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Removing Internal and External Barriers: A Comprehensive Approach to Women\u27s Empowerment in Post-Conflict Settings
No full textThis paper is a program proposal for a pilot program designed for women and girls in Paynesville, Liberia. The program seeks to remove internal and external barriers to women’s empowerment, providing women with the skills to take charge of their lives, their bodies, and their communities. This paper draws on the feminist framework of Gloria Steinem as well as gender and identity in post-conflict society to demonstrate the importance of self-esteem building and trauma healing in women’s empowerment. Abraham Marlow’s hierarchy of needs is used to demonstrate to importance of this programs approach. The program will be experiential learning workshops that address domestic violence healing, self-esteem building, body image, positive risk-taking, hope for the future, goal setting, unity and teambuilding, health, as well as economic and social empowerment will be included as the first steps that empower the participants to take charge. The participants will then form Girls in Charge Action groups that identify concerns in their community and address them through policy advocacy
The effects of sub-lethal predation on the reproductive output of Acanthaster planci (crown-of-thorns starfish)
Get PDFWide-scale declines in live coral cover have been observed throughout history. Modern day coral populations face a multitude of environmental disturbances, however one of the most devastating to the reefs in the Indo-Pacific is the crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci), which feeds on the tissues of live corals. The rate at which these individuals feed combined with the explosion of populations in times of outbreak have been seen to exert some of the biggest pressures on coral reefs to date. Following recent episodes of crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS) outbreaks, research on the organism has become increasingly prevalent on the scientific agenda. The following study was conducted to assess the reproductive output of COTS with and without naturally damaged arms to further analyze the role of predation on the population dynamics of this species. Images of histological slides were utilized in doing so, allowing the egg sizes of individuals with damaged arms to be compared with the egg sizes of those with fully intact arms. Overall, it was found that while there was no noticeable trend between size of the COT individual and their respective egg sizes and the severity of injury that the individual experienced and the eggs they produced, however it appears there is a correlation between the individual’s overall state of health and their reproductive output. In short, fully intact individuals produced larger eggs than those that were predated upon; however, in looking closely at the data collected from four specific individuals (two being fully intact and the other two being injured), it became clear that this trend does not always hold true. Therefore, it is possible that other factors confounded the results of this study, and these are specifically outlined. Future research may include examining the effect of predation on the abundance of eggs produced, as this study focused solely on measuring egg size
Give a Man a Fish: A Narrative Approach to a Case Study of Soup Kitchens in the Wentworth Community
Get PDFThis study uses a narrative approach to explore the role of soup kitchens in the predominantly Coloured and English-speaking Wentworth community. Many of the community’s churches1 and non-profit organizations host soup kitchens regularly, rotating so that there is a meal available each day of the week.
Qualitative data was gathered through volunteering with the soup kitchens as a participant observer and having conversations and open-ended interviews with soup kitchen guests and hosts. Institutional context was provided by interviews with the Convener of the War Room and the Ward Councillor, and representatives of three non-profits in the community. In order to explore other feeding schemes, interviews were conducted with representatives from three schools which provide meals for learners.
