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World Day to Combat Desertification – 17 June

17 juin 2018
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: awareness, consumers, development, drought, Ecuador, focus, jobs, land management, producers, value

LAND HAS TRUE VALUE. INVEST IN IT.

The World Day to Combat Desertification (WDCD) will be celebrated worldwide on 17 June with the focus on sustainable land management as a way to regenerate economies, create jobs and revitalize communities. Under the slogan “Land has true value – Invest in it,” WDCD2018 will call all involved – producers, consumers and policy makers – to make a difference by investing in the future of land.

The WDCD2018 global observance will be hosted by the Government of Ecuador. The country promotes sustainable land management as one of the pillars of bio-economy – the knowledge-based production and utilization of biological resources, innovative biological processes and principles to sustainably provide goods and services across all economic sectors. Ecuador will use the WDCD as an occasion to showcase its nation-wide efforts in making sustainable land management the principal tool for the development of bio-economy.

WDCD was established by the UN General Assembly 23 years ago to raise awareness on the global and national actions that address desertification, land degradation and drought.

Source: Text: UN Image Wellness News at Weighing Success

 

International Albinism Awareness Day – 13 June

13 juin 2018
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: awareness, bullying, dignity, discrimination, genetic, murder, mutilations, persécution, pigmentation, rights of persons, security, Tanzania, torture

June 13 is International Albinism Awareness Day. It is a UN effort to stop the brutalities against people with albinism.

Genetic Condition
Albinism is a genetic condition resulting in little or no pigmentation in the skin, hair, and eyes. In several cultures around the world, and particularly in many African countries, people with albinism live in constant fear of murder. Others experience severe discrimination and bullying.

Murders and Mutilations
Hundreds of albinos have been brutally murdered and mutilated in African countries in the past decades. Local superstitions claim their body parts can bring luck and prosperity. Another widespread rumor is that albinos are evil spirits.

The country with the highest percentage of albinos is believed to be Tanzania. In 2013, an independent documentary called “In the Shadow of the Sun” was released. The film by director Harry Freeland tells the story of Josephat Torner from Tanzania, who has albinism. Together, they spent years traveling around Tanzania to spread information about the widely misunderstood disorder.

The documentary, along with several other films, have been powerful tools in the fight against persecution of people with albinism, which is sometimes abbreviated PWA.

The Right to Dignity
International Albinism Awareness Day was adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 18, 2014. The resolution “encourages UN Member States to continue their efforts to protect and preserve the rights of persons with albinism to life, dignity and security, as well as their right not to be subject to torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, and to continue their efforts to ensure equal access for persons with albinism to employment, education, justice and the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health.”

Source: Text: timeanddate.com Image: www.albinism.org

 

 

World Day Against Child Labour – 12 June

12 juin 2018
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: awareness, child labor, devekoping countries, ethnic minorities, immigrant, UNICEF

Every year on June 12 the World Day Against Child Labor is observed to raise awareness of the plight of child laborers worldwide. Hundreds of millions of girls and boys around the world are affected.

Child labor is especially rampant in many developing countries – but even in industrialized nations many children are forced to work. According to UNICEF, children in the United States “are employed in agriculture, a high proportion of them from immigrant or ethnic-minority families.” There have also been a number of incidents of westerns companies exploiting child laborers in developing countries to save production costs.

In 2011, there were an estimated 215 million child laborers in the world – 115 million of which were involved in hazardous work. To combat child labor around the world the International Labour Organization (ILO) initiated the World Day Against Child Labor in 2002.

Source: Text: timeanddate.com Images: Freepik   Askideas.com

 

 

World Oceans Day – 8 June

8 juin 2018
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: animals, awareness, goals, plastic pollution, problems, solution, UN

World Oceans Day 2018 – The Scourge of Plastic Pollution

World Oceans Day is held every year on 8th June to raise awareness of the vital importance of our oceans and the role they play in sustaining a healthy planet. A global celebration, it looks to bring people and organisations together across the globe in a series of events highlighting how we can all help protect and conserve the oceans.

Originally an idea put forward by the Canadian Government at the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio, World Oceans Day has been organised by the Ocean Project group since 2002. In 2008 the day gained official recognition from the UN General Assembly, a boost in raising the profile of the day and its goals. The number of countries and organisations who mark World Oceans Day grows each year in recognition of the importance of oceans worldwide.

In 2018 World Oceans Day aims to focus attention on the scourge of plastic pollution in our oceans. Free resources are available to download to help illustrate the many problems surrounding plastic pollution, plus ideas and tips on how to raise awareness of the subject at your events. From film screenings to art, beach cleans to festivals, events across the world will be held to mark the day.

Source : Text : www.awarenessdays.org Image : temanaotemoana.org 

Will you stop using single use plastic bags, bottles and straws to help our ocean?
Plastic trash is a serious problem for our ocean, and especially all the animals that call it home, but together we can be part of the solution.

