Tag: leadership

MENA Regional Youth Advocacy Workshop on Global Citizenship Education (GCED)

The United Nations Secretary-General’s Global Education First Initiative (GEFI) will organize a MENA regional advocacy workshop on Global Citizenship Education (GCED) for young people from 12 to 16 December 2015 in Amman, Jordan.

Organized in partnership with the Generations For Peace, the workshop aims to build the capacity of dynamic young leaders from the MENA region to foster peace using the core components of GCED. The three-day advocacy training will build on the outcomes of the ‘Seminar on the Role of GCED in Fostering Youth Peace builders’, held at the United Nations headquarters in New York from 10-11 September 2015. At the Seminar, youth advocates, educators, experts, NGOs and international organizations explored the root causes and different forms of youth violence; identified aspects within GCED that could be used in preventing and building resilience to violence, hatred, intolerance and conflict; and learned from existing programmes around the world for prevention of conflict and violence targeting youth.

On 25 September 2015, world leaders gathered at the UN Summit for Sustainable Development and adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This workshop will provide participants with a global platform to discuss with other young leaders how to ensure the successful achievement of the  development goals for a more equal, just, prosperous and peaceful world by integrating concepts of GCED into peace-building practices at the local, national, regional and global levels.

Attending participants will be asked to identify specific aspects of GCED and advocacy, reflecting on the global challenges around violence and insecurity. Working both individually and in groups, the young people will expand on these topics, devising advocacy goals and strategies for use at local, national and regional levels. Participants will also engage in information sessions and workshops at the training to support them in this task, on areas such as ‘Advocacy tools to build strategies’, and ‘Bottom-up planning for advocacy campaigns’.

Approximately 50 participants, between the ages of 18 to 24, will be selected on the basis of their past/ongoing engagement and future commitment in educating youth at the local and national levels around GCED. Participants must have a minimum of two years’ experience in youth advocacy activities, an understanding of GCED issues and priorities, and a proven record of influencing change at the local or national levels.

Applications (in English or Arabic) for the Youth Advocacy Training must be received by 30 October 2015 (Midnight, EST), and successful applicants will be notified on 6 November 2015 (EST). Travel and local expenses will be covered for all successful applicants. This Workshop is supported by the Educate A Child.

Driving a Wedge Between Democracy and Politics

Following the recent shenanigans happening in what we call our National Assembly, I really am left wondering whether the politicians – the men and women who have taken the oath to lead and rule our country, the same people who have dedicated their lives to making our country a better place – are at all even remotely interested in leading by example?

Have they become so immersed in their roles as ministers, members of Parliament and public servants in general that they have momentarily forgotten that their fellow countrymen (i.e. Mauritian society) are watching from the side-lines?

More importantly than just generalising this into the ‘general public’, our youth are watching. Whether they actively take an interest in the world of politics or not, they are watching and learning inadvertently what is deemed to be ‘normal Mauritian behaviour’. More than just watching and laughing at the antics, because that is what they can be chalked up to, they are demonstrating similar behaviour and somehow this surprises everyone, how ill-mannered and rebellious the youth are nowadays. Don’t get me wrong, I am not blaming this solely on our politicians, but perhaps it’s time to realise that the youth do learn from their older counterparts and as of now, the older, supposedly wiser counterparts, are showing a very poor example indeed.

More than just a poor example, the lack of good governance we are attempting to instil in our youth will potentially create a pattern of vicious cycles when in 10 to 15 years’ time, the new leaders continue this unacceptable behaviour. What exactly are we trying to tell the youth of the country? What are we communicating to the leaders of tomorrow? That it’s ok to not only disrespect your fellow man and woman alike but that it’s ok to carry on in such a manner in what is deemed to be one of the highest offices of the land? What kind of example are we trying to give the youth of the country when we allow such poor behaviour to take place in the heart of our democracy? Not a very democratic lesson, that is for sure. Kind of a cruel, twisted paradox to fight so hard for, isn’t it?

The kneejerk reaction to this circumstance is always the same: the blame game. Shall we blame the shrewdness of MMM for wording the initial statement concerning the MBC like they did or shall we blame the Speaker of the House for her inability to control the members of parliament (in what is seemingly not the first incident like this) or shall we even blame her subsequent underlying anger which so apparently presented itself following the raucous? I wonder though, why is it that we need to blame someone solely for these happenings? Is the situation on a whole not the root of this entire problem, the fact that this kind of situation, this kind of show is put on for all the land to see? Politics has never been a flowers and butterflies kind of arena where we all show comradery and basic respect for our fellow politicians and human beings alike. But does it have to be so dirty and ugly and downright shameful too?

