The Reham Al-Farra Memorial Journalism Fellowship was mandated in December 1980 by UN General Assembly Resolution 35/201. Formerly known as the DPI Training Programme for Broadcasters and Journalists from Developing Countries, the programme was renamed in 2003 in honor of Reham Al-Farra, a 29-year-old Jordanian public information officer who was killed in the 19 August 2003 bombing of the UN headquarters in Baghdad. The Fellowship is a unique opportunity for young (22 to 35), working journalists from developing countries and countries with economies in transition to cover the United Nations. Hosted every autumn at UN Headquarters, the programme brings a select group of journalists to New York to cover the opening of the General Assembly for their news outlets. During the 3-week programme, fellows have an opportunity to attend special briefings, interview senior officials and exchange ideas with colleagues from around the world. In previous years, fellows have met with the UN Secretary-General, Deputy Secretary-General, President of the General Assembly and permanent representatives to the United Nations. The programme also arranges visits to various news organizations, such as the New York Times, Democracy Now! and BuzzFeed. Since its founding in 1981, the fellowship has been awarded to 611 journalists from 168 countries. Upon completion of the programme, fellows are expected to continue working in journalism and promote better understanding of the United Nations in their home countries. The programme does not provide basic skills training, as all fellows are working journalists. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the RAF Fellowship went virtual for the first time in its history in 2020. A special programme was organized for RAF alumni in commemoration of its 40th anniversary. 2021 VIRTUAL PROGRAMME  Due to the ongoing travel restrictions, the Reham Al-Farra Memorial Journalism Fellowship Programme, was held fully virtually, from 20 September to 8 October 2021. Out of this year’s 800 applicants, 19 journalists between the ages of 22 and 35 working in print, TV, radio, podcast and multimedia, were awarded the fellowship. The programme focused on UN issues, such as global health, climate change, refugees, and human rights. The RAF fellows had the opportunity to virtually meet UN officials, including the Secretary-General, Deputy Secretary-General, and Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications. Over the course of the programme, the journalists produced 86 news pieces in 6 languages: English, French, Russian, Spanish, Portuguese, and Nepali. Apply now: https://www.un.org/en/raf/application2022

This includes teachers and school personnel.  But according to Tashera Swift-Myers, a school counsellor who teaches life skills to third- and fourth-year secondary school students at Belmopan Comprehensive School, not everyone is aware of these obligations. “We might take for granted that people know their roles and responsibilities and the vast majority don’t, especially in the area of mandatory reporting of abuse,” she says. “Some teachers were not aware of the law or that it's their legal duty to report [abuse].” To close this knowledge gap, the Spotlight Initiative worked in partnership with Pathlight International Belize and UNICEF to digitize a training programme from the National Organization for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (NOPCAN) on mandatory reporting of child abuse and human trafficking. It then rolled out training with primary and high school teachers and administrators, with the objective of building teachers’ capacity to report violence and create a supportive and safe learning environment. An online version of the curriculum has made this critical training more accessible throughout the country. According to UNICEF, 65 per cent of children aged 1-14 in Belize report experiencing physical punishment and many report psychological abuse and aggression from parents and caregivers. Girls and young women may be especially vulnerable to abuse. "Rather than seeing a child in a classroom as misbehaving, they may see that behaviour as an indication of what is happening at home." - Tashera Swift-Myers, School Counsellor Supporting teachers to support students The training aims to build teachers’ resilience, especially when dealing with challenging behaviour in vulnerable children. It also helps them to recognize the different forms of family violence, including violence against women and girls.  “Training like this might change the teacher’s perspective. Rather than seeing a child in a classroom as misbehaving, they may see that behaviour as an indication of what is happening at home. For many children, school is their safe place,” says Ms. Swift-Myers, who also took part in the programme. Ms. Swift-Myers encounters a range of these issues in her own work.  “[Children] might have a parent in the household who may be aggressive, there might be alcohol or drug abuse, or they may disclose that they were beaten or ignored by their parents. [Other times,] they open up and share that they know a family member or neighbour who may be experiencing abuse in their homes,” she says.  Sometimes, students on campus may recognize their own relationships as unhealthy or controlling. “It makes a difference knowing that your son or daughter is supported by a teacher who is well informed."  - Tashera Swift-Myers, School Counsellor Responsibility as a teacher and parent  As a mother, Ms. Swift-Myers says knowing that teachers are engaged in this training gives her greater confidence that her children are well cared for. “It makes a difference knowing that your son or daughter is supported by a teacher who is well informed. If a child goes to school and reports, the teacher will be able to ask the relevant questions to figure out the situation. Knowing that they will be hopefully more empathetic and manage situations a lot better by knowing the signs, makes me feel at ease as a parent.”  In 2021, approximately 1200 teachers and local management personnel at primary and secondary school level were trained to ensure that they can identify and appropriately respond to family violence in Belize. Additionally, with the support from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science & Technology, the training now counts towards professional development credits for teachers. 

