Amber Africa Dev. Foundation (AAD) - 2014: HUMANITARIAN RELIEF AND ASSISTANCE

The AAD team of  professionals and volunteers work with communities, groups, individuals and organisations to provide necessary financial and material assistance, in terms of education, shelter, healthcare and entrepreneurship aid for women and youths. 

In 2014, our programmes addressed a broad range of topics including shelter emergency response, food security and infrastructure in select orphanages, water and sanitation, economic development for women and youths, and education grants for children from low-income homes.

We had great results from our projects. Families were assisted in house rent payments, tens of children benefitted from our education grants;

A number of women and youths saw their businesses enhanced by our financial and technical support.

Our progress and impact have been swift and sure as a result of the contributions and involvement of our distinguished board of trustees and partners. We see community advancement as a lifelong project. Our goal is for individual empowerment and upliftment and, the development of society as a whole.

We expect to make greater impact in the coming year 2015. We will be active in the education sector, with a focus on grants and school resources. We will work for greater participation of women and youths in business, politics and governance, organizing events that will teach and inspire. We will work for human rights and sustainable development as well as providing more humanitarian assistance for communities and individuals.

RESEARCH PAPERS WE LIKE:

chrisblattman.com

Unwilling Entrepreneurs

A common sensical but useful new paper by Nagler and Naude, on how many if not most African households make their money. Descriptive analysis is underrated.

Although non-farm enterprises are ubiquitous in rural Sub-Saharan Africa, little is yet known about them. The motivation for households to operate enterprises, how productive they are, and why they exit the market are neglected questions. Drawing on the Living Standards Measurement Study — Integrated Surveys on Agriculture and using discrete choice, selection model and panel data estimators, this paper provide answers using data from Ethiopia, Niger, Nigeria, Malawi, Tanzania, and Uganda.

The necessity to cope following shocks, seasonality in agriculture, and household size can push rural households into operating a non-farm enterprise. Households are also pulled into entrepreneurship to exploit opportunities.

Access to credit and markets, household wealth, and the education and age of the household head are positively associated with the likelihood of operating an enterprise. The characteristics are also associated with the type of business activity a household operates. Rural and female-headed enterprises and enterprises with young enterprise owners are less productive than urban and male-owned enterprises and enterprises with older owners. Shocks have a negative association with enterprise operation and productivity and a large share of rural enterprises does not operate continuously over a year.

Enterprises cease operations because of low profits, a lack of finance, or the effects of idiosyncratic shocks. Overall the findings are indicative that rural enterprises are”small businesses in a big continent”where large distances, rural isolation, low population density, and farming risks limit productivity and growth.

Democratic Societies do not realise democracy's true value.

By Gary Mullen 
@HandcraftedUK

Do you live in a country where you are permitted to vote for your country's leader during an election? Do you often complain about things that are happening in your country and voice these opinions to friends? And, do you rely upon newspapers to keep you updated on the goings-on in the world? If you answered yes to these questions then, chances are, you are living in a democratic society. Although, do you take this for granted?

Take the elections for example. Do you vote during elections? If so, I can guarantee you'll know someone who doesn't. If everyone in the country did this then that would be an instant end to the democracy! Take a look at societies where citizens play no part in selecting their leader or, any elections that are held are rigged. Do you think that, given the chance, these people would pass on the idea of a fair election being held? Of course not! One of the main principles of any democratic society is for the people to raise their voice and hold their leaders accountable. Without this the voice is lost and the democracy is at risk of being lost altogether. 

The same can be said for the freedom to express your opinions to others. How often have you complained about Government policies to friends? If so you're in a very fortunate position. In some societies expressing a unique opinion can result in imprisonment or even death. So, next time you complain about how hard your life is, spare a thought for those who wouldn't even feel safe to complain in the first place!

The freedom of the press is very powerful in a democratic society. Sometimes considered more powerful than the politicians, the newspapers have the freedom to air their opinions and objectives to the policies made by Governments. Not surprisingly, this is not the case in many places in the world. In some countries, the newspapers are state owned and do not have the luxury of expressing a non-biased opinion. There, the people read what the Government want them to hear and, to a great extent, this is used as a method of controlling them.