Perhaps it’s time for politicians to remember they are not out on the battlefields wielding bayonets and swords, determined to slay their enemies with a gash of the throat or one single pull of a trigger. When did politicians become such sworn enemies that parliamentary sessions began to resemble scenes out of epic mafia biopics?

Sadly, this show, this parade of egos and subsequent fight to demonstrate who is capable of throwing the bigger tantrum, is not the first of its kind and that is exactly why I say that it is time politicians remember who indeed is watching them as they continue to act in such a poor manner. I recall thinking and perhaps even saying this before, but Mauritian politics is in dire need of new, younger blood.

It has also become glaringly obvious that politicians will do whatever it takes to trip each other up and see to each other’s downfall all while the poor little Mauritian democracy sits in the corner like the neglected child crying out for some actual attention. Is that what we are teaching the youth is the key to getting ahead in life? Taking out your enemies with whatever means? Are we really sure we want the youth to know that in order to be heard in the Mauritian Parliament, you have to be the one who shouts the loudest and uses the most profanity? If that is how we are trying to groom tomorrow’s leaders then why have protocol at all when it comes to how to behave in the National Assembly?

Let the politicians stand on their benches and curse the Speaker as well as their fellow members of Parliament. Let whoever wants to shout and scream and distract the House from the actual important matters of the day which need to be tabled in order for our country to actually – let’s say – run! Because in all the fuss and drama that comes with members being expelled and regretful words uttered, we tend to forget that Parliament was suspended and whatever matters needed to be addressed now need to fall onto the following week. Very simply, this pettiness, has in fact wedged itself in the way of actual democratic progress.

The fundamental question of this entire matter is nothing more than how we expect the coming generations to act better than us, to improve on what we couldn’t, when we are failing to give them even a half decent example to go on. It is said that we need to learn from the mistakes made in the past in order for history not to repeat itself. Can we honestly say we are not setting the future leaders up for just as bad a failure democratically when this is the kind of manner in which our political leaders handle themselves? Perhaps it’s time for the youth to take it upon themselves to learn how things need to be done in order for actual change to take place in this country once and for all?

– KRISHNA ATHAL
President, YUVA

2 October: International Day of Non-Violence

“There are many causes that I am prepared to die for but no causes that I am prepared to kill for.” – Mahatma Gandhi, The Story of My Experiments with Truth, 1927

The International Day of Non-Violence is marked on 2 October, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, leader of the Indian independence movement and pioneer of the philosophy and strategy of non-violence.

According to General Assembly resolutionA/RES/61/271 of 15 June 2007, which established the commemoration, the International Day is an occasion to “disseminate the message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness”. The resolution reaffirms “the universal relevance of the principle of non-violence” and the desire “to secure a culture of peace, tolerance, understanding and non-violence”.

Introducing the resolution in the General Assembly on behalf of 140 co-sponsors, India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, Mr. Anand Sharma, said that the wide and diverse sponsorship of the resolution was a reflection of the universal respect for Mahatma Gandhi and of the enduring relevance of his philosophy. Quoting the late leader’s own words, he said: “Non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man”.

The life and leadership of Mahatma Gandhi

Gandhi, who helped lead India to independence, has been the inspiration for non-violent movements for civil rights and social change across the world. Throughout his life, Gandhi remained committed to his belief in non-violence even under oppressive conditions and in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.

The theory behind his actions, which included encouraging massive civil disobedience to British law as with the historic Salt March of 1930, was that “just means lead to just ends”; that is, it is irrational to try to use violence to achieve a peaceful society. He believed that Indians must not use violence or hatred in their fight for freedom from colonialism.

Definition of Non-Violence

The principle of non-violence — also known as non-violent resistance — rejects the use of physical violence in order to achieve social or political change. Often described as “the politics of ordinary people”, this form of social struggle has been adopted by mass populations all over the world in campaigns for social justice.

Professor Gene Sharp, a leading scholar on non-violent resistance, uses the following definition in his publication, The Politics of Nonviolent Action:

“Nonviolent action is a technique by which people who reject passivity and submission, and who see struggle as essential, can wage their conflict without violence. Nonviolent action is not an attempt to avoid or ignore conflict. It is one response to the problem of how to act effectively in politics, especially how to wield powers effectively.”

