Posted on July 25, 2011
The infrastructure of a nation is what holds civilization together. It includes roads, water supplies, sewers, electrical grids, and telecommunications — things without which the world might prove a difficult place to navigate. While Americans enjoy a better infrastructure than many places in the world, the reality is that it is outdated, inefficient, and — in many places around the nation — currently crumbling to pieces.
Sadly, things are only going to get worse before they get better, as roads fill with potholes, bridges collapse, and electrical grids brown out with more regularly, all unable to provide for the needs of the populace. If you had any doubts about the sad state of the American infrastructure, read on to learn just how bad things really are.
1. More than 25% of bridges in the United States need significant repairs or are handling more traffic than they were designed to carry.
This translates to a whopping 150,000 bridges that aren’t up to snuff. In recent years, bridge and overpass collapses have even led to death. One of the most notable of these was the I-35 bridge in Minneapolis, which collapsed in 2007, killing 13 and injuring 145. If bridges are not updated or repaired, these kinds of accidents could become more common.
2. An inefficient, heavily overburdened electrical grid results in rolling blackouts and losses of $80 billion a year.
In a world that relies heavily on technology for everything from health care to business, losing power can be a big deal. In the past decade, huge blackouts have left much of the Northeast and Florida without power for several days. This costs money, time, and can create unsafe conditions for residents.
3. Over 4,095 dams in America were deemed “unsafe” by the American Society of Civil Engineers.
This means that they have deficiencies that leave them more susceptible to failure, especially during flooding or earthquakes. The number of dams in the United States that could fail has grown 134% since 1999, and now comprises 3,346 dams nationwide. More than 1,300 of these dangerous dams are considered “high hazard” because their collapse could threaten the lives of those living nearby.
4. More than a third of all dam failures or near-failures since 1874 have happened in just the last decade.
The rate of failures is increasing at a disturbingly fast rate, as America’s dams age and deteriorate. Can’t remember any recent dam failures? In 2004, 30 different dams in New Jersey’s Burlington County failed or were damaged after a period of particularly heavy rainfall.
5. Nearly a third of all highway fatalities are related to substandard road conditions, obsolete road designs, or roadside hazards.
The Federal Highway Administration estimates that poor road conditions play a role in more than 14,300 traffic fatalities each year.
6. By 2035, highway usage (and shipping by truck) is expected to double, leaving Americans to spend an average of 160 hours a year in traffic.
If you think traffic is bad now, just wait a few years. Over the next quarter-century, experts estimate that traffic on American roads is going to be much, much worse. Commuting between work and home could be a nightmare for many, taking up nearly a week of time over the course of the year. Also, keep in mind that this number is just an average, and in high-traffic urban areas, the estimates are much higher.
7. More than half of America’s interstate miles are at 70% of traffic capacity, and nearly 25% of the miles are strained at more than 95% capacity.
Americans love their cars, and the roads are clogged with drivers as a result. Much of the interstate system in the U.S. is struggling to keep up with the number of people who use it each day, leading to traffic jams and accidents at much higher rates.
8. It is estimated that over one third of America’s major roads are in poor or mediocre condition.
If you hadn’t already noticed that the streets in your city were littered with potholes and cracks, this stat will let you in on the secret: American roads are falling apart. With many states teetering on the edge of bankruptcy and unable to keep up with maintenance, this situation isn’t likely to change soon.
9. Traffic jams caused by poor transit infrastructure cost Americans 4 billion hours and nearly 3 billion gallons of gasoline a year.
Highways designed to carry fewer cars that they’re currently managing, poorly timed lights, and awfully-designed transit systems all help contribute to traffic jams. These jams keep drivers on the road for longer, wasting gallon upon gallon of gas and hour upon hour of time.
10. A study by the EPA exposed the dirty truth about America’s aging sewer systems: they spill an estimated 1.26 trillion gallons of untreated sewage every single year.
Not only is this a health and environmental concern, but it’s also a financial one. Cleaning up these spills costs an estimated $50 billion every year.
11. The United States must invest $225 billion per year over the next 50 years to maintain and adequately enhance roads and other transportation systems to meet demand.
Currently, the U.S. is spending less than 40% of this amount, which will make it impossible to effectively keep up with and expand the transit system.
12. In 2005, U.S. infrastructure earned a D rating from the American Society of Civil Engineers.
This was down from a D+ in 2001 and 2003. It’s no joke that the infrastructure of the U.S. is getting worse and worse. In some areas, quality of water, electricity, and roads have been compared to those of a developing nation. Major changes need to be made to keep up, modernize, and allow America to remain competitive in the world market.
13. By 2020, every major U.S. container port is projected to be handling at least double the volume it was designed for .
Imports and exports are major, major business for the U.S., and in the future, this isn’t likely to change. Yet the ports we use to do our trading are going to be seriously overloaded and will need a major overhaul to adequately deal with the number of ships coming in and out.
14. Costs attributed to airline delays related to congestion and outdated air traffic control systems are expected to triple to $30 billion from 2000 to 2015.
Sitting on the tarmac waiting to take off or deplane isn’t just annoying — it’s costing businesses billions of dollars each year. The amount of time lost or wasted on flights is continually rising, up to 170 total years (15 minutes lost on 1.6 million flights) in 2007 from just 70 years lost in 2003.
15. Railroads are expected to need over $200 billion in investment through 2035.
Railroads are a viable, if not quick, means of transporting people and goods the world over — but in the U.S., many lines are painfully inefficient and falling apart. While money is being poured into modernizing train systems (most notably high speed rail on some Amtrak lines), much more will be needed to keep pace with the amount of rail traffic in coming years. Not to mention everything it will take to make rail travel an appealing option to notoriously phobic Americans.
Source: www.carinsurance.org
Monday, July 25, 2011
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Nasra Agil: A Canadian Civil Engineer rises to next level.
By Farid Omar.
Breaking into civil engineering, a profession considered the exclusive preserve of men, maybe a tall order for many women including those in western nations.
But Nasra Agil, a young Somali-Canadian civil engineer of the highest calibre, is one accomplished professional who has shattered this long-held myth.
The highly determined and supremely confident young lady has not only conquered the realm of civil engineering but has taken her pursuits in this field to a new level.
Having arrived in Canada at a young age alongside her family from war-torn Somalia, Nasra decided from early on that civil engineering would be her chosen career path in future. And all this despite prevailing perceptions in her community and within Canadian society in general that this highly coveted field is a turf only befitting the ingenuity of technically-oriented men.
In 2005, Nasra attained the unimaginable as she graduated at the top of her civil engineering class at Ryerson University posting a 4.22 Grade Point Average (GPA) from a possible maximum of 4.33 to earn a Honours Bachelor of Engineering (B Eng ) degree to become the first ever female of Somali descent to achieve this important feat in the western world. Her shinning accolades in academic circles also include numerous awards such as the prestigious Golden Key International Honour Society Award, in recognition of her outstanding academic excellence.
Since age 15, Nasra had demonstrated exceptional leadership skills being a young activist in community organizing in her Jamestown Crescent neighbourhood, a housing project inhabited by a significant number of Somali-Canadian newcomers in what used to be a crime infested area mired in gang activity. For seven years, Nasra was at the forefront of community-based crime prevention strategies and was recognized for her contribution to community service with the Duke of Edinborough Award. Receiving this honour from Canada’s Governor-General only served to inspire her some more as she embarked on other important initiatives that helped transform her community’s fortunes for the better.
As a young activist, Nasra played a leadership role in the Leave Out of Violence (LOV) Program aimed at guiding youth caught in cycle of violence to pursue a positive, healthy lifestyle and stay on the right side of the law. At high school, Nasra completed 60 community hours and was engaged in promoting physical activity skills such as basketball, swimming and survival skills including setting up tents for dwelling in camps meant to familiarize young people with the rigidity of Mother Nature.
Nasra was also instrumental in promoting acting skills that saw her produce educational plays presented to audiences in schools. She completed bronze and silver levels for the set of skills but had to forgo the gold as she became busy with her academic pursuits at university and future career goals.
Upon graduation from her civil engineering program from Ryerson’s Faculty of Engineering, Nasra landed a job as a roads inspector with the City of Toronto’s Transportation Services. This challenging position required the skills of a qualified engineer of her stature.
Recounting her experience at Ryerson, the stunningly beautiful engineer states: “Even in a place like Canada, civil engineering is a tough field for women to get into. In my graduation class of eighty students, only six, including myself, were female students while the rest were male students”.
After working for a period of two years with the City of Toronto, Nasra was drawn into the lucrative labour market in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which became the international hub for real estate development. Qualified engineers, especially those with high profile credentials like Nasra, were in huge demand and it was not long before Nasra set her foot in the red hot real estate market in the Emirates.
In 2007, Nasra was hired by Cansult, a Dubai-based Canadian engineering firm considered one of the biggest operating in the Middle East region. Working in the position of Traffic Engineer/Planner, Nasra was tasked with designing complexes to determine the transportation infrastructure needs of emerging, rapidly developing communities. She sat at a roundtable full of male engineers providing her expertise in design and development.
“While this can be a very challenging position, I had the advantage of being a young, female, engineer of colour, presenting cutting edge proposals for mega development projects” says Nasra. Always an illustrious engineer on top of the game, Nasra stood out as a hard working, brilliant and a rare female engineer in the Gulf region.
As her reputation grew in Dubai’s rapidly developing market, Nasra caught the attention of Nakheel, the largest real estate developer in the UAE who offered her a key position as an advisor, where she evaluated and rendered decisions on proposals prepared by consultants. Nakheel, the world famous real estate developer, is known for constructing the classy and glittering, man -made palm islands built to the shape of the worlds. The palm islands are credited with being the architectural wonders of the modern world that has mesmerized visitors and tourists from across the world.
According to Nasra, working in Dubai has other advantages.
“Being strategically located at the centre of the world, Dubai lies at the crossroads of surrounding regions and offers a short and convenient flight distance to destinations lying within close proximity such as India, rest of Asia, Europe and Africa” observed Nasra.
But eight months into her high profile job, the Dubai real estate market went bust as it was hit hard by the global economic recession. Many in her company that employed thousands of people were laid off while only two out of thirty employees in her department retained their jobs. Nakheel, the giant real estate developer was on verge of collapse, almost pushed down by a slumping economy virtually dependent on the foundations of the real estate industry. Despite corporate meltdown elsewhere, Nakheel survived.
The dawn of the global recession meant that Nasra found herself out of work and pondering her next move. Once again, her well-established reputation in this market helped save the day for Nasra as she received a call from the Roads Authority in Dubai, which recognized that only few people possess Nasra’s skills in this sector. She was interviewed and then hired on the spot as Seniour Traffic Engineer and has now been working in this enviable position for the Dubai Government in the last two years. Dubai has since recovered from the downward spiral with its re-structured economy back on its feet.
Undoubtedly, Dubai offers any prospective engineers their dream jobs.
