Premier India Football Academy invited FA/ UEFA licensed coaches Gary Lewis and Peter Tickle from Inspire Academy, England to conduct sessions at 3 venues in India.
Both coaches have great experience training youth academies such as BCSSA & Everton FC Youth Academy. This was Peter Tickles second visit to India and he was impressed by the progress that the children from the academy have made. He feels it will not be long before our boys will be able to compete with the European youth teams.
At each of these camps, the children were trained like they would at the Everton FC Youth academy and were given talks on nutrition, fitness & football psychology. Their football knowledge was also quizzed. All participants competed in a skills contest. The winner won a Nike Football amongst other things. All participants were given a t-shirt, cap and an information file.
The first camp held on 29 October to 1 November 2007 was an all girls’ camp held at the Unison World School. Forty-Eight girls benefited from the training program the first in Dehra Dun. The final day was quite sad, as the girls had formed a bond for the PIFA team. They tearfully bid the coaches & PIFA director Anjali Shah farewell, each of the girls gave the coaches a hand made card.
The second camp was held in South Mumbai at the Karnataka Sports ground from 3rd to 6th November 2007. PIFA Director joined the camp after retuning from England on completion of his UEFA B license course. There were 52 participants that enrolled of which Dr Francis Saldanha of USA, sponsored 10 children for the camp that finished top in the PIFA Skills contest held in October at St Xavier’s ground, Parel. The skills winner for this camp was Aryaan Sood with 760 points
The third and final camp was held in North Mumbai at the St Andrews School form 7th to 10th November 2007. The camp sold out with in a week. Three girls participated in the camp along with forty-four boys. The skills winner was Calvin Lobo with 770 points.
The camps ended with PIFA Director Nirvan Shah felicitating the 2 boys of India U-16 team Harshad Meher & Ajith Bhoir with a cheque for Rs 5,000 each from PIFA Foundation. They returned from the AFC championship tournament in Saudi Arabia, unbeaten. Both boys are from PIFA.
The camps were all sold out. PIFA is now planning camps to Spain, Italy & England in the summer.
For more details visit www.pifacademy.com
A Football Academy in India that is dedicated to training young children. It strongly believes that the road to India's FIFA World Cup is thru the children,they are the future of India.
PIFA organise camps in Europe & in India with UEFA Coaches as well as runs a training academy in Mumbai. All coaches are AFC / FA/ UEFA licensed. They have a mens & womens team in the MFL. The also conduct various events related to childrens football
Tied up with Bobby Charlton Soccer & Sports Academy, Rangers Soccer School, AC Milan Academy, Cruzerio EC, Everton FC Youth Academy.
PIFA Vision - India in the 2022 World Cup !!!
Source: http://www.indiaprwire.com/pressrelease/sports/200711175690.htm
Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Sports Authority of India (SAI)to revamp coaching schemes
Over 1000 Sports Authority of India (SAI) trainees undergoing training in various disciplines at different centres across the country are expected to benefit soon from a MoU signed between UK Sports and Indian government.
Under the agreement, SK Saggar, a top SAI official, recently made a trip to London to study the UK Sports talent identification programme.
With the focus on the 2010 Commonwealth Game, SAI will soon introduce the new plans. “We hope the new concepts will help improve performance,” he said.
Saggar is expected to go around India to apprise SAI’s coaches about the new methods of training.
Some of the ideas are not really new—like having a sports psychologist with the team—but they are not utilised to the optimum level here.
Saggar said more emphasis should be given on support staff when preparing for big events. “The concept of support staff is quite popular in UK. Any good training system is as productive as its support staff. UK Sports is fully using that concept to prepare its teams for 2012. We shouldn’t ignore it,” he added.
Saggar added that SAI officials at regional level will be collecting data of children between 7 to 11 years of age. It’s a good concept to scout for talent, keeping in mind the required physique for each discipline. It will help to increase bench strength,” he added.
Saggar also said that pockets rich in naturally talent must be given scientific backing. “Individuals are working hard but team support is lacking. That could be one of the reasons for diminishing returns,” he said.
According to Saggar, primary and the special schools are the basics foundation of UK Sports’ programme. “In UK, under the scheme there are at least 2000 trained teachers for primary and special schools,” he said.
Children in the age group of 7 to 11 years are introduced to physical activities. Talented kids graduate to secondary school and those with more potential got to special sports colleges. There are 17 of them.
According to Saggar, in primary school, where basic movements of a child is observed, there are only two training sessions per week. And the number of sessions go up as the child progresses.
However, he was not allowed to see the training of the core group of athletes who were preparing for the 2012 Olympics.
Source: http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/SAI-to-revamp-coaching-schemes/243636/
Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.
Under the agreement, SK Saggar, a top SAI official, recently made a trip to London to study the UK Sports talent identification programme.
