Harare Office Cluster Newsletter

Harare Cluster Office Cluster Newsletter | Edition 7/2007 | 12 July 2007

P.O. Box HG 435, Highlands 8 Kenilworth Road - Newlands, Harare, Zimbabwe Phone: (263-4) 776115, 776775/9, 746597/8, Fax: (263-4) 776055 Email: harare@unesco.org Web: http://www.harare.unesco.org/ A fortnightly bulletin on the developments of the Cluster Office and countries within it Covers Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Editorial Dear Reader It is a pleasure to welcome you to the seventh edition of UNESCO Harare’s Cluster Newsletter, which covers activities conducted by the office and its cluster countries. UNESCO Harare’s Culture sector hosted the annual International Youth Volunteer Camp on the Restoration of the Khami World Heritage Site . The sector is also organising a training workshop on intangible cultural heritage inventory, documentation and archiving in Gaborone, Botswana. We share the outcomes of the 9th Southern Africa Flow Regimes from International Experimental and Network Data (SA FRIEND) steering committee meeting held in Tanzania. The edition highlights two forthcoming training workshops organised by the Ministry of Education, the Malawi National Commission and other stakeholders. These are the sensitisation workshops on the use of the science kit and the Girls Science Camp. Malawi is also set to launch the Lake Chilwa Biosphere Reserve. At a meeting held from 6-7 June 2007, Botswana resolved to launch national Information for All Programme. The newsletter covers recommendations from a discussion forum of African science experts; and highlights SIDA’s donation to the Zimbabwean Culture Fund. UNESCO has been designated as the lead agency for the Year of the Planet Earth in 2008. Dubbed “Earth Science for Science”, the year for the planet earth is a major outreach event for the go-scientific community, highlighting important contributions to sustainable development. The Imagine Africa group has created a website to promote and strengthen African arts. The website invites culture and art practitioners to participate in the creation of a common citizen agora for reflections, debate and expressions. We also highlight the forthcoming summit of Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Heads of State, which will discuss among other issues, the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development. The African Union has designed a strategy to revitalise technical and vocational training in Africa. We round up this bulleting with job, training and research opportunities and forthcoming activities Any feedback on the content and layout of this publication is welcome and should be sent to j.shabani@unesco.org. For more information, please contact b.mapanda@unesco.org or f.manenji@unesco.org. Juma Shabani Director and Representative UNESCO Harare Cluster Office Harare Office participates at the SA FRIEND’s Steering Committee meeting UNESCO Harare Cluster Office participated at the 9th steering committee meeting of the Southern Africa Flow Regimes from International Experimental and Network Data (SA FRIEND) research programme on 1 June 2007 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The meeting sought to explore ways of revitalising the programme. The meeting: Gave an overview of the SA FRIEND research programme; Briefed participants on the outcomes of the SA FRIEND researchers in Havana, Cuba; Discussed funding mechanisms, management and research activities for the programme; and Developed a plan of action for the project. Addressing participants at the University of Dar es Salaam’s Built Environment Department, the Acting Dean for the Civil Engineering, Dr. Ndumbaro, expressed gratitude for the participants’ commitment to the SA FRIEND project. He outlined the achievements of the first and second phases of the programme, including progress in hydrological modelling, tools for water resource management, capacity building and improvement of cooperation and collaboration among participating national hydrological agencies and universities in the region and abroad. In his concluding remarks, Dr Ndumbaro urged participants to focus their research on water-related challenges facing southern Africa such as water scarcity, lack of infrastructure and extreme rainfall variability causing floods and droughts, among other phenomena. Another key area visited covered activities from the second phase of the programme. The coordinator, Dr. Mkhandi, highlighted the achievements of this phase which sought to develop and apply tools to strengthen the water resource management capacities of the national hydrological agencies. During the second phase, the project developed software for databases, monitoring and analysing droughts, estimating flow duration curves and assessing water availability. UNESCO Harare presented the Sustainable Integrated Management and Development of Arid and Semi-Arid Regions of Southern Africa (SIMDAS) project. SIMDAS is multidisciplinary programme which aims to improve assessment of water, ecosystem and energy resources and to address environmental health issues in the 15 SADC countries, through increasing capacity and involvement of women in water sciences, ecological sciences, energy and environmental health in the SADC countries. The meeting also highlighted other initiatives such as the African Water, European Union, Nordic countries and the UNESCO International Flood initiatives. Other areas covered include the 5th International FRIEND Conference in Havana, Cuba in 2006 and language barriers. Information on new members and contact details of FRIEND representatives in various countries was also shared. Discussion on the way forward yielded the following recommendations, among others: Adopt a new research strategy and funding model to enable partnerships with other initiatives. Focus on capacity building in research institutions to boost the national hydrological agencies. Work in collaboration with other regional research networks to optimise limited resources. Enhance collaboration among all stakeholders. For more information, email: m.tchaou@unesco.org.  