“One year experience in Dubai’s real estate development sector or any other booming industry is equivalent to ten years experience elsewhere” says Nasra in reference to the fast paced, ultra modern development environment in the wealthy gulf emirate.
One of Nasra’s favorite pastimes includes international travel. Dubai’s central location has allowed her to globe-trot to her favourite destinations.
“Since landing in Dubai, I have travelled to over 50 countries within four short years” says Nasra.
In terms of future outlook, Nasra aims to become an entrepreneur one day. This won’t pose any problems as she comes from a business savvy family known for their successful entrepreneurship. Nasra sees a huge potential for growth in the African continent which is ripe with international business opportunities. From an engineering business perspective, she would like to play a significant role to build roads, bridges, airports, seaports and other forms of infrastructure that Africa badly needs. A Nasra owned engineering firm would be an ideal starting point to venture into the ever expanding African markets. Nasra points to the growing presence of Chinese investment in Africa as a motivating factor driving the emergence of new trade ventures in Africa.
“China’s entry into the African markets is significant and the world has taken notice. It has offered the continent a new type of trade relationship that is mutually beneficial. For example, China’s investment in Africa includes the development of infrastructure such as the construction of roads, highways, seaports, dams, power plants etc which helps stimulate regional economies. But it equally raises key questions in terms of gaining a direct foothold in exploiting Africa’s resources” says Nasra.
“China’s rapidly growing economy requires access to Africa’s resources such as energy and raw materials. I have travelled to China to places like Shanghai and Guangzhou and have seen first hard the industrial and technological transformations taking place there” says Nasra.
But Nasra also believes that African-centred development should be a priority in strategic sectors of the economy. As such, Nasra is determined to enter the fray by taking her much needed engineering skills to help build and stimulate Africa’s emerging markets that offer vast potential for development.
When peace eventually returns to Somalia, Nasra hopes to play a major role in the reconstruction project as she can utilize her unique technical skills and expertise to rebuild her homeland. Apart from the need for expanded infrastructural development, Nasra states that Somalia’s environmental degradation that has worsened over the last two decades owing to ongoing conflict, needs to be checked.
“While it is understandable that global attention on Somalia has focused on the conflict and resultant humanitarian crisis, virtually no one has been paying attention to the environmental disaster afflicting Somalia” says Nasra, adding that “ Somalia is a country prone to drought and deforestation not forgetting the fact that it has suffered a great deal from toxic waste disposal that has contaminated Somalia’s territorial waters and the depletion of fish stocks stemming from the plunder of Somalia’s marine resources.”
Nasra points out that “with environmental degradation and deforestation, the top soil is lost. Many people don’t realize that it can take upto 750 years for the top soil to regenerate. Unfortunately, the level of degradation taking place in Somalia today is quite alarming”.
Nasra may be well known for her engineering and technical skills. But her well-informed assessment of Africa’s state of affairs and global events, clearly reveal Nasra’s other strengths; her intellectual prowess and political consciousness. This is not surprising given her level of social activism dating back to her high school years. Apart from her engineering profession and a knack for entrepreneurial ventures, Nasra is truly a social justice oriented person. She would like to see the emergence of a free and democratic, vibrant society in Africa where the suffering masses are treated equally and fairly. This calls for political freedoms and social justice for all.
For Nasra, the sky is the limit as she looks to consolidate her successful civil engineering career, embark on business ventures in the near future as well as provide opportunities for her community in various fronts.
For further enquiries, Nasra can be reached by email at : nasra3@yahoo.com
Breaking into civil engineering, a profession considered the exclusive preserve of men, maybe a tall order for many women including those in western nations.
But Nasra Agil, a young Somali-Canadian civil engineer of the highest calibre, is one accomplished professional who has shattered this long-held myth.
The highly determined and supremely confident young lady has not only conquered the realm of civil engineering but has taken her pursuits in this field to a new level.
Having arrived in Canada at a young age alongside her family from war-torn Somalia, Nasra decided from early on that civil engineering would be her chosen career path in future. And all this despite prevailing perceptions in her community and within Canadian society in general that this highly coveted field is a turf only befitting the ingenuity of technically-oriented men.
In 2005, Nasra attained the unimaginable as she graduated at the top of her civil engineering class at Ryerson University posting a 4.22 Grade Point Average (GPA) from a possible maximum of 4.33 to earn a Honours Bachelor of Engineering (B Eng ) degree to become the first ever female of Somali descent to achieve this important feat in the western world. Her shinning accolades in academic circles also include numerous awards such as the prestigious Golden Key International Honour Society Award, in recognition of her outstanding academic excellence.
Since age 15, Nasra had demonstrated exceptional leadership skills being a young activist in community organizing in her Jamestown Crescent neighbourhood, a housing project inhabited by a significant number of Somali-Canadian newcomers in what used to be a crime infested area mired in gang activity. For seven years, Nasra was at the forefront of community-based crime prevention strategies and was recognized for her contribution to community service with the Duke of Edinborough Award. Receiving this honour from Canada’s Governor-General only served to inspire her some more as she embarked on other important initiatives that helped transform her community’s fortunes for the better.
As a young activist, Nasra played a leadership role in the Leave Out of Violence (LOV) Program aimed at guiding youth caught in cycle of violence to pursue a positive, healthy lifestyle and stay on the right side of the law. At high school, Nasra completed 60 community hours and was engaged in promoting physical activity skills such as basketball, swimming and survival skills including setting up tents for dwelling in camps meant to familiarize young people with the rigidity of Mother Nature.
Nasra was also instrumental in promoting acting skills that saw her produce educational plays presented to audiences in schools. She completed bronze and silver levels for the set of skills but had to forgo the gold as she became busy with her academic pursuits at university and future career goals.
Upon graduation from her civil engineering program from Ryerson’s Faculty of Engineering, Nasra landed a job as a roads inspector with the City of Toronto’s Transportation Services. This challenging position required the skills of a qualified engineer of her stature.
Recounting her experience at Ryerson, the stunningly beautiful engineer states: “Even in a place like Canada, civil engineering is a tough field for women to get into. In my graduation class of eighty students, only six, including myself, were female students while the rest were male students”.
After working for a period of two years with the City of Toronto, Nasra was drawn into the lucrative labour market in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which became the international hub for real estate development. Qualified engineers, especially those with high profile credentials like Nasra, were in huge demand and it was not long before Nasra set her foot in the red hot real estate market in the Emirates.
In 2007, Nasra was hired by Cansult, a Dubai-based Canadian engineering firm considered one of the biggest operating in the Middle East region. Working in the position of Traffic Engineer/Planner, Nasra was tasked with designing complexes to determine the transportation infrastructure needs of emerging, rapidly developing communities. She sat at a roundtable full of male engineers providing her expertise in design and development.
“While this can be a very challenging position, I had the advantage of being a young, female, engineer of colour, presenting cutting edge proposals for mega development projects” says Nasra. Always an illustrious engineer on top of the game, Nasra stood out as a hard working, brilliant and a rare female engineer in the Gulf region.
As her reputation grew in Dubai’s rapidly developing market, Nasra caught the attention of Nakheel, the largest real estate developer in the UAE who offered her a key position as an advisor, where she evaluated and rendered decisions on proposals prepared by consultants. Nakheel, the world famous real estate developer, is known for constructing the classy and glittering, man -made palm islands built to the shape of the worlds. The palm islands are credited with being the architectural wonders of the modern world that has mesmerized visitors and tourists from across the world.
According to Nasra, working in Dubai has other advantages.
“Being strategically located at the centre of the world, Dubai lies at the crossroads of surrounding regions and offers a short and convenient flight distance to destinations lying within close proximity such as India, rest of Asia, Europe and Africa” observed Nasra.
But eight months into her high profile job, the Dubai real estate market went bust as it was hit hard by the global economic recession. Many in her company that employed thousands of people were laid off while only two out of thirty employees in her department retained their jobs. Nakheel, the giant real estate developer was on verge of collapse, almost pushed down by a slumping economy virtually dependent on the foundations of the real estate industry. Despite corporate meltdown elsewhere, Nakheel survived.
The dawn of the global recession meant that Nasra found herself out of work and pondering her next move. Once again, her well-established reputation in this market helped save the day for Nasra as she received a call from the Roads Authority in Dubai, which recognized that only few people possess Nasra’s skills in this sector. She was interviewed and then hired on the spot as Seniour Traffic Engineer and has now been working in this enviable position for the Dubai Government in the last two years. Dubai has since recovered from the downward spiral with its re-structured economy back on its feet.
Undoubtedly, Dubai offers any prospective engineers their dream jobs.
“One year experience in Dubai’s real estate development sector or any other booming industry is equivalent to ten years experience elsewhere” says Nasra in reference to the fast paced, ultra modern development environment in the wealthy gulf emirate.
One of Nasra’s favorite pastimes includes international travel. Dubai’s central location has allowed her to globe-trot to her favourite destinations.
“Since landing in Dubai, I have travelled to over 50 countries within four short years” says Nasra.
In terms of future outlook, Nasra aims to become an entrepreneur one day. This won’t pose any problems as she comes from a business savvy family known for their successful entrepreneurship. Nasra sees a huge potential for growth in the African continent which is ripe with international business opportunities. From an engineering business perspective, she would like to play a significant role to build roads, bridges, airports, seaports and other forms of infrastructure that Africa badly needs. A Nasra owned engineering firm would be an ideal starting point to venture into the ever expanding African markets. Nasra points to the growing presence of Chinese investment in Africa as a motivating factor driving the emergence of new trade ventures in Africa.
“China’s entry into the African markets is significant and the world has taken notice. It has offered the continent a new type of trade relationship that is mutually beneficial. For example, China’s investment in Africa includes the development of infrastructure such as the construction of roads, highways, seaports, dams, power plants etc which helps stimulate regional economies. But it equally raises key questions in terms of gaining a direct foothold in exploiting Africa’s resources” says Nasra.
“China’s rapidly growing economy requires access to Africa’s resources such as energy and raw materials. I have travelled to China to places like Shanghai and Guangzhou and have seen first hard the industrial and technological transformations taking place there” says Nasra.
But Nasra also believes that African-centred development should be a priority in strategic sectors of the economy. As such, Nasra is determined to enter the fray by taking her much needed engineering skills to help build and stimulate Africa’s emerging markets that offer vast potential for development.
When peace eventually returns to Somalia, Nasra hopes to play a major role in the reconstruction project as she can utilize her unique technical skills and expertise to rebuild her homeland. Apart from the need for expanded infrastructural development, Nasra states that Somalia’s environmental degradation that has worsened over the last two decades owing to ongoing conflict, needs to be checked.
“While it is understandable that global attention on Somalia has focused on the conflict and resultant humanitarian crisis, virtually no one has been paying attention to the environmental disaster afflicting Somalia” says Nasra, adding that “ Somalia is a country prone to drought and deforestation not forgetting the fact that it has suffered a great deal from toxic waste disposal that has contaminated Somalia’s territorial waters and the depletion of fish stocks stemming from the plunder of Somalia’s marine resources.”