So, do YOU take living in a democracy for granted? Perhaps if you do, it might be best for you to use your freedom and rights to their full advantage as not everyone is so lucky.

NEW SCHOOL SESSION IN NIGERIA...AMBER FOUNDATION ASSISTING FAMILIES.

The most valuable contribution we can make to the lives of children is the gift of education. Education is not only a fundamental right, but is a powerful catalyst for human development. With education, children have better life options, earning potential and health, and sound self-image.

The Amber Foundation is working to bridge the gap in educational inequality in Nigeria, especially in the area of school fees. We provide financial support to low-income families and care centers that have difficulties paying school fees and other necessary purchases in a new school year.

This quarter, we have raised cash to fund the tuition of tens of school children. Our Fees Project places heavy emphasis on recognizing students as whole people with unique opportunities, challenges, aspirations, and lives, and see parents', or guardians' involvement where possible, as key to the success of students they work with.

Rediscovering the Classroom: How to Make Learning Fun

Author: Gary Jordan, Ph.D.

---

If you're like many people, you spent much of your youth in school, sat in a lot of classes, listened to a lot of lectures, and did a lot of homework. Maybe along the way you even learned something. 

I say "maybe" because despite all the "changes" in educational curriculum over the last three decades, school is still focused on learning by listening, repetition and memorization. Unfortunately few schools teach to multiple learning styles in the classroom. This is true despite the fact that not all of us (truth be told, very few of us) learn best this way.

Mention "learning something new" to many people and they shudder with memories of bad educational experiences. A teacher friend of mine shared how challenging it could be to get some parents to come to "Back-to-School Night" and parent-teacher conferences because it reminded them of their own negative experiences in school. You yourself may have quit college or skipped it altogether due to negative associations with school and learning. And, understandably so, it can be frustrating to feel like you are always working twice as hard as everyone else. But, you're not alone. 

Studies have shown that people, both adults and children, learn best in different ways, ways that correspond to the ways they see the world. Discovering your unique learning style can totally change your attitude toward learning a new skill or subject for the better. So how do you learn best? It's easy to discover your individualized learning style and change the way you feel about learning something new. 

Do you like to dive head first into an experience, see what happens and learn from the outcome? 

Perhaps you learn best through stories that illustrate key points and allow for dialogue about the meaning and importance of what occurred. 

Or you might prefer a detailed, comprehensive investigation that proceeds systematically and is non-interactive. 

Do you grasp new learning intuitively, understanding new concepts from small bits of information? Or do you take a more logical, methodical approach, gathering and organizing data that you then compare and contrast intellectually? 

When you engage in learning that is geared toward your learning style, the process is joyful and the outcome is meaningful and satisfying. Only then can learning something new begin to change your life in a positive way. You will find that you retain important information more easily, and put new skills to use more effortlessly. 

Understanding your individualized learning style can make learning a new language, instrument, etc., easier and more enjoyable. Getting started is easy. Take 10 minutes to recall one learning event that was enjoyable and meaningful for you, and then one learning event that was painful and difficult. 

Now ask yourself these basic questions: 

• How were the two events presented differently? 

• What about the enjoyable event made it so enjoyable for you? 

• What about the difficult event made it so difficult for you? 

• What do the answers to the above questions tell you about how you learn? 

You can learn more about understanding your unique learning style and how to take a learning style questionnaire or survey by contacting Gary Jordan, Ph.D., at (800) 942-3934, or you can visit their website athttp://www.vrftsuccessforlife.com. 

Take the time to find out how you learn best so you can learn something new! 

About the author: Gary Jordan, Ph.D., has over 27 years of experience in clinical psychology, behavioral assessment, individual development, and coaching. He earned his doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology – Berkeley. He's the co-founder of Vega Behavioral Consulting, Ltd., a consulting firm that specializes in helping people discover their true skills and talents.http://www.vrft.com. 

WOMEN ON THE RISE

Amber Foundation is committed to women and youths empowerment. We will make a difference, one community to the next. 