Top Sensitisation workshop on the use of the science kit planned for Malawi  The Malawi National Commission for UNESCO, with the support of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, is planning a workshop to train teachers in the use of science kits in teaching physical science, biology and chemistry in the country’s schools. Effective teaching of sciences is hampered by declining facilities in laboratories due to high cost of equipment and chemicals and poor laboratory equipment. This obstructs learning, leading to sub-standard laboratory work and poorly trained scientists. Through the project, Malawi intends to offer training to teachers and other stakeholders on the use of the science kit to help them improve their teaching in physical science, biology and chemistry. Specifically, the project seeks to: sensitise the Government of Malawi and all stakeholders on the benefits of using science kits; and train 20 teachers on how to use science kit in teaching sciences. One of the key ingredients to upgrading science teaching is the availability of simple, efficient and affordable low cost equipment, which teachers must be able to use. Developed by Professor J. Bradley of the University of Witwatersrand in South Africa, science kits are low cost and suitable for schools with poor science infrastructure. With support from UNESCO Harare, Malawi has sourced and pilot-tested the kits. Results indicate that it is suitable for both Junior Certificate (JCE) and Malawi School Certificate (O level) science, biology and chemistry courses. Proceeding by way of training workshops, the Malawi National Commission for UNESCO will train representatives from the Directorate of Education, Methods and Advisory Services and non-governmental organisations working in education institutions, journalists, teachers, donor agencies and senior officials in the Ministry of Education. Participants will discuss the following: Benefits of using science kits in schools. Ways of scaling up the project in Malawi. Dissemination of project information to all stakeholders. In addition to the discussions, a demonstration on how the kit is used will be performed. Another key activity to be held is the one-day training exercise for teachers on the use of the kit. 20 teachers from the country’s regions will be invited to attend these training sessions. Benefits of the project include: improved teachers’ knowledge and skills in using the science kit and enhanced delivery of science lessons; motivated teaches that work harder in teaching science subjects; and garnered support for the project among senior government officials and the donor community. For more information, email: mnatcom@malawi.net.   Top Harare Cluster holds 7th Khami World Heritage Site International Youth Camp The Harare Cluster Office’s Culture sector hosted the 7th International Youth Volunteer Camp on the Restoration of the Khami World Heritage Site from 14 June to July 2007. The National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe, in partnership with the UNESCO Harare Cluster Office, the French Embassy and Chantiers Histoire et Architecture Médiévales (CHAM), supported this event. A total of 28 participants representing students from national and regional universities (Mozambique, South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Lesotho, Malawi and Zimbabwe), staff from the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe and CHAM, attended the camp. Aims of the project include introducing the concept and practices of youth volunteer camps to restore built heritage in the southern African region. The camps equip university students and other young people with knowledge on how to restore dry stonewalls when they show signs of structural problems or collapse. It is hoped that knowledge gained will be disseminated and applied in situations where similar cultural heritage is found throughout the SADC region. This year’s restoration works were conducted on the Western Slopes of the Hill Complex which is a continuation of work previously done from 2001-2004. The Western Slopes of the Hill face challenges comprising: trees growing within the walls uplifting face blocks; baboons and monkeys climbing trees in search of food and entertainment; and soil creep caused by rain water. Despite the challenges, the area offers volunteers the best field to attain experience in restoring dry stonewalls. The area has a lot of excavation work and documentation, which is vital in the process of restoring dry stonewalls. Previous work on the slopes has gained acclamation from tourists and visitors, who recommended that work should continue. A key outcome of this restoration is the discovery of archaeological artefacts such as copper bangles, glass beads, pottery, stone flakes, vitrified sand, spindle wheels, iron wire grinding bones and wooden posts. Youth volunteer camps serve to sensitise future professionals in the fields of architecture, archaeology, and cultural heritage management. The work follows professional ethics laid down by national and international heritage management guidelines (Venice Charter, Burra Charter, Nara document on Authenticity, World Heritage and Cultural Sites guidelines). The young volunteers are greatly encouraged to ask questions and make suggestions during the restoration work. Khami World Heritage Site is the second largest Zimbabwe site after Great Zimbabwe. It consists of a cluster of stone walled platforms on which dakha (earth) houses were built and elaborately decorated retaining walls with a few freestanding walls. The largest of these structures is the Hill Complex which also boasts of the most decorated walls. Precipice Ruin is the longest continuous wall which is used as a dam wall for the Khami Dam. Though Khami has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986, is has not received the same attention as Great Zimbabwe and other smaller Zimbabwe sites like Danan’ombe. The National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe have developed a Management Plan for the site. Work mainly involves an archaeological survey, mapping of the stone walls at the site and a condition survey of the stone walls and the dakha structures. In line with the management plan, restoration of the site and international youth volunteer camps have been initiated. For more information, email: c.mapfumo@unesco.org.  