While non-violence is frequently used as a synonym for pacifism, since the mid-twentieth century the term non-violence has been adopted by many movements for social change which do not focus on opposition to war.

One key tenet of the theory of non-violence is that the power of rulers depends on the consent of the population, and non-violence therefore seeks to undermine such power through withdrawal of the consent and cooperation of the populace.

There are three main categories of non-violence action:

  • protest and persuasion, including marches and vigils;
  • non-cooperation; and
  • non-violent intervention, such as blockades and occupations.

Documents

Choosing my Avatar: Master or slave?

YUVA together with Judy Johnson is organising a workshop on the 3rd October 2015 under the theme: Choosing my Avatar: Master or slave? This conference will be held at Brahma Kumaris Centre, Global Peace House in Khoyrati as from 12.30 p.m to 4.30 p.m.

Judy Johnson, consultant and coach in the field of leadership development and organizational effectiveness from Canada invites you all to join her for a workshop that will help you to better choose you Avatar. YUVA is collaborating with her as it will benefit all our youngsters in exploring the ways and means to go beyond all your limitations and barriers in achieving excellence in life.

Judy works in the field of organizational effectiveness and leadership development. With a background in adult education, intercultural effectiveness, leadership and team development, she specialises in facilitating clarity in complex organizational and group situations. She assists in uncovering the inherent strengths in organizations and individuals, enhancing their ability to create and sustain focused, purposeful and positive directions.

Judy is adept in the areas of process facilitation, team development, principled negotiation, conflict resolution, experiential education design and delivery, needs assessment and program evaluation. She works with government, private sector and community-based programs and organizations in international and intercultural settings. Listed are examples of recent projects.

Judy has the ability to select and blend appropriate process tools to create clarity in groups, focus the will of the group in a common direction and enhance relationships and commitment to a collective endeavour. Through the use of silence, teaming strategies, reflective inquiry, and experiential activities, Judy uses an appreciative inquiry approach to facilitate strategic planning, teambuilding and conflict resolution retreats to strengthen organizational and group effectiveness. She facilitates consensus-building gatherings between multiple stakeholders in diverse contexts.

She has also been working directly with leaders at all levels of organizations in a one on one basis to support values-based leadership approach. In the coaching role, she acts as a sounding board and mirror to support and challenge assumptions guiding leadership approaches. In a facilitator role she works with leadership teams and/or develops programs to enhance leadership within the organization. She brings a perspective rooted in the principle that it is individual change that creates systems change and recognition that when leaders are focused on a purpose greater than profit or products will their organizations thrive.

Judy has designed and facilitated intercultural effectiveness orientation and debriefing sessions for Canadians travelling overseas as CIDA-sponsored professionals. Based on her own overseas project management work in India, Latin America and Southeast Asia, she also brings the intercultural effectiveness paradigm and approach to her work with interdisciplinary healthcare teams who cross professional cultures to work more effectively together. The principles guiding her approach to these sessions include a focus on self-awareness and self-mastery, intercultural awareness, and project management strategies.

We invite all young people to come and visit us on the 3rd of October 2015 for a very inspiring moment on how to be a good leader.

Commonwealth Scholarships for Master’s and PhD study – developing Commonwealth country citizens

Commonwealth Scholarships for Master’s and PhD study in the UK are offered for citizens of developing Commonwealth countries. These scholarships are funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID), with the aim of contributing to the UK’s international development aims and wider overseas interests, supporting excellence in UK higher education, and sustaining the principles of the Commonwealth. For information on other scholarships offered by the CSC, visit our Apply page.

You can apply for a Commonwealth Scholarship for the following levels of study:

  • Master’s (one-year courses only)
  • PhD

All subject areas are eligible, although the CSC’s selection criteria give priority to applications that demonstrate the strongest relevance to development.

You should apply to study at a UK university with which the CSC has a part funding agreement. Click here for a list of UK universities which have part funding agreements with the CSC

Eligibility

To apply for these scholarships, you must:

  • Be a Commonwealth citizen, refugee, or British protected person
  • Be permanently resident in a developing Commonwealth country
  • Be available to start your academic studies in the UK by the start of the UK academic year in September/October 2016
  • By October 2016, hold a first degree of at least upper second class (2:1) honours standard, or a second class degree and a relevant postgraduate qualification (usually a Master’s degree)

The CSC promotes equal opportunity, gender equity, and cultural exchange. Applications are encouraged from a diverse range of candidates. The CSC is committed to administering and managing its scholarships and fellowships in a fair and transparent manner – for more information, see the CSC anti-fraud policy.

