Nigerian Blog shortlisted for prestigious UN Youth Award

I congratulate my brother and friend, Biodun Awosusi and his team at MDGs in Africa as the blog is shortlisted for the World Summit Youth Awards.

Hundreds of digital projects compete for the annual World Summit Youth Award. MDGs in Africa founded by Nigerian medical doctor, Biodun Awosusi, is one of 60 that are still in the race for the three-days Winners’ Event in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Abuja/Salzburg, August 22, 2013

MDG in Africa met the high demands of the online jury and enters the next round of the World Summit Youth Award (WSYA) 2013 in the category Pursue Truth. This global contest is dedicated to young developers who employ digital technologies to turn the United Nations Millennium Development Goals into action. Now MDGs in Africa competes against 59 websites, apps and other innovative youth projects. If it withstands critical inspection by a jury of internationally renowned ICT-experts, an invitation to Colombo, Sri Lanka, awaits the producer.

According to Biodun Awosusi, creator of MDGs in Africa, “MDGs in Africa is a powerful advocacy tool that provides quality information and success stories of the millennium development goals in Africa. It is a very useful database with summary reports on the progress being made by African countries and development partners (including our partner- Gates Foundation) towards eradication of poverty and hunger, improving access to quality education, female empowerment and reducing the burden of HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis.”

He added, “Winning the WSYA award will contribute immensely to the realization of our vision of creating the number one information hub on development for Africa even after the millennium development goals expire in 2015. This will be useful for young advocates and other stakeholders to monitor progress and demand implementation of sustainable projects from their governments. We are glad the journey has begun already”

If the project succeeds, its creator will win a trip to Colombo for the WSYA Winners’ Event 2013, October 24-26. This price offers more than just an opportunity to explore the biggest city of the tropical island with its aquamarine waters and pristine shores. At one of the globally most important events for young ICT-developers, the next generation of IT-pioneers will have the chance to present their project in front of a high-level audience, including business leaders from the multimedia sector and creative industry, representatives of politics and NGOs and many more.

"For me the WSYA was like a bridge between young, creative people on one side and experienced people that have worked a long time in these fields on the other", says Darko Bozhinoski from Macedonia, who won the WSYA 2012 in the category Go Green! for his project 'Climate for Children'. Besides unique network opportunities, the event-agenda features workshops, seminars and keynote sessions dealing with the most important topics of the future. The absolute highlight of the event is the Award Ceremony and Gala at which the WSYA winners will be honored.

The six categories of the World Summit Youth Award:

Fight Poverty, Hunger and Disease!

Education for All!

Power 2 Women!

Create your Culture!

Go Green!

Pursue Truth!

MDGs in Africa is nominated in Pursue Truth.

About the World Summit Youth Award (WSYA)

The WSYA is an annual award and a network for young people, under 30 years of age, using the Internet, mobile phones or other digital media to put the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) into action. The MDGs were set in 2000 by the UN to prompt member states and civil society to fight poverty, hunger and disease, inequalities, lack of education and environmental degradation.

Find more information:

http://youthaward.org

http://www.facebook.com/youthaward

http://twitter.com/youthaward

Media Contact MDGs in Africa:

Biodun Awosusi

Founder, MDGs in Africa

awocelsius@gmail.com

+2348061140561

Media Contact World Summit Youth Award:

Angel Chacon

Project Assistant, World Summit Youth Award

chaconorozco@icnm.net

0043-660-630408-6

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Nurtural versus Natural Leadership; Reflections from Studership 2.0 Leadership Programme

Last week was incredibly amazing!

The week started with an online engagement with participants of the Studership 2.0 Leadership Programme – emerging leaders from 38 countries in five continents (Africa, Asia, Europe, North America and South America). It is believed that young people are the greatest assets of any nation, and our contribution to personal and global development is quintessential. As leaders however, we need to clarify, and identify where we stand, as we continue in the voyage of leadership, personal and global development.

In the realm of leadership study, questions of nature versus nurture of leaders have always been one of the frequently asked questions. In a similar vein, we asked ‘Are Leaders Born or Made?’, creating a poll with the options of ‘Leaders are Born’, ‘Leaders are Made’, and ‘Leaders are Born and Made’. After a thoughtful and enlightening session of conviction and explanation of diverse opinion, 12.9% of respondents opined that leaders are born, 16.13% opined that leaders are made while 70.97% of participants chose that leaders are born and made.

Personally, i believe that though the circumstance surrounding birth and upbringing may influence ‘certain traits’, leaders – depending on the context of definition of leaders – are born and made. Everyone has a potential for growth, if provided with the right resources, platform and unwavering commitment. The major difference between those born to occupy certain leadership/royal position and great leaders is the continuous self awareness and commitment to growth.

In furtherance of the concept behind this discuss, we advised – during our first broadcast held later in

the week - that as leaders, it is essential we have a vision. Theodore Hesburgh had advised that ‘the very essence of leadership is that you have to have a vision’, a vision that is people-based, value-based and creates a mental illustration (picture) of a world that works for everyone – an illustration which you can clearly articulate in every situation. Apart from having a vision, another step to developing the leader in you is that you need to seek clarity on your values. Identify and live your life by core values; you may make a commitment to live by the values of integrity, responsibility, credibility, appreciation, 'exemplarity', among others.