With the focus on the 2010 Commonwealth Game, SAI will soon introduce the new plans. “We hope the new concepts will help improve performance,” he said.
Saggar is expected to go around India to apprise SAI’s coaches about the new methods of training.
Some of the ideas are not really new—like having a sports psychologist with the team—but they are not utilised to the optimum level here.
Saggar said more emphasis should be given on support staff when preparing for big events. “The concept of support staff is quite popular in UK. Any good training system is as productive as its support staff. UK Sports is fully using that concept to prepare its teams for 2012. We shouldn’t ignore it,” he added.
Saggar added that SAI officials at regional level will be collecting data of children between 7 to 11 years of age. It’s a good concept to scout for talent, keeping in mind the required physique for each discipline. It will help to increase bench strength,” he added.
Saggar also said that pockets rich in naturally talent must be given scientific backing. “Individuals are working hard but team support is lacking. That could be one of the reasons for diminishing returns,” he said.
According to Saggar, primary and the special schools are the basics foundation of UK Sports’ programme. “In UK, under the scheme there are at least 2000 trained teachers for primary and special schools,” he said.
Children in the age group of 7 to 11 years are introduced to physical activities. Talented kids graduate to secondary school and those with more potential got to special sports colleges. There are 17 of them.
According to Saggar, in primary school, where basic movements of a child is observed, there are only two training sessions per week. And the number of sessions go up as the child progresses.
However, he was not allowed to see the training of the core group of athletes who were preparing for the 2012 Olympics.
Source: http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/SAI-to-revamp-coaching-schemes/243636/
Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.
Sport inspires you to move on in life
Roger Federer, the number-one tennis male tennis player and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, took a break from his whirlwind schedule of tournaments, grand slams and public appearances to record a video message raising awareness about HIV and AIDS.
The public service announcement supports the Unite for Children, Unite Against AIDS campaign, launched by UNICEF and UNAIDS to draw attention to the impact of the disease on children and young people. Since the campaign launched in 2005, several countries have begun local initiatives of their own, engaging thousands in the campaign.
"I’ve seen kids in South Africa who’ve been affected and it’s a very big problem, especially in the poorer countries," said Mr. Federer, whose mother was born in South Africa. "It’s important to break down discrimination and stigma. Many people always think ‘I can’t talk to this person’, but I think it’s very important to speak openly about it. Ask your parents, teachers and coaches."
Roger Federer was appointed as a UNICEF Good will Ambassador in 2006.
"Sports have always been a great part of my life. It brings people together, so it’s easier to talk about a subject like HIV," added Mr. Federer. "Sport inspires you to move on in life, and it’s important to speak together if you’re playing a team sport."
On his first trip as a Goodwill Ambassador last year, Roger Federer visited a life-skills workshop in India, which offered practical information to young people to help them make responsible decisions – such as how to best protect themselves from HIV/AIDS and educate others about the disease.
"I think if people can help the process, trying to make HIV a thing of the past, I’m willing to help, too," he said. "It’s a hard subject to talk about. People sometimes try to avoid it – that’s not the way to go."
Roger Federer’s video message in English, French and German will be released to mark this year’s World AIDS Day on 1 December.
Source: http://sharecompassion.blogspot.com/2007/11/roger-federer-psa.html
Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.
US Consulate in India Issues Safety Advisory For Women
The US consulate here Monday issued safety advisory to women going to the US on dependent visa. A pamphlet, handed to every woman, provides detailed information on resources and support available to victims of abuse in the country.
The initiative comes after a recent case of domestic violence faced by a young woman from Tamil Nadu married and settled in the US. The pamphlet is available in both Tamil and Telugu.
The first pamphlet was presented to Tamil Nadu Minister of Social Welfare Poongothai by Consul General David T. Hopper at a special ceremony at the consulate. The consulate also observed the day as 'International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women'.
'Here in Chennai, the US consulate is determined to do whatever we can to eliminate violence against women,' Hopper said.
'We have identified the visa application process as one opportunity. Our consular officers issue more visas to dependents of foreign students and temporary workers in the US than any other post in the world,' he added.
'Occasionally, some of these dependents, almost always women, later become victims of domestic violence or even violence committed by strangers.'
'I encourage and urge every women going to the US to keep hold of this pamphlet along with their passport just in case they may need it in their life time,' Poongothai said.
Last week, a 23-year MBA graduate from Tiruchirapally, Smalin Jenita, married to an Infosys employee working in the US, was allegedly thrown out of a moving car by her husband and in-laws. She was pregnant and was being harassed for dowry.
She was rescued from the roadside and taken to a hospital where she remained for weeks until a Pakistani doctor contacted her parents.
Source: http://www.newspostindia.com/report-24903
Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.
The initiative comes after a recent case of domestic violence faced by a young woman from Tamil Nadu married and settled in the US. The pamphlet is available in both Tamil and Telugu.