Top Africa creates website to promote arts  Following recommendations from the ARTerial conference on vitalising African cultural assets held in Senegal from 5-7 March 2007, a website to promote and strengthen African arts was launched in Arendal, Norway, on 29 June 2007. The website invites culture and art practitioners to participate in the creation of a common citizen agora for reflections, debate and expressions. Entitled “Imagine Africa”, the website seeks to: give African cultural activities a common visual expression; use simple tools for awareness raising; establish a broad concept for fundraising; and attract new parties to the African Arts and Culture network. The website is part of the “Imagine Africa” campaign whose theme is to “promote and strengthen African arts”. Three major Norwegian festivals: the Hovefestivalen, the Canal Street and the Internasjonalt Marked (International Market), joined forces to support African Arts. The creation of a website was inspired by a speech from the director of the Goree Institute, Breyten Breytenbach. In his speech, Mr Breytenbech urged all stakeholders to view the African continent in its entirety, including riches, posturing and display, beauty and creativeness among other things. During the ARTerial conference, participants shared information on the strengths, weaknesses and threats of the cultural sector in Africa. The unique African cultural forms produced in the various disciplines across the continent were highlighted as a major strength for the continent. African culture is still an integral part of daily life in most countries across the continent. Africa has many role models producing world-class products that are consumed around the world. The continent also has examples of best practice institutions in different disciplines across the continent. All these indicate that we have existing cultural capital – people, skills, basic infrastructure and some distribution channels – as a foundation to build on. Some of the weaknesses include: limited resources and capacity to improve the arts; poor information and communication infrastructure to promote the arts; and lack of policy and legislation for the arts sector. Imagine Africa is a campaign organised by the Strømme Foundation in Norway, in partnership with the Goree Institute located on Goree Island in Dakar, Senegal. The campaign is based on the ARTerial Network and aims to constitute a global initiative for promoting and strengthening African arts and reasoning. Through a fund, Imagine Africa will contribute to the communication of African arts, expressions of reasoning and creative industries. It will also initiate and promote contemporary artistic productivity. For more information, visit: www.imagineafrica.org.  Top UNESCO designated as lead agency for the Year of the Planet Earth in 2008 The United Nations General Assembly has designated the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), in collaboration with the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS), as the lead organisation in implementing activities of the International Year of the Planet Earth in 2008. This follows recommendations from the Johannesburg’s Plan of Implementation of the World Summit on Sustainable Development and the Hyogo Framework for Action (2005-2015) which encourages building of disaster resilience of nations and communities. Dubbed “Earth Science for Society”, the year for planet earth is a major outreach event for the geo-scientific community, highlighting important contribution to sustainable development. Activities include: raising public awareness of the importance of sustainable development of the earth’s resources; disaster prevention, reduction and mitigation; and capacity-building for sustainable management of resources and its important contribution to the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development. Support for the activities will come from voluntary contributions by industry and major foundations mobilised by a consortium of international organisations led by IUGS. Member states, the United Nations system and all other relevant stakeholders are encouraged to use the Year to increase awareness of the role of earth sciences in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and sustainable development, and promote action at local, national, regional and international levels. Though a wealth of scientific information on planet earth is available, it remains untapped and hardly known to policy makers and decision makers. Several countries have already created national committees to plan outreach, scientific and capacity building activities to be held during 2008. Earth sciences provide humankind with tools for the sustainable use of natural resources and for building the scientific infrastructure essential for sustainable development. IUGS is a joint partner with UNESCO for the International Geosciences Programme (IGCP) and is involved with the UNESCO GeoPark Network. It is one of the largest and most active non-governmental scientific organisations in the world. Founded in 1961, IUGS is a member of the International Council of Scientific Unions and promotes and encourages the study of geological problems, especially those of world-wide significance. At present IUGS gives special consideration to: initiatives related to the identification and assessment of energy and mineral resources; global change; geologic hazards; and environmental geology. For more information, visit: http://www.iugs.org/iugs/news/iype_04.htm.tasks.   Top African science experts make recommendations for scaling up science, research, technology and innovation Following the African Union’s designation of 2007 as the 'year for scientific innovations', science experts, researchers and other stakeholders have continued to seek ways to fulfil recommendations from the African Union Summit held in January 2007 in Addis Ababa. In a discussion forum coordinated by the Eastern Communication Association (ECA), the following key issues emerged: Using virtual laboratories for collaborative research for Africa; Funding science and technology in Africa; Linking science and technology with development and industry; Harnessing political will for science and technology as an instrument of development; African databases of research and scientists; and Research priorities for Africa in the next 50 years. The discussion explored society’s evolution in the next 50 years and the role and nature of science and technology during this period. In this period, global society is