To make this easy - but not easier – you may decide to start by writing an ‘ideal’ tribute to yourself; write the way you want to be seen by people, how you want your generation to see you, what you want history to record about you. Second, discover your ‘real’ self; be faithful to know where you are and where you stand. Understand who you are, what your passion is and where your strengths lie. Note the difference between WHO you are currently and who you aspire to be – as written. Third, make an action plan. Write your credo and stick to it.

Now the big questions; how conscious are you about yourself? Are you committed to your personal growth? Can you state your vision of a world that works for everyone? Are you living by your core values?

I’ll love to read from you.

Keep Growing, Keep Leading!

__________

Aanu Damola Morenikeji is considered Africa’s youngest youth intellectual and leadership development advocate. A sought-after speaker on the theme of leadership and personal growth, he is an alumnus of the M121 Social Leadership Academy, U.S.A and founder of Studership Youth Leadership Academy – an initiative of All for Development Foundation [ADM-Foundation]. He blogs at www.admnigeria.blogspot.com and can be reached via damolamore@gmail.com.

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Studership 2.0 Leadership Programme; Apply

Application Deadline: Sunday, 30^th June, 2013

Studership is a knowledge-based, activity-oriented and development focused youth leadership academy that equips emerging leaders with leadership skills and knowledge, while broadening their understanding of personal development, leadership, sustainable change, promoting and developing an integrity and values-based leadership potential for practical, personal and professional application.

An initiative of All for Development Foundation [ADM-Foundation], the Studership2.0 Leadership programme is also aimed at helping emerging leaders discover themselves, deploy their own abilities, reach the height of their own capacities, refine their personalities, strengthen their leadership qualities/strategies, stimulate growth-oriented thinking and behaviour and contribute purposefully to societal development.

Basic components of the programme are the GrowthStudy – a segment of the programme that exposes participants to certain growth resources and assessments - , online activities/discussion and a leadership workshop. Intending participants should be ready to learn, unlearn and relearn throughout the duration of the programme.

Application: Interested participants are invited to apply to participate in the Studership2.0 Leadership Programme. Deadline for application is Sunday, 30^th June, 2013. Selected participants will be contacted by email on or before Monday, 15^th July, 2013. To apply, click here.

Eligibility: Emerging young leaders between the ages of 18 and 30 from across the world that possesses integrity, unwavering motivation for learning, a strong passion to contribute to societal development and a vision for a better world.

Logistics: Studership2.0 Leadership Programme will commence with the first phase of online activities and GrowthStudy, starting in July 2013, while the leadership workshop/summit will hold later in the year in Nigeria. Dates will be communicated to selected participants. Please note that scholarships are currently not available; participants are enjoined to start making arrangements to cater for their trip to and from Nigeria. It is also important to receive a notification of acceptance before processing relevant travel document.

For enquires, send a mail to ‘allfordevelopment1@gmail.com’, using Studership2.0 as the subject.

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FUNAAB Students holds symposium on Agriculture and Sustainable Development

As part of their contribution in ensuring sustainability in the development of the agricultural sector within Nigeria, students of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta on Wednesday, 8th May, 2013 organised a symposium focused on 'Agriculture and Sustainable Development; Aspirations and Roles of Stakeholders'.

The students - under the auspices of the Association of Plant Physiology and Crop Production Students - brought together stakeholders in agriculture to deliberate on the future of the sector. In his welcome address, the President of the Departmental Students Association, Aanu Damola Morenikeji stated that his team felt it as a point of duty to make their own quota towards ensuring A Keynote address was delivered by the Vice Chancellor of Crescent University, Prof. Kehinde Okeleye.

Further details will be provided soon.

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kanthari International 2013 Leadership Course; Apply

kanthari International, located in Trivandrum, India, invites social change makers to apply for the 7 month leadership program starting May 2013.

kanthari International is seeking participants from all over the world who carry a plan for Social Change. Some have university degrees while others have little to no formal education. Some are blind or physically disabled, others have no disabilities at all. Important is a sense of ownership, motivation, creativity, talent and passion to make the world a better place and strength to be forces of good rather than victims of circumstance.

The course entails training in project management, accounting, fund raising, public speech, social marketing etc.

Participants need to speak and write in English, be familiar with computers, be at least 22 years old, be energetic self-starters and have a vision for a project that will effect social change.

Successful applicants will be provided with accommodation and tuition through scholarships from kanthari International donors.

There is a capacity for up to 25 participants and kanthari International is currently selecting applicants through a stringent selection process.

The application deadline is December 15, 2012.

Apply today at http://www.kanthari.org/programs/admissions/

More information at www.kanthari.organd www.facebook.org/kantharis

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Global Youth Forum: Calling on Youth Leaders

Registration open for virtual delegates

People under age 25 represent 43 per cent of the global population. Yet they rarely have an opportunity to influence national or global policies.