The first pamphlet was presented to Tamil Nadu Minister of Social Welfare Poongothai by Consul General David T. Hopper at a special ceremony at the consulate. The consulate also observed the day as 'International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women'.
'Here in Chennai, the US consulate is determined to do whatever we can to eliminate violence against women,' Hopper said.
'We have identified the visa application process as one opportunity. Our consular officers issue more visas to dependents of foreign students and temporary workers in the US than any other post in the world,' he added.
'Occasionally, some of these dependents, almost always women, later become victims of domestic violence or even violence committed by strangers.'
'I encourage and urge every women going to the US to keep hold of this pamphlet along with their passport just in case they may need it in their life time,' Poongothai said.
Last week, a 23-year MBA graduate from Tiruchirapally, Smalin Jenita, married to an Infosys employee working in the US, was allegedly thrown out of a moving car by her husband and in-laws. She was pregnant and was being harassed for dowry.
She was rescued from the roadside and taken to a hospital where she remained for weeks until a Pakistani doctor contacted her parents.
Source: http://www.newspostindia.com/report-24903
Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.
I Met Gandhi In My Dream: Dalai Lama
The self-exiled Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama says he once met Mahatma Gandhi - in dream.
'In this lifetime, I never met him. But at least on one occasion during a winter in Potala palace (in Lhasa), in my dream, I met Mahatma Gandhi,' he said after inaugurating the Satyagraha Centenary International Conference here Tuesday.
'As Buddhists, we believe in the rebirth theory. So, I feel that in previous lifetime, I had some contact with Gandhiji,' he added.
Illustrating the global legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, he told the audience of Gandhians and students that American civil rights leader Martin Luther King's widow had told him that her husband was so attracted by Gandhi's philosophy that he wanted to dress in his manner.
'Can you imagine, an American black in dhoti?' he said, with his characteristic infectious giggles.
He pointed out that non-violence was not 'mere absence of violence'.
'The absence of violence could also be due to fear. Genuine non-violence is related to sincere motivation (of the practitioner),' said Dalai Lama.
The Tibetan leader, who has been in exile in India since 1959, pointed out that non-violence, compassion and religious tolerance were India's ancient values that it has exported to the rest of the world.
'I tell my young Indian friends that they should realise their richness and keep them as living tradition,' he said.
The week-long conference on the theme of 'Globalisation of the Gandhian way: Sociology, Politics and Science of Satyagraha', held at the Jawaharlal Nehru University, is being attended by Gandhians from 17 countries.
The open-air inaugural event had a festive air, with a large part of the audience made up of Tibetans, who prostrated on the ground when the Dalai Lama came onto the raised dais.
Later answering a query posed by a student, the Nobel Peace Prize winner said violent methods have never changed anybody's mind, but rather have the tendency to go out of control.
'Therefore, it is always safer to avoid violence, under any circumstances,' he said.
Source: Newspostindia
Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.
Reliance Energy organises Free Medical Camp at Bhayander West
Reliance Energy Limited, as part of a major corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative for the villagers of Mira-Bhayander region, organised a Free Medical Check-up camp on Sunday, November 25, 2007 from 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. at the Adarsh Vidya Mandir School, Rai Village, Bhayander (W), Thane. The Medical Camp evoked a phenomenal response many economically backward and socially deprived villagers from 15 villages of the Mira-Bhayander belt attended this camp and sought free treatment from qualified medical experts.
Mayor Mr. Narendra Mehta inaugurated the Medical Camp in the presence of Municipal Commissioner Mr. Sudam Gaikwad, Deputy Mayor Mr Stephen Mendonza and eminent personalities, social workers and politicians including Mr. Anant Ramchandra Patil, Corporator – Rai-Morva villages, Mira Bhayender Municipal Corporation and Mr. Vijay Prabhu (Reliance Energy Ltd.). Reliance Energy Ltd. has specially organised the camp for the needy villagers of Rai-Morva villages on Uttan Road, Bhayender West, on the occasion of the golden jubilee birth anniversary of Balayogi Shri Sadanand Maharaj.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Vijay Prabhu, Senior Vice President – Corporate Social responsibility (CSR), Reliance Energy, said, “Building on the vision of our founder late Mr. Dhirubhai Ambani, Reliance Energy has always aimed to be a responsible corporate citizen nurturing human values and concern for society, the environment and above all, people as well as to contribute towards community development and nation building. We embarked upon our major CSR initiative for the socially deprived and economically backward villagers of the Mira-Bhayander region by enlisting the support of several like-minded people, who contributed to this noble cause. We are pleased to note that the Medical Camp evoked a phenomenal response from the villagers and our specialised team of doctors provided them with free medical treatment and care.”