Nasra points out that “with environmental degradation and deforestation, the top soil is lost. Many people don’t realize that it can take upto 750 years for the top soil to regenerate. Unfortunately, the level of degradation taking place in Somalia today is quite alarming”.
Nasra may be well known for her engineering and technical skills. But her well-informed assessment of Africa’s state of affairs and global events, clearly reveal Nasra’s other strengths; her intellectual prowess and political consciousness. This is not surprising given her level of social activism dating back to her high school years. Apart from her engineering profession and a knack for entrepreneurial ventures, Nasra is truly a social justice oriented person. She would like to see the emergence of a free and democratic, vibrant society in Africa where the suffering masses are treated equally and fairly. This calls for political freedoms and social justice for all.
For Nasra, the sky is the limit as she looks to consolidate her successful civil engineering career, embark on business ventures in the near future as well as provide opportunities for her community in various fronts.
For further enquiries, Nasra can be reached by email at : nasra3@yahoo.com
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Somali-Canadians Denounce Kampala Accord, Support Farmajo.
By Farid Omar,
Somali-Canadians joined Somalis from across the world in voicing their vehement opposition to the June 9th Kampala Accord, which observers say undermines the Transitional Federal Institutions (TFI) and infringes on Somalia’s national sovereignty.
In direct contravention of Somalia’s transitional charter, the controversial and illegal accord extends the mandates of the Somali President, Speaker and Parliament till August 2012 when elections will be held and called for the resignation of the Prime Minister within 30 days. Struck behind the scenes without any prior consultation with the Somali parliament, the dubious deal is a total mockery of the democratic aspirations of the Somali people.
The architects of the Kampala Accord, President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda and the UN special representative for Somalia, Augustine Mahiga, claim it was meant to resolve long standing political wrangles between President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, and Speaker of Parliament Sharif Hassan Sheikh Aden. But the accord, which has orchestrated the removal of popular Prime Minister, Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo, is a backward step for the nation and will likely plunge war-torn Somalia into deeper crisis.
A close examination of the full text of the agreement reveals that the accord has transferred Somalia’s sovereignty to the seven - member East African regional grouping, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the international community. The most contentious clauses read as follows:
“Both Government and Parliament shall work together with the international community to establish a road-map with benchmarks, timelines and compliance mechanisms for the implementation of the priority tasks”.
“The Heads of State of the Region (IGAD and EAC) shall constitute a Political Bureau with participation of the UN (UNPOS) and the AU, similar to the Burundi Regional Peace Initiative. The Bureau shall oversee and monitor compliance of the TFIs with agreed benchmarks and timelines to implement the transitional tasks and to advance the Somali Peace Process”.
“The international partners and the Regional Bureau reserve the right to evoke appropriate measures with consequences to ensure compliance with the benchmarks and timelines by the TFIs including the application of appropriate sanctions against spoilers.”
Based on the above, it is clear that for the first time in the history of modern international relations, the sovereignty of a nation has arbitrarily been transferred to foreign powers with the UN playing a direct role in such a sinister move.
Like their fellow countrymen across the world, Somali-Canadians reacted angrily to the Kampala Accord. In a well-attended event organized by Somali youth activists in Toronto, hundreds of concerned Somali-Canadians converged at the Days Inn Hotel located at Wilson Avenue West on Saturday, June 18th, to denounce the Kampala Accord and pledge their support for the deposed Prime Minister.
The PM, who was forced to resign, was seen by Somalis as the best hope moving forward, having made significant security gains against the insurgency as well as gaining the trust of the Somali public through his direct and concerted consultations with civil society groups.
Protests broke out in Mogadishu and globally as Somalis took to the streets and held public forums to condemn the Accord and rallying their support behind Farmajo, the first head of state who had obtained important results in twenty years. His removal has only precipitated the ongoing power struggle between the two Shariffs with latest reports coming out of Mogadishu pointing to a fresh row between the president and the speaker. Analysts fear that this mindless power struggle may wipe out Farmajo’s gains and actually provide the Al-Shabab insurgency with a bonanza and regain all the grounds it lost in the military offensive under the Farmajo government.
Outraged Somali-Canadians were unequivocal in their condemnation of the Kampala Accord. “From a Somali stand point, this is tantamount to modern day colonialism” said Adifatah Warsame Maroyare, a youth activist and one of the organizers of the Toronto event. “The so-called international community is complicit in this. On one hand, they preach the virtues of democracy, on the other hand, they practice hypocrisy” said Abifatah.
Abdifatah, a prominent co-ordinator of the Centre for Youth Development and Mentoring Services that provides academic, social and recreational supports for at risk youth, further noted that it was “the Western world that has contributed to state collapse in Somalia in the first place and is still meddling in the internal affairs of the country” labeling Somalis “pirates”, “terrorists” and “anarchists” and “not allowing Somalia to stand on its feet.”
While the young generation was detached from Somalia’s state of affairs in the past, Abdifatah is of the view that there is now a growing sense of awakening among the Somali youth who are demanding positive change in Somalia free from external meddling.
“The youth and Somalis in general are taking action against the ongoing infringement of Somalia’s sovereignty. The reactionary elites who are financed by UN dollars have sold out the country. They indulge in expensive overseas trips in the oil-rich Gulf countries and western capitals often lavishing in five star hotels” said Abdifatah. The prominent youth activist called for Somalis across the world to “rise above clannish politics and confront those responsible for the ongoing mayhem in Somalia”.
His views were echoed by Somalis artists, Nakruma and Daleys who urged the global Somali community to take back their country from external forces that are reigning havoc on the their belegurerd nation saying that the “Somali artists will always support the Somali people and lend voice to their struggles.”
“Down with the Kampala Accord! Down with Mahiga” chanted Nakruma on the stage in reference to the UN Special Representative to Somalia, who is directly complicit in the ongoing destabilization of the country. As part of the artistic and cultural component of the evening program, the celebrated Somali divas led the enthusiastic crowd in singing the Somali national anthem and patriotic songs in a scene awash with blue and white, the national colours of the Somali flag.
Abdijabar, a youth activist seen as a rising star in the Somali-Canadian Community and a potential future leader for Somalia, doled out humorous rhymes correctly depicting the reality of Somalia’s state of affairs today.
The Mississauga-born master rhymer rocked the house highlighting Somalia’s past greatness and its current nadir status “our ancestors were free and uncolonized. But in today’s reality, our people are dispersed with a serious case of mistaken identity” rhymed Abdijabar to a thundering applause from the floor.
Khadijah Ali, a radio host and youth activist, said that the deposed Prime Minister “was a competent leader who placed Somalia’s national interests above external agendas”. The York University Social Work major also noted that “Prime Minister Farmajo had given Somalia a second chance. The country has suffered for far too long and we don’t want another 20 years of anarchy. Farmajo’s vision represents a true hope and the best way forward for Somalia”.
Professor Mohamed Siyyad Togane, a Somali scholar and poet known for his stern rebukes, called the gathering “ a historic event” saying that Somalis must be willing “to shed blood, sweat and tears” to re-take their country. Professor Togane said he flew all the way from Montreal to join Somali-Canadians in Toronto to express their outright opposition to the Kampala Accord.
“Rebuilding Somalia requires sacrifices from its people. For the last 20 years, we were moving in circles. Farmajo initiated a viable process for the country and the people of Somalia rallied behind him” said Professor Togane who recited a powerful poem titled “Enough”, which portrayed Prime Ministers who came before Farmajo as “tools” employed as a “fifth column” by a UN system bent on keeping Somalia down.
Professor Togane also highlighted how Somalia was directly governed from Nairobi by foreign UN personnel, observing that Farmajo was determined to relocate the UNDP office to Mogadishu.
“Farmajo, an emerging national hero, said hello no. We won’t go to Nairobi. Come to Mogadishu” said Togane.
“No more Nairobbery” chanted Togane in a philosophical reference to the Kenyan capital where Somalis believe their country’s sovereignty is being stolen and dismembered by external actors operating within an increasingly unpopular , corrupt and inept UN establishment.
Hibaq Guelleh, a Somali youth activist, told participants that the Somali people are a homogeneous entity “who share common identity, culture, language and religion and yet caught in a turmoil.” She emphasized the fact that each concerned Somali has “an important role to play to ensure Somalia takes its rightful place in the world” and called for “a tribal-free, united and prosperous Somalia”.
“We are tired of tribal-minded leaders, warlords and power hungry individuals. Somalia needs practical solutions and it can only be built by Somalis themselves.” said Hibaq.
She also underscored the greatness of Somali youth pointing to the fact that it was “the Somali Youth League (SYL) initially comprising of 13 youthful leaders who gave independence to Somalia,” reminding the public of the contributions of Somali freedom fighters the likes of Sayyid Mohamed Abdullah Hassan, Hawo Tako etc. “Let’s help our brothers and sisters back in Somalia. And by the will of God, let’s move swiftly but together.”
Shadya Yasin, a longtime youth leader, poet, performer and organizer said “Somali things should be done Somali way”. Noting that the situation affecting Somalis is traumatizing, Shadya provided grim statistics on the Somali humanitarian crisis with “1.6 million refugees living in desperation and continually on the move, 1.5 million of internally displaced people inside Somalia (half the Toronto population) and 2.2 Million people classified as living in need and concern.”
“Imagine being born and growing up in a refugee camp. Imagine getting married in a refugee camp, giving birth to a boy or girl in a refugee camp. That’s the reality facing our people”. Said Shadya.
“Somalis are now taking action. Similar events (in opposition to Kampala Accord) are taking place in Mogadishu and across the world. The silent are speaking again. Revolutionary events are taking place in the world today and Somalia should be no difference,” said Shadya who pledged to return to help rebuild Somalia in the near future.
“Corrupt leaders need to be stopped. Once you have no country, you have no self-esteem. Unity should be the reality of the Somali Diaspora. We need to start here to help those back in the motherland. We have to take back Somalia by ourselves. No one will give it back to us. Power to the people!” chanted Shadya to another round of thunderous applause.
Still jet-lagged from a long trip, Dubai - based civil engineer, Nasra Agil, whose visit in Canada coincided with the Toronto event, said that “Young people represent hope for Somalia” adding that she was concerned with the plight of her people.
But the young engineer offered a message of hope stating that Somalis can borrow a leaf from Dubai, U.A.E. “Twenty years ago the residents of Dubai only looked to a solitary, high standing tower that dominated its skyline. Today, Dubai has not only the tallest tower in the world but boasts of the best of the best in almost every category of development. By the same token, we can rebuild Somalia from its 20 years of anarchy to a thriving nation”. Said Nasra.
In the concluding remarks of the evening, Abdi’qani Farmajo said that the Kampala Accord effectively places Somalia under external control.