expected to demand high quality data, knowledge and skills to sustain the population. The discussion identified seven essential human needs: quality food and nutrition, reliable and clean energy, clean and safe water and air, habitable and healthier shelters and environment, quality education, quality and reliable communication infrastructure and security and safety. In all this, science and technology plays a pivotal role. In line with this, Africa needs to develop a plan to reduce poverty and improve the living standards of Africans. The plan should outline four priority areas which are biotechnology research and industry, nanotechnology research and industry, space science and technologies and information and communication technology (ICT). Participants also supported the idea of establishing regional research centres focusing on one specific area of interest to the African continent e.g. HIV and AIDS, food crops. Research centres offer Africa opportunities to harvest significant technological economies of scale and deal with critical problems. In setting up centres, research activity must complement industrial activity to create wealth and enhance regional competitiveness of the continent at the global level. Other functions of the centres will be to draw Africans in the Diaspora into the continent’s development process and provide a forum for examination of critical issues relevant to human survival. Accelerated development of science, research, technology and innovation should involve all stakeholders including, the general public, universities and education sectors, among others. For the promotion of well-being on the continent, Africa needs to develop and support a few solid research centres. Other areas discussed include: Enhancing Africa’s ability to transform research data into usable products with the assistance of public and private sectors. Encouraging ownership of science, research, technology and innovation through persistent and dedicated involvement of African communities. Sourcing resources for Science Research and Technological Innovation (STRI) in Africa. Establishing a suitable SRTI plan continuously supported by quality education, a mass of learned population and well networked communities with quality information infrastructure. For more information, email: s.muhongo@icsu-africa.org.  Top Southern Africa set to adopt gender protocol Southern Africa is finalising the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Protocol on Gender and Development to be discussed at the Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government scheduled for August in Zambia. Following the adoption of the first draft by SADC ministers responsible for gender or women's affairs in November 2006, consultations have taken place at the national and regional levels. At least 10 SADC member states held national consultations and their comments were incorporated in the draft during a stakeholders' consultative meeting held in Botswana from 16-18 April 2007. The SADC Protocol on Gender and Development is a tool that brings together all SADC commitments on gender at regional, continental and international levels to quicken efforts of achieving gender equality in the region. It enhances existing commitments to gender equality by providing accountability and monitoring mechanisms. Ratified by the 14 SADC member states (Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe), the Protocol calls on countries to harmonise national and regional policies, strategies and programmes related to ensuring gender equality, equity and empowerment of women. It also urges members to facilitate the development of human, technical and financial capacity to implement its provisions in the region, among other things. This Protocol is aimed at bringing together, in one legally binding regional instrument, all commitments to gender equality (the Beijing Declaration and its Platform for Action, SADC Declaration on Gender and Development and the United Nations Convention on the elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women). Other objectives include: addressing emerging gender issues; strengthening, monitoring and evaluating member states’ progress towards reaching targets and goals set in the Protocol; setting realistic, measurable targets, time frames and indicators, and allocation of resources to achieve these; and deepening regional integration, sustainable development and community building. The Protocol outlines, among other things, guidelines for member states on gender in constitutional and legal rights, governance, education, HIV and AIDS, gender based violence, health, settlements of dispute, peace building and conflict resolutions and media, information and communication. Though SADC member states have increased participation of women in the economy and in other spheres (health and education), the region continues to face new gender related challenges emerging, which include HIV and AIDS, globalisation and human trafficking, especially of women and children. For more information, email: lmavimbela@sadc.int.  Top Online Resources Roster of African Professionals The Association of African Universities has launched a roster of African professionals database to enhance the international visibility of African experts and facilitate easy access to a rich diversity of African expertise for member institutions, African governments, regional and international organisations that seek professional services of consultants, advisors, and teachers. For more information, visit: http://www.aau.org/roap/. Roster of African Experts on Quality Assurance The Association of African Universities has launched a roster of African Experts on Quality Assurance database to organise a formal African Quality Assurance Network. Top     SHORTCUT LINKS   Harare Office participates at the SA FRIEND’s Steering Committee meeting   Malawi to host Girls Science Camp in Blantyre   Sensitisation workshop on the use of the science kit planned for Malawi   Botswana to launch national committee for Information for All Programme   Harare Cluster Office plans training workshop on intangible heritage   Harare Cluster holds 7th Khami World Heritage Site International Youth Camp   Africa creates website to promote arts   Launch of the Lake Chilwa Biosphere Reserve in Malawi   African science experts