Category: English

Source: APO

At 15, an unexpected pregnancy could have ended one young girl’s educational journey. Instead, she persevered, became a teacher and went on to receive the President’s Cup. Her story of resilience set the tone for the launch as First Lady Mrs Veronique Herminie officially launched the “Welcome to Puberty” Initiative at the SITE Auditorium, Mont Fleuri, on Thursday. 

The “Welcome to Puberty” Initiative is being implemented through a collaboration between the Office of the First Lady, the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development, and WOSITA Foundation, bringing together their efforts to provide young girls with the knowledge, practical support and confidence they need as they navigate puberty.

At the centre of the auditorium were 49 S1 girls from English River Secondary School, chosen for the soft launch and among the first beneficiaries of an initiative also designed to make conversations about puberty more open, informed and supportive.

In her keynote address, the First Lady spoke directly to the girls about understanding and accepting the changes that come with growing up. Her message centred on self-confidence, dignity and the importance of young girls having access to reliable information and trusted people with whom they can speak openly.

The 49 students each received a puberty pack as part of the launch. They represent the beginning of a wider distribution of 600 puberty packs to schools, extending the initiative beyond English River Secondary School to reach more young girls across the country.

One of the programme’s most inspiring moments came from a young teacher who shared her lived experience of becoming pregnant at 15 and overcoming significant challenges to continue her education. Her perseverance eventually saw her graduate as a teacher and receive the President’s Cup last year, offering the girls a powerful example of resilience and determination.

Minister for Education and Human Resource Development Mr David Pierre reinforced the importance of allowing every young person to develop without the pressure of comparison.

“Know that you have value and that there is no one else exactly like you,” he told the girls, reminding them that each person grows “in her own way and at her own pace”.

His message went beyond understanding the physical changes of puberty. He urged the students to make good choices, protect their dignity and never be afraid to ask questions respectfully or seek guidance from someone they trust.

The programme itself reflected that emphasis on giving young people a voice. Students contributed through a poem and a song, while a video message from Dr Abi Daré, author of “The Girl with the Louding Voice”, brought another message of encouragement to the young audience.

Rather than ending with speeches alone, the launch moved into an interactive dialogue, giving the students and parents an opportunity to participate in the conversation, ask questions and engage directly with the First Lady and other contributors to the programme.

Also attending were Mrs Lina Pillay, spouse of Vice-President Sebastien Pillay; Speaker of the National Assembly Hon. Azarel Ernesta; Leader of Government Business in the National Assembly Hon. Sylvanne Lemiel; United Nations Resident Coordinator for Seychelles Lisa Singh; ministers; Members of the National Assembly; principal secretaries; representatives of WOSITA Foundation; educators; parents; partners and sponsors.

The programme also featured a presentation by ELLE’S Foundation, one of the partners supporting the initiative, highlighting its contribution to the programme and support for young girls as they navigate puberty.

For the 49 girls taking part in the soft launch, the morning was more than the presentation of a puberty pack. It opened a conversation that the initiative hopes to carry into schools across Seychelles-one were growing up can be approached with knowledge rather than uncertainty, confidence rather than embarrassment, and the reassurance that questions are worth asking.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

Source: APO

Ag. Director, CPPMD, Dorothy Mwera, has underscored the importance of strengthening staff well being as the State Department for Foreign Affairs undertakes a review of its Staff Wellness Policy. The review seeks to ensure that the policy provides an effective and coordinated wellness framework for officers and staff serving both at Headquarters and in Kenya Missions.

Mwera noted the importance of a comprehensive approach to wellness that responds to the diverse occupational, psychosocial, physical, financial, family and environmental factors that may affect staff well being and performance. The review provides an opportunity to strengthen access to appropriate support while fostering a workplace culture that promotes dignity, privacy, inclusion and freedom from stigma.

The proposed framework provides for integrated wellness interventions covering mental and psychosocial wellness, physical health, nutrition and healthy lifestyles, financial wellness, bereavement and family support, conflict management and safe, healthy and supportive working environments.

It also provides for critical-incident and emergency support, including psychological first aid, counseling, professional referrals, peer support and structured follow-up.

For the Foreign Service as a whole, the framework proposes a wellness cycle spanning per-deployment preparation, support during deployment, critical-incident response and post-deployment reintegration, ensuring that wellness remains part of the employee experience throughout the service journey.

The review reflects the State Department’s commitment to building a healthier and more supportive working environment across its entire workforce, recognizing that the well being of staff at Headquarters and in Missions is integral to a resilient and effective Foreign Service.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign & Diaspora Affairs, Kenya.