“Mahiga is not our ruler. The UN is not our ruler. Museveni is not our ruler” said Abdiq’ani who noted that the deal was aimed at “orchestrating the downfall of the PM and his government, muzzle the Somali parliament and place Somalia under direct control of (IGAD).”
“How can the UN and IGAD tell us who should rule us” queried Abdi’qani who pointed to a Nairobi –based cabal of UN opportunists who have turned Somalia into a profit-making venture, raking in millions in donor funds while perpetuating and prolonging the suffering of the Somali people.
Rightfully describing this cabal as the “Lords of Poverty” Abdi’qani observed how the manipulation of Somalia by these external forces has turned the country into the third largest refugee producing nation in the world after Iraq and Afghanistan.
“The largest refugee camp in the world is located in Dadaab Kenya. With a capacity of 60,000 people, this camp is home to 450, 000 Somali refugees who live in squalid conditions. Somalia is also home to the largest camp for the internally displaced persons (IDPs) while 1 out of 7 babies born in Somalia die before reaching age 5” said Abdi’qani, adding that disruptive external forces have contributed to societal disintegration in Somalia.
“No one wants Somalia to develop. External forces have conspired to destroy Somalia. Only Somalis can resolve Somalia’s crisis. The Diaspora should play a role to fight for Somalia. If we want freedom and liberty, we must fight for it” concluded Abdi’qani.
For Somali-Canadians, the fight to wrestle control of their beloved nation from external forces continues and many have pledged to from the rank and file of this important struggle.
Somali-Canadians joined Somalis from across the world in voicing their vehement opposition to the June 9th Kampala Accord, which observers say undermines the Transitional Federal Institutions (TFI) and infringes on Somalia’s national sovereignty.
In direct contravention of Somalia’s transitional charter, the controversial and illegal accord extends the mandates of the Somali President, Speaker and Parliament till August 2012 when elections will be held and called for the resignation of the Prime Minister within 30 days. Struck behind the scenes without any prior consultation with the Somali parliament, the dubious deal is a total mockery of the democratic aspirations of the Somali people.
The architects of the Kampala Accord, President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda and the UN special representative for Somalia, Augustine Mahiga, claim it was meant to resolve long standing political wrangles between President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, and Speaker of Parliament Sharif Hassan Sheikh Aden. But the accord, which has orchestrated the removal of popular Prime Minister, Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo, is a backward step for the nation and will likely plunge war-torn Somalia into deeper crisis.
A close examination of the full text of the agreement reveals that the accord has transferred Somalia’s sovereignty to the seven - member East African regional grouping, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the international community. The most contentious clauses read as follows:
“Both Government and Parliament shall work together with the international community to establish a road-map with benchmarks, timelines and compliance mechanisms for the implementation of the priority tasks”.
“The Heads of State of the Region (IGAD and EAC) shall constitute a Political Bureau with participation of the UN (UNPOS) and the AU, similar to the Burundi Regional Peace Initiative. The Bureau shall oversee and monitor compliance of the TFIs with agreed benchmarks and timelines to implement the transitional tasks and to advance the Somali Peace Process”.
“The international partners and the Regional Bureau reserve the right to evoke appropriate measures with consequences to ensure compliance with the benchmarks and timelines by the TFIs including the application of appropriate sanctions against spoilers.”
Based on the above, it is clear that for the first time in the history of modern international relations, the sovereignty of a nation has arbitrarily been transferred to foreign powers with the UN playing a direct role in such a sinister move.
Like their fellow countrymen across the world, Somali-Canadians reacted angrily to the Kampala Accord. In a well-attended event organized by Somali youth activists in Toronto, hundreds of concerned Somali-Canadians converged at the Days Inn Hotel located at Wilson Avenue West on Saturday, June 18th, to denounce the Kampala Accord and pledge their support for the deposed Prime Minister.
The PM, who was forced to resign, was seen by Somalis as the best hope moving forward, having made significant security gains against the insurgency as well as gaining the trust of the Somali public through his direct and concerted consultations with civil society groups.
Protests broke out in Mogadishu and globally as Somalis took to the streets and held public forums to condemn the Accord and rallying their support behind Farmajo, the first head of state who had obtained important results in twenty years. His removal has only precipitated the ongoing power struggle between the two Shariffs with latest reports coming out of Mogadishu pointing to a fresh row between the president and the speaker. Analysts fear that this mindless power struggle may wipe out Farmajo’s gains and actually provide the Al-Shabab insurgency with a bonanza and regain all the grounds it lost in the military offensive under the Farmajo government.
Outraged Somali-Canadians were unequivocal in their condemnation of the Kampala Accord. “From a Somali stand point, this is tantamount to modern day colonialism” said Adifatah Warsame Maroyare, a youth activist and one of the organizers of the Toronto event. “The so-called international community is complicit in this. On one hand, they preach the virtues of democracy, on the other hand, they practice hypocrisy” said Abifatah.
Abdifatah, a prominent co-ordinator of the Centre for Youth Development and Mentoring Services that provides academic, social and recreational supports for at risk youth, further noted that it was “the Western world that has contributed to state collapse in Somalia in the first place and is still meddling in the internal affairs of the country” labeling Somalis “pirates”, “terrorists” and “anarchists” and “not allowing Somalia to stand on its feet.”
While the young generation was detached from Somalia’s state of affairs in the past, Abdifatah is of the view that there is now a growing sense of awakening among the Somali youth who are demanding positive change in Somalia free from external meddling.
“The youth and Somalis in general are taking action against the ongoing infringement of Somalia’s sovereignty. The reactionary elites who are financed by UN dollars have sold out the country. They indulge in expensive overseas trips in the oil-rich Gulf countries and western capitals often lavishing in five star hotels” said Abdifatah. The prominent youth activist called for Somalis across the world to “rise above clannish politics and confront those responsible for the ongoing mayhem in Somalia”.
His views were echoed by Somalis artists, Nakruma and Daleys who urged the global Somali community to take back their country from external forces that are reigning havoc on the their belegurerd nation saying that the “Somali artists will always support the Somali people and lend voice to their struggles.”
“Down with the Kampala Accord! Down with Mahiga” chanted Nakruma on the stage in reference to the UN Special Representative to Somalia, who is directly complicit in the ongoing destabilization of the country. As part of the artistic and cultural component of the evening program, the celebrated Somali divas led the enthusiastic crowd in singing the Somali national anthem and patriotic songs in a scene awash with blue and white, the national colours of the Somali flag.
Abdijabar, a youth activist seen as a rising star in the Somali-Canadian Community and a potential future leader for Somalia, doled out humorous rhymes correctly depicting the reality of Somalia’s state of affairs today.
The Mississauga-born master rhymer rocked the house highlighting Somalia’s past greatness and its current nadir status “our ancestors were free and uncolonized. But in today’s reality, our people are dispersed with a serious case of mistaken identity” rhymed Abdijabar to a thundering applause from the floor.
Khadijah Ali, a radio host and youth activist, said that the deposed Prime Minister “was a competent leader who placed Somalia’s national interests above external agendas”. The York University Social Work major also noted that “Prime Minister Farmajo had given Somalia a second chance. The country has suffered for far too long and we don’t want another 20 years of anarchy. Farmajo’s vision represents a true hope and the best way forward for Somalia”.
Professor Mohamed Siyyad Togane, a Somali scholar and poet known for his stern rebukes, called the gathering “ a historic event” saying that Somalis must be willing “to shed blood, sweat and tears” to re-take their country. Professor Togane said he flew all the way from Montreal to join Somali-Canadians in Toronto to express their outright opposition to the Kampala Accord.
“Rebuilding Somalia requires sacrifices from its people. For the last 20 years, we were moving in circles. Farmajo initiated a viable process for the country and the people of Somalia rallied behind him” said Professor Togane who recited a powerful poem titled “Enough”, which portrayed Prime Ministers who came before Farmajo as “tools” employed as a “fifth column” by a UN system bent on keeping Somalia down.
Professor Togane also highlighted how Somalia was directly governed from Nairobi by foreign UN personnel, observing that Farmajo was determined to relocate the UNDP office to Mogadishu.
“Farmajo, an emerging national hero, said hello no. We won’t go to Nairobi. Come to Mogadishu” said Togane.
“No more Nairobbery” chanted Togane in a philosophical reference to the Kenyan capital where Somalis believe their country’s sovereignty is being stolen and dismembered by external actors operating within an increasingly unpopular , corrupt and inept UN establishment.
Hibaq Guelleh, a Somali youth activist, told participants that the Somali people are a homogeneous entity “who share common identity, culture, language and religion and yet caught in a turmoil.” She emphasized the fact that each concerned Somali has “an important role to play to ensure Somalia takes its rightful place in the world” and called for “a tribal-free, united and prosperous Somalia”.
“We are tired of tribal-minded leaders, warlords and power hungry individuals. Somalia needs practical solutions and it can only be built by Somalis themselves.” said Hibaq.
She also underscored the greatness of Somali youth pointing to the fact that it was “the Somali Youth League (SYL) initially comprising of 13 youthful leaders who gave independence to Somalia,” reminding the public of the contributions of Somali freedom fighters the likes of Sayyid Mohamed Abdullah Hassan, Hawo Tako etc. “Let’s help our brothers and sisters back in Somalia. And by the will of God, let’s move swiftly but together.”
Shadya Yasin, a longtime youth leader, poet, performer and organizer said “Somali things should be done Somali way”. Noting that the situation affecting Somalis is traumatizing, Shadya provided grim statistics on the Somali humanitarian crisis with “1.6 million refugees living in desperation and continually on the move, 1.5 million of internally displaced people inside Somalia (half the Toronto population) and 2.2 Million people classified as living in need and concern.”
“Imagine being born and growing up in a refugee camp. Imagine getting married in a refugee camp, giving birth to a boy or girl in a refugee camp. That’s the reality facing our people”. Said Shadya.
“Somalis are now taking action. Similar events (in opposition to Kampala Accord) are taking place in Mogadishu and across the world. The silent are speaking again. Revolutionary events are taking place in the world today and Somalia should be no difference,” said Shadya who pledged to return to help rebuild Somalia in the near future.
“Corrupt leaders need to be stopped. Once you have no country, you have no self-esteem. Unity should be the reality of the Somali Diaspora. We need to start here to help those back in the motherland. We have to take back Somalia by ourselves. No one will give it back to us. Power to the people!” chanted Shadya to another round of thunderous applause.
Still jet-lagged from a long trip, Dubai - based civil engineer, Nasra Agil, whose visit in Canada coincided with the Toronto event, said that “Young people represent hope for Somalia” adding that she was concerned with the plight of her people.
But the young engineer offered a message of hope stating that Somalis can borrow a leaf from Dubai, U.A.E. “Twenty years ago the residents of Dubai only looked to a solitary, high standing tower that dominated its skyline. Today, Dubai has not only the tallest tower in the world but boasts of the best of the best in almost every category of development. By the same token, we can rebuild Somalia from its 20 years of anarchy to a thriving nation”. Said Nasra.