Mira-Bhayander Mayor Mr. Narendra Mehta added, “On behalf of the thousands of villagers in the Mira-Bhayander region, I express my heartfelt gratitude to Reliance Energy Ltd. for taking the initiative and organising this free Medical Camp. The initiative is commendable considering that there is no proper medical infrastructure in the Bhayander-Rai-Morva belt and the villagers need medical attention and many of them can’t even afford it.”
Through the Free Medical Camp, Reliance Energy Ltd. provided free medicines and surgical dressing for the villagers, who attended it. Around 15 specialised doctors participated in the camp and conducted general check ups, including matters related to ENT, gynaecology, physiotherapy and paediatric care. In addition, specialists in the field of child care, eye care, ENT, cardiac (ECG if required), gynaecology (for ladies) and general surgery were available. The Company will help the disease-affected get medical care in the future too.
Mr. Anant Ramchandra Patil, Corporator – Rai-Morva villages, Mira Bhayender Municipal Corporation, who is coordinating the Camp, in association with the Reliance Energy Ltd. team, developed a massive outreach programme to create awareness about the Camp. Thousands of pamphlets and brochures were distributed over 3 days and this led to the phenomenal response to the Medical Camp.
About Reliance Energy Limited:
Reliance Energy, a part of Reliance - Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group, is India's leading private sector utility Company.
Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group currently has a market capitalisation of over Rs 2,70,000 crore, net worth in excess of Rs 40,000 crore, cash flow of Rs 9,000 crore, net profit of Rs 5,000 crore and zero net debt.
Reliance Energy is ranked amongst India’s top 25 listed private companies in terms of all major financial parameters, including assets, sales, net worth, profits and market capitalisation.
Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.
Mayor Mr. Narendra Mehta inaugurated the Medical Camp in the presence of Municipal Commissioner Mr. Sudam Gaikwad, Deputy Mayor Mr Stephen Mendonza and eminent personalities, social workers and politicians including Mr. Anant Ramchandra Patil, Corporator – Rai-Morva villages, Mira Bhayender Municipal Corporation and Mr. Vijay Prabhu (Reliance Energy Ltd.). Reliance Energy Ltd. has specially organised the camp for the needy villagers of Rai-Morva villages on Uttan Road, Bhayender West, on the occasion of the golden jubilee birth anniversary of Balayogi Shri Sadanand Maharaj.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Vijay Prabhu, Senior Vice President – Corporate Social responsibility (CSR), Reliance Energy, said, “Building on the vision of our founder late Mr. Dhirubhai Ambani, Reliance Energy has always aimed to be a responsible corporate citizen nurturing human values and concern for society, the environment and above all, people as well as to contribute towards community development and nation building. We embarked upon our major CSR initiative for the socially deprived and economically backward villagers of the Mira-Bhayander region by enlisting the support of several like-minded people, who contributed to this noble cause. We are pleased to note that the Medical Camp evoked a phenomenal response from the villagers and our specialised team of doctors provided them with free medical treatment and care.”
Mira-Bhayander Mayor Mr. Narendra Mehta added, “On behalf of the thousands of villagers in the Mira-Bhayander region, I express my heartfelt gratitude to Reliance Energy Ltd. for taking the initiative and organising this free Medical Camp. The initiative is commendable considering that there is no proper medical infrastructure in the Bhayander-Rai-Morva belt and the villagers need medical attention and many of them can’t even afford it.”
Through the Free Medical Camp, Reliance Energy Ltd. provided free medicines and surgical dressing for the villagers, who attended it. Around 15 specialised doctors participated in the camp and conducted general check ups, including matters related to ENT, gynaecology, physiotherapy and paediatric care. In addition, specialists in the field of child care, eye care, ENT, cardiac (ECG if required), gynaecology (for ladies) and general surgery were available. The Company will help the disease-affected get medical care in the future too.
Mr. Anant Ramchandra Patil, Corporator – Rai-Morva villages, Mira Bhayender Municipal Corporation, who is coordinating the Camp, in association with the Reliance Energy Ltd. team, developed a massive outreach programme to create awareness about the Camp. Thousands of pamphlets and brochures were distributed over 3 days and this led to the phenomenal response to the Medical Camp.
About Reliance Energy Limited:
Reliance Energy, a part of Reliance - Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group, is India's leading private sector utility Company.
Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group currently has a market capitalisation of over Rs 2,70,000 crore, net worth in excess of Rs 40,000 crore, cash flow of Rs 9,000 crore, net profit of Rs 5,000 crore and zero net debt.
Reliance Energy is ranked amongst India’s top 25 listed private companies in terms of all major financial parameters, including assets, sales, net worth, profits and market capitalisation.
Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.
Small Grants Programme to reduce threats to the Environment
Small Grants Programme (SGP), funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), seeks to support initiatives, which demonstrate community-based innovative, gender sensitive approaches and lessons learned from other development projects in order to reduce threats to the local and global environment.