The data was combined to synthesize a multifaceted picture of the soup kitchen network in Wentworth—how it came to be, what it has become, and where it could go. Poverty and unemployment plague Wentworth, fueling an immediate need for the hunger relief the soup kitchens provide. There were stories of gratefulness and hope for a future where the soup kitchens are no longer needed, tinged with a desire to go beyond merely alleviating hunger by addressing underlying issues through empowerment via skills development
Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) for Sudden onset Humanitarian Emergencies (Eops)
No full textAs poverty, political fragility and environmental vulnerability drive conflicts and underlie disasters around the world, the humanitarian relief sector is growing. As humanitarian operations expand, strong M&E systems must guide the evolution of relief. This IPIC capstone was an inquiry into Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) tools and approaches recommended for each phase of the suddenonset emergency operation (EOps) program cycle of humanitarian relief. The research question was explored through a literature review of industry recommendations, which was bolstered by an overview of international humanitarian standards. The application of literature review findings were demonstrated through the development of a rapid needs assessment template for Lutheran World Relief (LWR)
A National Bilingual Education Policy for the Economic and Academic Empowerment of Youth in St. Lucia, West Indies
Get PDFThis campaign portfolio argues the case for a national bilingual education policy on the island of St. Lucia, where youth speak both St Lucian Creole and St. Lucian standard English. The portfolio consists of a policy paper and brief, an advocacy plan, a communications plan, monitoring and evaluation plan. The Bilingual Education Taskforce (BET), made up of teachers, parents and principals, is an advocacy organization that discovered the need for a bilingual education intervention when they observed, assessed and analyzed the written work of struggling readers at their school, the Anse la Raye Infant School on the west coast of St. Lucia. They also analyzed the issues of youth unemployment, youth drop-out rates and low tertiary education enrollment. A pattern began to emerge that illustrated a struggling reader’s path through the education system. Consistent low academic achievement in the area of English Language Arts (ELA) was found at each academic level, infant, primary, and secondary. Scores on compulsory national ELA exams upon completion of secondary school consistently showed stagnant progress among secondary youth. Youth must score at least a grade of I, II, or III to be considered for tertiary education and since many did not score well, they were not afforded an opportunity to earn a tertiary level education. The problem with low tertiary enrollments is directly linked to employment opportunities and long term economic prosperity for youth. Without at least a tertiary, associate’s education, youth are at a disadvantage, often remaining under- or unemployed. This portfolio policy plan advocates for bilingual education at the primary and secondary level as an intervention for improving learning outcomes of St. Lucian bilingual youth who need early support in language development.
Keywords: education policy, bilingualism, bilingual education, Eastern Caribbean, Creole, St. Lucia, linguistics, socio-linguistics, speech, cognition, language acquisitio
Comparison of Growth Rates in two Captive Bred Species of Atelopus (Anura; BUFONIDAE), at El Valle Amphibian Conservation Center
Get PDFSince their evolution, amphibians have managed to survive four mass extinctions. But today’s amphibians are now facing severe decline due to a plethora of causes including habitat destruction, climate change, pathogens, and pollution. Of all the possible causes of decline and extinction of amphibian populations, one of the most startling has been the effect of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), or chytrid fungus. It was decided that rapid action was needed to preserve the amphibian populations in the area, since it was clear that current in situ conservation methods were ineffective against Bd. EVACC, the El Valle Amphibian Conservation Center, was created to act as an ark of sorts for imperiled amphibians in the area. EVACC currently houses populations of A. varius and A. zeteki, two species particularly vulnerable to Bd. Recently, a difference in size between the juveniles of A. varius and A. zeteki has been noticed. The SVL and mass of the juveniles of interest were taken to find that there is in fact a statistically significant difference in size. However, growth rate post-metamorphosis between the species was discovered to be essentially equal. Because of the stable conditions in which the hatches were raised, the most likely explanation for the observed difference is the genetic lineages of the parents. More study is required to determine if this is a trend between all juveniles of A. varius and A. zeteki
Both a Borrower and a Lender Be: A Look at the Local Economy and Credit Culture in the Tarap Valley in Dolpa, Nepal
Get PDFBeing in such a remote location, the Tarap valley in the Dolpa district of Nepal has only recently experienced the influences of a modern, cash-based economy in full force. Historically, the economy of the Dolpo-pa in Dho Tarap was almost entirely rooted in agriculture, animal husbandry, barter, and exchange. While these themes are still incredibly important foundations of the economic practices and systems in the valley, the introduction of Yartsa gumbu, the highly valuable caterpillar fungus used in Chinese medicine, has transformed the local economy of the region and propelled it into the arms of a consumeristoriented and cash-based economy. Prior to the elevation of the cash economy in the region, hard currency in the form of Nepali rupees played a relatively small role. The culture of credit and traditional values were entirely intertwined with the region’s economic systems. Credit in the form of objects, such as barley and livestock, in addition to more abstract forms, such as labor and time, played critical roles in the overall economy of the valley. While this is still true in regards to many of the economic practices in place today, they are now being blended with the elements of a cash-based economy as well.