In the concluding remarks of the evening, Abdi’qani Farmajo said that the Kampala Accord effectively places Somalia under external control.
“Mahiga is not our ruler. The UN is not our ruler. Museveni is not our ruler” said Abdiq’ani who noted that the deal was aimed at “orchestrating the downfall of the PM and his government, muzzle the Somali parliament and place Somalia under direct control of (IGAD).”
“How can the UN and IGAD tell us who should rule us” queried Abdi’qani who pointed to a Nairobi –based cabal of UN opportunists who have turned Somalia into a profit-making venture, raking in millions in donor funds while perpetuating and prolonging the suffering of the Somali people.
Rightfully describing this cabal as the “Lords of Poverty” Abdi’qani observed how the manipulation of Somalia by these external forces has turned the country into the third largest refugee producing nation in the world after Iraq and Afghanistan.
“The largest refugee camp in the world is located in Dadaab Kenya. With a capacity of 60,000 people, this camp is home to 450, 000 Somali refugees who live in squalid conditions. Somalia is also home to the largest camp for the internally displaced persons (IDPs) while 1 out of 7 babies born in Somalia die before reaching age 5” said Abdi’qani, adding that disruptive external forces have contributed to societal disintegration in Somalia.
“No one wants Somalia to develop. External forces have conspired to destroy Somalia. Only Somalis can resolve Somalia’s crisis. The Diaspora should play a role to fight for Somalia. If we want freedom and liberty, we must fight for it” concluded Abdi’qani.
For Somali-Canadians, the fight to wrestle control of their beloved nation from external forces continues and many have pledged to from the rank and file of this important struggle.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
The New Africa: A Frontier of Innovation, Technology and Sustainability.
By Farid Omar.
Africa is fast emerging as a global south trend setter in social innovation and sustainability. While cynical western observers have often depicted what they deem "the dark continent" in negative light, Africa has proven skeptics wrong by turning its fortunes around amid adversity to present opportunities in virtually all sectors of development, be it technology, education, manufacturing, real estate development, media, arts, agriculture, transportation, telecommunications etc.
The world is now taking notice that in the coming decades, Africa is poised to take the centre stage in terms of economic growth and infrastructural development, providing investment opportunities for world governments and international business. It is now common knowledge that modern day investors from across the world are seeking to do business with Africa.
An international conference held last year in Ottawa, Canada, was rightfully titled;" Africa's New Frontier: Innovation, Technology & Prosperity". The organizers of the conference, Canada's Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) and the International Development Research Centre (IDRC),agree that "Africa is a continent of exciting possibilities", which in the 21st Century, is "emerging as a dynamic and innovative continent".
The official website of the conference positively depicts ´this new Africa" as a continent that boasts a reservoir of young talent, a growing market for cutting-edge technologies, and a source of fresh ideas".
Overall, the conference aimed to enrich Canadian conversations about Africa, highlighting "good news stories from Africa, and drawing on lessons learned, projecting trends, and focusing on the many ways in which Canada can support innovation on the continent".
On the media front conference themes focused on how to re-brand Africa for the 21st century, Africa´s place in the digital age and the cellular evolution in which mobile phones are making African markets work better. The film ´Nollywood Babylon´, a documentary from the National Film Board of Canada, was screened at the conference and later re-screened at Toronto´s National Film Board Theatre. The film presents an "electric vision of a modern African metropolis and a revealing look at the powerhouse that is Nigerian cinema".
On the economy, experts shed light on Africa´s Local Direct Investment, which sounds as a new concept to many and especially to those who in the past could not see beyond the northern-led calls for Foreign Direct Investment as primary source of capital inflow into Africa and the best available means for economic stimulation, growth and development.
For a continent that has suffered a large share of brain drain, the conference included a theme on "The health care brain gain: Networks, technology and access to care". In terms of education, a large number of Africa´s future generation of leaders now increasingly has access to post-secondary education.
Despite ongoing security challenges, African economies have experienced an accelerated growth over the last 5-6 years. The picture is getting rosier each passing year as three African countries, Kenya, South Africa and Egypt, have made the list of the Emerging Economic Report, published by India´s Bangalore-based, innovation consulting company, the Center for Knowledge Societies (CKS).
The CKS notes that "Emerging Economies are those regions of the world that are experiencing rapid informationalization under conditions of limited or partial industrialization". This new development according to CKS, "allows us to explain how the non-industrialized nations of the world are achieving unprecedented economic growth using new energy, telecommunications and information technologies"
Key regions of the world, the report states, are being transformed by the phenomenon whereby soft infrastructure -especially, mobile phone networks - is installed despite the absence of hard infrastructure (such as roads, or nation-spanning power grids). This is a crucial element of what Ezio Manzini, the Director of Unit of Research Design and Innovation for Sustainability at the Politecnico di Milano calls the "leapfrog hypothesis" in which developing countries jump over the environmentally most damaging stages of industrial development.
In sum, what the CKS report implies is that countries like Kenya, South Africa and Egypt, have joined four other emerging economies in the world such as India, China, Brazil and Indonesia as economies that will sustain global growth. Key findings of the CKS report indicate that Indian and Chinese Investments will drive Africa´s growth and that Africa´s once dysfunctional informal economy is now driving user innovation. More importantly, the report found that alongside other emerging economies, the three African nations are innovating environmentally efficient modes of energy consumption.
Africa is making important strides in innovation and technology and a brighter future that will usher in an era of prosperity is certainly on the horizon. The world is waking up to this important reality and strategic investors are eager to get on board Africa's New Frontier that promises unlimited opportunities.
Africa is fast emerging as a global south trend setter in social innovation and sustainability. While cynical western observers have often depicted what they deem "the dark continent" in negative light, Africa has proven skeptics wrong by turning its fortunes around amid adversity to present opportunities in virtually all sectors of development, be it technology, education, manufacturing, real estate development, media, arts, agriculture, transportation, telecommunications etc.
The world is now taking notice that in the coming decades, Africa is poised to take the centre stage in terms of economic growth and infrastructural development, providing investment opportunities for world governments and international business. It is now common knowledge that modern day investors from across the world are seeking to do business with Africa.
An international conference held last year in Ottawa, Canada, was rightfully titled;" Africa's New Frontier: Innovation, Technology & Prosperity". The organizers of the conference, Canada's Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) and the International Development Research Centre (IDRC),agree that "Africa is a continent of exciting possibilities", which in the 21st Century, is "emerging as a dynamic and innovative continent".
The official website of the conference positively depicts ´this new Africa" as a continent that boasts a reservoir of young talent, a growing market for cutting-edge technologies, and a source of fresh ideas".
Overall, the conference aimed to enrich Canadian conversations about Africa, highlighting "good news stories from Africa, and drawing on lessons learned, projecting trends, and focusing on the many ways in which Canada can support innovation on the continent".
On the media front conference themes focused on how to re-brand Africa for the 21st century, Africa´s place in the digital age and the cellular evolution in which mobile phones are making African markets work better. The film ´Nollywood Babylon´, a documentary from the National Film Board of Canada, was screened at the conference and later re-screened at Toronto´s National Film Board Theatre. The film presents an "electric vision of a modern African metropolis and a revealing look at the powerhouse that is Nigerian cinema".
On the economy, experts shed light on Africa´s Local Direct Investment, which sounds as a new concept to many and especially to those who in the past could not see beyond the northern-led calls for Foreign Direct Investment as primary source of capital inflow into Africa and the best available means for economic stimulation, growth and development.
For a continent that has suffered a large share of brain drain, the conference included a theme on "The health care brain gain: Networks, technology and access to care". In terms of education, a large number of Africa´s future generation of leaders now increasingly has access to post-secondary education.
Despite ongoing security challenges, African economies have experienced an accelerated growth over the last 5-6 years. The picture is getting rosier each passing year as three African countries, Kenya, South Africa and Egypt, have made the list of the Emerging Economic Report, published by India´s Bangalore-based, innovation consulting company, the Center for Knowledge Societies (CKS).
The CKS notes that "Emerging Economies are those regions of the world that are experiencing rapid informationalization under conditions of limited or partial industrialization". This new development according to CKS, "allows us to explain how the non-industrialized nations of the world are achieving unprecedented economic growth using new energy, telecommunications and information technologies"
Key regions of the world, the report states, are being transformed by the phenomenon whereby soft infrastructure -especially, mobile phone networks - is installed despite the absence of hard infrastructure (such as roads, or nation-spanning power grids). This is a crucial element of what Ezio Manzini, the Director of Unit of Research Design and Innovation for Sustainability at the Politecnico di Milano calls the "leapfrog hypothesis" in which developing countries jump over the environmentally most damaging stages of industrial development.
In sum, what the CKS report implies is that countries like Kenya, South Africa and Egypt, have joined four other emerging economies in the world such as India, China, Brazil and Indonesia as economies that will sustain global growth. Key findings of the CKS report indicate that Indian and Chinese Investments will drive Africa´s growth and that Africa´s once dysfunctional informal economy is now driving user innovation. More importantly, the report found that alongside other emerging economies, the three African nations are innovating environmentally efficient modes of energy consumption.
Africa is making important strides in innovation and technology and a brighter future that will usher in an era of prosperity is certainly on the horizon. The world is waking up to this important reality and strategic investors are eager to get on board Africa's New Frontier that promises unlimited opportunities.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Superstar Saado Ali warsame Receives Gold Record Award
By Farid Omar.
In a historic event held in Toronto on Saturday, June 4th, diehard fans of international superstar, Saado Ali Warsame, thronged the upscale Taj Banquet Centre to see their iconic national hero perform and receive a Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Gold Record Award, the first ever to be awarded to a Somali artist, was presented to Saado Ali by Hodan Nalayeh, the media relations and international co-ordinator of the Somali Refugee Awareness Project. The Somali Refugee Awareness Project is an advocacy group designed to bring mainstream media attention and action on the current Somali refugee crisis in Africa. The prestigious award is in recognition of Saado Ali Warsame's impressive 35 years in music and Somali social activism.
Singing the Somali national anthem upon entering the packed arena, Saado Ali, singer, composer, poet and song writer, was mobbed and hugged by hundreds of supporters as she was ushered to the stage to a raucous welcome. As she took the mike for the opening act, the ecstatic crowd rose to its feet greeting their beloved superstar with sustained, thunderous applause in a splendid ceremony filled with pomp and colour.
The milestone event attracted close to one thousand Somali-Canadians of all generations and walks of life and Canadians in general. Participants travelled from as far as Ottawa, Hamilton, Kitchener-Waterloo, Windsor and from across southern Ontario. It featured who is who in the Somali-Canadian community including community leaders, social activists, artists, media personalities and members of the business community.
