actions by individuals, public health officials, scientists, governmental and intergovernmental agencies, as well as private sector and businesses  working towards eradication of the disease.
It can also facilitate planning and give organisations like the World Health Organisation/Pan American Health Organisation and their aligned regional and national agencies and agents, universities, scientists, epidemiologists and researchers a clear picture of potential danger and help in the mobilisation efforts to address with effective preventative action including eradication programmes of spraying, habitat destruction  that includes local level communities, groups, and individuals in the public, private, NGO and academic sectors.
The technology allows for multimedia information gathering, generation, verification, validation and management that capture data, as well as process, map, track and evaluate existence of risk conditions that will inform and mobilise preventative and proactive responses.
Among its potential spin-off benefit is its use of instant surveillance technologies that will help pinpoint and localise actual threat so limited resources can be focussed and effectively utilised.
It promises to add value and efficiency to the work of epidemiologists, pesticide and insect vector control, emergency response personnel, planners, researchers, media and other surveillance or response mobilising agents while at the same time heightening consciousness and giving individuals and communities key and active roles in the eradication and preventative efforts.  
The new knowledge and information-based technology and strategy in keeping with the WHO/PAHO Zika Strategic Response Framework which has prioritised research, surveillance, risk communications and implementation of vector control strategies for prevention and control of the spread of Zika and other mosquito-bourne diseases.
It comes on the heels of the declaration by the World Health Organisation that the Zika virus, spread by the Aedes Egypti Mosquito is a public health emergency of international concern and concerns sounded by the Pan American Health Organisation about the pace of regional response to the epidemic.
Its applications and outputs can directly inform and impact local to international level mobilisation of efforts by communities as well as use of data generated by technicians, health workers, epidemiologists and scientists who are being asked to get involved in this testing phase.
Its ease of use and accessibility through a mobile App, makes it relevant to every individual of any age or level of expertise as well as those who need key information to prepare actions and responses.
This initiative, part of an exercise in corporate social responsibility is being driven by a network of private, public, academic and NGO group of concerned citizens in partnership with first world technologies of the Americas.
Testing involves tailoring both inputs and outputs of information to be responsive to the needs of various user categories, from insect vector response agents to health officials to individuals and households who find themselves potentially at risk from mosquito breeding grounds.
If you are an official, corporate entity, or individual in any region in area of research, monitoring, or mobilising action for Zika control as an international, national or local level agent and interested in utilising, partnering, sponsoring, accessing information or getting involved in this initiative please inbox me for details.
Dr Kris Rampersad is an independent sustainable development multistakeholder, multimedia educator and outreach facilitator

For Your Information
World Health Organisation Fact Sheet: Zika Virus
(from http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/zika/en/)
·         Zika virus disease is caused by a virus transmitted primarily by Aedesmosquitoes.
·         People with Zika virus disease can have symptoms that can include mild fever, skin rash, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise or headache. These symptoms normally last for 2-7 days.
·         There is no specific treatment or vaccine currently available.
·         The best form of prevention is protection against mosquito bites.
·         The virus is known to circulate in Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific.

Introduction
Zika virus is an emerging mosquito-borne virus that was first identified in Uganda in 1947 in rhesus monkeys through a monitoring network of sylvatic yellow fever. It was subsequently identified in humans in 1952 in Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania. Outbreaks of Zika virus disease have been recorded in Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific.
·         Genre: Flavivirus
·         Vector: Aedes mosquitoes (which usually bite during the day with peaks during early and late afternoon/evening hours)
·         Reservoir: Unknown

Signs and Symptoms
The incubation period (the time from exposure to symptoms) of Zika virus disease is not clear, but is likely to be a few days. The symptoms are similar to other arbovirus infections such as dengue, and include fever, skin rashes, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise, and headache. These symptoms are usually mild and last for 2-7 days.

Potential complications of Zika virus disease
During large outbreaks in French Polynesia and Brazil in 2013 and 2015 respectively, national health authorities reported potential neurological and auto-immune complications of Zika virus disease. Recently in Brazil, local health authorities have observed an increase in Guillain-Barré syndrome which coincided with Zika virus infections in the general public, as well as an increase in babies born with microcephaly in northeast Brazil. Substantial new research has strengthened the association between Zika infection and the occurrence of fetal malformations and neurological disorders. However, more investigation is needed to better understand the relationship. Other potential causes are also being investigated.

Transmission
Zika virus is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito from theAedes genus, mainly Aedes aegypti in tropical regions. This is the same mosquito that transmits dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever. However, sexual transmission of Zika virus has is also possible. Other modes of transmission such as blood transfusion and perinatal transmission are currently being investigated.
Zika virus disease outbreaks were reported for the first time from the Pacific in 2007 and 2013 (Yap and French Polynesia, respectively), and in 2015 from the Americas (Brazil and Colombia) and Africa (Cabo Verde). In total, 64 countries and territories have reported transmission of Zika virus since 1 January 2007.

