Category: Africa

Source: APO

.

Invest in breastfeeding, invest in the future!

Breastfeeding isn’t just a personal choice—it’s a public health investment. Breast milk nurtures stronger immune systems, reduces childhood illnesses and supports lifelong health, that reduces burdens on health systems. By supporting breastfeeding at work, we are building healthier families, communities, and workforces.

At the World Health Organization (WHO) Uganda country office, we believe that supporting working mothers is not just a policy—it’s a promise. In line with global health recommendations from WHO and UNICEF, we proudly introduce a dedicated breastfeeding space for staff and visitors, designed to promote optimal infant nutrition and maternal wellbeing.

“The breastfeeding room is a small gesture with a big impact here at the country office. It shows that our workplace truly cares about family-friendly policies.” said Mr Christopher Chikombero, the operations officer at WHO Uganda. 

Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, followed by continued breastfeeding up to two years, is a cornerstone of child health. Yet for many working mothers, balancing this with professional responsibilities is a daily challenge. Our breastfeeding space offers a private, quiet, comfortable, and hygienic environment for mothers to express and store breast milk or breastfeed during the workday—reducing stress, enhancing comfort, and supporting both mother and child. 

“Having a dedicated breastfeeding room at office is such an incredible resource.  It’s a quiet, clean, and private space where I can express milk comfortably. It helps me balance work and motherhood without stress.” said Dr Solome Okware, surveillance officer at WHO Uganda. 

No woman should have to choose between her career and her child’s health. Breastfeeding support is possible in every workplace, across all sectors and contract types. By creating this safe and nurturing environment for mothers and their babies, WHO Uganda joins the global movement to ensure that breastfeeding and work, work. 

“Returning to work after maternity leave was smoother because I knew I had a safe space to continue breastfeeding. As a working mother, I feel seen, valued and supported,”  said Ms Maria Mugisa, logistics assistant at WHO Uganda.

At WHO Uganda, we recognize that empowering women through breastfeeding support is not just a workplace initiative—it’s a commitment to health equity, gender inclusion, and sustainable development. The breastfeeding space is more than a room—it’s a reflection of our values, a catalyst for change, and a step toward a healthier, more compassionate future for all.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization – Uganda.

Source: APO – Report:

.

President Wavel Ramkalawan, accompanied by First Lady Linda Ramkalawan, presided over the official opening of the Vocational Training Centre (VTC) at North East Point Monday afternoon.

 The Vocational Training Centre offers empowerment opportunities and inclusivity programs to individuals with disabilities, building their confidence and independence to enable them to thrive in society. The facility was constructed at a cost of SCR 4.9 million by Turnkey Solutions Pty Ltd, reaffirming the government’s commitment to ensuring that individuals with disabilities have access to quality training and development opportunities.

 The highlights of the event included the unveiling of a commemorative plaque by President Wavel Ramkalawan and Ms. Dinara Bonne, and the unveiling of the new logo for the Vocational Training Centre by the Minister for Youth, Sports and Family Mrs. Marie-Celine Zialor alongside Mr. Christopher Aglae. The logo, designed by Mr. Kurt Pool, embodies the values of empowerment and inclusion through vibrant colours symbolizing different disabilities: red for physical disability, yellow for neurodivergent conditions, white for undiagnosed and hidden disabilities, blue for mental health, and green for sensory disabilities. At the heart of the logo is a hand reaching out, representing support, opportunity, and empowerment.

 The Principal Secretary for the Family Department, Mr. Mike Morel said that the VTC represents hope and opportunity for individuals with disabilities. He emphasized that inclusivity for people living with disabilities should be a complete vision, ensuring they have opportunities to gain employment, become independent and represent themselves at all levels in society.

 The ceremony featured blessings by Father Eloi Rasolofoson and Reverend Christine Benoit, as well as recitals, dance, and song performances by students of the Training Centre. During the event, President Ramkalawan and First Lady Linda Ramkalawan were both presented with a token of appreciation.

 Also in attendance was Minister for Education Dr. Justin Valentin, Minister for Employment and Social Affairs Mrs. Patricia Francourt, Member of the National Assembly for Glacis District Hon. Regina Esparon, Member of the National Assembly for the Anse Etoile District, Hon. Georges Romain, Principal Secretaries, Directors, and invited guest.

– on behalf of State House Seychelles.

Source: APO

.