The ceremony was a fundraising dinner to help The Somali Refugee Awareness Project to advocate and educate the mainstream media about the current Somali refugee crisis in Africa. Saado Ali will be traveling with the Somali Refugee Awareness Project to Kenya this summer for a video documentary project. June 20th is World Refugee Day and Somali Refugee Awareness Project is asking all Somalis to join together in humanity for Somalis in refugee camps around the world.
For the global Somali community, Saado Ali Warsame is not only an accomplished international performer but a national icon revered for her unwavering stance on human rights, freedom, justice and equality in the entire Somali Peninsula. More importantly, she has emerged as the pre-eminent symbol of national unity for a beleaguered nation torn by a protracted conflict over the last two decades.
In celebrating Somalia´s most iconic musical personality, renowned social activist and leading proponent of national unity, Hodan Nalayeh said that Saado Ali "is not only a superstar with international appeal, but a brave and courageous woman who has demonstrated a great leadership for her community and commitment to the suffering masses including the victims of the civil war, refugees, the displaced, women and kids etc."
Speaking to the Digital Journal's Farid Omar, Hodan said: "Somali professionals and community leaders in the West should advocate for Somali refugee rights. There are over 1.2 million Somali refugees scattered in camps in neighbouing Kenya, Ethiopia and elsewhere in the world".
"While refugees in Sudan are backed by Hollywood celebrities, Somali refugees are not a priority for re-settlement in safe countries in the West including Canada and the US. Saado Ali can bring that level of awareness to the global arena. She is a great symbol of activism and we are here to honour her as a Somali woman and a great human being" said Hodan.
Addressing the massive gathering, Hodan said: "Tonight, we celebrate Saado Ali and the resilience of our people. We recognize Saado for her historic contribution to music, art and culture and for her advocacy for peace and refugee rights in Africa. We should work together to create awareness on the dying and the unfortunate and the woman who can help change that is Saado Ali."
"We are not part of the qabil (clannish) movement. We have one flag, the Somali flag. We must help the helpless. Let´s wake up, twenty years is far too long" said Hodan in reference to the devastating civil war in Somalia.
In her eagerly awaited acceptance speech, Saado Ali Warsame thanked her supporters and called upon the global Somali community "to unite and rise above clannish divisions". She appealed to her supporters not to antagonize her detractors but strive to bring them back to the Somali fold. Despite death threats and vicious attacks by those who oppose her unity project, Saado Ali, true to her national colours, has always extended an olive branch to her misguided detractors. She urged her followers to do the same.
"For those who hurl insults at Saado Ali, don´t respond in kind, simply tell them thank you" said Saado Ali to a cheering, enthusiastic crowd.
Saado Ali also recounted her persistent struggles to speak on behalf of the downtrodden and oppressed across Somalia. During the military regime, she defended the people of North West Somalia (present Day Somaliland) against the regime´s excesses. When fellow Somalis in the North East region (present day Puntland) and Southern Somalia suffered a similar fate, she was equally vocal in defending their rights.
"Whether it was SNM, SSDF, or USC, I supported all folks who were at the receiving end of the regime. I was thrown in jail for standing up to the regime in defence of the oppressed" Said Saado Ali. "I am hurt today by the fact that folks, whom I defended in the past, are engaging in a smear campaign against me."
"Why all these double standards?" Saado queried. Always taking the high road, Saado Ali asked her supporters to refrain from accosting her slanderers. "Whoever engages in defamatory acts directed at my person, don´t fight them. Invite them back to the Somali fold with open arms."
"The majority would praise me, others would scorn me. I know I am on the right path and I will always stand for justice and the truth."
Saado Ali also paid tribute to Hodan Nalayeh of the Somali Refugee Awareness Project, a prominent professional working for a major corporation in California. A rising star in her own right, Hodan is poised to play a significant role in international development and refugee advocacy circles.
A diverse global movement that includes a burgeoning youth constituency is increasingly rallying behind Saado Ali´s national cause for Somali unity, peace, and justice and equality. Ayat Musse, a new young admirer of Saado Ali says she and her peers "adore Saado Ali, listen to her music and are motivated by her consistent message for the Somali people".
Donning colourful traditional attire set in Somali national colours, Samia Mohamed, only 15, expressed her utmost admiration for Saado Ali, stating: "Saado Ali is an amazing singer who is inspiring the younger generation".
Another ardent fan, Hodan Adan Caamiye, said that Saado Ali "is the best national artist and the true voice for all Somalis regardless of their regional or communal affiliations".
Hassan "Karate", the event Co-MC and anchor of Ogaal Radio, 88.9FM Toronto, paid a glowing tribute to Saado Ali´s contributions to Somali arts, social activism and national unity project.
"Saado Ali has been steadfast in her desire to unite the Somali people. Her persistent message of peace, justice and national unity is resonating well with all Somalis. She is a priceless national icon who has enriched our cultural landscape through her patriotic, socially-conscious music. Being the champion of the downtrodden and voice of the voiceless, her social activism defends the rights of the vulnerable while calling for peace, love and unity for her long suffering people." Hassan "Karate" said.
During the historic event, Saado Ali entertained the audience with her hugely popular, chart topping nationalist and patriotic songs and other musical tracks spanning her illustrious career. Her artistic expressions form a unique brand of edutainment in utterly thrilling songs loaded with socially-conscious lyrics that are equally entertaining. Her unique style that combines a dose of social commentary and esthetical variations has taken Somali music to a new level.
Throughout the concert, the sold-out crowd stayed on their feet as the pulsating beats lent a carnival atmosphere to the event sending the Toronto revelers into near delirium. Her gigantic Toronto fan base is demanding the prompt return of their beloved superstar and a July 1st concert simultaneously coinciding with the Somali National Day and Canada Day is already in the works in what promises to be the concert of the century.
In a historic event held in Toronto on Saturday, June 4th, diehard fans of international superstar, Saado Ali Warsame, thronged the upscale Taj Banquet Centre to see their iconic national hero perform and receive a Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Gold Record Award, the first ever to be awarded to a Somali artist, was presented to Saado Ali by Hodan Nalayeh, the media relations and international co-ordinator of the Somali Refugee Awareness Project. The Somali Refugee Awareness Project is an advocacy group designed to bring mainstream media attention and action on the current Somali refugee crisis in Africa. The prestigious award is in recognition of Saado Ali Warsame's impressive 35 years in music and Somali social activism.
Singing the Somali national anthem upon entering the packed arena, Saado Ali, singer, composer, poet and song writer, was mobbed and hugged by hundreds of supporters as she was ushered to the stage to a raucous welcome. As she took the mike for the opening act, the ecstatic crowd rose to its feet greeting their beloved superstar with sustained, thunderous applause in a splendid ceremony filled with pomp and colour.
The milestone event attracted close to one thousand Somali-Canadians of all generations and walks of life and Canadians in general. Participants travelled from as far as Ottawa, Hamilton, Kitchener-Waterloo, Windsor and from across southern Ontario. It featured who is who in the Somali-Canadian community including community leaders, social activists, artists, media personalities and members of the business community.
The ceremony was a fundraising dinner to help The Somali Refugee Awareness Project to advocate and educate the mainstream media about the current Somali refugee crisis in Africa. Saado Ali will be traveling with the Somali Refugee Awareness Project to Kenya this summer for a video documentary project. June 20th is World Refugee Day and Somali Refugee Awareness Project is asking all Somalis to join together in humanity for Somalis in refugee camps around the world.
For the global Somali community, Saado Ali Warsame is not only an accomplished international performer but a national icon revered for her unwavering stance on human rights, freedom, justice and equality in the entire Somali Peninsula. More importantly, she has emerged as the pre-eminent symbol of national unity for a beleaguered nation torn by a protracted conflict over the last two decades.
In celebrating Somalia´s most iconic musical personality, renowned social activist and leading proponent of national unity, Hodan Nalayeh said that Saado Ali "is not only a superstar with international appeal, but a brave and courageous woman who has demonstrated a great leadership for her community and commitment to the suffering masses including the victims of the civil war, refugees, the displaced, women and kids etc."
Speaking to the Digital Journal's Farid Omar, Hodan said: "Somali professionals and community leaders in the West should advocate for Somali refugee rights. There are over 1.2 million Somali refugees scattered in camps in neighbouing Kenya, Ethiopia and elsewhere in the world".
"While refugees in Sudan are backed by Hollywood celebrities, Somali refugees are not a priority for re-settlement in safe countries in the West including Canada and the US. Saado Ali can bring that level of awareness to the global arena. She is a great symbol of activism and we are here to honour her as a Somali woman and a great human being" said Hodan.
Addressing the massive gathering, Hodan said: "Tonight, we celebrate Saado Ali and the resilience of our people. We recognize Saado for her historic contribution to music, art and culture and for her advocacy for peace and refugee rights in Africa. We should work together to create awareness on the dying and the unfortunate and the woman who can help change that is Saado Ali."
"We are not part of the qabil (clannish) movement. We have one flag, the Somali flag. We must help the helpless. Let´s wake up, twenty years is far too long" said Hodan in reference to the devastating civil war in Somalia.
In her eagerly awaited acceptance speech, Saado Ali Warsame thanked her supporters and called upon the global Somali community "to unite and rise above clannish divisions". She appealed to her supporters not to antagonize her detractors but strive to bring them back to the Somali fold. Despite death threats and vicious attacks by those who oppose her unity project, Saado Ali, true to her national colours, has always extended an olive branch to her misguided detractors. She urged her followers to do the same.
"For those who hurl insults at Saado Ali, don´t respond in kind, simply tell them thank you" said Saado Ali to a cheering, enthusiastic crowd.
Saado Ali also recounted her persistent struggles to speak on behalf of the downtrodden and oppressed across Somalia. During the military regime, she defended the people of North West Somalia (present Day Somaliland) against the regime´s excesses. When fellow Somalis in the North East region (present day Puntland) and Southern Somalia suffered a similar fate, she was equally vocal in defending their rights.
"Whether it was SNM, SSDF, or USC, I supported all folks who were at the receiving end of the regime. I was thrown in jail for standing up to the regime in defence of the oppressed" Said Saado Ali. "I am hurt today by the fact that folks, whom I defended in the past, are engaging in a smear campaign against me."
"Why all these double standards?" Saado queried. Always taking the high road, Saado Ali asked her supporters to refrain from accosting her slanderers. "Whoever engages in defamatory acts directed at my person, don´t fight them. Invite them back to the Somali fold with open arms."
"The majority would praise me, others would scorn me. I know I am on the right path and I will always stand for justice and the truth."
Saado Ali also paid tribute to Hodan Nalayeh of the Somali Refugee Awareness Project, a prominent professional working for a major corporation in California. A rising star in her own right, Hodan is poised to play a significant role in international development and refugee advocacy circles.
A diverse global movement that includes a burgeoning youth constituency is increasingly rallying behind Saado Ali´s national cause for Somali unity, peace, and justice and equality. Ayat Musse, a new young admirer of Saado Ali says she and her peers "adore Saado Ali, listen to her music and are motivated by her consistent message for the Somali people".