This study will examine the local economy in respect to the time period before Yartsa gumbu had made a significant impact on the economy in addition to the time period after, with a special focus on the present day. Using an economic anthropological lens, aspects of the economy such as credit culture, gendered spaces within the economy, and the hopes and feelings of the local people about the future will be examined in regards to the ways in which they have changed in response to the effects of Yartsa on the economy. There is no question that Yartsa gumbu has brought a more elevated status to the local economy, which has in turn had effects on the lifestyles, perceptions of wealth, and overall attitudes of the people. The question of whether or not these changes have truly had positive impacts on the economy, however, is still one that is up for debate
Student Perspectives on Proficiency-Based Learning in Vermont\u27s High School Completion Program
Get PDFThis Independent Practitioner Inquiry Capstone (IPIC) paper examines student perspectives on proficiency-based learning at an adult education center in Vermont. Through Vermont’s High School Completion Program (HSCP), adults can earn their high school diplomas through proficiency-based Personalized Learning Plans (PLPs). This qualitative study focuses on high school-aged students who received referrals to the program from area schools within the context of the current shift toward proficiency-based learning mandated by Vermont Act 77. The study draws on resources specific to Act 77, as well as literature on the nationwide trend toward personalized learning and proficiency-based learning. The researcher uses holistic student development and human capital theory as frames for analysis. The specific question posed in this study was “How do students in the High School Completion Program view proficiency-based learning and its impact on their education?” This question was answered through a thematic analysis focused on in-depth interviews with student participants and the guidance counselors who referred them to the program. Evidence from this study indicates that some students who have left the public school system are eager to contribute to conversations on proficiency-based learning and are able to identify ways proficiency-based learning has benefited them in terms of their professional and academic development. Through this study, the researcher highlights another student voice in the conversation on proficiency-based learning in Vermont.
Key terms: proficiency-based learning, personalized learning plans, adult education, alternatives to school, project-based learning, holistic student development, human capital theory, career development, Vermon
The University of Hawaii at Hilo: National Student Exchange Four-Part Workshop for the Outgoing Students at The University of Hawaii at Hilo
Get PDFThe University of Hawaii at Hilo (UH Hilo) is part of the National Student Exchange Consortium, a unique, not for profit organization of nearly 170 accredited, baccalaureate-granting Colleges and Universities that provide exchange opportunities to undergraduate students. These exchange opportunities are across the US mainland, the US territories and Canada. The purpose of the National Student Exchange Office at the University of Hawaii at Hilo is to provide UH Hilo students with exchange opportunities at a reasonable and affordable cost. This capstone explores the idea that it is important to prepare students for a domestic exchange program. This capstone will look at the current protocol for UH Hilo NSE students and highlights the significance of developing a four-part workshop series to enhance their program. The workshop series will focus on critical steps in the NSE process that will provide UH Hilo students with the tools, knowledge, and skills to navigate the system, and reflect on the NSE process and their exchange experiences
Pink Parenthood: An Exploration of Lesbian Parenting in The Netherlands
Get PDFThis is an explorative study of Dutch Lesbian parents and their experiences having and raising children in Dutch society. This research explores the social attitudes surrounding lesbian parents in Amsterdam and another city to see how their experiences are shaped by factors including their sexual orientation, their construction of family, and the relationships and values they feel are important to impart on their children. 5 qualitative interviews, four with married couples, and 1 solo interview, laid the groundwork for the research. The data from the interviews was analyzed using existing texts on LGBTQ, within a framework of social constructionist theory. Interview subjects spoke about their lives as lesbian women in the Netherlands, and their history dealing with their identities as they grew up and had children. They also spoke of their creation of their families, and the reactions and implications it had in their friends and families lives as well as their own. Overall, these women felt no discrimination in society as a result of their identities, but still recognized feeling different than other individuals, and this feeling of difference led to self-perceptions of increased tolerance in their parenting values. Their difference as same-sex parents also led to differences in the understanding of what makes a family, and their experiences resisting dominant ideas of familial construction also gave rise to feelings of increased awareness and tolerance of how gender roles were expressed in their children’s lives. This research is important for anyone studying or interested in LGBTQ culture, parenthood, and Dutch society