“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.”  
Anne Frank, writer

“If you are committed to creating value and if you aren’t afraid of hard times; obstacles become utterly unimportant. A nuisance perhaps; but with no real power. The world respects creation; people will get out of your way.”  
Candice Carpenter, founder of iVillage.com

 "I had to make my own living and my own opportunity! But I made it! Don’t sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. Get up and make them. I am a woman who came from the cotton fields of the South. From there I was promoted to the washtub. From there I was promoted to the cook kitchen. And from there I promoted myself into the business of manufacturing hair goods and preparations….I have built my own factory on my own ground.” 

– Madam C.J. Walker

SUPPORTING WOMEN AND YOUTH ENTREPRENEURS

Amber Foundation has a mandate of identifying, training, assisting and funding women and youth entrepreneurs. Good enough progress has been reported by government sponsored programs, but, we still have many women and youths sitting on their viable dreams of enterprise without any hope of fulfilment.

“Anna” is a young woman with a vision of promoting and selling African fashion and crafts. She started her business in 2008 and grew steadily. “Anna” conceived an idea to open stalls at strategic malls in Abuja. She called it the Afrique Shoppe. She had a sound business plan but lacked the capital for this latest venture. We recognized the viability of her project and gave our support. With a grant of about $4000 from Amber Foundation, “Anna” paid the stall rent in a strategic mall, and started business!

She currently enjoys technical support from AAD. Business is thriving and the future is vivid.

RURAL NIGERIA AS A TOURIST HUB

By KIRSTEN OKENWA

I'm sitting in a rocking chair at my grandfather's porch. It is a warm February afternoon in my village at Enugu State, Nigeria. The vista before me is breathtaking: endless fields of green palms, mounds of cocoyam plants and the ever-present fresh scent of brown earth. I feel like I am in another planet, after the hustle and smoke-filled air of Lagos state. I want to bottle up the wholesome feeling. I see goodness, freshness all around me. I observe that the women and children are radiant and healthy, thanks to the vegetables and abundant fruits. 

I begin to think; Can't we have a wellness center in this village? The cool breezes heal. Fresh-as-you-can-get foods nourish. Pristine streams flow in the northen part, red hills dot the landscape in the east. Towering trees and photo-worthy hamlets are just some highlights on the route. 

Rural Mexico now a Tourist Hub.   Photo credits: Doris Okenwa

Development in Rural Mexico

Resort in Rural Mexico

Can't we have a spa here? Can the state government look again at  the many rural communities just like my village and see economic potential? Can we act like Mexico and transform our exquisite lanscape to resorts, villas and wellness centers? Can we build cottages or chalets for the busy professional to visit and renew, restore and refresh? Can we tap into the economic potential of the palm forests and build industries, hence provide employment for the restless youth and, reduce urbanization? Can we transform our native crafts into viable products for export?

Can we look again at our rural communities as potential tourist hub?

CAN FORGIVENESS REPAIR COMMUNITIES?

By Doris Okenwa


Can forgiveness repair communities?
  
This was the theme for the showing of the award-winning documentary film Beyond Forgiving as part of The Forgiveness Project's 10th anniversary celebrations on 17 March.
It was an intense and intimate gathering with over 50 people in attendance at the St Ethelburga's Centre for Reconciliation and Peace. This is the first in the series of conversations on forgiveness.
Picture a room packed with people of varied ages, ethnicity and very different life experiences. Think of what might be going through their minds as they watch two people narrate their journey towards reconciliation across cultural and religious divides, eventually shattering the walls of blame. A child was killed; people were subjugated in their own home and then along comes forgiveness.

What might go through your mind if you were seated in that hall?

Beyond Forgiving touches the heart in different ways for different people. It challenges the intellect, and in many cases, raises questions about the practicability of forgiveness as an entire concept.
A polemic discourse (expectedly) followed the screening with the Director Imad Karam, Executive Producer Howard Grace and Sue Hanisch, a survivor of the IRA bombing at London’s Victoria Station in 1991. Marina Cantacuzino, Founder of The Forgiveness Project, chaired the discussion and fielded questions from the audience that were both gobsmacked and vociferous.

Talking Forgiveness: easier preached than practiced?