The GEF/SGP was launched in 1991 by United Nations Development Programme(UNDP) to assist developing countries in fulfilling their commitment towards the protection of the global environment. The Programme is sourced with a belief that global environmental problems can only be addressed adequately only if local people are involved in planning, decision making and sharing roles and responsibilties at all levels. Even with small amounts of funding, communities can undertake activities that will make a 'significant difference' to their lives and environment. UNDP GEF/SGP is currently offered in 76 countries worldwide. The programme was launched in India in 1997.
SGP is administered by the UNDP and the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MOEF), Government of India. It is being implemented by Centre for Environment Education (CEE) as the National Host Institution (NHI) since September 2000.
Small Grants Programme provides grants to organizations for activities that address local problems and offer local solutions to global problems in the GEF thematic areas of:
Biodiversity conservation
Climate Change Mitigation
Protection of International Waters
Prevention of Land Degradation
Phasing out Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)
Financial support by SGP
SGP will normally consider grants up to Rs. 15 lakh for each project. In special cases, where co-financing and partnership commitments are more, higher budgets may be considered, if the project activities justify this. More emphasis is placed on leveraging local contributions in cash and in kind from communities.
Duration of a project
The duration of the projects can be between 24 to 30 months. This may however be flexible to meet the needs of the project ideas.
Who can apply
Non-governmental and community-based organisations that demonstrate track record, relevant experience and skills in the content area of the proposal/idea.
For more information, visit
www.sgpindia.org
Source: http://www.ceeindia.org/cee/partners_sgp.html
Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.
The GEF/SGP was launched in 1991 by United Nations Development Programme(UNDP) to assist developing countries in fulfilling their commitment towards the protection of the global environment. The Programme is sourced with a belief that global environmental problems can only be addressed adequately only if local people are involved in planning, decision making and sharing roles and responsibilties at all levels. Even with small amounts of funding, communities can undertake activities that will make a 'significant difference' to their lives and environment. UNDP GEF/SGP is currently offered in 76 countries worldwide. The programme was launched in India in 1997.
SGP is administered by the UNDP and the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MOEF), Government of India. It is being implemented by Centre for Environment Education (CEE) as the National Host Institution (NHI) since September 2000.
Small Grants Programme provides grants to organizations for activities that address local problems and offer local solutions to global problems in the GEF thematic areas of:
Biodiversity conservation
Climate Change Mitigation
Protection of International Waters
Prevention of Land Degradation
Phasing out Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)
Financial support by SGP
SGP will normally consider grants up to Rs. 15 lakh for each project. In special cases, where co-financing and partnership commitments are more, higher budgets may be considered, if the project activities justify this. More emphasis is placed on leveraging local contributions in cash and in kind from communities.
Duration of a project
The duration of the projects can be between 24 to 30 months. This may however be flexible to meet the needs of the project ideas.
Who can apply
Non-governmental and community-based organisations that demonstrate track record, relevant experience and skills in the content area of the proposal/idea.
For more information, visit
www.sgpindia.org
Source: http://www.ceeindia.org/cee/partners_sgp.html
Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.
UNESCO co-sponsored Conference on Environmental Education
UNESCO is co-sponsoring the Fourth International Conference on Environmental Education on 24-28 November 2007 in Ahmedabad, India. Some 1500 participants are expected.
Environmental Education (EE) has evolved considerably since the first inter governmental Conference held at Tbilisi in 1977. With the launch of the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development there is also a need to reformulate EE in the context of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD).
The Fourth International Conference on Environmental Education being held at Ahmedabad will be an ideal forum to look at EE - the foundation for ESD and bridge the gaps between these two since this is vital to travel on the road to sustainability. The Conference will also meet the urgent need to bring together the Governments of various nations as well as the innumerable non-governmental organisations that work on EE and ESD issues onto a common forum to reformulate EE programs with ESD-related considerations and in the context of the Decade.
Conference Objectives
The Conference will serve as a forum which will reformulate EE to support ESD and help bridge gaps; share good practices and experiences in ESD anddevelop strategies for progressing ESD in the world. It will also help set the roadmap for progress through the DESD.
Participant Profile
It is expected that the conference would have around 1500 participants. Since ESD is about interdependent systems efforts will be made to get representation from diverse fields including environment, health, water and sanitation, human rights, gender, peace, citizenship, social justice and others, civil society / NGOs, corporates, academics, and media.
Expected Outcomes
The expected outcomes of the Conference include a review of the progress of EE to support ESD and setting global agenda for progress through theDESD. As a result of the Conference it is expected that there will be increased networking and fostering of partnerships among multiple stakeholders for EE and ESD, the creation of an effective forum for exchange of knowledge and experiences in the field and the development of sectoral strategies and action plans with timeframe for key priority concerns - regional, stakeholder-wise and thematic.