However, on 4-6 December 2012, over 900 youth leaders, representing every country, will have an unprecedented opportunity to have their say when they convene in Bali to develop official recommendations for the United Nations development agenda.

Youth can contribute virtually

They will not be the only ones contributing. Around the world, youth leaders will connect locally and electronically to provide a shared response to the social, economic and human rights challenges and opportunities faced by their generation.

If you have access to a computer, are between the ages of 14 and 25, and interested in influencing the global development agenda, register to become a virtual delegate now.

Once approved you will receive log in instructions and can start to connect, advocate and join a global conversation on the key issues for youth. During the Forum you will be able to follow broadcasts online and submit your recommendations via the virtual delegate platform. In some cities, hubs will allow virtual delegates to participate in groups.

Five crucial issues under discussion

Led by young people for young people and contributing directly to the process of defining future development goals, the Global Youth Forum will give young people a stronger voice. Delegates will agree on global recommendations for action on five crucial issues:

• Staying healthy
• Comprehensive education
• Transitions to decent employment for youth
• Sexuality, families and rights
• Fully inclusive civic participation

The issues are based on goals that emerged from the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development and that remain relevant to the lives of young people. Through a partnership of UN agencies, young people, civil society and the private sector , the Forum aims to spur a sustainable youth advocacy movement.

via:#OpportunityforYouth

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ADM-Foundation launches 'YouthSpeakDevelopment' (Online Opinion Bank)

In ensuring the participation of young people in the development process of the African continent, an online opinion bank – YouthSpeakDevelopment – have been launched by All for Development Foundation (ADM-Foundation).

With youths constituting over 60% of the African population, it had been observed that they (youths) possess strong, unimaginable zeal for the development of their countries and the continent, thus, the need for their voice, opinions, ideas and feelings to be shared and positively considered, regardless of their nationality, gender, age or culture.

In a statement accredited to the Executive Director of the organization – 19 year old Aanu Damola Morenikeji – he noted that ‘since youths are the greatest assets that our continent possesses, our opinions and ideas have a strong influence on our future. So, we are launching YouthSpeakDevelopment an opinion bank meant to give youths from within African and diaspora an avenue to share their views, opinions and ideas towards the development of the continent.

Noting that African Youth Day will be commemorated on Thursday, November 1^st, 2012, he urged African youths to share their opinions via www.tinyurl.com/YouthSpeakDevelopmentAYD2012.

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She Entrepreneurs 2013; Call for Application

Are you a woman with a vision? Do you want to contribute to sustainable change? Apply to She Entrepreneurs, a Swedish Institute leadership program, and become part of a unique network of women social entrepreneurs. 

She Entrepreneurs offers inspiration, tools and networks aimed at building collaborative strategies and expanding partnerships between Sweden and the countries involved in the program.

She Entrepreneurs focuses on young women social entrepreneurs in the Middle East, North Africa and Sweden. The program runs for one year, with participants meeting for ten days in Sweden and one week in the MENA region. During the first module in Sweden, participants are provided with tools needed to develop a social project for sustainable change in their country or region. In between the meetings, the participants work on their own projects locally, coached by group mentors over digital platforms.

The participants are offered the opportunity to meet Swedish organizations as well as leading social and business entrepreneurs. Through the program, participants become part of an active network that strengthens the role of women and supports personal and professional development.

Who can apply?

Women between the ages of 20 and 32 from Algeria, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Sweden, Syria, Tunisia, West Bank-Gaza and Yemen who have the ambition and interest to use social entrepreneurship to further develop and implement a social projec that has already been initiated. You should have good knowledge of both written and spoken English as well as basic knowledge of the Internet and social media like Facebook and Twitter.

You will find the application procedure on the website. There is no fee for the program. Travel, hotel and food expenses are included in the program.

Application process opens: 1 October, 2012
Deadline for application: November 2, 2012
Skype interviews: December 4-14, 2012
Accepted applicants will be informed by: January 18, 2013
She Entrepreneurs 2013: April 6–17, 2013

For more information about She Entrepreneurs, go to www.si.se/sheentrepreneurs or contact Ulrika Rosvall Levin, program manager, at ulrika.rosvalllevin@si.se or Camilla Eriksson, communications officer, atcamilla.eriksson@si.se

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Community Solutions Program; Apply

The program is a professional development program for the best and brightest global community leaders working in Transparency & Accountability, Tolerance and Conflict Resolution, Environmental Issues, and Women and Gender Issues. Selected candidates will participate in a four month U.S. fellowship with a local nonprofit organization or government agency; structured virtual learning and networking via the Online Community Leadership Institute; and the design and implementation of follow-on projects in their home countries.

They will receive visa support, round-trip travel from participant’s home city to the U.S, accident and sickness insurance and living Allowance to cover housing, meals and incidentals. Deadline 30 October 2012.

Apply as soon as possible at: http://www.irex.org/application/community-solutions-information-applicants

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