Donning colourful traditional attire set in Somali national colours, Samia Mohamed, only 15, expressed her utmost admiration for Saado Ali, stating: "Saado Ali is an amazing singer who is inspiring the younger generation".
Another ardent fan, Hodan Adan Caamiye, said that Saado Ali "is the best national artist and the true voice for all Somalis regardless of their regional or communal affiliations".
Hassan "Karate", the event Co-MC and anchor of Ogaal Radio, 88.9FM Toronto, paid a glowing tribute to Saado Ali´s contributions to Somali arts, social activism and national unity project.
"Saado Ali has been steadfast in her desire to unite the Somali people. Her persistent message of peace, justice and national unity is resonating well with all Somalis. She is a priceless national icon who has enriched our cultural landscape through her patriotic, socially-conscious music. Being the champion of the downtrodden and voice of the voiceless, her social activism defends the rights of the vulnerable while calling for peace, love and unity for her long suffering people." Hassan "Karate" said.
During the historic event, Saado Ali entertained the audience with her hugely popular, chart topping nationalist and patriotic songs and other musical tracks spanning her illustrious career. Her artistic expressions form a unique brand of edutainment in utterly thrilling songs loaded with socially-conscious lyrics that are equally entertaining. Her unique style that combines a dose of social commentary and esthetical variations has taken Somali music to a new level.
Throughout the concert, the sold-out crowd stayed on their feet as the pulsating beats lent a carnival atmosphere to the event sending the Toronto revelers into near delirium. Her gigantic Toronto fan base is demanding the prompt return of their beloved superstar and a July 1st concert simultaneously coinciding with the Somali National Day and Canada Day is already in the works in what promises to be the concert of the century.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath at Somali Community Event
By Farid Omar.
According to Somali-Canadian demographers, Ontario is home to over 100,000 Somalis with the Greater Toronto Area alone accounting for 70,000 Somali-Canadian residents.
In a well attended community round table held on March 3rd at Toronto’s Eagle Manor located at 1901 Weston Road, members of the Somali community thronged the meeting hall to hear Ontario NDP leader, Andrea Horwath speak and engaged in group sessions that set forth their vision for tackling such critical issues as housing, employment, youth violence and education.
Stating that she came to hear from the community rather than do the talking, Andrea Horwath noted people in the community are taking action on issues affecting them and would like to see important changes take place but lamented community efforts have been hampered by lack of response from government circles.
“The community wants to take action but government supports are not there. It is not acceptable that there are no opportunities for young Somali-Canadians because infrastructure available does not meet the needs of the Somali community. I hear this level of frustration when people are willing to make change but can’t get help,” Said Andrea Horwath, adding that the NDP is committed to help solve problems facing the Somali community in Ontario.
“People in the community have solutions but response is not coming from the Provincial government” Said Horwath who pledged to work with Paul Ferreira, the NDP’s York South-Weston candidate for the upcoming Provincial elections to push for a real change and bring attention to concerns that have been ignored for some time. The largely immigrant and working class riding where the community round table took place, is home to a large number of Somali-Canadians who analysts say face high poverty levels and rising unemployment.
Faisal Hassan, the NDP's York South-Weston Riding Association President, a Somali-Canadian, underscored the significance of the forum which allows leaders to come and listen to community concerns with view of working collaboratively with stakeholders to tackle critical issues affecting the community at large by employing effective implementation plans.
Muse Kulow, the Somali-Canadian publisher of Immigrant Post observed that in the land of milk and honey (Canada) people in his community are still struggling to adapt to their new home, saying that Somali families never received appropriate settlement services.
Ferreira, an immigrant who arrived in Canada at a young age, recounted how members of his Portuguese community strove hard to overcome similar barriers faced by Somali-Canadians.
“The community we live in is not reflected in our institutions. People doing excellent work need full support of the NDP and the government. Institutions have to change and the only way to go forward is to combat racism head on” said Ferreira who noted the Somali community has a lot of role models and should stay engaged to bring positive change.
For a community that has traditionally looked to the NDP for solutions at policy level, forum participants called for a return to the NDP-era job creation programs such as Jobs Ontario and the Employment Equity legislation under the previous Ontario NDP government that were axed by the Mike Harris Conservatives. Both Andrea Horwath and Paul Ferreira pledged they will fight to bring back Employment Equity legislation and job creation programs.
Khadijah Salal, a York University graduate and a political analyst with Ogaal Radio, 88.9FM expressed her concerns over the status of Post-Secondary education in Ontario.
“Post-secondary education is being prized beyond the reach of Somali and other immigrant students. Mounting student debt loads means university graduates like me are still struggling to re-pay these loans.” Said Khadijah.
Her sister, Iman Salal, a current York student enrolled in the International Relations program concurs with Khadijah.
“Even second generation university students face similar challenges”. Said Iman, adding that “It is imperative grant programs to finance post-secondary education be put in place to help mitigate the effects of sky rocketing tuition fees”. In the interim, Somali university students are demanding tuition freeze.
A participant who declined to be named said the community and policy makers should move beyond “talk issues” and place “more emphasis on concrete steps to be taken by building on available resources since the community is thriving with talent and energy and ready to contribute to its own development”.
On youth issues, Abdifatah Warsame, a prominent youth leader and organizer said urgent action needs to be taken to address the staggering 37.7% high drop out rates among Somali high school kids.
“Parents should be equipped with resources they so desperately need to support their kids who are falling through the cracks” Said Abdifatah. He called upon the community and school system to work hand in hand to address gaps between poor communities, schools and educators.
Deeply involved in the provision of after school and sports/recreation programs intended to help high school kids make a successful transition to post-secondary education, Abdifatah pointed to another barrier to education:
“Prospective post-secondary students are not only faced with rising tuition but also the moral dilemma of tapping into students loans that do not meet the requirements of students from a predominantly Muslim community where interest-based loans are forbidden”.
‘We would like to see a return to a grants-based education system, which would eliminate financial barriers and improve access to post-secondary education.” Said Abdifatah.
Access to safe, affordable housing is a major problem in the community. It was noted that a Somali lady has been on the waiting list for rent-geared-to-income housing since 1996. Favouristm, bribery and other malpractices at the Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC), Canada’s largest public housing landlord, mean that community applicants are often overlooked and in some cases, pushed down the list by unscrupulous staffers who accommodate very recent applicants whose files are unfairly expedited at the expense of neglected ones.
For Somali tenants already housed in TCHC buildings, they face security issues and live in deplorable conditions where deteriorating units go unrepaired. Families find it very difficult to raise children in an environment where public safety is lacking in an increasingly ghettoized sub-standard housing.
On employment, it was revealed that qualified community members face barriers to employment such as systemic racism. Even Canadian-born, young Somali University and college graduates are finding it difficult to secure decent jobs in a labour market rife with nepotism and cronyism.
Barriers to employment include the so-called “Canadian Experience” and lack of good paying jobs in a hidden job market where the majority of available positions are not advertised to the public.
Job networking is another barrier as job hunters in the community cannot afford expensive networking conferences and workshops. There are simply no networking opportunities in a closed job market that favours the well-connected.
Representatives of Somali seniors informed the forum that they constitute one of the most neglected segments of the community whose problems include isolation, lack of services, leisure space and housing. But they have taken matters in their hands having formed their own organization in the Toronto area, which advocates for services and programs and better resources for seniors.
Overall, community members reiterated the call for re-enactment of the Employment Equity legislation at provincial level, revival of Jobs Ontario Program, affordable child care, second career programs and incentives for employers that hire Somali-Canadians. Access to quality affordable housing, better educational prospects and services for women and seniors are equally important. It was felt that the community must stay engaged and working together is a collective responsibility that would bring positive change.
According to Somali-Canadian demographers, Ontario is home to over 100,000 Somalis with the Greater Toronto Area alone accounting for 70,000 Somali-Canadian residents.
In a well attended community round table held on March 3rd at Toronto’s Eagle Manor located at 1901 Weston Road, members of the Somali community thronged the meeting hall to hear Ontario NDP leader, Andrea Horwath speak and engaged in group sessions that set forth their vision for tackling such critical issues as housing, employment, youth violence and education.
Stating that she came to hear from the community rather than do the talking, Andrea Horwath noted people in the community are taking action on issues affecting them and would like to see important changes take place but lamented community efforts have been hampered by lack of response from government circles.
“The community wants to take action but government supports are not there. It is not acceptable that there are no opportunities for young Somali-Canadians because infrastructure available does not meet the needs of the Somali community. I hear this level of frustration when people are willing to make change but can’t get help,” Said Andrea Horwath, adding that the NDP is committed to help solve problems facing the Somali community in Ontario.
“People in the community have solutions but response is not coming from the Provincial government” Said Horwath who pledged to work with Paul Ferreira, the NDP’s York South-Weston candidate for the upcoming Provincial elections to push for a real change and bring attention to concerns that have been ignored for some time. The largely immigrant and working class riding where the community round table took place, is home to a large number of Somali-Canadians who analysts say face high poverty levels and rising unemployment.
Faisal Hassan, the NDP's York South-Weston Riding Association President, a Somali-Canadian, underscored the significance of the forum which allows leaders to come and listen to community concerns with view of working collaboratively with stakeholders to tackle critical issues affecting the community at large by employing effective implementation plans.
Muse Kulow, the Somali-Canadian publisher of Immigrant Post observed that in the land of milk and honey (Canada) people in his community are still struggling to adapt to their new home, saying that Somali families never received appropriate settlement services.
Ferreira, an immigrant who arrived in Canada at a young age, recounted how members of his Portuguese community strove hard to overcome similar barriers faced by Somali-Canadians.
“The community we live in is not reflected in our institutions. People doing excellent work need full support of the NDP and the government. Institutions have to change and the only way to go forward is to combat racism head on” said Ferreira who noted the Somali community has a lot of role models and should stay engaged to bring positive change.
For a community that has traditionally looked to the NDP for solutions at policy level, forum participants called for a return to the NDP-era job creation programs such as Jobs Ontario and the Employment Equity legislation under the previous Ontario NDP government that were axed by the Mike Harris Conservatives. Both Andrea Horwath and Paul Ferreira pledged they will fight to bring back Employment Equity legislation and job creation programs.
Khadijah Salal, a York University graduate and a political analyst with Ogaal Radio, 88.9FM expressed her concerns over the status of Post-Secondary education in Ontario.
“Post-secondary education is being prized beyond the reach of Somali and other immigrant students. Mounting student debt loads means university graduates like me are still struggling to re-pay these loans.” Said Khadijah.
Her sister, Iman Salal, a current York student enrolled in the International Relations program concurs with Khadijah.
“Even second generation university students face similar challenges”. Said Iman, adding that “It is imperative grant programs to finance post-secondary education be put in place to help mitigate the effects of sky rocketing tuition fees”. In the interim, Somali university students are demanding tuition freeze.