From 23 July to 4 August 2025, UN Women, in collaboration with the Ministry of ICT and Innovation (MINICT), the Ministry of Education (MINEDUC), and the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion (MIGEPROF), held the third edition of the African Girls Can Code Initiative (AGCCI) coding bootcamp in Rwanda. This year’s camp hosted 120 high-achieving girls from varied backgrounds and districts across the country, including those living with disabilities. The participants were selected based on their outstanding performance in national examinations, and took part in the two-week intensive programme focused on foundational trainings in coding, robotics, and gender equality.

This year`s bootcamp marks a significant scale-up from previous editions, which trained 50 girls in 2023 and 75 in 2024, reflecting the initiative’s growing impact and commitment to closing the gender gap in digital and STEM fields. Aligned with national development priorities under the Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), including the flagship One Million Coders Initiative, which seeks to produce one million tech experts in Rwanda by 2029, the AGCCI equips young girls with the technical and leadership skills needed to thrive as future innovators and leaders within the digital economy.

Defying limitations and redefining possibility, Emelyn Iragena and Dushimimana Angel, two remarkable young girls living with unique physical conditions, proved that disability is no barrier to ambition. Over the course of the two-week bootcamp, their resilience, intellect, and vision shone brightly, inspiring many others around them. This is their story.

“I Will Keep Going”: Emelyn’s story of courage, curiosity, and coding toward her dreams

At just 15 years old, Emelyn Iragena from Rwamagana is charting a path of resilience, courage, and transformation. A student at Ecole Secondaire Muhazi and one of the standout participants in the 3rd cohort of the African Girls Can Code Initiative (AGCCI), Emelyn represents the silent resilience of girls who refuse to give up, no matter the odds.

Emelyn comes from a large family of ten children, five of whom are alive today. “I’m the tenth,” she says quietly. “And five of my siblings passed away.” She has both parents, but family life hasn’t always been easy. “In the community, especially among extended family members, people can be very harsh,” she shares, “But at school, I feel free. My teachers and classmates are kind, and they make me feel like I belong.”

When Emelyn received the news that she had been selected for the AGCCI bootcamp, it was more than just a new experience, it was a breakthrough moment, “I was so happy, and my parents were too. I had never really been to Kigali before, only passed through on the way to visit family in Rulindo. This was my first time really seeing the city.”

From the Amahoro Stadium to the Kigali Convention Centre, Emelyn soaked up every moment, but it was the visits to the Innovation Hubs at Carnegie Mellon University Africa and Fablab that truly opened her eyes, “I was thrilled to see how you can print your own art pieces in 3D, and I learned how old batteries can be recycled. I am excited to share this knowledge back home. Before, I thought you had to go outside the country to do that.”

At the bootcamp, Emelyn acquired knowledge and skills in a series of subject areas including emerging technologies, coding, robotics, and cybersecurity, but more importantly, she discovered a vision for her future. “I’ve always wanted to become a doctor, specifically an orthopedic surgeon, a doctor specialized in bones, so I can help people like me with physical disability” she says with a smile. “Now I see how AI and technology can help doctors do surgery more effectively. This bootcamp has shown me that I can be part of that future.”

In her community, Emelyn is the only one in her family still in school, a reality that has brought its own burden, “Some people keep telling me I won’t make it, that I should give up.” But she’s learned to block out the noise, “I’ve decided to silence those voices by working harder and staying focused on my dream.”

Her message to other girls, especially those living with disabilities or facing social stigma, is clear and powerful:

“Many girls with disabilities don’t get the chance to go to school because of how they look or what others think. But I want them to know: don’t listen to those who try to limit you. Fight for your dream. You can make it.” Emelyn’s journey through AGCCI is more than a story of learning, it’s a story of empowerment, inspiration, and belief. With every line of code, every spark of curiosity, and every challenge she overcomes, she is rewriting the future, not just for herself, but for every girl who dares to dream.

“Nothing is impossible”: Angel’s journey from uncertainty to unstoppable

At just 15 years old, Dushimimana Angel, a student at SS Mary Adelaide heading into Senior 3, is already breaking boundaries, not only in the classroom, but in life. A proud participant of the African Girls Can Code Initiative (AGCCI), Angel is living proof that confidence, opportunity, and support can change a girl’s life.

Angel was born with albinism, a condition often misunderstood and sometimes met with stigma. But her story is different, “I never felt discriminated against,” she says confidently, “Not at home, not at school. My family has always been supportive, and I’ve always been free to be myself.”

When she first heard she had been selected for the AGCCI bootcamp, Angel was very skeptical, “We couldn’t believe it was real,” she laughs, “But when it was confirmed, I was so excited, and my parents were overjoyed.” Coming from a modest background, where completing primary school had already felt like a milestone, this opportunity felt like a pathway to a whole new world.