make recommendations for scaling up science, research, technology and innovation   UNESCO designated as lead agency for the Year of the Planet Earth in 2008   SIDA donates US$1 million to the Culture Fund of Zimbabwe   Southern Africa set to adopt gender protocol   Strategy to revitalise technical and vocational training in Africa   Online resources   Job Opportunities   Training and Research Opportunities   Forthcoming Activities   END OF LINKS     Malawi to host Girls Science Camp in Blantyre The Ministry of Education in Malawi, in partnership with the Malawi National Commission for UNESCO, is organising the Girls Science Camp in Shire Highlands Division in Blantyre from 24-29 July 2007. Established in 2001, the Girls Science Camp is an annual event seeking to improve girls’ participation in science. The objectives of the camp include: promoting participation of girls in science and technology so that they can effectively be involved in the nation’s development; changing girls’ attitudes towards science and mathematics, enabling them to become scientists; encouraging girls to share experiences and encourage each other to take up science subjects; providing role models to encourage and develop confidence to take scientifically related careers; and promoting networking of teachers teaching science subjects and girls taking science. Since 2001, the Ministry of Education, with support from the UNESCO Harare Cluster Office, has held three camps in Mulunguzi Secondary School (Zomba) in the South Eastern Education Division, Mitundu Secondary School in the Central West Education Division and Ekwendeni Girls Secondary School in the northern Education Division. This has enabled various districts to benefit from the programme. Girls Camps have made an indelible mark on Malawi’s education system. Activities at the camp include classes and practical sessions on mathematics, biology and physical science. At the close of the camp, the ministry hopes girls will be encouraged to follow science careers and motivated to undertake science subjects in their respective schools. Girls Science camps encourage pupils to do a hands-on practical as well as laboratory work which help to enforce scientific principles. The girls are also taught by experienced teachers, among them female ones who also act as role models. This approach helps girls to quickly shed off the euphoria they have about science being a difficult and “boys” subject. Girls become motivated thereby promoting their chances of doing well in examinations and taking up science careers. Studies have shown that in Malawi and elsewhere in Africa, boys tend to opt for scientific and technological subjects, often fairing better compared to girls. After school, more boys than girls pursue careers in the science and technology sectors. This is a worldwide phenomenon, common to a great variety of different educational systems. For more information, email: mnatcom@malawi.net.  Top Botswana to launch national committee for Information for All Programme  At a meeting held from 6-7 June 2007, Botswana resolved to launch a national committee for the UNESCO Information for All Programme (IFAP). She becomes the second country, within the Harare Cluster, to decide to establish an IFAP committee. Earlier this year, Malawi launched their IFAP committee with assistance of the UNESCO Harare Cluster Office. The objectives of meeting were to: raise awareness and appreciation for the communication and information competency of UNESCO; increase awareness on the agenda for IFAP; create a forum for networking on activities aligned to IFAP; build capacity for utilising available UNESCO resources for projects focusing on IFAP; and develop a framework for the way forward. Representing UNESCO Harare, the Advisor to Communication and Information to Southern Africa, Mr Gervasio Kaliwo, praised participants for demonstrating a strong commitment for establishing the committee. Participants agreed that the committee shall be hosted by Botswana’s Ministry of Communication, Information, Science and Technology. IFAP is the only inter-governmental programme exclusively dedicated to promoting universal access to information and knowledge for development. It is a key factor in building knowledge societies. Information literacy, a vital element for successful lifelong learning, is crucial in maintaining a country’s competitiveness. To promote this concept, UNESCO, through IFAP, provides a platform for the discussion on how to provide people with the skills and abilities for critical reception, assessment and use of information in their professional and personal use. Establishment of IFAP is among the key elements of realising Botswana’s Vision 2016, which seeks to build an informed and educated nation. Participants comprised representatives from the Harare Cluster Office, the Ministry of Education, Botswana Postal Services, Botswana Women’s Media, Cyber Youth, Press Council Botswana, Communication and Information Committee and the Media Institute of Southern Africa, among others. For more information, email: g.kaliwo@unesco.org.  Top Harare Cluster Office plans training workshop on intangible heritage   The Culture Sector in Harare Cluster Office is planning a cluster training workshop on intangible cultural heritage inventory-making, documentation and archiving in Gaborone, Botswana, from 27-28 July 2007. This is a follow up to the sub-regional meeting held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania in 2006 which brought together participants from National Commissions of UNESCO, ministries and departments of culture from 23 eastern and southern Africa. The meeting seeks to: exchange information on the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Heritage; equip participants with knowledge on inventorying, documentation and archiving and share information and experiences from other countries. In spite of the importance of intangible heritage, society has taken long to realise the need to safeguard it. Intangible cultural heritage refers to practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, skills and instruments, objects, artefacts and cultural aspects associated with communities, groups or individuals recognised as part of their cultural heritage. It is transmitted from one generation to another through recreation by communities and groups in response to their environment, their interaction with nature and history. It also provides a sense of dignity and continuity, promoting respect for cultural diversity of human creativity. Expected results include: increased awareness on the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage; and Strengthened capacity of cultural practitioners at national level concerning intangible cultural heritage. Participants comprise focal points on intangible heritage, drawn from Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe. UNESCO provides financial and technical support to member countries to protect and safeguard the intangible heritage worldwide. Under the programme of identifying and safeguarding intangible cultural heritage, the Organization seeks to strengthen capacities for preserving heritage among its member states for future generations. The Convention on the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage was adopted by the UNESCO General Assembly in October 2003. Over 60 countries have ratified it. However, within the Harare Cluster, only Zambia and Zimbabwe have ratified the convention. Given the rich intangible cultural heritage in Africa in general, and Southern Africa in particular, it is imperative that all governments ratify the convention and adopt leading roles in its implementation, especially inventory-making, documentation and archiving. The workshop will provide an opportunity for Botswana to share its heritage with other nations in the region and globally. It will create awareness and facilitate the process of ratification by Botswana and other countries in the cluster. For more information, email: c.mapfumo@unesco.org.  Top Launch of the Lake Chilwa Biosphere Reserve in Malawi Within the framework of UNESCO’s Ecological and Earth Sciences for Sustainable Development, the Malawi National Commission for UNESCO is planning to launch the Lake Chilwa Biosphere Reserve. Lake Chilwa Biosphere Reserve in Malawi was added to the global network of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) programme. It was selected along with 24 other biosphere reserves, which include 18 from Mexico, three from Spain and one each from the Russian Federation and Vietnam. The launch aims to: locally officially launch the Lake Chilwa Wetland as a MAB Reserve; publicise the new status of the site and its ecological uniqueness; and create awareness about the existence and new status of Lake Chilwa Wetland to the key stakeholders – chiefs, bird hunters, fishermen, government officials, scholars, academicians among others. Located in the south eastern part of Malawi, the Lake supports 153 and 30 species of resident and migratory water birds respectively. Some of the bird species found include pelicans, herons, gulls, African Skimmers, and owls. Apart from the rich bird life, the Lake also provides useful land practices which include fishing and agriculture (cultivation of rice). Its great diversity of natural habitats and land cover types includes the lake itself, marshes, swamps, five major rivers, islands, a cultivated floodplain and grasslands. Communities around the lake live on fish and birds and grow rice. Before its inclusion in the MAB Network, the Lake had been designated as a Ramsar site (Wetlands of International Importance) in Malawi. It was the first Malawian site to be designated in 1997. Though Lake Chilwa is partly under government control, it is mainly under customary ownership and control of local chiefs. Biosphere reserves are sites recognised under UNESCO's MAB Programme, which innovate and demonstrate approaches to conservation and sustainable development. They are under national sovereign jurisdiction, yet share their experience and ideas nationally, regionally and internationally within the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. For more information; email: m.tchaou@unesco.org.  Top SIDA donates US$1 million to the Culture Fund of Zimbabwe The Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) has donated US$1 million to the Culture Fund in Zimbabwe. Speaking at the launch of the Culture Fund, the Swedish Ambassador, His Excellency, Sten Rylander, re-iterated his long-term commitment to the growth and development of the arts in the country. Established in 2006, the Culture Fund of Zimbabwe Trust contributes to the development of the culture sector in Zimbabwe through provision of financial and technical support to cultural practitioners, institutions, and activities. The establishment of the fund came as a result of SIDA’s desire to address inconsistent funding to the culture sector in Zimbabwe. Guided by the values of integrity, efficiency, accountability, transparency, equity, non-partisanship, quality, creativity, boldness, and innovation, the Fund seeks to build a dynamic, diversified and sustainable culture sector comprising national values and identity, contributing towards socio-economic development for poverty alleviation and gender equity. The Fund is led by a board of trustees comprising seven members drawn from the different sub-sectors of the arts and culture industry. The Board is assisted by a secretariat which is responsible for the day to day management of the activities of the Fund. Support is provided to the following sub-sectors: Cultural heritage; Fine arts and crafts; Cultural industries; Literature and languages; and Performing arts. Since its establishment, the Fund has hosted several activities including a seminar for sub-sector committees. The seminar sought to strengthen the capacity of sub-sector committees to evaluate application in the grant appraisal process. It also clarified roles the roles of the sub-sector committees and work plans in line with each sectors development priorities. Committees provide a link between the Fund and its various stakeholders. Their role is to assess applications for grants and make recommendations to the board. They also assist in monitoring progress made within the projects. Other activities include mapping the arts and culture sector through identifying annual cultural events and establishment of a directory of artists in the particular sub-sector. Priorities for 2007 are: empowering existing arts and cultural associations; training and capacity building; research and development; and preservation, conservation and procurement of equipment. For more information, visit: www.culturefund.org.zw.  Top   Strategy to revitalise technical and vocational training in Africa The African Union has designed a strategy to revitalise technical and vocational training in Africa. Through the strategy, the African Union aims to provide a policy framework and a set of practical recommendations to inform national policies and action plans aimed promoting quality and relevant and vocational education and training. Integration of non-formal learning methodologies and literacy programmes into national technical and vocational education (TVET) caters for the vast numbers of young people are outside the formal school system. Objectives of the strategy are to: revitalise, modernise and harmonise TVET in Africa and transform it into a mainstream activity for African youth development, youth employment and human capacity building; position TVET programmes and institutions as vehicles for regional cooperation and integration and socio-economic development; and mobilise all stakeholders in a concerted effort to create synergies and share responsibilities for the renewal and harmonisation of TVET policies, programmes and strategies. Guided by the access and equity, quality, proficiency, and relevance, the strategy promotes linkages and partnerships, responsible citizenship, conservation of resources and respect for the environment, and articulation pathways throughout the system. Other guiding principles are employability, entrepreneurship, efficiency, and sustainability. The goal of the strategy is to promote skills acquisition through competency-based tr\aining with proficiency testing for employment, sustainable livelihoods and responsible citizenship. Its vision is to position TVET as a tool for empowering the peoples of Africa, especially the youth, for sustainable livelihoods and the socio-economic development of the continent. Key strategic issues proposed in the strategy seek to address the poor perception of TVET, gender stereotyping, instructor training, links between vocational and general education, traditional skills, business management and entrepreneurial training, harmonising TVET programmes and qualifications, links between formal and non-formal TVET and the linkage between TVET and the labour market. The strategy outlines roles and recommendations for the African Union, governments, training providers, parents, donors and development partners. Some of the roles highlighted include: sensitisation of all stakeholders on the importance TVET; investment in TVET and its related components; building leadership and management capacity to drive TVET system; providing training within national policy framework; funding TVET research and advocacy; mainstreaming vocational education into the general education system; and lobbying to local authorities for TVET. TVET systems in Africa differ from country to country and are delivered at different levels in different types of institutions, including technical and vocational schools (both public and private), polytechnics, enterprises, and apprenticeship training centres. In all of sub-Saharan Africa, formal TVET programmes are school-based. TVET in Africa is delivered by both government and private providers, which include for-profit institutions and non-profit, NGO and Church-based institutions. For more information, download: http://www.africa-union.org/root/au/Conferences/2007/May/ HRST/29-31/TVET_Strategy_english.doc.   Top

Job Opportunities United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation           Deadline Notice Application Bureau of Field Coordination  DIRECTOR AND UNESCO REP. TO EGYPT, SUDAN AND YEMEN AR/RP/EGY/BFC/0001 - (D1) Cairo, Egypt  25 July 2007  Read  To Apply   Central Services  SENIOR AUDITOR IOS 003 - (P5) Paris, France (re-advertisement)  29 August 2007  Read  To Apply   Education Sector  PROGRAMME SPECIALIST IN EDUCATION AS/RP/AFG/ED/0003 - (P3) Kabul, Afghanistan  27 August 2007  Read  To Apply   Social and Human Sciences Sector  PROGRAMME SPECIALIST AS/RP/CPR/SHS/0005 - (P4) Beijing, China  31 July 2007  Read  To Apply   UNESCO Institutes and Centres   SENIOR RESEARCH SCIENTIST EU/TP/ITA/SC/0824 - (P4) Trieste, Italy  30 September 2007  Read                      Association of Association of African Universities Consultants The Association of African Universities (AAU), which hosts the Working Group on Higher Education (WGHE) of the Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA), is looking to identify, document and share promising institutional efforts to retain highly qualified and skilled personnel, and use of expertise in the Diaspora, to contribute to the development of higher education, science technology and innovation in Africa. The aim of the exercise is to produce an Annotated Bibliography, with recommendations, to the Conference of Rectors, Vice Chancellors, and Presidents of the Association of African Universities in October 2007. The Annotated Bibliography, which will contain recommendations to policy makers and other stakeholders in higher education in Africa, will also be posted on AAU’s website with relevant links. Institutions that have embarked on promising efforts and approaches to retaining highly qualified and skilled personnel, including use of expertise in the Diaspora, to contribute to the development of higher education, science technology and innovation in Africa, are invited to send a (5-10) page description of their experiences, with a cover letter signed by the Vice-Chancellor, Rector, Principal or designated official, indicating the institution’s willingness to participate in the survey, addressed to: The Secretary General ATTENTION: Alice Sena Lamptey Coordinator, WGHE Association of African Universities (AAU) P. O. Box AN 5744 Accra-North, Ghana. For more information, email: alamptey@aau.org or info@aau.org. Top Training and Research Opportunities Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) - Academy of Sciences for the Developing World (TWAS) Fellowships for Visiting Scholars in China The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and the Academy of Sciences for the Developing World (TWAS) are offering up to fifteen fellowships per year to visiting scholars from developing countries (other than China) who wish to pursue advanced research in natural sciences. The Academy also offers: TWAS Fellowships for Research and Advanced Training. TWAS-UNESCO Associateship Scheme at Centres of Excellence in the South. For more information, visit: www.twas.org.  