Terms and conditions

For full terms and conditions, see the Commonwealth Scholarships 2016 prospectus

Selection process

Each year, the CSC invites selected nominating bodies to submit a specific number of nominations. The deadline for nominating bodies to submit nominations to the CSC is 17 December 2015.

The CSC invites around three times more nominations than scholarships available – therefore, nominated candidates are not guaranteed to be awarded a scholarship. There are no quotas for scholarships for any individual country. Candidates nominated by national nominating agencies are in competition with those nominated by other nominating bodies, and the same standards will be applied to applications made through either channel.

Each nominated candidate’s application is first considered by a member of the CSC’s panel of advisers with expertise in the subject area concerned, and then by the CSC’s selection committee in competition with other candidates.

Applications are considered according to the following selection criteria:

  • Academic merit of the candidate
  • Quality of the proposal
  • Potential impact of the work on the development of the candidate’s home country

For further details, see the Selection criteria for 2016 Commonwealth Scholarships for Master’s and PhD study

You may also find the Feedback for unsuccessful candidates useful.

How to apply

You must apply to one of the following nominating bodies in the first instance – the CSC does not accept direct applications for these scholarships:

All applications must be made through your nominating body in your home country. Each nominating body is responsible for its own selection process. You must check with your nominating body for their specific advice and rules for applying, and for their own closing date for applications. The CSC does not impose any age limit on applicants, but nominating bodies may do so in line with their own priorities.

You must make your application using the CSC’s Electronic Application System (EAS). Click here for full information on how to use the EAS, including detailed guides.

Your application must be submitted to and endorsed by one of the approved nominating bodies listed above. The CSC will not accept any applications that are not submitted via the EAS to a nominating body in your home country.

All applications must be submitted by 23.59 (GMT) on 19 November 2015 at the latest. Please note that this is an earlier deadline than in previous years

YUVA President Krishna Athal launches ‘Ramrajya: An Enigmatic Leader’s Rise to Power’

This book is a premier in terms of concept and narration in Mauritius and takes on a witty tone; while still being at the reach to all types of readers who might not necessarily possess political science knowledge.
This book is a premier in terms of concept and narration in Mauritius and takes on a witty tone; while still being at the reach to all types of readers who might not necessarily possess political science knowledge.

YUVA has the pleasure to announce that the president Krishna Athal is launching his much-awaited book, “Ramrajya: An Enigmatic Leader’s Rise to Power” on Wednesday 19 August 2015.

Ramrajya would be available in all Bookcourt branches around Mauritius – Caudan Waterfront, Trianon Shopping Park, Flacq Shopping Mall, Bagatelle Shopping Mall, Cascavelle Shopping Village, Grand Baie La Croisette and SSR International Airport – as from at the price of Rs 750.

Ramrajya: An Enigmatic Leader’s Rise to Power offers an analytical take on one of Mauritius’ most revered political leaders, Navin Ramgoolam. Be prepared to be lead through the journey of the career of a man who has strategically worked his way to attain the most powerful position in the country. Delve into the inner workings of political systems adopted in Mauritius and understand what keeps our political wheels spinning while learning about a man who has so far, remained undoubtedly charismatically mysterious despite his high profile public persona.

This book is a premier in terms of concept and narration in Mauritius and takes on a witty tone; while still being at the reach to all types of readers who might not necessarily possess political science knowledge. It contains unbiased, logical explanations and accounts designed to enrich and empower as well as satisfy all forms of curiosity.

Readers can also pre-order their copies by sending an SMS to +23059067000.

Enhancing Youth-Elder Alliance in Governance in Mauritius

YUVA Dialogue 2015 is being held tomorrow at Port Louis. This is inline with the commemoration of the International Youth Day 2015 in Mauritius. YUVA has invited YUVANs, school and university students, members of local NGOs and the press to debate on the topic, “Enhancing Youth-Elder Alliance in Governance in Mauritius”.

Youth constitute the majority of the population on the African continent. This forum explores the convergence of traditional (Mauritian Tradition) and modern ways of social engagement in political governance interactions. It discusses the imperative for youth participation in governance, as well as the challenges and opportunities for dialogue between youth and elders in governance systems. It will also discuss cultural norms that have prevented the development of collaboration between youth and elders, as well as the consequences of constricted relationships, for example the entrenchment of elders as leaders.