Contact Address:
4th ICEE Secretariat
Centre for Environment Education
Nehru Foundation for Development
Thaltej Tekra, Ahmedabad 380054
Ph : 91 79 2685 8027
Fax : 91 79 2685 8010
E-mail : tbilisiplus30@ceeindia.org
Web : http://www.tbilisiplus30.org
Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.
Environmental Education (EE) has evolved considerably since the first inter governmental Conference held at Tbilisi in 1977. With the launch of the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development there is also a need to reformulate EE in the context of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD).
The Fourth International Conference on Environmental Education being held at Ahmedabad will be an ideal forum to look at EE - the foundation for ESD and bridge the gaps between these two since this is vital to travel on the road to sustainability. The Conference will also meet the urgent need to bring together the Governments of various nations as well as the innumerable non-governmental organisations that work on EE and ESD issues onto a common forum to reformulate EE programs with ESD-related considerations and in the context of the Decade.
Conference Objectives
The Conference will serve as a forum which will reformulate EE to support ESD and help bridge gaps; share good practices and experiences in ESD anddevelop strategies for progressing ESD in the world. It will also help set the roadmap for progress through the DESD.
Participant Profile
It is expected that the conference would have around 1500 participants. Since ESD is about interdependent systems efforts will be made to get representation from diverse fields including environment, health, water and sanitation, human rights, gender, peace, citizenship, social justice and others, civil society / NGOs, corporates, academics, and media.
Expected Outcomes
The expected outcomes of the Conference include a review of the progress of EE to support ESD and setting global agenda for progress through theDESD. As a result of the Conference it is expected that there will be increased networking and fostering of partnerships among multiple stakeholders for EE and ESD, the creation of an effective forum for exchange of knowledge and experiences in the field and the development of sectoral strategies and action plans with timeframe for key priority concerns - regional, stakeholder-wise and thematic.
Contact Address:
4th ICEE Secretariat
Centre for Environment Education
Nehru Foundation for Development
Thaltej Tekra, Ahmedabad 380054
Ph : 91 79 2685 8027
Fax : 91 79 2685 8010
E-mail : tbilisiplus30@ceeindia.org
Web : http://www.tbilisiplus30.org
Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Singapore government plans to get Senior Citizens connected to the Internet
The Singapore government plans to get three-quarters of all senior citizens aged 55 years and above to gain access to the internet within two years.And it is spending S$2.5 million to do so.
Children and the disabled will also benefit under the InfoComm Development Authority (IDA)'s plans.
When it comes to IT, age is just a numbers game.
With the pervasive use of the internet today, 56-year-old Lim Khng Geok didn't want to be left behind.
She signed up for IT courses at the Silver Infocomm Junction at the Retired & Senior Volunteer Programme office in Bishan to learn how to use the computer, internet and other IT-related products.
And she's already found that a whole world of possibilities awaits her.
She said "They teach me how to go to ebay and make register and go to prepay and then how to use the credit card to pay the money and take the money."
The government aims to get more senior citizens on board the IT bandwagon through its Silver Infocomm Junction.
It is part of a 3-year Silver Infocomm Initiative under the Intelligent Nation 2015 masterplan, where more than 30,000 senior citizens will be equipped with digital skills and knowledge.
Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Community Development, Youth and Sports Minister, said: "Only 25 percent of senior citizens are currently using the internet which is way too low. So I've said well ok over the next 2 years we are going to roll out these centres and hopefully you get a cascading effect and one person teaches 2 or 3, each of them in turn becomes an ambassador and we can quickly upscale the number of citizens who know how to use this technology."
From learning how to use the computer to surfing the internet, senior citizens can go to the Silver Infocomm Junction to be technologically savvy.
Now this is the first of such hubs, with seven more expected to be up and running within the next three years.
Besides the elderly, Dr Balakrishnan said children and the disabled will also be helped to get connected.
IDA is extending its NEU PC programme, which has helped to equip 24,000 needy households with a computer bundle, to introduce an extra mile of financial support called iNSPIRE Fund.
This will help children under the programme who are still unable to co-pay the subsidised computer and broadband bundle of S$285.
Dr Balakrishnan said: "We will tell these children that it will still not be free because if it's free they won't appreciate it but if you perform community service, do something useful for others or work with VWOs or do some significant service, we will give you credits and you can exchange those credits for a S$285 voucher which will then give you computer and internet access."
IDA's iNSPIRE Fund will be administered by the Children's Society.
And by the middle of next year, Dr Balakrishnan says an Infocomm Accessibility Centre to train the disabled will be up and running.
Housed within the premise of the Society for the Physically Disabled, it aims to train some 4,000 people with disabilities over the next three years to help them increase their self independence and expand their job prospects.