Source: Text: www.worldoceanday.org

 

 

World Bicycle Day – 3 June

3 juin 2018
Nicole Gregoire
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Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: awareness, climate, creativity, Development Goals, environment, social benefits, symbol, transportation

BRUSSELS, Belgium – The worldwide promotion of cycling has entered an all new phase now the United Nations has declared June 3rd as International World Bicycle Day. The resolution, discussed on 12 April 2018 at the 72nd Regular Session of the UN General Assembly, was adopted by a consensus of 193 member states.

“We are extremely happy with this declaration,” said Dr. Bernhard Ensink, Secretary General of the World Cycling Alliance (WCA) and the European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF) who campaigned for a UN designated World Bicycle Day since 2016. “Cycling is a source for social, economic and environmental benefits – and it is bringing people together. This UN declaration is an acknowledgment of the contribution of cycling to the sustainable development goals.”

Source: Text: www.bike-eu.com Image: Twitter

Why celebrate the bicycle?

The bicycle is a simple, affordable, reliable, clean and environmentally fit sustainable means of transportation;
The bicycle can serve as a tool for development and as a means not just of transportation but also of access to education, health care and sport;
The synergy between the bicycle and the user fosters creativity and social engagement and gives the user an immediate awareness of the local environment;
The bicycle is a symbol of sustainable transportation and conveys a positive message to foster sustainable consumption and production, and has a positive impact on climate.

Source: Text: UN

 

International Day of Action for Women’s Health – 28 May

28 mai 2018
Nicole Gregoire
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Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: activities, awareness, commitments, partners, recognition, sexuality

In 1987, during a reunion of members of WGNRR (Women’s Global Network for Reproductive Rights) in Costa Rica, May 28 was declared as International Day of Action for Women’s Health. Since then, May 28 has been internationally renowned and activities are held worldwide by women’s and health groups. In 1999, it was officially recognised by the government of South Africa.

May 28 is a special day on which the women’s health takes a center stage. It is therefore an occasion to celebrate the gains for women’s health as well as remind to the Ministries of Health, ruling presidents, governors, parliamentarians, as well as internationals agencies and for-profit companies of their commitments to women’s health and rights.

Also it has been the platform for campaigning for advocating and advancing for the recognition of the concepts of sexuality, sexual rights and reproductive rights and health frameworks at national, regional and international level. Examples of the successful of thousands of voices been sound together during this day are the recognition of the International Day by different governments, agencies and civil society around the world.

Each year, WGNRR collaborates with its members and partners on a call for action around a pressing SRHR issue. They are disseminated to all members and partners, some of whom then translate the materials into their working or local languages. These materials are used to raise awareness and to complement campaign activities. The campaign culminates on the commemoration of the International Day of Action for Women’s Health.

Source: Text: wgnrr.org        Image: sohealthy.fr

World Hypertension Day – 17 May

17 mai 2018
Nicole Gregoire
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Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: awareness, blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, control, prévention, strokes

World Hypertension Day might sound like an intensely stressful day, which causes high blood pressure, but it is in fact an educational event, designed to prevent instances of hypertension.

Created by the World Hypertension League in 2005, the day is intended to increase awareness of the condition and issues surrounding it. Awareness of hypertension is considered to be vitally important, due to the number of deaths linked with associated heart attacks, kidney disease and strokes. There is also a perceived lack of awareness about hypertension amongst the general public, which the WHL hopes to change. (DAYS of the YEAR)

The WHD was first inaugurated in May 2005 and has become an annual event ever since. The purpose of the WHD is to promote public awareness of hypertension and to encourage citizens of all countries to prevent and control this silent killer, the modern epidemic. (ish-world.com)

World Hypertension Day is observed every May 17th in order to raise awareness and promote hypertension prevention, detection and control. High blood pressure is the main risk factor to develop cardiovascular disease.

« Know your numbers » is the theme for this year. Its purpose is to raise awareness worldwide about the importance of knowing what is your blood pressure measurement. (www.PAHO.org)

 

 

Earth Day – 22 April

22 avril 2018
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: awareness, environment, health, inspiration, océans, planet, plastic items, poison, pollution

What is Earth Day?
Earth Day is celebrated annually on April 22 with events worldwide in support of the environment and to raise awareness for the environmental protection and care of our planet.

The first Earth Day on April 22, 1970 is considered to be the birthday of the modern environmental protection movement. It is said that nowadays more than one billion people worldwide take part in activities on Earth Day, making it the world’s most widely observed secular (non-religious) holiday.

In 1969 peace activist John McConnell proposed to hold a day in honor of the Earth on the day of the spring equinox (around March 21, the first day of spring in the northern hemisphere). The UN adopted this idea and since 1970 celebrates equinox Earth Day every year on the day of the March equinox with the ringing of the Japanese Peace Bell. At about the same time, US Senator Gaylord Nelson, a Democratic politician famous for his environmental work, proposed to hold a teach-in about environmental issues on April 22, which developed into Earth Day.

