Category: Africa

Source: APO

On June 26, Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania H.E. Chen Mingjian met with United Nations Capital Development Fund Executive Secretary Mr. Pradeep Kurukulasuriya at the Embassy. They exchanged views on deepening tripartite cooperation.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the United Republic of Tanzania.

Source: APO

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The International Rescue Committee (IRC), together with consortium partners Plan International and War Child Alliance, and with support from the LEGO Foundation, is launching PlayMatters 3.0, the next phase of a flagship education initiative supporting teachers improve holistic learning and wellbeing through Learning through Play, for pre-primary and primary school children.

Since its launch, PlayMatters has worked alongside Ministries of Education, teachers, school leaders, and communities across East Africa to strengthen the quality of teaching and learning in challenging contexts. The program has reached more than 984,000 children, surpassing its initial target of 800,000, and supported implementation in over 950 schools across Uganda, Tanzania, and Ethiopia.

Learning through Play is an active teaching approach that helps teachers deliver the existing curriculum through engaging, child-centered, and participatory methods that support children’s learning, wellbeing, and active participation in the classroom. 

“PlayMatters 3.0 reflects a shift from demonstrating what works to supporting how it can be embedded and sustained at scale,’’ said Martin Omukuba, PlayMatters Project Director. “By collaborating with and strengthening national education systems, supporting teachers, and building on the evidence from the region, this next phase aims to strengthen how Learning through Play can reach more children with access to engaging learning environments.”

Rather than introducing a parallel curriculum, PlayMatters works within existing national education systems, helping teachers integrate playful and inclusive approaches into everyday classroom practice. Across countries, the program has supported co-creation of teaching and learning resources with Ministries of Education and education actors, enabling Learning through Play approaches to be adapted to local contexts and delivered using locally available materials.

New elements under PlayMatters 3.0 include strengthened teacher professional development pathways, deeper integration of Learning through Play into existing systems and structures, and the introduction of a crisis modifier to support more flexible education responses during climate shocks, conflict, and other disruptions affecting children and schools.

“Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, develop, and thrive, even in the most challenging circumstances. Through this partnership, we are investing not only in children’s learning today, but in stronger education systems and more resilient communities for the future,’’ said Mary Winters, Senior Program Manager at the LEGO Foundation.

Emerging evidence from the program is also helping build the case for scale. In Ethiopia, findings from a Randomized Controlled Trial show PlayMatters achieved significant improvements in children’s numeracy, literacy and socio-emotional learning skills. It achieved 2X the impacts on children’s socio-emotional learning outcomes, 1.5X the impact on numeracy, and significant improvements on literacy, while showing cost-effectiveness compared to similar interventions. 

Similar findings from Uganda show Learning through Play achieving gains in teachers in classroom practice, teacher-pupil relationships, and wellbeing. These results reinforce the growing evidence that Learning through Play can improve both the quality of teaching and children’s learning experiences. 

PlayMatters has also contributed to longer-term sustainability through investments in teacher training, continuous professional development, and system integration. In Tanzania, for example, a Learning through Play module has been launched on the Tanzania Institute of Education’s e-learning platform, creating a pathway for wider access to teacher development and continued uptake beyond direct project support. This reflects a broader shift in the program from delivery alone toward strengthening the systems, institutions, and actors that can sustain Learning through Play.

PlayMatters 3.0 will build on collaboration between Ministries of Education, teachers, communities, and partners to strengthen more resilient, inclusive, and joyful learning environments for children. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Rescue Committee (IRC) .

Source: APO

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Escalating RSF drone strikes on El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan state, are killing civilians, cutting off access to food, water, and fuel, and paving the way for a ground offensive that would put hundreds of thousands of people at grave risk, triggering a major humanitarian emergency, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) is warning today.

Drone strikes on fuel depots and water stations have left residents facing acute shortages of both fuel and water. As advances of ground troops progress, civilians risk being trapped in El Obeid if key evacuation routes towards Kosti are blocked.

The advances around El Obeid reflect patterns seen in El Fasher, where encirclement was followed by widespread attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, leaving hospitals and aid providers unable to meet acute needs. El Obeid risks facing the same trajectory without sustained international action to halt the offensive.