Source: APO

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The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) is participating in the Fourteenth Conference on Climate Change and Development in Africa, taking place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 7 to 9 September 2026. Organised by the Climate for Development in Africa Programme of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, the Conference is being held under the theme “From Pledges to Implementation: The Belém–Antalya–Addis Roadmap.” It brings together African policymakers, climate negotiators, parliamentarians, development partners, experts and other stakeholders to advance coordinated action on climate-resilient and low-emission development and strengthen Africa’s strategic engagement towards COP31.

The PAP delegation is led by Hon. Dr. Ashebir Gayo, First Vice-President, and comprises Hon. Abdallah Barkat, Member of the PAP Committee on Rural Economy, Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources, and technical staff from the PAP Secretariat.

On 7 September, during a session titled “From Climate Priorities to Climate Agency: What Would Africa’s Climate Leadership in Global Climate Governance Actually Mean?”, Hon. Dr. Ashebir Gayo delivered a parliamentary perspective highlighting the critical role of African parliaments in translating climate commitments into national legislation, budgets, programmes and effective implementation.

He stressed that Africa should move beyond participation in global climate processes towards greater climate agency, including by developing and advancing African solutions that reflect the continent’s circumstances, priorities and development aspirations.

The First Vice-President highlighted the PAP’s significant contribution to strengthening Africa’s climate governance, particularly through the development of the PAP Model Law on Climate Change. The initiative aims to provide African Union Member States with an adaptable legislative framework to strengthen national climate legislation and translate regional and international climate commitments into domestic action.

The Model Law addresses key areas including climate governance and planning, mitigation, adaptation and resilience, loss and damage, climate finance, climate-induced displacement, carbon markets, climate information and data governance, regional cooperation, compliance, access to justice and public participation.

Hon. Dr. Gayo further underscored that climate action must be integrated with Africa’s broader development priorities. In this regard, he highlighted the PAP Model Law on Food and Nutrition Security in Africa, adopted in 2022, and the Model Law on Sustainable Soil Management in Africa as complementary legislative instruments supporting resilient food systems, sustainable agriculture, soil conservation, biodiversity, livelihoods and climate adaptation. He emphasised that climate resilience cannot be separated from food systems, land, water and natural-resource governance.

The First Vice-President also stressed the importance of accessible, affordable and predictable climate finance, effective institutions, parliamentary oversight and accountability. He called for stronger cooperation among African parliaments and international parliamentary networks to exchange legislative experiences and advance practical solutions in areas such as climate finance, resilient infrastructure, clean energy, agricultural transformation, natural-resource governance and economic resilience.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).

Source: APO

Maritime security remains central to national, regional and international stability. With the maritime domain serving as a vital artery for global trade, economic activity and the protection of strategic interests, securing sea lanes requires sustained cooperation, information sharing and strong partnerships among maritime forces.

Naval engagements provide an important platform for strengthening professional relationships, exchanging expertise and enhancing the ability of partner nations to respond collectively to evolving maritime security challenges.

On 8 September 2026, Commander Kenya Navy Base Mtongwe, Brigadier William Kiprotich, accompanied by senior Kenya Navy Officers, visited the United States Ship (USS) ROSS at the Port of Mombasa for bilateral engagements aimed at advancing cooperation between the Kenya Navy and the United States Navy.

The engagement provided an opportunity for the two navies to exchange perspectives on maritime security, share professional experiences and explore areas for enhanced cooperation. It further reinforced the longstanding Kenya–United States defence partnership and the shared interest in promoting a safe, secure and stable maritime environment.

During the visit, Brigadier Kiprotich interacted with the Chargé d’Affaires of the United States Embassy in Nairobi, Ms Susan Burns. Their discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations and deepening defence and maritime cooperation between the two countries.

Beyond the formal engagements, personnel from the two navies participated in crew-to-crew activities aimed at strengthening camaraderie and professional relationships. Sailors competed in a friendly chess match and football game at Kenya Navy Base Mtongwe, creating an opportunity for interaction in an informal environment.

The activities enabled personnel to build stronger bonds, appreciate each other’s cultures and reinforce the values of friendship, teamwork and mutual respect that underpin effective military partnerships.

The visit highlighted the importance of sustained naval diplomacy in strengthening partnerships, enhancing interoperability and building mutual understanding. Through continued dialogue, professional exchanges and shared activities, the Kenya Navy and United States Navy are strengthening their capacity to work together in safeguarding the maritime domain and contributing to regional peace, security and stability.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Defence – Kenya.

