Many post-communist states have met with challenges, as without a working market economy, private capital is scarce. Enter U.S. enterprise funds, providing loans to businesses to improve their standing, create jobs and return money to U.S. coffers—a win-win situation.
US Enterprise Funds
Enterprise funds operate as a venture capital firm, with an emphasis on lending to small and medium businesses (SMEs) in the countries where they exist. They have a limited lifetime—usually 10 to 15 years. Each fund also has a board of directors, with appointees from both U.S. businesses and local enterprises. For the most part, the funds work with great autonomy under USAID’s umbrella. There were political concerns regarding early enterprise funds, as some believed USAID lacked sufficient business know-how. However, it turned out that their involvement would be beneficial.
The funds also have a dual mandate. They are to “promote private sector development” while “generat[ing] financial returns for the U.S. government,” according to The Hill.
Post-Soviet Funds
In post-communist Eastern Europe, the George H. Bush Administration first deployed enterprise funds to help former Soviet states rebuild. The first two such occurred in Hungary and Poland, with a total investment of $300 million. By investing in private companies, the Funds aimed to help develop these states’ free market. In Poland, for example, the Fund helped start a micro-lending company, Fundusz Mikro, that is still operational today and has loaned money to over 57,000 small and micro-business owners.
Congress established 10 enterprise funds across Europe in the 1990s, which generated almost $7 billion in private capital and “as much as $1.7 billion of net proceeds from successful investments,” according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies. They also helped create more than 300,000 jobs in the Eastern and Central European regions. For the United States, these funds contributed to stabilizing the region, fostering private investment and returned $200 million to the U.S. Treasury.
Current Funds
Today, only two enterprise funds remain. These emerged under the Obama Administration in Tunisia and Egypt, in 2012. Aiming to support post-Arab Spring markets, these funds granted annual cash infusions, with total funding capped at $100 million and $300 million, respectively, for the life of the programs.
In Tunisia, the Tunisian-American Enterprise Fund (TAEF) has seen success, investing in information and technology, construction and other sectors. One company, Net-Info, a school offering courses in 3D animation and gaming in the North African region, received funding from TAEF to open a campus in Tunisia’s capital, Tunis. Africa’s population is both young and growing, and youth make up 60% of the continent’s unemployed, so institutions like Net-Info that give marketable skills can reduce joblessness and instability. In sum, TAEF has supported around 5,000 jobs in Tunisia.
Meanwhile, the Egyptian-American Enterprise Fund (EAEF) has experienced similar success. EAEF has assisted 140,000 SMEs, like Fawry and Sarwa Capital, companies focusing on improving financial accessibility in a country where two-thirds of citizens are unbanked. Both companies have seen substantial growth, with Fawry adding more than 6 million customers since EAEF’s initial investment. Another financial services company, Flat6Labs Cairo, has given seed money to several small businesses, 31% of which women own. In 2017, reports determined that the fund directly generated 430 jobs in the country.
Enterprise funds, historically, have accomplished their mandate well. Congress has considered expanding certain enterprise funds. For example, an Enterprise Fund in Jordan emerged but never received funding. A logical step for Congress would be to continue this fund and consider establishing similar enterprises in other states where businesses have insufficient access to capital.
– Jonathan Helton
Photo: Flickr
5 Facts About Poverty in Algeria
Poverty in Algeria is distributed unequally among groups. This is mainly due to the country’s economy heavily relying on a few market sectors. This creates disparities in unemployment and poverty rates based on region, age and sex as the economy is reliant upon a few job types and resources.
5 Facts About Poverty in Algeria
Looking Ahead
Diversifying the economy and generating jobs in other sectors can decrease poverty in Algeria and address disparities in unemployment. In addition, implementing sustainable agricultural practices will slow desertification and protect rural populations. The International Development Research Center’s ‘Sustainable Development of the Algerian Steppe’ projects have started working to achieve this and increased foreign aid could continue this important work.
Malaria Treatment Struggles Amid COVID-19
The leading cause of death in Sub-Saharan Africa is malaria. There were 228 million cases of malaria globally in 2018. Additionally, there were 405,000 deaths, 94% of which were in Sub-Saharan Africa. The treatment improves in recent years and malaria has begun to decline globally. However, concerns about receiving treatment for malaria occurs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent results from the Global Fund’s biweekly survey of HIV, TB and malaria treatment programs found that 73% of malaria programs reported disruption to service delivery. Around 19% reports high and very high disruptions.
Lockdowns canceled activities within the programs. There are restrictions on the size of gatherings, transport stoppages, COVID-related stigma and patients are not seeking health services as usual. The World Health Organization predicts that deaths from malaria in Sub-saharan Africa could double due to disruptions to important malaria treatment services. For example, insecticide-treated net campaigns and antimalarial medicine administration. It is extremely vital that countries continue to mitigate malaria treatment in their communities. Additionally, the countries should sustain essential services that have helped save many lives affected by malaria.
The Global Fund
The Global Fund is a partnership that helps eradicate HIV, TB and malaria epidemics. It raises and invests more than $4 billion a year to support local programs for these epidemics. The organization partner with local experts in countries, governments, organizations, the private sector and those affected by these diseases. The aim of the partnership is to raise and invest money and implement strategies to give aid.
Furthermore, The Global Fund created an urgent mitigation plan to curb the effect of COVID-19 on delivering essential health services. The plan includes making $1 billion malaria relief available to other countries as part of their response. In addition, The Global Fund plans to adapt malaria programs to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 and protect frontline workers with protective equipment and training. It also reinforce supply chains, laboratory networks and community-led response systems. The Global Fund fights COVID-19 by supporting testing, tracing, isolation, and treatment. It seeks an additional $5 billion to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on countries receiving treatment for malaria, TB and HIV.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The CDC created a set of key considerations for continuing essential malaria prevention while safeguarding against the COVID-19 pandemic. The CDC gives four recommendations during the COVID-19 pandemic. First, a representative from the National Malaria Control Program should be considered for membership on the country’s National COVID-19 Incident Management Team. Second, continued access for Insecticide-Treated Nets for populations at risk should be put in place. Third, physical distancing during spray treatments should be imposed. Lastly, the continuance of essential routine entomological monitoring activities while abiding by social distancing and wearing protective gear.
For countries that impacted by malaria, the CDC advises the countries to monitor their supply chain and adapt their malaria treatment programs. Countries should continue to collect data on COVID-19 and malaria illness in the population. It is important that countries communicate their continuation of malaria treatment to their citizens and educate them on how to seek treatment while also protecting themselves from COVID-19.
– Giulia Silver
Photo: Flickr
The Impact of COVID-19 on Nigeria’s Economy
Nigeria, home to Africa’s largest economy, is facing consequences from the surge of COVID-19. After experiencing a recession in 2014, the country was finally seeing progress in its oil exports, resulting in overall financial recovery. That is until the pandemic hit. Nigeria is struggling to reignite its economy as the damages of the novel coronavirus persist. The country’s dependency on oil exports, along with the inevitable effects of a country-wide lockdown, are two reasons for Nigeria’s economic downturn. However, steps are being taken to boost Nigeria’s economy. This article articulates both the economic impact of COVID-19 in Nigeria and recent motions toward recovery.
COVID-19: The Numbers in Nigeria
According to the World Health Organization, Nigeria has seen over 38,000 cases of the coronavirus and over 800 deaths. In a country of around 214 million, the fatality rate is about 2% or 418,000 Nigerians. What does this mean for their economy?
Despite a recession from 2014 to 2016, The World Bank asserts that Nigeria’s economy may be headed toward the worst financial state the country has seen in four decades. Nigeria is extremely dependent on oil, which represents more than 80% of the country’s exports. With international travel halted due to COVID-19, the country has recorded an 18-year low on fuel prices, at $22 per barrel. According to economics experts, the Nigerian revenue flow will decrease to 1.1 trillion Naira (about $3 billion). That is about a 4.4 trillion Naira decline from the beginning of 2020.
The National Bureau of Statistics states that 42% of almost 2,000 citizens interviewed were out of work as a result of the pandemic. Out of all households interviewed, the poorest households saw the highest share of unemployment, at a jarring 45%. Moreover, 79% of reported households saw a decrease in their income as of March 2020.
Oil exports are not the only thing hurting Nigeria’s economy. Prices of common goods, like bread and water, increased shortly after a lockdown was enforced on March 30. A single loaf of bread increased from N350 to N450 (around ¢90 to $1.16). Pure, clean household water in Nigeria normally costs about N100, but since the pandemic, the price has doubled. As the consumption of goods, investments and net exports decrease, Nigeria’s economy is facing a harmful downturn.
The Good News
There remain reasons to be hopeful for Nigeria’s economy. Early in the pandemic, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) performed contact tracing calls to prevent the spread of COVID-19. These calls were made to people deemed “passengers of interest,” or those who had been traveling in recent weeks. Not only did these calls help slow the spread of the virus by enforcing self-isolation, but they also created a sense of comfort. The calls aided monitoring symptoms and provided psychological encouragement during an unprecedented time.
Nigeria’s government has also worked to help people financially impacted by COVID-19. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) set out a 50 billion Naira ($139 million) stimulus package for Nigerian households and small to medium-sized businesses. Moreover, interest rates on CBN interventions decreased from 9% to 5% in an effort to aid Nigeria’s Economy.
UNICEF has also contributed to helping Nigeria throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. In collaboration with the Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC), UNICEF is ensuring that all mothers with children under the age of two are able to safely breastfeed their babies, making sure they follow health guidelines.
With children out of school due to the pandemic, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has provided training to mothers to screen their children for malnutrition. Many students depend on school lunches and considering the rate of job loss in Nigeria, this is a necessary step to ensure that all children are taken care of.
The pandemic has affected Nigeria’s economy and citizens to a grave extent. With oil exports reported at an 18-year low and job losses mounting, COVID-19 has destroyed whatever sense of progress Nigeria experienced since its last recession. With the support of the U.S International Affairs Budget, and with further foreign aid, Nigeria can hope for drastic changes in their job rates and oil exports.
– Anna Hoban
Photo: Flickr
5 Ways to Improve Intergenerational Poverty
Intergenerational poverty is the relentless cycle in which poverty is passed down from one generation to the next, indicating that impoverished parents have impoverished children. This cycle occurs because of the lack of resources that poor citizens receive, such as inadequate healthcare and education. The most salient way to prevent the progression of intergenerational poverty is to invest in helping impoverished children around the world. Children who grow up in poverty are significantly more likely to have low incomes later in life compared to children who do not fall below the poverty line. However, providing support for impoverished children is not enough to improve intergenerational poverty. It is imperative to also invest in women’s rights as their parental contributions have a major impact on children and their future societal status. By providing resources and support to impoverished women and children, we can help stop the vicious cycle of intergenerational poverty and promote a more just, sustainable world.
5 Tangible Ways to Improve Intergenerational Poverty
In order to address the intergenerational transmission of poverty, we must first acknowledge the societal norms that are contributing to the vicious cycle. By counteracting the suppressive standards with progressive policies, children are better able to escape poverty and contribute to the world economy.
– Ashley Bond
Photo: Pixabay
Innovations in Poverty Eradication in India
Poverty has been at the forefront of India’s issues for an incredible amount of time. Based on the Multi-Dimensional Poverty Index (MPI) from Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative, about 55% of Indians were poor in 2005-06. However, despite this grim reality, there have been various innovations in poverty eradication in India. The Indian government, with help from nonprofits, has come a long way in improving the welfare of the people. The number of people in poverty decreased from 630 million poor people to 360 million.
Nonprofits Making a Difference
The Akshaya Patra Foundation is a not-for-profit NGO that works with the Indian government to provide poor children meals during school. Its goal is to keep children both nourished and wanting to go to school. Since 2000, it has grown into the largest nonprofit lunch serving organization in the world. Akshaya Patra provides food every day to over 1.8 million children. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it has provided poor and at-risk people with almost 60 million meals and 760,000 grocery kits.
Another great organization helping in the fight against poverty is SOS Children’s Villages, with over 500 SOS Children’s Villages and 400 SOS Youth Facilities in more than 133 countries around the world. SOS Children’s Villages is a nonprofit that has dedicated itself to providing children with safe, loving environments with better access to food, education and health. In India, SOS Children’s Villages cares for over 25,000 children across 22 states, ensuring stability and better situations for those in need.
Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) is an international organization dedicated to researching effective ways to reduce poverty around the world and help create programs and policies that better alleviate these issues. IPA conducts randomized evaluations to find accurate insights into the causes of poverty. It then utilizes its findings to help governments and other institutions create more effective programs. Through its extensive network of world-class university researchers, IPA has “…designed and evaluated more than 550 potential solutions to poverty problems…” with over 280 more evaluations in progress.
The Work of the Indian Government
Additionally, the Indian government has initiated multiple programs and policies to help reduce poverty. India is the first country to make corporate social responsibility mandatory in the world. This ensures that big companies like Mahindra use their resources to help the poor. The government also has an important green initiative, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, or “Clean India,” that ensures the health of the environment and people improves. This initiative focuses on increasing sanitation accessibility and standards in India, with the building of over 100 million toilets since October 2014.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Indian government has proved its dedication to upholding these standards. It issued a three-month-long campaign, Samudayik Shauchalaya Abhiyan (SSA), from June 15, 2020, to September 15, 2020, to emphasize the construction of Community Sanitary Complexes (CSCs) in villages. This campaign supports the influx of migrant workers/merchants traveling back to their home villages due to the pandemic.
Levels of poverty in India have improved over the years, but the country and nonprofits need to do more work. Fortunately, there are many institutions and programs in place continuing innovations in poverty eradication in India.
– Saayom Ghosh
Photo: Flickr
Intel’s Tech for Good Initiatives During COVID-19
Intel’s Tech for Good During the COVID-19 Pandemic
In April 2020, Intel pledged $50 million to COVID-19 relief in the form of supporting research efforts, technology for medical infrastructure and help for low-income students’ online learning needs. Collectively, $40 million focuses on improving patient care, scientific research and online learning. The other $10 million focuses on funding new ideas and technologies with external partners and employee-led relief projects to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. Intel also donated $10 million, which went toward masks, gloves and PPE for local communities.
Medical: Response and Readiness Initiative
An example of Intel creating Tech for Good was during the initial period where Intel and Medical Informatics Corp (MIC) provided ventilator manufacturers with vital parts and created virtual intensive care units (ICUs). These remote ICUs operate on the MIC’s Sickbay™ platform. They protect front-line healthcare providers by reducing the risk of exposure to the virus. Additionally, they provide an efficient means of monitoring critical care patients through a single dashboard on a computer. This effort helps hospitals ease the strain on their manpower during the pandemic. Intel has agreed to fund the initial implemental fees and waive the first 90 days of software subscription licensing. This will help hospitals access the products needed to upscale their workforce and meet the demands of treating patients promptly.
Furthermore, as a multinational company with an international focus, Intel has donated funds to countries that require help to combat COVID-19. In collaboration with the American Chamber of Commerce in Malaysia (AMCHAM), Intel Malaysia pledged to donate more than RM2 Million to help healthcare professionals in combating COVID-19. The funds donated will go toward buying COVID-19 test “kits, ventilators, patient monitors and air purifiers” for government hospitals in the states of Penang and Kedah. This is all done in an effort to reduce the burden on the Malaysian healthcare system during the pandemic.
Education: Online Learning Initiative
Challenges to study from home during the pandemic are affecting thousands of needy children globally. According to an American survey, only 60% of children in the United States have access to reliable Internet connectivity. Furthermore, approximately 40% of children do not have electronic devices to facilitate their studying from home. Hence, recently Intel partnered with First Book to launch the Creating Learning Connections Initiative that supports Title I supports children in “school districts affected by the pandemic.” Through the initiative, Intel and its partners are funding $5 million for the purchase of personal computers and digital resources. Furthermore, the initiative is awarding $4,000 to each “district in an effort to set up stable internet connectivity for children who need to study from home.”
Another example of Intel creating Tech for Good is through Intel’s Online Learning Initiative. This program provides “PC donations, online virtual resources, study-at-home guides and device connectivity assistance.” It will start in the U.S., but Intel plans to expand the program around the world. The technology allows students that do not have access to technology with devices and online learning tools. By partnering closely with public schools, Intel will enable many students to continue learning despite the national lockdown. Hence, the pandemic has been a clear catalyst for technological innovation in the interest of social good.