Dr Balakrishnan said: "We need to focus on education, access customising, tailoring the technologies and equipment available because each disabled person will have slightly different needs, slightly different opportunities. In this case the focus is on employment prospects which means making sure they have enough infocomm skills to help them compensate or overcome the disability and seek jobs. We are making a commitment that in Singapore there will be no digital divide. Nobody will be left behind because of a lack of opportunities to use infocomm technology."
Source: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/313497/1/.html
Any one in Indian Government listening ????????? We should provide this to all Senior citizens and Childrens in India.
Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.
Second Citizen Journalists’ (CJ) Meet held at Mumbai
INAUGURATING THE 2nd Citizen Journalists’ (CJ) Meet at Mumbai, Vipul Kant Upadhyay,Founder, merinews.com said that the empowerment and engagement of citizens would lead to a true and effective democracy. He dwelled on ‘India: Next 60 years – Citizens’ Manifesto.’ He said that within 16 months time, merinews, a relatively new participatory journalism portal has emerged as a major force. He reiterated that merinews was not in competition or rivalry with the existing media houses, but a part of the media. “This is a new emerging form of media,” and without pointing any particular organisation, he added that many among the print and broadcast media have incorporated participatory and grassroot journalism.
Chairman, merinews, Vaibhav Kant Upadhyay presented his vision that in participatory journalism, citizens should report if the MPs are not working and also offer alternatives to the people. This will also put pressure on the MPs to work.
Replying on this suggestion, the founder, merinews said that they were already working on a similar plan and will do something in this direction soon.
Shefali Sagar, the Editorial Director of Merinews, gave an illuminating interactive power point session on the Merinews initiative, ‘India: Next 60 years – Citizens’ Manifesto.’
The second session included power discussions by eminent panel on the topic, ‘Can Citizen Journalism be an Effective Tool for Effective Democracy?’ The other prominent panelists, who air their views were Anurag Batra (Editor-in-Chief and Managing Director, Exchange4media), Dr Taher Y Kagalwala (Citizen Journalist), Sanjay Nirupam (Former MP and spokesperson MPCC), Dr Ajeenkya Patil (Chairman, Central Board of Workers' Education, GoI), Sudhir Chaudhary (CEO & Editor, Live India Television), Umesh Upadhyay (Senior Journalist), Abhigyan Prakash (NDTV), Dinkar Raikar (Senior Editor, Lokmat) and Sujata Anandan (Political Editor, Hindustan Times).
Sudhir Chaudhary, CEO & editor, Live India Television asked if we can call a citizen, a citizen doctor or a citizen engineer. If not, how can we call someone a citizen journalist. He suggested that they could be called citizen campaigners as it is not enough to have a passion and journalism is not a profession for them.
Sanjay Nirupam, Former MP and spokesperson MPCC said that politicians are hated, but asked why? Nirupam added that politics was a profession. In reply to a question on why young people where not given chance in politics, he said that it was not so, only one needs to believe in oneself and cautioned that buck should not be passed.
Senior Journalist Umesh Upadhyay said that news can only be worked on in a newsroom.
Anurag Batra, editor-in-chief and managing director, Exchange4media said that a direction needed to be given to Citizen journalists.
Sujata Anandan, Political Editor, Hindustan Times (HT) said that CJ is a source of news and HT has dedicated a full page daily for CJs.
Dr Taher Y Kagalwala, eminent Citizen Journalist talked about the feeble healthcare system and stressed that at least the basic system for health and education should be improved.
Dr Ajeenkya Patil, chairman, Central Board of Workers' Education, government of India asserted that the time for citizen journalism has come and it can’t be stopped now.
Dinkar Raikar, senior editor, Lokmat talked about the emergence of print media and citizen journalism.
Abhigyan Prakash, anchor NDTV India said that journalists were also most hated now like the politicians and every channel has their own model of news. It is up to the people to choose what they want.
During the discussion, Meher, a citizen journalist said that she was proud of India’s human values like calling our country mother and respecting our fellow citizens.
Responding to the discussion, Vipul Kant Upadhyay said that there was a need for many more CJ portals like merinews to move towards a more participatory democracy.
Though, there diverse views, but there was a broad agreement that Citizen Journalism was important for a better functioning of democracy.
Anshuman Misra, Director (Operations), Merinews and Sudipta Sengupta ensured that the programme went on smoothly.
Earlier the Managing Editor, merinews, Arindam Roy welcomed the guests.
The programme was organised at The Harmony Hall, Nehru Centre, Worli, on Saturday (Nov 24) afternoon.
About Merinews:
Merinews was conceived two years ago to encourage a decentralized news gathering and distribution system, today leads the online news brigade by empowering people, lending them a voice. It ensures national and international visibility. Accolades won by Merinews include Webby Awards, which is akin to the Oscars of the Internet.
This CJ meet is designed to encourage independent and gutsy journalism from responsible Indian citizens who realize the power of the fourth estate in shaping the course of democracy.