It features relatable and simple activities, designed to help people of all ages to cope with adversity and better manage stress. The guide was launched on Friday, January 14, by the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), to answer the call to prioritise mental health service delivery. Mental health services form a key area of the region’s COVID-19 response, particularly because of the many difficulties caused by the pandemic. These include mental pressures associated with job loss, restricted face to face education, violence and illness. “Unfortunately, many of the existing mental health services have been disrupted because of the pandemic, with people getting less access to counselling, mental health care and even education where needed – these are all sources of stress that we are facing today, and PAHO has consistently called on countries and societies to prioritise mental health in such difficult times,” Dr Renato Oliveira Souza, Unit Chief, Mental Health and Substance Use PAHO/ WHO, advised. The launch featured a panel discussion with Mr Dean Chambliss, PAHO/WHO Subregional Program Director, Dr Claudina Cayetano, Regional Advisor for Mental Health, PAHO/WHO, and Dr Martin Baptiste, Senior Operations Officer, Social Sector Division, CDB. “Here in the Region of the Americas, depression continues to be the leading mental health disorder, and twice as frequent in women than in men. However, resources allocated by countries to tackle this burden, are often insufficient. Multisectoral collaboration and partnerships are therefore critical to tackle mental health challenges and promote mental well-being,” Mr Chambliss said. Dr Baptiste corroborated his sentiments and noted that in 2018, CDB and PAHO agreed to deliver a joint project with the aim of building regional capacity for mental health and psychosocial support in disaster management. That project came in the wake of the unprecedented devastation of experience with the passage of Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017. “Of course, none of us could have imagined that just two years on, we would be in this unchartered territory that COVID-19 has presented. If anything, the pandemic has underscored the importance of personal resilience. It is also a key requirement for sustainable human development,” Dr Baptiste noted. The publication is a joint effort that addresses gaps in mental health service support, by promoting access to credible, easy to learn management activities to reduce stress. The guide has five sections that focus on different techniques to cope with stress. Readers can go through the sections of the video library in a self-paced manner, or read through the book, taking time to practice the exercises and use the learning in the time in between. “The primary preparation is to purposefully allocate time to read the book or listen to the audiobook, and to find time and space to apply the learning and practice the techniques offered – remember that the techniques and actions offered are evidence-based,” Dr Cayetano instructed. The expert discussion, moderated by Lisa Bayley, Communications Consultant PAHO/ WHO, is available for viewing on PAHO Caribbean’s Facebook and the Twitter Account. The guide ‘Doing what matters in times of Stress’ along with other useful mental health tools are available via PAHO Caribbean’s website. The video exercises are available here: Doing What Matters in Times of Stress: An Illustrated Guide. Adapted Version for the Caribbean - Exercises.  Additional useful information is available here:  mental health and psychosocial support.  About the Pan American Health Organisation The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) works with the countries of the Americas to improve the health and quality of life of its population. Founded in 1902, it is the world’s oldest international public health agency. It serves as the Regional Office of WHO for the Americas and is the specialized health agency of the Inter-American system.   The PAHO Subregional Program is responsible for providing subregional technical cooperation and to strengthen PAHO’s engagement with the Caribbean Subregional integration mechanisms, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and its various bodies and organs; and to build synergistic partnerships with the subregional institutions such as the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and the University of the West Indies (UWI), among others. PAHO’s subregional technical cooperation specifically focuses on public health issues which would benefit from economies of scale and for which agreement on proposed collective responses and actions would produce a far greater impact rather than individual country responses. The Subregional Program also plays a role in coordinating among the different PAHO country offices. About the Caribbean Development Bank The Caribbean Development Bank is a regional financial institution established in 1970 for the purpose of contributing to the harmonious economic growth and development of its Borrowing Member Countries (BMCs). In addition to the 19 BMCs, CDB’s membership includes four regional, non-borrowing members (Brazil, Colombia, Mexico and Venezuela) and five non-regional, non-borrowing members (Canada, China, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom). CDB’s total assets as at December 31, 2020 stood at US$3.64 billion (bn). These include US$2.12 bn of Ordinary Capital Resources and US$1.52 bn of Special Funds Resources. The Bank is rated Aa1 Stable by Moody’s, AA+ Stable by Standard & Poor’s and AA+ Negative by Fitch Ratings. Read more at caribank.org