“What is happening in El Obeid today could become a repeat of the horrors we saw in El Fasher where civilians became targets” said Richard Data, IRC Sudan Country Director. “When water stops running and fuel runs out, people cannot survive, and when roads are intentionally blocked, people cannot escape, leaving them without any protection. 

An attack on El Obeid could trigger a large-scale movement of displaced people toward White Nile state, where numbers of internally displaced people are already increasing. Almost 2000 people have already fled to White Nile from El Obeid in recent weeks. But the conditions that typically enable people to leave, including functioning roads, fuel for transport, and physical safety are rapidly disappearing as attacks continue. Many people will be unable to move even if they want to, facing a choice between a city under siege and roads that are no longer safe to travel.

The IRC is calling on all parties to uphold their obligations to protect civilians. The RSF should heed to international calls to halt its offensive. It is vital that all those with influence and connections to the RSF use their relationships to avert a further atrocity in Sudan. Civilians who wish to, must be able to leave safely, and all parties must ensure rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access to maintain life saving services.

IRC is warning that without an immediate cessation of hostilities, Al Obeid risks becoming another trapped population and White Nile risks being overwhelmed by a displacement wave it is not resourced to absorb.

When the conflict began in 2023, the IRC adapted its programs and scaled up our response to address increased humanitarian needs. Despite operational challenges, the IRC continues to provide support in Blue Nile, Gedaref, Khartoum, River Nile, South Kordofan and White Nile states and is working on re-establishing its presence in Jazera state. We have an office in Port Sudan and are expanding our presence into other states, including Darfur.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Rescue Committee (IRC) .

Source: APO

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The future direction of Seychelles China relations, including expanded cooperation in trade, connectivity, defence and sustainable development, featured prominently during a courtesy call between President of the Republic Dr Patrick Herminie and the Minister for Transport of the People’s Republic of China, His Excellency Liu Wei, at State House today.

Also present were the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Mr Barry Faure, and the Minister for Transport, Mrs Veronique Laporte.

President Herminie welcomed Minister Liu and expressed his appreciation for China’s immense contribution to Seychelles’ national development over the past five decades. He acknowledged China’s support across a wide range of sectors, including housing, the construction of the National Assembly and the Supreme Court buildings, healthcare, education, infrastructure and capacity building, describing China as a significant partner in the country’s nation building efforts.

The President highlighted the importance of further expanding cooperation in tourism, trade and transport connectivity in a sustainable manner. He also welcomed continued collaboration in defence through training programmes and exchanges of expertise, while expressing appreciation for the scholarships and technical and vocational education and training opportunities provided by China.

Recognising China’s longstanding support to Seychelles’ healthcare sector, President Herminie thanked the Chinese Government for its medical assistance, including the continued presence of Chinese medical teams and the provision of medical equipment to the country.

The President reaffirmed Seychelles’ firm and unwavering commitment to the One China Policy and commended China for its role as a leading voice of the Global South and an important partner in advancing peace, multilateralism and international cooperation. He also expressed concern over the situation in the Middle East and encouraged continued efforts towards restoring peace and stability in the region.

Looking ahead, President Herminie said he looked forward to undertaking a State Visit to China during the first quarter of 2027, noting that the visit would help shape the next 50 years of cooperation between the two countries.

Minister Liu conveyed the warm greetings and best wishes of President Xi Jinping and thanked President Herminie for the invitation to participate in Seychelles’ Golden Jubilee Independence celebrations. He noted that diplomatic relations between Seychelles and China were established the day after Seychelles attained independence in 1976, and said the two countries have since developed a relationship founded on equality, mutual respect and enduring friendship.

He reaffirmed China’s commitment to further elevating bilateral cooperation and welcomed President Herminie’s planned visit to China, assuring him that every effort would be made to facilitate the visit.

Minister Liu also highlighted China’s support for climate action, reform of the global financial system and inclusive global development, while commending President Herminie’s contribution during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.

On economic cooperation, Minister Liu welcomed Seychelles’ access to China’s zero tariff treatment for African countries and encouraged greater exports, particularly in the fisheries sector. He also noted opportunities to strengthen agricultural cooperation, including fertiliser production with Chinese partners, and expressed optimism that direct air connectivity between the two countries could be realised in the future following ongoing assessments of the aviation sector.