With these meetings, Merinews wishes to highlight an emerging trend of the new media metamorphosing into a recognised interactive platform that lends a voice to the weaker and neglected sections of society bereft of the various vested commercial and other interests of the mainstream media which determines what kind of news is disseminated through which channels and how. Participation is open to all media-persons, business representatives, students, volunteers and professionals – virtually everyone with an active interest in offbeat journalism.
Contact: Sudipta Sengupta
Tel: +91 124 4133555
E-mail: sudipta.sengupta@merinews.com
25 November 2007, Sunday
Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.
Chairman, merinews, Vaibhav Kant Upadhyay presented his vision that in participatory journalism, citizens should report if the MPs are not working and also offer alternatives to the people. This will also put pressure on the MPs to work.
Replying on this suggestion, the founder, merinews said that they were already working on a similar plan and will do something in this direction soon.
Shefali Sagar, the Editorial Director of Merinews, gave an illuminating interactive power point session on the Merinews initiative, ‘India: Next 60 years – Citizens’ Manifesto.’
The second session included power discussions by eminent panel on the topic, ‘Can Citizen Journalism be an Effective Tool for Effective Democracy?’ The other prominent panelists, who air their views were Anurag Batra (Editor-in-Chief and Managing Director, Exchange4media), Dr Taher Y Kagalwala (Citizen Journalist), Sanjay Nirupam (Former MP and spokesperson MPCC), Dr Ajeenkya Patil (Chairman, Central Board of Workers' Education, GoI), Sudhir Chaudhary (CEO & Editor, Live India Television), Umesh Upadhyay (Senior Journalist), Abhigyan Prakash (NDTV), Dinkar Raikar (Senior Editor, Lokmat) and Sujata Anandan (Political Editor, Hindustan Times).
Sudhir Chaudhary, CEO & editor, Live India Television asked if we can call a citizen, a citizen doctor or a citizen engineer. If not, how can we call someone a citizen journalist. He suggested that they could be called citizen campaigners as it is not enough to have a passion and journalism is not a profession for them.
Sanjay Nirupam, Former MP and spokesperson MPCC said that politicians are hated, but asked why? Nirupam added that politics was a profession. In reply to a question on why young people where not given chance in politics, he said that it was not so, only one needs to believe in oneself and cautioned that buck should not be passed.
Senior Journalist Umesh Upadhyay said that news can only be worked on in a newsroom.
Anurag Batra, editor-in-chief and managing director, Exchange4media said that a direction needed to be given to Citizen journalists.
Sujata Anandan, Political Editor, Hindustan Times (HT) said that CJ is a source of news and HT has dedicated a full page daily for CJs.
Dr Taher Y Kagalwala, eminent Citizen Journalist talked about the feeble healthcare system and stressed that at least the basic system for health and education should be improved.
Dr Ajeenkya Patil, chairman, Central Board of Workers' Education, government of India asserted that the time for citizen journalism has come and it can’t be stopped now.
Dinkar Raikar, senior editor, Lokmat talked about the emergence of print media and citizen journalism.
Abhigyan Prakash, anchor NDTV India said that journalists were also most hated now like the politicians and every channel has their own model of news. It is up to the people to choose what they want.
During the discussion, Meher, a citizen journalist said that she was proud of India’s human values like calling our country mother and respecting our fellow citizens.
Responding to the discussion, Vipul Kant Upadhyay said that there was a need for many more CJ portals like merinews to move towards a more participatory democracy.
Though, there diverse views, but there was a broad agreement that Citizen Journalism was important for a better functioning of democracy.
Anshuman Misra, Director (Operations), Merinews and Sudipta Sengupta ensured that the programme went on smoothly.
Earlier the Managing Editor, merinews, Arindam Roy welcomed the guests.
The programme was organised at The Harmony Hall, Nehru Centre, Worli, on Saturday (Nov 24) afternoon.
About Merinews:
Merinews was conceived two years ago to encourage a decentralized news gathering and distribution system, today leads the online news brigade by empowering people, lending them a voice. It ensures national and international visibility. Accolades won by Merinews include Webby Awards, which is akin to the Oscars of the Internet.
This CJ meet is designed to encourage independent and gutsy journalism from responsible Indian citizens who realize the power of the fourth estate in shaping the course of democracy.
With these meetings, Merinews wishes to highlight an emerging trend of the new media metamorphosing into a recognised interactive platform that lends a voice to the weaker and neglected sections of society bereft of the various vested commercial and other interests of the mainstream media which determines what kind of news is disseminated through which channels and how. Participation is open to all media-persons, business representatives, students, volunteers and professionals – virtually everyone with an active interest in offbeat journalism.
Contact: Sudipta Sengupta
Tel: +91 124 4133555
E-mail: sudipta.sengupta@merinews.com
25 November 2007, Sunday
Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.
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