Source: APO

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The Kenya Army continues to strengthen personnel welfare by promoting access to affordable home ownership as part of broader efforts to enhance the financial security, stability and well-being of Service Members and their families.

Commander Kenya Army, Lieutenant General David Ketter, led a sensitisation programme on the KDF Mortgage Scheme at Kahawa Garrison, where personnel were briefed on eligibility requirements, financing options, application procedures and repayment terms.

The programme follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Kenya Defence Forces, the Civil Servants Housing Scheme Fund, the Affordable Housing Board and KCB Bank, establishing a framework to facilitate access to affordable mortgage financing for eligible KDF personnel.

Lieutenant General Ketter encouraged personnel to take advantage of the scheme and incorporate home ownership into their long-term financial planning. He noted that access to secure and affordable housing contributes significantly to family stability, personnel morale and overall well-being.

Representatives from the partner institutions also engaged personnel, responding to questions and providing practical guidance on the application process and access to the mortgage facility.

The sensitisation programme forms part of sustained efforts to empower personnel with the knowledge and opportunities necessary to make informed financial decisions and secure their future beyond active service.

By expanding access to affordable home ownership and strengthening financial preparedness, the KDF continues to place personnel welfare at the heart of force development, recognising that a financially secure and supported Service Member contributes to a motivated, resilient and mission-ready force.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Defence – Kenya.

Source: APO

Food is central to every successful military mission, fuelling soldiers with the energy and focus required to perform tasks.

In the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), Lt. Agnes Adite embraces the vital role of catering officer for the Ugandan contingent, ensuring every soldier is well-fed and ready for duty.

“I am the one who manages the menu concerning the feeding. And another second role – the safety and hygiene of the kitchen,” Lt. Adite said.

She also ensures every meal reaches the soldiers, delivering food right to their guard posts.

“Catering is so important. It’s like I’m the mother of this unit. Because without catering, the operations cannot continue. There is a saying that without food in the stomach, a soldier cannot do an operation,” Lt. Adite said.

With the demands of the mission, and Somalia’s unpredictable operational environment, she makes sure troops are well-fed and prepared for the day.

A typical day kicks off in a whirlwind, with breakfast preparations starting before dawn, to ensure soldiers are energised before sunrise.

The chefs strictly follow a weekly meal plan that includes a range of dishes to ensure a balanced diet.

On this day, lunch features a hearty serving of ugali, packed and delivered to every soldier in the Halane Base camp.

For operational security, soldiers cannot gather in one place to eat. Only officers have designated dining areas, while the rest of the personnel eat at their posts.

“We don’t have the main mess for all these other soldiers, because their guard duties are at different points. So, we cook food, and then they come with the containers, we load them into the vehicle, we dispatch to the places where they’re working from,” Lt. Adite said.

For Lt. Adite, deployment in Somalia is a world apart from her home country Uganda. She oversees meals for more than a thousand military personnel, a challenge far greater than anything she faced back home.

Managing such numbers has pushed Lt. Adite’s leadership abilities to new heights. Her determination and vigilance keep her going, and timeliness of meals is non-negotiable. This ensures the troops are alert and prepared, especially when danger can strike without warning.

“We issue them food at the right time. Because mostly here in the mission area, we keep timings as, being in an operation area, we can be attacked anytime,” Lt. Adite said.

She builds unity and trust through regular meetings with her team of chefs and caterers, ensuring everyone delivers meals on time.

Lt. Adite is confident that the practical skills gained in Somalia, through in-mission trainings, mastering how to prepare diverse cuisines and learning how to plan meals for large groups, will launch her military career to new heights when she returns to Uganda after her tour of duty.

“I’ve added to the knowledge. I had to polish what I came with. So, at least by now, I know how to handle things in different sections, depending on the people I’m working with, because not all of us eat the same dishes here,” said Lt. Adite.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).

Source: APO

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OCHA says that the UN and its humanitarian partners continue to support Government-led efforts in Rwanda to prepare to respond to Ebola.

On 3 September, the UN trained nearly 200 community health officers on infection prevention and control, early detection, reporting and referral, risk communication and managing rumours.

The UN and its partners also conducted an assessment last week at border crossing points and health facilities to evaluate screening procedures, detection mechanisms, isolation and referral capacity, staff preparedness and risk communication systems.

The UN is also supporting efforts around infection prevention and hygiene at the Rugerero Ebola Treatment Centre in Western Province – training Red Cross volunteers and ambulance personnel this week on the use of protective equipment, as well as safe case management, referrals and transport.

Rwanda has reported no confirmed Ebola cases, but the country remains at higher risk given its proximity to affected areas in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the movement of people across borders.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA).