From the creator of the organizations “Feed Just One” and “Unlock Hope” comes the latest movement, “Spread Some Love.”
The intent of this new project is to “make a positive difference in the world through messages on their products as well as serving as a fundraising tool for people and groups that are doing amazing things to help others.”
Rather than fighting poverty strictly through providing food and shelter, “Spread Some Love” has made it clear poverty goes well beyond materialistic measures. “Being unwanted, unloved, and uncared for is the greatest poverty,” as is quoted from Mother Theresa on Spread Some Love’s website.
In today’s society, it is easy to become caught in the whirlwind of social stigmas and status. “Spread Some Love” takes perspective back to the basics with their interesting approach. This organization encourages others to make a difference in the personal life of those around them.
Instead of allowing someone to go on feeling as if they are alone, or growing cold to the outside world, “Spread Some Love” demonstrates how even the smallest gesture can turn around someone’s entire day.
In their efforts to create positivity among society, the organization sells shirts that spread uplifting messages to inspire those who see it. Included with every order that is purchased are Post-It Notes so the consumer can leave impacting messages for those around them.
Aside from clothing, “Spread Some Love” also sells jewelry. This jewelry is handcrafted by women in India. This helps to provide these women with a “sense of pride and purpose,” as they spread the message of love.
The jewelry is Fair Trade certified, giving small farmers, artisans, and workers around the globe an opportunity to benefit from globalization. This also gives these individuals the chance to overcome poverty and “improve their overall standard of living.”
For each order that they receive, the organization donates one mosquito bed net per purchase to Think Humanity. These nets are then distributed in Uganda, and the recipients are then educated on the proper use for the nets.
Every 30 seconds a child under the age of five dies from malaria. Considering that over 90 percent of malaria related deaths take place in sub-Saharan Africa, these nets have made tremendous strides in protecting individuals against the disease.
For October’s sales, “Spread Some Love” donated $771.06 to Think Humanity. In November, they were able to make $1,149.25 in donations to their charity partners from their sales.
Also on their website, individuals can publish their own submissions to display how they are actively spreading the love on their own. The category is called “Selfless Selfies,” intending to put the emphasis on the act being done, or the individual receiving help.
No one may ever realize the impact they could have on someone’s life, and this organization capitalizes on that in a positive way. Following the words of Mother Theresa, Spread Some Love emphatically quotes her throughout their website to show the influence of distributing kindness and joy.
“Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.”
– Samaria Garrett
Sources: Spread Some Love, Think Humanity
Photo: Wallpaper Slot
Spread Some Love
From the creator of the organizations “Feed Just One” and “Unlock Hope” comes the latest movement, “Spread Some Love.”
The intent of this new project is to “make a positive difference in the world through messages on their products as well as serving as a fundraising tool for people and groups that are doing amazing things to help others.”
Rather than fighting poverty strictly through providing food and shelter, “Spread Some Love” has made it clear poverty goes well beyond materialistic measures. “Being unwanted, unloved, and uncared for is the greatest poverty,” as is quoted from Mother Theresa on Spread Some Love’s website.
In today’s society, it is easy to become caught in the whirlwind of social stigmas and status. “Spread Some Love” takes perspective back to the basics with their interesting approach. This organization encourages others to make a difference in the personal life of those around them.
Instead of allowing someone to go on feeling as if they are alone, or growing cold to the outside world, “Spread Some Love” demonstrates how even the smallest gesture can turn around someone’s entire day.
In their efforts to create positivity among society, the organization sells shirts that spread uplifting messages to inspire those who see it. Included with every order that is purchased are Post-It Notes so the consumer can leave impacting messages for those around them.
Aside from clothing, “Spread Some Love” also sells jewelry. This jewelry is handcrafted by women in India. This helps to provide these women with a “sense of pride and purpose,” as they spread the message of love.
The jewelry is Fair Trade certified, giving small farmers, artisans, and workers around the globe an opportunity to benefit from globalization. This also gives these individuals the chance to overcome poverty and “improve their overall standard of living.”
For each order that they receive, the organization donates one mosquito bed net per purchase to Think Humanity. These nets are then distributed in Uganda, and the recipients are then educated on the proper use for the nets.
Every 30 seconds a child under the age of five dies from malaria. Considering that over 90 percent of malaria related deaths take place in sub-Saharan Africa, these nets have made tremendous strides in protecting individuals against the disease.
For October’s sales, “Spread Some Love” donated $771.06 to Think Humanity. In November, they were able to make $1,149.25 in donations to their charity partners from their sales.
Also on their website, individuals can publish their own submissions to display how they are actively spreading the love on their own. The category is called “Selfless Selfies,” intending to put the emphasis on the act being done, or the individual receiving help.
No one may ever realize the impact they could have on someone’s life, and this organization capitalizes on that in a positive way. Following the words of Mother Theresa, Spread Some Love emphatically quotes her throughout their website to show the influence of distributing kindness and joy.
“Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.”
– Samaria Garrett
Sources: Spread Some Love, Think Humanity
Photo: Wallpaper Slot
Racism in South Africa
With the abolishment of apartheid came new possibilities: for black and white South Africans to coexist bearing the same rights and allowed the same opportunities. However, 19 years later, racism in South Africa still segregates socially and economically, hindering the opportunities for many to escape the burdening shadow of the apartheid.
During the apartheid, whites were given a systematic advantage; they were the only ones allowed to vote; allowed a higher standard of living with the segregation of schools, hospitals, housing and leisure facilities; they also benefited from having the most skilled jobs reserved for them.
This dramatic disconnect between blacks and whites created a social divide that still exists today, 19 years later. This social divide contributes to inequalities, unemployment and pockets of deep poverty suffered by many black South Africans, the majority of which reside in rural areas. Because of the strong correlations between race and rural location, and rural location and high levels of poverty, this leaves black South Africans in rural areas at a disadvantage to obtain the same education and job opportunities.
Although the income differences have narrowed in recent years, a large income disparity still exists between the two groups, with black South Africans making $65,000 less, on average, than white South Africans.
Isolation may also be a contributing factor to the racial attitudes expressed by South Africans. Socially, South Africans still harbor racial differences. An annual survey by the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation (IJR) revealed that 43.5% of South Africans rarely or never speak to someone of another race.
Class and racial disparities that are present today impede development efforts for the nation as a whole. South Africa isn’t able to truly escape the effects of the apartheid with the racism that lingers in the country.
– Maris Brummel
Sources: BBC, UNRISD, The Guardian
Photo: WordPress
George Lucas and Charitable Giving
Star Wars emporium creator, George Lucas, generated a worldwide cult following after his creation of the renowned sci-fi series. But he is not all lightsabers and robots: after selling the franchise behind the hit movies – Lucasfilm – to Disney last year, Lucas pledged to donate at least half of the earnings to charity. Considering that he was heftily reimbursed with over $4 billion USD, Lucas will be able to make quite the impact after making that donation.
Producer Lucas has a specific cause in mind: he will use most of the acquired funds to endorse his own charitable foundation, Edutopia, which focuses on revolutionizing and improving K-12 education.
A contribution of this size will place George Lucas among the world’s most generous donors, being surpassed only by a select few, such as for example Bill Gates. Coincidentally, both billionaires – together with Mark Zuckerberg, Diane von Furstenberg, Eli Broad and dozens of others – have made the Giving Pledge, committing through such to donate the majority of their fortunes to charity.
On December 4, 2013 Lucas announced his intention to provide $25 million to the Chicago After School Matters project, which focuses on aiding teenagers in building specific skillsets through late afternoon apprenticeships.
As stated by Lucas himself, education is “the key to the survival of the human race” – his support of this campaign is set to provide thousands of children with improved education and better future opportunities in the job market. Also, the city of Chicago has agreed to add $11 million USD for this cause, vastly increasing the impact of this philanthropic gesture.
Last year, few attempted to conceal their utter disapproval of the decision to sell Lucasfilm to Disney. However, the director himself sees this as a purely positive thing: Star Wars is in safe hands, he claims, noting also that the sale provides an excellent opportunity for him to work on his retirement fund.
Lucas has, during the course of his career, accumulated enough money to put him on the Forbes 400 list and gained him enough recognition to be a globally recognized public character. His efforts in reforming education may prove to expand and provide countless new opportunities for children in America as well as other, less fortunate countries.