The Chinese Minister further thanked the Government and people of Seychelles for the successful organisation of the nation’s 50th Independence celebrations, noting the participation of the Chinese military contingent and cultural performers in the National Day Parade as a reflection of the strong and enduring friendship between the two countries.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

Source: APO

President of the Republic of Seychelles, Dr Patrick Herminie, this morning welcomed the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, to State House during a courtesy call held as part of Seychelles’ 50th Jubilee celebrations.

President Herminie expressed his appreciation to H.E. Youssouf for the honour of attending the nation’s Golden Jubilee celebrations. During their meeting, the two leaders discussed the various challenges facing African countries, with particular emphasis on the vulnerability of Seychelles as a Small Island Developing State.

The President noted that Seychelles has come a long way since gaining Independence in 1976 and has become one of the richest countries in Africa. However, he stressed that the country continues to experience external shocks, particularly because of ongoing global conflicts and the disruption of the Strait of Hormuz, which has had an impact on the economy.

President Herminie also highlighted the wider challenges confronting the African continent, including crises, terrorism and conflicts.

He underscored the importance of African solidarity, stating:

“Africa needs to stay united. Africa needs to stand together. We are the richest continent in Africa, and we are too rich to be poor.”

H.E. Mahamoud Ali Youssouf congratulated President Herminie and the people of Seychelles on the country’s “wonderful and colourful celebration”, noting that it demonstrated the unity of the Seychellois people.

The discussions also focused on the challenges facing the African continent. H.E. Youssouf commended Seychelles for its remarkable achievements despite its limited resources, highlighting that the country continues to rank amongst Africa’s leading nations.

He further stated that the new African Union Commission is placing a strong focus on the blue economy, ocean governance and climate change.

Praising President Herminie’s leadership, H.E. Youssouf said that through good governance, leadership and vision, Seychelles has continued to achieve success. 

He concluded by reaffirming that the African Union would support Seychelles in its vision of fostering greater unity amongst African countries.

President Herminie reiterated Seychelles’ commitment to strengthening its collaboration with the African Union.

Also present at the meeting were the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Mr Barry Faure; Principal Secretary, Mr Ian Madeleine; Dr Yann Bedzigui, Chief of Staff; and Mr Steve Lalande, Director of Partnerships and Resource Mobilisation.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

Source: APO

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President of the Republic, Dr. Patrick Herminie today, received the Prime Minister of Mauritius, Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam, for a courtesy call at State House, with the two leaders holding wide-ranging discussions on bilateral cooperation and issues of mutual interest.

The meeting marked the second encounter between the two leaders this year, following President Herminie’s visit to Mauritius in March, where he was Guest of Honour at that country’s National Day celebrations. President Herminie briefed the Prime Minister on progress made since their last meeting.

Among the updates shared, President Herminie informed the Prime Minister that Seychelles is in the process of opening its Diplomatic Office in Mauritius, with Mr. Nicholas Prea, former Speaker of the National Assembly of Seychelles, named as the country’s first Ambassador to Mauritius. Mauritius, in turn, confirmed it will open a diplomatic office in Seychelles.

The two leaders reviewed the breadth of relations between the two island nations, spanning Blue Economy, Tourism, and Financial Services, and expressed interest in expanding cooperation into Renewable Energy, Education, and Health. Seychelles also sought scholarships opportunities for Seychellois students in the field of psychology, with a view to addressing mental health challenges and drug addiction in Seychelles.

On regional maritime matters, the two leaders discussed updates on the joint management of the Mascarene Plateau. President Herminie also enquired about the status of negotiations regarding the Chagos Islands, with Seychelles to be represented alongside Mauritian Chagossians in those negotiations.

Rising petroleum product prices and strategies for mutual support in managing this shared economic pressure were also on the agenda. Mauritius informed that the 14th Session of the Joint Commission will be held in Mauritius, with the date yet to be decided.

President Herminie thanked Prime Minister Ramgoolam for attending Seychelles’ Golden Jubilee independence celebrations, while the Prime Minister commended the country on the success of the National Day military parade.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Mr Barry Faure, and Principal Secretary Ian Madeleine were present at the meeting.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.