Creating Hope for Future Generations
According to Intel VP Rick Echevarria, “people’s health will be critical to the world’s economic recovery, just as the economic recovery will be key to everyone’s health.” He emphasizes further that the technologies developed by Intel, such as digital health and online learning, will outlive the pandemic. This creates hope that technological innovation and collaboration in the interest of public health will be continued throughout generations.
– Mariyah Lia
Photo: Flickr
US Enterprise Funds Stimulate Investment
Many post-communist states have met with challenges, as without a working market economy, private capital is scarce. Enter U.S. enterprise funds, providing loans to businesses to improve their standing, create jobs and return money to U.S. coffers—a win-win situation.
US Enterprise Funds
Enterprise funds operate as a venture capital firm, with an emphasis on lending to small and medium businesses (SMEs) in the countries where they exist. They have a limited lifetime—usually 10 to 15 years. Each fund also has a board of directors, with appointees from both U.S. businesses and local enterprises. For the most part, the funds work with great autonomy under USAID’s umbrella. There were political concerns regarding early enterprise funds, as some believed USAID lacked sufficient business know-how. However, it turned out that their involvement would be beneficial.
The funds also have a dual mandate. They are to “promote private sector development” while “generat[ing] financial returns for the U.S. government,” according to The Hill.
Post-Soviet Funds
In post-communist Eastern Europe, the George H. Bush Administration first deployed enterprise funds to help former Soviet states rebuild. The first two such occurred in Hungary and Poland, with a total investment of $300 million. By investing in private companies, the Funds aimed to help develop these states’ free market. In Poland, for example, the Fund helped start a micro-lending company, Fundusz Mikro, that is still operational today and has loaned money to over 57,000 small and micro-business owners.
Congress established 10 enterprise funds across Europe in the 1990s, which generated almost $7 billion in private capital and “as much as $1.7 billion of net proceeds from successful investments,” according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies. They also helped create more than 300,000 jobs in the Eastern and Central European regions. For the United States, these funds contributed to stabilizing the region, fostering private investment and returned $200 million to the U.S. Treasury.
Current Funds
Today, only two enterprise funds remain. These emerged under the Obama Administration in Tunisia and Egypt, in 2012. Aiming to support post-Arab Spring markets, these funds granted annual cash infusions, with total funding capped at $100 million and $300 million, respectively, for the life of the programs.
In Tunisia, the Tunisian-American Enterprise Fund (TAEF) has seen success, investing in information and technology, construction and other sectors. One company, Net-Info, a school offering courses in 3D animation and gaming in the North African region, received funding from TAEF to open a campus in Tunisia’s capital, Tunis. Africa’s population is both young and growing, and youth make up 60% of the continent’s unemployed, so institutions like Net-Info that give marketable skills can reduce joblessness and instability. In sum, TAEF has supported around 5,000 jobs in Tunisia.
Meanwhile, the Egyptian-American Enterprise Fund (EAEF) has experienced similar success. EAEF has assisted 140,000 SMEs, like Fawry and Sarwa Capital, companies focusing on improving financial accessibility in a country where two-thirds of citizens are unbanked. Both companies have seen substantial growth, with Fawry adding more than 6 million customers since EAEF’s initial investment. Another financial services company, Flat6Labs Cairo, has given seed money to several small businesses, 31% of which women own. In 2017, reports determined that the fund directly generated 430 jobs in the country.
Enterprise funds, historically, have accomplished their mandate well. Congress has considered expanding certain enterprise funds. For example, an Enterprise Fund in Jordan emerged but never received funding. A logical step for Congress would be to continue this fund and consider establishing similar enterprises in other states where businesses have insufficient access to capital.
– Jonathan Helton
Photo: Flickr
5 Facts About Healthcare in Canada
Canada is a picturesque country famous for its maple syrup and hockey. This United States neighbor is also the second-largest country in the world, home to over 37.5 million people and 80,000 different animal species. Although tourists visiting Canada do not typically think about issues such as healthcare when visiting the country, this topic is highly controversial and important for most Canadian citizens. Here are five facts about healthcare in Canada.