– Natalia Isaeva
Sources: The Daily Mail, Forbes, Edutopia, Look to the Stars, The Giving Pledge, The Hollywood Reporter
Photo: Global Post
5 African Musicians to Rock Out To
It is important to realize that music is much more than entertainment. Music says something about our heritage, our culture, and the kinds of people we strive to be. Also important to note, music exists with a wide variation throughout the world. Sure, the British invasion was one great example America witnessed. But let’s take a look at some contemporary acts you may not be familiar with. In the spirit of representing the diversity of cultures and heritages that meet in Africa, here are five notable African musicians that you should be adding to your iPod.
1. P-Square
If you are in the mood for some R&B, check out Nigerian duo P-Square. Peter and Paul Okoye are identical twins, hence the name P-Square. With six albums (including a greatest hits compilation), and a record deal with famous Senegalese-American rapper/singer Akon, P-Square has quite the resume.
2. Koffi Olomide
Hailing from the Congo, Olomide is known for combining traditionally Latin grooves with African dance music. In particular, Olomide’s style is considered to be soukous, which has its roots in rumba. His lyricism and vocals have been highly praised by music critics across the globe.
3. D’banj
D’banj’s blend of Afro-Beats with electronic music caught the eye of hip-hop virtuoso Kanye West. In 2011, D’banj signed with West’s GOODMusic label. He is also well known for his humanitarian efforts as Nigeria’s Youth Ambassador for Peace to the United Nations.
4. Jose Chameleone
Jose Chameleone is a Ugandan musician known for mixing folk music with reggae and Latin influences. Singing in English, Swahili, and Luganda (the major language of Uganda), Chameleone shows how he can “blend in” with multiple cultures.
5. Yvonne Chaka Chaka
A South African singer of the Mbaqanga genre, Chaka Chaka is both a musician and a scholar who teaches literature at the University of South Africa. Mbaqanga is a style sometimes considered to be like jazz, but has roots in traditional Zulu music. Chaka Chaka has been active in the South African music scene since 1985, and has a tremendous catalog.
– Taylor Diamond
Sources: All Africa, The African Economist
Photo: LifeStyle
Nelson Mandela’s Early Life
Rolihlahla Nelson Mandela was born in Qunu, South Africa on July 18, 1918. He was the youngest son of Nonqaphi Nosekeni and Nkosi Mphakanyiswa Gadla Mandela. His father was the principle advisor to the Acting King of Thembu, Jongintaba Dalindyebo. When Mandela was a child, his father died and he became a ward of Jongintaba Dalindyebo and lived in the Great Palace in Mqhekezweni. He attended primary school in Qunu and his teacher, Miss Mdingane, gave him the Christian name Nelson.
During Nelson Mandela’s early life, he was raised hearing stories of war and oppression from his elders and knew from a young age that he wanted to make a contribution to freeing his people. He attended Clarkebury Boarding Institute and then went to Healdtown for secondary school. Nelson Mandela first attended the University College of Fort Hare but was expelled for participating in a student protest. He completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of South Africa.
The King had arranged a wife for him when he graduated but idea of arranged marriage made Mandela flee Qunu and head to Johannesburg. He worked as a mine security officer and then law at the University of the Witwatersrand and later at The University of London. He was a poor student though and never finished his law degree.
His political life started in 1942 when he joined the African National Conference, (ANC) an organization that lobbied to the South African government for African rights and political change. Mandela was an influential member of ANC and he helped form the ANC Youth League. In 1948, the South African government instituted apartheid, apartheid was a government-instituted segregation of people based on their race that oppressed non-whites. ANC and Mandela instituted passive resistance including non-violent protests, boycotts, and non-confirmation to apartheid polices and rules.
In 1944 Mandela married a nurse, Evelyn Mase. They had two sons Madiba Thembekile ‘Thembi’ and Makgatho and daughter named Makaziwe who died at at young age. They later had another daughter who they also named Makaziwe. The couple separated in 1955 and later divorced.
In 1952, Mandela became one of the ANC’s deputy presidents. The ANC Youth League with Mandela’s help implemented The Programme of Action, a racial mass-based policy. In 1956 Mandela went on trial for treason and five years later was acquitted. The government began to shut down all anti-apartheid groups and ANC was declared an illegal organization and shut down in 1960.
– Lisa Toole
Sources: Nelson Mandela’s Children’s Fund, Nelson Mandela Foundation, BBC
Photo: This Bug Life
Dar es Salaam and Poverty
With a name that quite literally translates into “house of peace,” one might expect Dar es Salaam, the capital of Tanzania, to be fraught with peace and prosperity. However, contrary to its namesake, this locale still grapples with impoverishment, with a Gross National Income (GNI) per capita of less than $530 USD.