Diagnosis
Infection with Zika virus may be suspected based on symptoms and recent history of travel (e.g. residence or travel to an area where Zika virus is known to be present). Zika virus diagnosis can only be confirmed by laboratory testing for the presence of Zika virus RNA in the blood or other body fluids, such as urine or saliva.

Prevention
Vector control
Mosquitoes and their breeding sites pose a significant risk factor for Zika virus infection. Prevention and control relies on reducing mosquitoes through source reduction (removal and modification of breeding sites) and reducing contact between mosquitoes and people.
This can be done by using insect repellent regularly; wearing clothes (preferably light-coloured) that cover as much of the body as possible; installing physical barriers such as window screens in buildings, closed doors and windows; and if needed, additional personal protection, such as sleeping under mosquito nets during the day. It is extremely important to empty, clean or cover containers regularly that can store water, such as buckets, drums, pots etc. Other mosquito breeding sites should be cleaned or removed including flower pots, used tyres and roof gutters. Communities must support the efforts of the local government to reduce the density of mosquitoes in their locality. Efforts must be made to eliminate mosquito breeding sites such as still water soon after rains and its accumulation in discarded containers and waste materials in and around houses.
Repellents should contain DEET (N, N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide), IR3535 (3-[N-acetyl-N-butyl]-aminopropionic acid ethyl ester) or icaridin (1-piperidinecarboxylic acid, 2-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-methylpropylester). Product label instructions should be strictly followed. Special attention and help should be given to those who may not be able to protect themselves adequately, such as young children, the sick or elderly.
During outbreaks, health authorities may advise that spraying of insecticides be carried out. Insecticides recommended by the WHO Pesticide Evaluation Scheme may also be used as larvicides to treat relatively large water containers.
Travellers should take the basic precautions described above to protect themselves from mosquito bites.

Sexual transmission
Sexual transmission of Zika virus is possible. All people who have been infected with Zika virus and their sexual partners should practice safer sex, by using condoms correctly and consistently.
Pregnant women’s sex partners living in or returning from areas where local transmission of Zika virus occurs should practice safer sex, wearing condoms, or abstaining throughout the pregnancy.
People living in areas where local transmission of Zika virus occurs should practice safer sex or abstain from sexual activity.
In addition, people returning from areas where local transmission of Zika virus occurs should adopt safer sexual practices or consider abstinence for at least 4 weeks after their return to reduce the risk of onward transmission.

Treatment
Zika virus disease is usually relatively mild and requires no specific treatment. People sick with Zika virus should get plenty of rest, drink enough fluids, and treat pain and fever with common medicines. If symptoms worsen, they should seek medical care and advice. There is currently no vaccine available.

WHO response
WHO is supporting countries to control Zika virus disease by taking actions outlined in the “Zika Strategic Response Framework":
·         Define and prioritize research into Zika virus disease by convening experts and partners.
·         Enhance surveillance of Zika virus and potential complications.
·         Strengthen capacity in risk communication to help countries meet their commitments under the International Health Regulations.
·         Provide training on clinical management, diagnosis and vector control including through a number of WHO Collaborating Centres.
·         Strengthen the capacity of laboratories to detect the virus.
·         Support health authorities to implement vector control strategies aimed at reducing Aedes mosquito populations such as providing larvicide to treat still water sites that cannot be treated in other ways, such as cleaning, emptying, and covering them.
·         Prepare recommendations for clinical care and follow-up of people with Zika virus, in collaboration with experts and other health agencies.


Saturday, April 9, 2016

Disconnecting to buy local for sustainable living

Anyone know of a local alternative to #Microsoft and some other #software and #hardware technologies and upgrades?
Does sustaining local enterprise mean disconnecting from global technologies?
Those who know me know I do not like shopping and am an advocate to #BuyLocal so I would appreciate info so as to avoid that new #7%Tax in addition to the other taxes already paid on such products because we have not developed the necessary bilateral and multilateral regimes to ensure that locals benefit fully from belonging to a universally connected physical, technological and human ecosystem.
I am sure we have already injected significant investments in developing our own #knowledge products and #industry that would #sustain such activities even as we recognise that we are a self-sustaining #island onto ourselves already growing all of our own food, producing our own technologies and have fully developed alternative local systems to ensure we do not need to be connected to any part of the globe to sustain ourselves or economic or other activity. Of course there are always alternative endeavours to knowledge-driven engagements as joining our hard working friends on the Beetham collecting old bottles for sales... Some of the sustainable living options available....more to unfold here or anyone want to move beyond renewing, recycling and reusing old ideas and are serious about developing sustainable alternatives, contact lolleaves@gmail.com @krisamp @lolleaves @glocalpot #GlocalKnowledgePot #Worldwewantpeople #SustainableDevelopment #SDG #SustainableLiving 

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