At the two-week AGCCI bootcamp, Angel thrived. Despite having limited exposure to digital tools before, she quickly picked up coding, robotics, and digital problem-solving. She emerged as one of the top performers in her cohort, showing not only technical ability but leadership and determination.

Before the camp, she believed that science subjects were too hard, not meant for girls like her. But AGCCI changed everything, “Now I know I can pursue sciences,” she says, “I want to become a medical doctor, specifically an optician, so I can help others see clearly and I won’t give up on that dream.”

Her message to other girls, especially those who may feel held back by fear, disability, or stigma, is both simple and powerful:

“Nothing is impossible. Even if your parents or people around you say you can’t do it, it’s your job to prove them wrong. Keep working hard and never give up.”

Angel is not just a future optician, she is already a role model. Through AGCCI, she’s gained more than skills; she’s found her voice and her vision. And now, she’s using both to inspire a new generation of girls to dream boldly and defy limits.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN Women – Africa.

Source: APO – Report:

.

The National Eritrean Festival 2025, which was officially opened by President Isaias Afwerki on 9 August at the Expo Compound, colorfully concluded yesterday with an official ceremony.

The closing ceremony was attended by Ministers, senior Government and PFDJ officials, as well as numerous artists and festival participants from across the regions of the country.

Ambassador Zemede Tekle, Commissioner of Culture and Sports, noted the effort required to accommodate more than 50,000 visitors daily and commended the strong participation of committees, partners, and the disciplined involvement of the public.

Ambassador Zemede also highlighted that the national festival serves as a forum where generations deepen their understanding, transfer noble societal values, and nurture competent and knowledgeable youth and children in one setting.

Mr. Solomon Dirar presented a report outlining the achievements registered and challenges encountered during the week-long event. He stated that the festival was visited by about half a million people from across the country.

The festival featured cultural and musical performances, traditional villages showcasing the cultures and traditions of the various ethnic groups, exhibitions of products by institutions and regions, children’s educational and entertainment programs, book displays, painting and sculpture exhibitions, seminars, literature and poetry competitions, as well as research presentations, among others.

The closing ceremony was highlighted by cultural and artistic performances, with awards presented to individuals and groups who contributed to and participated in the successful implementation of the national festival.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Source: APO – Report:

.

A permanent desert locust invasion monitoring center has been established in Gadm-Halib administrative area through the coordination of the Ministry of Agriculture’s central office. The center is located about 60 km east of Afabet town.

Mr. Efrem Kiflu, head of Administration and Finance at the Ministry of Agriculture, said the construction of the center was carried out mainly by members of the Defense Forces, with participation from the Segen Construction Company, Adi-Hallo Project, and the Office of the Chief of Staff of the Eritrean Defense Forces in designing and supervising the project.

Residents and administrators of Afabet sub-zone, particularly from the Gadm-Halib administrative area, said the establishment of the monitoring center would significantly ease the burden previously shouldered by locals in monitoring and controlling desert locust infestations.

Members of the Defense Forces who took part in the project expressed satisfaction with their contribution and the timely completion of the center.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Source: APO – Report:

.

The Ministry of Agriculture organized training for 62 of its members on material management, procurement, and transit management. The training was conducted at the Ministry’s Regulatory Service Office in Villagio.

The participants included members of the Ministry from the six regions of the country, the central office, administration and finance, the National Agricultural Research Centers, regulatory services, and the National Animal Health Laboratory.

The trainees stated that the training would make a significant contribution to facilitating their daily activities. They commended the organizers and the trainers for their efforts.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the program on 15 August, Mr. Arefaine Berhe, Minister of Agriculture, noted that procurement and material management are among the Ministry’s most essential activities. He called on the trainees to practically apply the knowledge they gained in their workplaces.

Minister Arefaine also stressed that similar training programs aimed at developing the capacity of staff members will continue in earnest.

In the same vein, four months of training on poultry farming was provided to foster families in Dubarwa sub-zone.

Explaining that the objective of the training program was to improve the economic status of foster families, Ms. Tirhas Adresom, head of the National Union of Eritrean Women in the sub-zone, called on all concerned institutions to provide support to the families in their endeavors.

Mr. Abraham Yosief, representative of the administrator of the sub-zone, commended the initiative taken by the National Union of Eritrean Women and expressed the readiness of the sub-zonal administration to stand alongside the trainees in all their future activities.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.