Despite this low per capita GNI, Dar es Salaam remains one of the world’s fastest growing cities as an influx of rural farmers from outlaying Tanzanian villages migrate in hopes of success in the city. Not only is Dar es Salaam one of the world’s fastest growing future municipalities, it is also the largest city in Tanzania, hosting over 4 million residents. A key characteristic of the city is a proliferation of urban sprawl placed in jeopardy by severely inadequate infrastructure.
In an interview with BBC news, Rolens Elias, one of the many immigrants in Dar es Salaam, attests that “It has been hard to set up a life here. I came here by myself and had to wait until I had enough money to bring my wife and family. We all live in one room, but it’s a better life than in the village.” According to Start.org, approximately 50% of the city’s most deprived inhabitants survive on a daily income of $1 USD- an income that falls short of the cost of utilities and adequate healthcare.
It is not as if this widespread impoverishment has gone unnoticed. Many programs have attempted to tackle poverty in Dar es Salaam, however, none of these initiatives have proved fruitful, undermined by insufficient leadership, planning, regulation, and resource constraints.
However, regardless of the humble living conditions in Dar es Salaam, the city still proves more opportune and accommodating than the more rural regions of Tanzania- a country that has consistently ranked among the top ten poorest countries in the world. Indeed, approximately 80% of the country’s impoverished live in rural households with the wealthier members of the populace living within less-destitute urban milieus, such as Dar es Salaam.
By 2015, Tanzania is projected to accomplish three of the seven critical Millennium Development Goals, falling short in the areas of education, maternal health, poverty eradication, malnutrition, and environmental sustainability.Thus, despite present poverty, Dar es Salaam, and moreover, Tanzania, can progress towards a more stable economy, guided by proper leadership and global support.
– Phoebe Pradhan
Sources: Rural Poverty Project, Start.org, BBC, IFAD, World Bank
Photo: National Geographic
Steak Dinner: A Cost Comparison
The restaurant business in America has been growing rapidly in the last couple decades. Total restaurant sales exceed $660 billion. Among all the cuisines, steak dinner is the most popular. However, steak dinner is getting more and more expensive.
There are a wide variety of steak dinners depending on the restaurant and the type of steak. A steak can cost as low as $14 in a regular restaurant such as IHOP, Denny’s or a local restaurant. A steak dinner in an upscale restaurant can cost up to hundreds of dollars. “At the Michael Jordan Steak house in New York, for example, a dinner of shrimp cocktail [$16.50], New York Strip [$38.50], hash browns [$7.50], and creamed spinach [$8.50], plus dessert, wine, tax and tip easily tops $100 per person.” Overall, a cheap steak dinner will cost $28 dollar, and a traditional steak dinner can cost up to a couple hundred dollars.
In the world, 660 million people live on less than $2 a day, and more than 385 million live on less than $1 a day. Feeding a family in a third world country only costs $8.50. With an average steak dinner, a family will have enough food for almost 3 months. Steak dinners are delicious and fulfilling, but why not save them as treat for a special occasion? With so many people in the world in need, diverting funds to nonprofits is an easy way to help millions.
– Phong Pham
Sources: The AWL, Slate, Restaurant, Global Issues
Photo: The Sun
Education in Latin America
There are many challenges facing education in Latin America. Many schools are not properly equipped with current textbooks or any lab equipment. Even worse, some schools do not even have proper infrastructure, and students are forced to attend a schoolhouse with a leaky roof or holes in the wall.
These physical problems are directly responsible to the startling statistics about students in the region of Latin America. According to the Inter-American Development Bank, only 10% of the region’s poorest students are performing at their grade level. Only 40% percent of students graduate from secondary school, and according to the Brookings Institution’s Center for Universal Education, international comparisons have Latin America ranked near the bottom in education.
What is being done to combat these trends?
One method of change to education in Latin America are initiatives to upgrade outdated curriculum models. Docente al Dia is an online platform that seeks to give teachers access to new curriculums and lesson plans. It also acts as a social media community, a Facebook for teachers. This will allow Latin American educators to collaborate on ideas, and connect the education system in a way not previously possible.
The Central America Foundation for Rural Education Development (CAFRED) is an organization that identifies rural communities lacking proper schooling facilities and builds healthy, safe, and sustainable schoolhouses. CAFRED also sponsors a variety of education initiatives to create an environment of learning often denied to rural communities in Latin America. One example is the “Professional Teacher Development Program” which provides much needed professional development for rural teachers by giving lessons in sensitivity and Individual Education Programs.
A positive statistic for Latin American students is that by 2015, 30 million students should have access to an electronic device to support learning. This is one of the many projects and topics championed by the Inter-American Development Bank. The Bank endorses five ‘dimensions of success’ in education: high expectations for student learning, students should enter the system ready to learn, all students having access to effective teachers, schools having adequate resources, and all graduates having the skills necessary to contribute to the labor market.
Access toeducation is a necessary component for producing global citizens and engaged consumers. Stimulating education in Latin America should therefore be a top priority for world leaders.
– Taylor Diamond
Sources: Inter-American Development Bank, Brookings Institution
Brooklyn Museum Shows Faces of War
The newest collection at the Brooklyn Museum offers unapologetic effects of violence around the world in a new exhibit titled “WAR/PHOTOGRAPHY: Images of Armed Conflict and Its Aftermath.” The collection features works by 225 photographers from all walks of life including military members, commercial portraitists, journalists, amateurs and Pulitzer Prize winners.
Nearly 400 pieces are present in a variety of mediums such as prints, books, magazines, albums and photography equipment. The exhibit allows visitors to explore the evolving relationship between war and photography over the last 166 years.
Several iconic pieces are present including Joe Rosenthal’s famous photograph of solders holding up the American flag on the battlefield in Iwo Jima and Robert Clarks’s images of the destruction of the World Trade Center.
Unknown works like “Valentine with her daughters Amelie and Inez” offer new perspectives on continuing issues of violence. In the photo, Valentine stands in front of a house with two young girls, her arms wrapped around one.
The image depicts the struggles of Rwandan women during the early nineties, when instances of violence and rape swept the region. The two girls with Valentine are her daughters, one conceived through marriage, the other by rape.
Other images in the collection show the endurance of humanity in the face of endless violence such as Mark A. Grimshaw’s First Cut, which illustrates an American soldier cultivating a small patch of grass in the middle of the harsh Iraqi landscape.
Some works, on the other hand, are simply heartbreaking as in the case of W. Eugene Smith’s “Dying Infant Found by American Soldiers in Saipan,” June, 1944 depicting a soldier holding the baby in his arms as another soldier watches on.
Rather than a strictly historical account of past wars, the organizers of the exhibition aim to not only reflect the effects of violence in the world but also, explore the connection between violence and photography. The exhibit’s curator, Anne Tucker explains that despite the sheer volume of images and variety of locations, certain patterns are evident in the type of photographs produced from such occurrences.
Those interested in learning more about the collection can visit the Brooklyn Museum website or visit the exhibit in person until February 2.
– Jasmine D. Smith
Sources: The New York Times, Brooklyn Museum
Soma Gives Water to Cambodian Villages
The Soma water filter, a new technological advancement with a clean design is now the motive of a clean water project. The hourglass-shaped filter also uses a sustainable filtration method and biodegradable filters, adding to the environmentally-friendly vibe. According to the Soma website, the product is “a dishwasher safe hourglass-shaped carafe with a revolutionary filter made from stuff like Malaysian coconut shell carbon and layers of fine silk, it’s got a two-month shelf-life before it needs to be replaced. And when it does, Soma’s subscription service will ship them to your door. This holiday season, they are a popular product.” It’s sleek design, and environmentally friendly aspect has ranked them as one of the most demanded products of the market.
That’s not all! Now, Soma executives have revealed that they are teaming up with charity to “provide clean drinking water to those in need.” According to Soma executives, every filter you buy supports bringing clean water. Moreover, Soma’s made this a limited-edition charity water filter so if you are looking for the perfect holiday gift this might be it.
You not only get an innovative, environmentally friendly filter, but also give funds to developing areas that lack clean water. For every purchase, “$12.50 will be donated to Soma’s clean water’s projects. The ultimate goal is to be able to provide clean drinking water to every family in three Cambodian villages. Prices start at $49 for a Soma and one filter, to $159 for a Soma and 12 filters.” Since it’s Kickstarter campaign began, Soma has raised over $3.7 million for villages that lack clean water.
– Stephanie Olaya
Sources: GQ, GQ, Tech Crunch
Photo: Kick Starter