1) The imperative for youth-elder collaboration in governance

“What is happening to our young people? They disrespect their elders, they disobey their parents. They ignore the law. They riot in the streets, inflamed with wild notions. Their morals are decaying. What is to become of them?” — Plato, 4th Century BC (Guardian, 2009)

A 2012 study of youth across Africa published by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation and cross-checked by the Africa Governance Institute (Africa Governance Institute) captures a range of African youth perspectives on governance;

  • 56% of African youth are interested in current affairs. Urban youth have a higher level of interest than rural youth.
  • Less than 1⁄4 of African youth surveyed think their country is a full democracy, and less than 1⁄2 are satisfied with their democracy.
  • While a majority of youth believes that violence is not justified in politics, 75% of those surveyed do not exclude the adoption of non-conventional forms of political action (including violence) if their socioeconomic situation is not improving and their political voice is not heard.
  • 80% of young people do not consider emigrating abroad as a relevant solution, and all insist on the fact that the conditions of their social, political and economic integration need to be established in their respective countries and in Africa.

2) Eldership as leadership

The following proverbs show that leadership is generally considered the responsibility of elders who have accumulated years of life experience. These experiences, ostensibly, are the requisite competencies required for public office. The cultural notion of leadership as the responsibility of older individuals is reflected in the structure of several contemporary governance systems:

“A young man standing cannot see what an old man will see sitting down.” — Igbo, Nigeria

Meaning: Elders are guided by the wisdom of experience and, therefore, will always have advantage over the young.

“An Okro plant cannot grow taller than its farmer.” — Creole, Sierra Leone

Meaning: The youth (Okro plant) is planted by the farmer (elder) to whom it owes its existence and sustenance. Thus, the youth cannot be greater than the elder.

“When a kid goat bends down, it sucks from its mother’s breast.” — Swahili

Meaning: Youth are admonished to defer to elders, and reap the reward of nurturing.

3) Inhibited communication

“When the elderly person is doing things wrongly, things that are destroying or capable of destroying both the old and the young, both the present and future generations, the young is expected not to question that action even though he or she would be affected in the consequences of the wrong actions of the elder/leaders.” — Rajesh B. (Mauritius, 2015)

“We live in a country infested by young people, we live in a country where our leaders do not want to be challenged, questioned and called to order by the younger population. We live in a country where the culture and respect card gets used every time young boys and girls call their leaders to order, we live in a country where our leaders use ‘culture’ and ‘respect’ to keep the youth silent and limited.” – Aneesha Bibi Z. (Mauritius 2015)

As a result of inhibited youth expression, youth voices are faint in the structures of governance, and can be ignored by elders. Also, young individuals who attempt to criticise governance systems, failures or actions can be discredited and disgraced. Youth who dare to confront elder leaders may find themselves cast as cultural offenders, and violators of the hallowed tradition of respect.

4) Social Media and Political Expression

Social media has allowed youth to voice opinions and, to some extent, engage with elders in governance. It has been reported that there are 100 million active Facebook users in Africa (TechCrunch, 2014).

How far do you agree that young people of Mauritius are utilizing social media to improve the accountability of political leaders?

The current generation does not want to be treated as the ‘other’. They want to be engaged, they want to talk, they want to contribute. Is the Government of Mauritius doing enough to endorse Internet access and the usage of smart phones?

5) Setback and frustration in governance

“If the world has one picture of African statesmen, it is one of rank corruption on a stupendous scale. There hardly seem any leaders who haven’t crowned themselves in gold, seized land, hand over state businesses to relatives and friends, diverted billions to foreign bank accounts and generally treated their countries as giant personalized cash dispensers”. – Moyo, 2009, p.49

Note: This discussion topic has been adapted from Ms. Ify Ogo’s (PhD Candidate, Maastricht University) presentation at the MINDS Annual African Youth Dialogue 2015.

Leadership Development Programme for Regional Youth Council Representatives

In view of empowering the 81 Regional Youth Council Board members, the National Youth Council (NYC), in close collaboration with The Leadership Network (TLN), is organising a free 3-day residential Leadership Development Programme for RYC executives at El-Monaco Hotel, Quatre Bornes, on 24th, 25th and 26th August 2012.

“The National Youth Council has an important role in preparing the youth for the challenges they will confront in the future. It is our duty to equip them with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed, and to give them opportunities to achieve that success here,” said Mr Krishna Athal, Chairman of the National Youth Council of Mauritius.

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