Beyond Forgiving is not a presentation of utopia on a platter of idealism. Members of the panel were clear on the course of the documentary, the primary idea being to create platforms of expression and dialogue by presenting forgiveness as a tool for change at all levels of relationships. It is not a one-way system explained Imad Karam, the Director of the film.

The true act of forgiveness requires a mutual apology, inward looking rather than defensiveness - Imad Karam 

The film, he says, does not tell people how to right the wrongs in their lives or explicitly answer the question as to whether forgiveness can repair communities, but presents forgiveness as a tool for positive change, a bridge builder.

Forgiveness: A Tool for Social Change

The problem with this, as a member of the audience demanded to know, is that even if individuals can be healed, how can politics be healed in a world with increasingly fragmented and fractured structures?
For one with a firsthand experience in conflict, Palestinian-born Karam emphasises his message of hope in the possibility of changing one person at a time, one group at a time and the resulting ripple effect on the wider fabric of society. A typical Gandhi ideology of ‘be the change you want to see in the world’.
A Rwandan citizen would know. There was one present at the gathering and agreed that forgiveness is tough and might in some cases set one against his/her kin but, the end result, the peace that ensues and mended relationships is worth the price.

Here Comes the Choice…

Sue Hanisch recounted her dark days to the audience. Those trying moments where the anger, pain and bitterness consumes you and losing a leg to the 1991 IRA bombing in London Victoria. How does one forgive that? “The choice and the need to forgive is an ongoing internal management process” she says. It is certainly not a walk in the park but “we are all capable of all things and must make the conscious decision to let go for our own sake”.
Forgiveness is also about restoring relationships in our communities, Executive Director, Howard Grace added. It is about change from within and the choice to allow that change happen, bearing in mind the implications of such a positive process on one’s self and the wider society.
So, can forgiveness repair communities? There is no straight forward answer to this daring question. For some, yes would mean tolerance of atrocities; a sign of weakness and opening up room for further exploitation. Another might think otherwise.
Forgiveness might be worth a shot not because it is the easiest thing in the world but it can redeem the soul. Then of course some might further debate the idea of forgiving and not forgetting. It gets more nuanced than the linear proposal hence the motivation for the name of the film Karam says. It is about what happens Beyond Forgiving; that extra mile.
The conversation continues. It gets more intense with the Beyond Forgiving UK tour round the corner featuring the protagonists in person. That is the idea… dialogue, debates, questions and attempts at answers. Let the sparks fly. Within the fireworks of emotion, expression and storytelling healing may rise. From one, to the other, to the rest of the world. Not in such a merry Utopian order. But then, we can always try… Yes, effort. That is the whole idea.


http://www.uk.iofc.org/can-forgiveness-repair-communities?bc=node/31441http://www.uk.iofc.org/can-forgiveness-repair-communities?bc=node/31441

FIRST QUARTER 2014 PROJECT

VINE HERITAGE HOME PROJECT

In line with our mission of partnering with individuals, groups or organisations to bring economic and humanitarian assistance, AAD commenced a support project with Vine Heritage Home in the 1^st quarter of 2014.

 
The home, located in the suburbs of Abuja, FCT, gives residence, relief and education to abandoned and indigent children in the rural communities around the FCT. The Home boasts of large play grounds, about six room hostel and nursery. Their impact in the area and beyond is remarkable. Children numbering up to 100 are catered for by the inadequate donations received. Many still live with their poor families in the neighbouring communities, but receive free education, feeding and healthcare from the Home.

Working with the coordinator and founder of the Home, Mr. Olusola Stevens, AAD identified the areas of assistance. We decided to improve the electrical and power generating plan in the premises. Many times the kids are without electricity and adequate ventilation. Needless to mention the danger posed by these needs. 

Bringing in our electrical and power personnel, we effected immense changes in less than a fornight, worth over half a million naira . We donated and installed: Fans, a large generator, an inverter system with a one year warranty, a metal rack to receive the batteries. A simple manual for use was also put together by our personnel. There was a general electrical rewiring and installations for better lighting points and control of the inverter system.

Our assistance won’t stop there. We will continue to provide other kinds of support for Home.