As 2021 comes to an end, it seems as most would take this time to look towards the future. Our accomplishments, goals, and of course our resolutions. But what about the biggest resolution ever created? The 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Our shared vision of humanity and a social contract between the world’s leaders and the people. With 17 goals and 169 targets to wipe out poverty, fight inequalities and tackle climate change, all by 2030, it's a to-do list for the people and planet, and a blueprint for success.  However, need we not forget, 2020 and 2021 would be remembered as the years of a global health crisis that brought with it immense global suffering. Thus far in Belize, over 611 persons have sadly passed away due to COVID-19. Thousands more are experiencing the immense pressure of not just a health crisis but a human, economic and social crisis. Especially those more vulnerable such as the elderly, persons in poverty, persons without homes, persons living with family violence, and people on the move, just to name a few. However, in the darkest times of humanity, we have always been able to persevere. How you might ask? Well, it starts with YOU - by making a practical personal commitment for change. Have a look at just a few of the many things you can do to make an impact! Things you can do from your couch Save electricity by plugging appliances into a power strip and turning them off completely when not in use, including your computer. Stop paper bank statements and pay your bills online or via mobile. Turn off the lights. Your TV or computer screen provides a cozy glow, so turn off other lights if you don’t need them. Report online bullies. If you notice harassment on a message board or in a chat room, flag that person. Things you can do from home Air dry. Let your hair and clothes dry naturally instead of running a machine. If you do wash your clothes, make sure the load is full. Take short showers. Bathtubs require gallons more water than a 5-10 minute shower. Eat less meat, poultry, and fish. More resources are used to provide meat than plants Compost—composting food scraps can reduce climate impact while also recycling nutrients. Buy minimally packaged goods. Take your own bags to the market or store. Replace old appliances with energy-efficient models and light bulbs Things you can do in your neighborhood Shop local. Supporting neighborhood businesses keep people employed and helps prevent trucks from driving far distances. Let your favorite businesses know that ocean-friendly seafood is on your shopping list. Shop only for sustainable seafood. Bike, walk or take public transport. Save the car trips for when you’ve got a big group. Use a refillable water bottle and coffee cup. Take fewer napkins. You don’t need a handful of napkins to eat your takeout. Take just what you need. Donate what you don’t use. Local charities will give your gently used clothes, books, and furniture a new life. Take advantage of your right to elect the leaders in your local community. Things you can do at work Give fruits or snacks that you don’t want to someone who needs and is asking for help. Does everyone at work have access to healthcare? Find out what your rights are to work. Fight against inequality. Mentor young people. It’s a thoughtful, inspiring, and a powerful way to guide someone towards a better future. Voice your support for equal pay for equal work. Lend your voice to talk about the lack of toilets in many communities around the world! Make sure your company uses energy-efficient heating and cooling technology. Raise your voice against any type of discrimination in your office. Everyone is equal regardless of their gender, race, sexual orientation, social background, and physical abilities. Organize a No Impact Week at work. Learn to live more sustainably for at least a week: un.org/sustainabledevelopment/ be-the-change. Source: The lazy person’s guide to saving the world. https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/LazyPersonGuide.pdf There’s no limit to the practical personal commitments you could do! It’s all just one resolution away. Let’s all commit to making a change, not just for 2022 but for all our future generations to come.