5 Facts About Healthcare in Canada
While the natural beauty of Canada might mask the true complexity of the country’s healthcare structure for many tourists, citizens see value in understanding and improving this system. Although citizens receive coverage for a majority of medical expenses, governments are ultimately responsible for continuing to foster efficient, affordable and extensive health programs to guarantee the well-being of all Canadians.
– Kate Estevez
Photo: Flickr
Improving Healthcare in Zambia
Zambia, a landlocked country in Southern-Central Africa, faces several ongoing health challenges. In 2017, Zambia’s public health expenditure was 4.47% of the GDP, one of the lowest rates in southern Africa. Two ministries that provide information about health and deliver health services, administer public healthcare in Zambia. These are the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Community Development, Mother and Child.
Problems in the Healthcare System
As public healthcare in Zambia remains incredibly underfunded, pharmacies in Zambia are not always well-stocked, and many deem emergency services inadequate. Additionally, inequities in public health care service access and utilization exist in the country. While 99% of households in urban areas are within five kilometers of a health facility, this close access occurs in only 50% of rural areas.
As a result of these deficiencies within the system, UNICEF reports that Zambia’s under-5 mortality rate is 57.8 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2009, 980,000 people lived with HIV/AIDS in Zambia, and 45,000 of those people died the same year due to the disease.
Lack of clean water has resulted in water- and food-borne diseases and epidemics that have been devastating Zambia for decades, including dysentery and cholera. These issues mainly affect impoverished areas, as overcrowding leads to sanitation issues. In the Kanyama slum in Lusaka, 15 households share one latrine when the weather is good. During the rainy season, Kanyama’s high water table causes the filling of 10,000 latrines with water. Areas like Kanyama require long-term infrastructure measures, such as sanitation, sewage lines and piped water.
The Path to Development
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) established an office in Zambia in 2000 to address HIV, tuberculosis, malaria and other diseases. CDC support in Zambia includes expanding academic and clinical training programs with advanced technology at the University of Zambia and the University Teaching Hospital, and the development of a National Public Health Institute to strengthen public health surveillance. Moreover, CDC instituted a Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) to train a workforce of field epidemiologists to identify and contain disease outbreaks before they become epidemics. Exactly 42 epidemiologists have graduated from the program since December 2018.
In 2018, Zambia presented to the World Health Assembly in Geneva regarding the cholera outbreak by citing its efforts regarding vaccination, water safety and waste management. Additionally, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, worked with Zambia to fund and deliver 667,100 oral cholera vaccine doses to Lusaka slums after an outbreak that affected more than 5,700 people.
Looking Ahead
Most recently, Zambia embarked on the first round of its annual Child Health Week campaign from June 22- 26, 2020 to deliver child survival interventions to protect children and adolescents from deadly diseases. Furthermore, to promote fairness and equality, the campaign aims to improve children’s health by ensuring essential services reach children who do not benefit from routine health services. This campaign accelerates the country’s progress toward attaining the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for reducing child deaths by two-thirds by 2030, improving healthcare in Zambia overall.
The infrastructure for healthcare in Zambia is overall poor due to a lack of funding, poorly maintained facilities and supply shortages of medications and medical equipment. However, one step to a better healthcare system is to ensure equitable access to health services, especially for those who live in rural areas or slums. To reduce inequities, Zambia must strengthen primary facilities that serve the people who live in these regions and dismantle the existing barriers.
– Isabella Thorpe
Photo: Flickr
4 Facts about Measles in the Central African Republic
Measles is a viral infection spread through airborne respiratory droplets from an infected individual. Measles can cause typical flu-like symptoms and a skin rash, and, under certain circumstances, it can lead to death. While the illness is virtually obsolete in more developed countries, other countries, such as the Central African Republic, struggle with keeping it at bay. Here are four important facts you should know about measles in the Central African Republic.
4 Facts About Measles in the Central African Republic
Although the prevalence of measles in the Central African Republic is serious, the government and other organizations are committed to fighting it. Moving forward, continued efforts are needed to reduce the prevalence of measles in the nation.
– Danielle Kuzel
Photo: Flickr