Extension of the Third World Organisation for Women in Science (TWOWS) Applications for the TWOWS Postgraduate Training Fellowships Programme for Women Scientists from Sub-Saharan Africa and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) at Centres of Excellence in the South' will be accepted until 31 July 2007. For more information, visit: www.ictp.trieste.it/twows/postgrad.html.  Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA) Annual Social Science Campus The Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA) is hosting its sixth session of the Annual Social Science Campus, and invites applications from African scholars for participation in the programme scheduled for 12-16 November 2007 in Dakar, Senegal. The theme of the Campus is “contemporary African cultural productions”. The Campus is conceived as an advanced research dialogue which is both multidisciplinary and intergenerational in nature. It is organised around a specific theme and up to 15 scholars, drawn from different disciplines and reflecting the different generations of African social researchers, are elected to participate in the Campus. This mix of participants is designed to have the added value of promoting an intensive and critical dialogue among the disciplines, as well as among different generations of African scholars for the advancement of theory, method and practice. Deadline for submission of applications is 15 October 2007. For more information, visit: www.codesria.org.  Top

Forthcoming Activities International Conference on “The African Adaptation to the Bologna Process” – Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo: 16-18 July 2007 The theme of the conference is “The African universities' adaptation to the Bologna process”. For more information, visit http://www.eua.be/index.php?id=241&no_cache=1&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=284&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=240.  Distance Education and Teacher Training in Africa (DETA) Conference 2007 – Kampala, Uganda: 5-8 August 2007 The theme of the Conference is “Addressing the quality and numbers of teachers in Africa”. For more information, visit: http://www.deta.up.ac.za/.  World Library and Information Congress: 73rd IFLA General Conference and Council, Durban, South Africa: 19-23 August 2007 The theme is "Libraries for the future: Progress, Development and Partnerships". For more information, please visit: http://www.ifla.org/IV/ifla73/index.htm.  The Sixth International Internet Education Conference 2007, Egypt: 2-4 September 2007 Under the theme "Learning Anytime, Anywhere”, the Conference will focus on all the key areas driving Information and Communication Technology in Education. For more information, visit: http://www.unevoc.net/2.0.html?&tx_drwiki_pi1[keyword]=ICT-Learn2007.  All African Regional Conference in Support of Global Literacy – Bamako, Mali: 10-12 September 2007 The theme of the conference is “Renewing Literacy to Face African and International Challenges” For more information, visit: www.unesco.org/uil.  Third Global Forum on International Quality Assurance, Accreditation and the Recognition of Qualifications – Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: 13-14 September 2007 The theme of forum is "Learners and New Higher Education Spaces: From Principles to Practice". For more information, email: j.shabani@unesco.org or visit the site http://www.viheaf.net/icqahea-2007/. Second International Conference on Quality Assurance In Higher Education In Africa, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: 17-19 September 2007 The theme of the Conference is “Promoting Sustainable Quality Assurance Policy and Practice in Higher Education in Africa”. For more information, email: j.shabani@unesco.org or visit: http://www.viheaf.net/icqahea-2007/.   Training Workshop on Development of National Qualifications/Quality Assurance Frameworks for SADC Countries – Zanzibar, Tanzania: 21-22 September 2007 The workshop aims to strengthen capacity of SADC Member States (and interested countries outside SADC) and assist them in the process of developing national qualifications/quality assurance frameworks. For more information email: j.shabani@unesco.org or visit the site http://www.viheaf.net/icqahea-2007/.  Conference of Vice-Chancellors and Deans of Science, Engineering and Technology – Midrand, South Africa: 25-27 September 2007 The theme of the Conference is “Relevance of Science, Engineering and Technology Training to Development Challenges in Africa.” For further information, visit: www.ansticonference.org.  Conference of Rectors, Vice Chancellors and Presidents of African Universities (COREVIP) – Tripoli, Libya: 21-25 October 2007 The theme of the Conference is: “The African Brain Drain - Managing the Drain: Working with the Diaspora”. For more information, email: secgen@aau.org or visit: www.aau.org.  International Conference on the Role of Chemistry in Sustainable Agriculture and Human Well-being in Africa – Cape Town, South Africa: 2-5 December 2007 The scientific programme will focus on improving the quality of life of the peoples of Africa through the provision of adequate food, with specific attention to the role of chemistry. For more information, visit: http://www.chemrawn.co.za.  6th Eastern and Southern Africa Laboratory Managers Association Workshop – Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe: 8-11 December 2007 The theme of the workshop is “laboratory quality assurance for competitiveness in the global market”. For more information; visit: http://www.esalama.org/notices.php. International conference on Groundwater and Climate in Africa – Kampala, Uganda, 25-28 June 2008 The conference seeks to bring together water and climate scientists from research/academic institutions, government departments, the private sector, representatives from international agencies, the donor community and consortia, to share knowledge and expertise, and thereby improve the current understanding of the impact of climate variability and change on groundwater resources in Africa. For more information, please visit: http://www.gewex.org/gewex_meetings.html.   Top