A participant who declined to be named said the community and policy makers should move beyond “talk issues” and place “more emphasis on concrete steps to be taken by building on available resources since the community is thriving with talent and energy and ready to contribute to its own development”.
On youth issues, Abdifatah Warsame, a prominent youth leader and organizer said urgent action needs to be taken to address the staggering 37.7% high drop out rates among Somali high school kids.
“Parents should be equipped with resources they so desperately need to support their kids who are falling through the cracks” Said Abdifatah. He called upon the community and school system to work hand in hand to address gaps between poor communities, schools and educators.
Deeply involved in the provision of after school and sports/recreation programs intended to help high school kids make a successful transition to post-secondary education, Abdifatah pointed to another barrier to education:
“Prospective post-secondary students are not only faced with rising tuition but also the moral dilemma of tapping into students loans that do not meet the requirements of students from a predominantly Muslim community where interest-based loans are forbidden”.
‘We would like to see a return to a grants-based education system, which would eliminate financial barriers and improve access to post-secondary education.” Said Abdifatah.
Access to safe, affordable housing is a major problem in the community. It was noted that a Somali lady has been on the waiting list for rent-geared-to-income housing since 1996. Favouristm, bribery and other malpractices at the Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC), Canada’s largest public housing landlord, mean that community applicants are often overlooked and in some cases, pushed down the list by unscrupulous staffers who accommodate very recent applicants whose files are unfairly expedited at the expense of neglected ones.
For Somali tenants already housed in TCHC buildings, they face security issues and live in deplorable conditions where deteriorating units go unrepaired. Families find it very difficult to raise children in an environment where public safety is lacking in an increasingly ghettoized sub-standard housing.
On employment, it was revealed that qualified community members face barriers to employment such as systemic racism. Even Canadian-born, young Somali University and college graduates are finding it difficult to secure decent jobs in a labour market rife with nepotism and cronyism.
Barriers to employment include the so-called “Canadian Experience” and lack of good paying jobs in a hidden job market where the majority of available positions are not advertised to the public.
Job networking is another barrier as job hunters in the community cannot afford expensive networking conferences and workshops. There are simply no networking opportunities in a closed job market that favours the well-connected.
Representatives of Somali seniors informed the forum that they constitute one of the most neglected segments of the community whose problems include isolation, lack of services, leisure space and housing. But they have taken matters in their hands having formed their own organization in the Toronto area, which advocates for services and programs and better resources for seniors.
Overall, community members reiterated the call for re-enactment of the Employment Equity legislation at provincial level, revival of Jobs Ontario Program, affordable child care, second career programs and incentives for employers that hire Somali-Canadians. Access to quality affordable housing, better educational prospects and services for women and seniors are equally important. It was felt that the community must stay engaged and working together is a collective responsibility that would bring positive change.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Blazing the Trail: Eastern Canada High School Sets Higher Standards
By Farid Omar
Establishing an innovative, goals-oriented, supportive learning environment in high school education can be a tall order for many public schools that are ill-equipped to deal with the needs of culturally diverse students.
A significant number of students of visible minority background in the Toronto District School Board including those of East-African descent not only find it difficult to complete school, but fall on the wayside as drop outs with diminished prospects of making the transition to post-secondary education.
But the Eastern Canada High School (ECHS) located at 36 Colville Road ( Keele and Lawrence Area) is changing all that. Thanks to the efforts of Mr. Abdinoor, the Principal of the high achieving school that is blazing the trail in community-oriented, private, high school education.
Principal Abdinoor holds a BA in engineering from Ryerson University and over a long span of involvement in the education sector; has served as a teacher in the public school system and operated a tutoring service tailored to the needs of Somali-Canadian students.
Mr. Abdinoor has been deeply involved in numerous community development initiatives. It was through his teaching and tutoring experience that he identified gaps in the public school system and embarked on a mission to seek viable alternatives for his community. He was concerned by the fact that the progress of high schoolers in his community had been hampered by a school system that did not understand the socio-economic and cultural dynamics of a community living at the margins of society.
To fix this problem, Mr. Abdinoor took the initiative to set up the Eastern Canada High School that in many regards is a shining example of an alternative, private school model – that efficiently meets the needs of its students, expectations of parents and overall educational goals of its respective community. Parents who feel let down by the public school system have turned their attention to Eastern Canada High School to secure their children’s academic future.
Mr. Abdinoor pointed to the uniqueness of the school stating that unlike the public school system, “Eastern Canada High School provides a safe, healthy, supervised environment” adding that it challenges its students “to a higher academic standard and rigorous work ethic to meet more criteria to keep up their grade point averages”.
The ECHS is an accredited private high school offering credit courses for grades 9 to 12 students who are aiming to complete their Ontario secondary school diploma. It provides students with numerous learning options as they can enroll in full time day or evening classes, earn extra credits to catch up on or earn credits not offered by local high schools when students need it most. Students can earn these credits alongside their regular semester courses.
Students also have the options to enroll in online courses and to take additional credits during the summer while tutoring services are available at evenings for those who need it. With a student-teacher ratio at less than 10 students per teacher, students have greater access to teachers, and this guarantees a one-on-one teacher instruction. Such is the quality of the school, which also boasts of teachers holding advanced PhD and MA degrees.
When asked why parents should chose a private school like ECHS where they are expected to pay tuition over public schools that are tuition free, Mr. Abdinoor said” public schools can help students succeed if they want, equally, if they want students to fail, they can help them fail.” Eastern Canada High School is different because “our goal is to prevent students from failing, by deploying caring teachers who understand the needs and challenges of the students”.
“We engage the students’ families on day to day basis and parents are here most of the time” says Abdinoor. “If students experience personal problems, they are not left alone; we have support groups in place to ensure no kid falls behind”.
As a big school with small classes offering a wide range of subjects, Abdinoor observes that Eastern Canada “is goal-oriented and instills students with the expectation of attending university”. As a result, students have higher rates of acceptance to universities and colleges.
The sky is the limit for students in this school. Hibo Machel, a grade 12 student, expressed her optimism of attending a post secondary institution and pursuing a successful career in a management and executive level in future.
“I plan to enroll in a marketing and advertising program at Ryerson and complete a Bachelor degree in business” Hibo confidently said. “I hope to work one day as a production manager or advertising executive for a major corporation like Coca Cola or Dove” says Hibo, adding that her ultimate goal is “to become a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for a major corporation”.
Hibo speaks highly of her school. “I like the one-on-one approach here, which is unlike regular schools that rush students”. “Teachers here help you till evening. They are productive and precise in what they teach”.
“This is a good school, and I like it here. Even though there a number of students in a given class, you can always count on a one-on-one teacher support you can’t get elsewhere”. Says Hibo who forsees a bright future ahead.
For young Hibo and many other students here, ECHS is the foundation upon where they build their academic goals and make a successful transition to universities, on the path to successful careers in future. To register students, parents can call Eastern Canada High School at (416) 567-4404.
Establishing an innovative, goals-oriented, supportive learning environment in high school education can be a tall order for many public schools that are ill-equipped to deal with the needs of culturally diverse students.
A significant number of students of visible minority background in the Toronto District School Board including those of East-African descent not only find it difficult to complete school, but fall on the wayside as drop outs with diminished prospects of making the transition to post-secondary education.
But the Eastern Canada High School (ECHS) located at 36 Colville Road ( Keele and Lawrence Area) is changing all that. Thanks to the efforts of Mr. Abdinoor, the Principal of the high achieving school that is blazing the trail in community-oriented, private, high school education.
Principal Abdinoor holds a BA in engineering from Ryerson University and over a long span of involvement in the education sector; has served as a teacher in the public school system and operated a tutoring service tailored to the needs of Somali-Canadian students.
Mr. Abdinoor has been deeply involved in numerous community development initiatives. It was through his teaching and tutoring experience that he identified gaps in the public school system and embarked on a mission to seek viable alternatives for his community. He was concerned by the fact that the progress of high schoolers in his community had been hampered by a school system that did not understand the socio-economic and cultural dynamics of a community living at the margins of society.
To fix this problem, Mr. Abdinoor took the initiative to set up the Eastern Canada High School that in many regards is a shining example of an alternative, private school model – that efficiently meets the needs of its students, expectations of parents and overall educational goals of its respective community. Parents who feel let down by the public school system have turned their attention to Eastern Canada High School to secure their children’s academic future.
Mr. Abdinoor pointed to the uniqueness of the school stating that unlike the public school system, “Eastern Canada High School provides a safe, healthy, supervised environment” adding that it challenges its students “to a higher academic standard and rigorous work ethic to meet more criteria to keep up their grade point averages”.
The ECHS is an accredited private high school offering credit courses for grades 9 to 12 students who are aiming to complete their Ontario secondary school diploma. It provides students with numerous learning options as they can enroll in full time day or evening classes, earn extra credits to catch up on or earn credits not offered by local high schools when students need it most. Students can earn these credits alongside their regular semester courses.
Students also have the options to enroll in online courses and to take additional credits during the summer while tutoring services are available at evenings for those who need it. With a student-teacher ratio at less than 10 students per teacher, students have greater access to teachers, and this guarantees a one-on-one teacher instruction. Such is the quality of the school, which also boasts of teachers holding advanced PhD and MA degrees.
When asked why parents should chose a private school like ECHS where they are expected to pay tuition over public schools that are tuition free, Mr. Abdinoor said” public schools can help students succeed if they want, equally, if they want students to fail, they can help them fail.” Eastern Canada High School is different because “our goal is to prevent students from failing, by deploying caring teachers who understand the needs and challenges of the students”.
“We engage the students’ families on day to day basis and parents are here most of the time” says Abdinoor. “If students experience personal problems, they are not left alone; we have support groups in place to ensure no kid falls behind”.
As a big school with small classes offering a wide range of subjects, Abdinoor observes that Eastern Canada “is goal-oriented and instills students with the expectation of attending university”. As a result, students have higher rates of acceptance to universities and colleges.
The sky is the limit for students in this school. Hibo Machel, a grade 12 student, expressed her optimism of attending a post secondary institution and pursuing a successful career in a management and executive level in future.
“I plan to enroll in a marketing and advertising program at Ryerson and complete a Bachelor degree in business” Hibo confidently said. “I hope to work one day as a production manager or advertising executive for a major corporation like Coca Cola or Dove” says Hibo, adding that her ultimate goal is “to become a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for a major corporation”.
Hibo speaks highly of her school. “I like the one-on-one approach here, which is unlike regular schools that rush students”. “Teachers here help you till evening. They are productive and precise in what they teach”.
“This is a good school, and I like it here. Even though there a number of students in a given class, you can always count on a one-on-one teacher support you can’t get elsewhere”. Says Hibo who forsees a bright future ahead.
For young Hibo and many other students here, ECHS is the foundation upon where they build their academic goals and make a successful transition to universities, on the path to successful careers in future. To register students, parents can call Eastern Canada High School at (416) 567-4404.
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