While initially only held in the United States, the idea was taken global in 1990 by the Earth Day Network, and Earth Day is now celebrated globally every year on April 22.

Source: Text: www.calendarpedia.com

Earth Day 2018: End Plastic Pollution Countdown to April 22

Plastic pollution is poisoning our oceans and land, injuring marine life, and affecting our health!

Help End Plastic Pollution by finding out how many plastic items you consume every year.

Earth Day 2018 is dedicated to providing the information and inspiration needed to fundamentally
change human attitude and behavior about plastics.

Source: Text: www.earthday.org Image: Alphr

 

4th Sunday of Easter, Year B

20 avril 2018
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: awareness, believe, caring, Concern, daily life, fog, Frederick Forsyth, Jesus Good Shepherd, Jn.10:11-18, lost, needs, Ps.119:176, safety, sheep, shepherd, trust, wandering

The gospel of this Sunday (4th Sunday of Easter, Year B – Jn.10:11-18) is well known with its text on the Good Shepherd.
The words of Jesus are familiar and the picture they suggest to our minds is one similar to the picture here – a man concerned about his sheep and caring for his flock.

The example may not speak to our daily life in modern cities far away from a village in Palestine of old.
However, a book published by a well-known author expresses very well in a modern metaphor what the message of Jesus is about.
I speak of the book The Shepherd of Frederick Forsyth – not intended for spiritual reading but with rich spiritual overtones that can inspire us!

It is the story of a pilot going home for Christmas and, suddenly, his aircraft suffers a complete electrical failure en route. Lost in fog and with little fuel left, he fears the worse. Literally out of the blue and absolutely unexpected. he is met and led (or shepherded) by another pilot who has apparently been sent up to guide him and bring him to land safely.

You will say it is a clever plot from a no less clever author, and you are right.
But, strange to say – and is it really strange? – our own life can provide us with no less wonderful experiences.
We, too, can feel lost in the occasional fog of daily living and our energy may be low, depleted by the struggle to cope day after day…

To me, today’s gospel presents us someone, yes Someone, who is aware and who cares – aware of

  • who we are,
  • what we are faced with,
  • what we need.

Aware, indeed he is, and he cares – he cares enough to provide for our needs
and more abundantly than we could ever dream of!

A fairy tale? No!
A fascinating thriller? Not at all!
The on-going experience of someone (it can be you and me) who dares to believe, to trust,
and to say with the Psalmist:

“I am wandering like a lost sheep;
come and look for your servant..   (Ps.119:176)
 
Note: Another reflection is available in French on a different theme at: https://image-i-nations.com/4e-dimanche-de-paques-annee-b/

Source: Images: catholicteacherresources.com  pinterest.com
Book illustration: Wikipedia

World Parkinson’s Disease Day – 11 April

11 avril 2018
Nicole Gregoire
Aucun commentaire
Catégories: Anglophones et anglophiles
Mots-clés: accept not to understand, awareness, central nervous system, disease, disorder, Dr. J Parkinson, marathons, motor functions, opportunity, problems, Red Tulip, research, shaking palsy

World Parkinson’s Disease Day marks the birthday of Dr. J Parkinson.  On this day there are efforts made to increase the public awareness of this terrible disease, as well as all the good works put forth by the world’s organizations dedicated to eradicating this disease. 

Dr. Parkinson first described the disease in “An Essay on the Shaking Palsy”, he described a pattern of lessened muscular power, involuntary tremulous motion, even if these are supported.  There is at tendency to bend the body forwards, and to involuntarily switch from a walking to a running pace, while the sense and intellect deteriorate.

One of the prominent symbols of Parkinson’s disease is the red tulip, and this was established at the 9th World Parkinson’s disease Day at the Luxembourg Conference.  The story of the Red Tulip can be tied back to J.W.S. Van der Wereld, a Dutch Horticulturalist who was suffering from Parkinson’s disease.  He had successfully generated a Red and White Tulip, and named it in honor of the man who named his medical condition. On the tail of this, the Tulip received the Award of Merit, granted by the Royal Horticultural Society in London, and then was granted the Royal General Bulb Growers, Trial Garden Award.

Many people do not understand what Parkinson’s is, or are unaware of how to identify it.  In the interest of promoting awareness of this disease, a simplified description follows.  It is a disorder that results in the degeneration of the central nervous system, and directly impacts those that nerves that handle motor functions for the body as a whole. As the disease advances, it becomes apparent from the slowness of their body, and the increasing stiffness of their limbs that there is a developing problem.  Their limbs will begin to shake uncontrollably as it gets further on, and eventually an entire scope of additional symptoms will develop as more and more motor functions are impacted.  Sufferers are often tired, and memory problems become more apparent as time goes on.

Source: Text (summary): DAYSoftheYEAR  Image: HydroWorx