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Is Asia on the Precipice of a Currency Crisis? Exploring Regional Risks and Implications On The Global Economy
Get PDFThis paper examines the economic stability of Asia in the face of a potential currency crisis through drawing upon the historical context provided by the 1997 East Asian Financial Crisis. It systematically explores the characteristics and precursors of currency crises, analyzes the Asia-Pacific region’s response to past financial upheavals, and evaluates current macroeconomic vulnerabilities as well as policy frameworks. By juxtaposing the changes in Asia’s financial landscape from the late 20th century to the present, the study identifies persistent structural weaknesses and the region’s ongoing exposure to volatile global financial markets. It also considers the possibility of emerging markets establishing regional currencies in response to geopolitical tensions and as a strategic buffer against the dominance of the US dollar. The paper concludes that while Asia is not on the immediate verge of a currency crisis, the risks are notable and continued monitoring of key indicators is essential
Independent Study Project: The impact of digitization and payment on Community Health Promoter (CHP) motivation and effectiveness in a peri-urban community in Kisumu, Kenya.
Get PDFCommunity Health Promoters (CHPs) in Kenya are the liaison between the community and higher levels of healthcare. As CHPs’ responsibility in the country has grown, stipends started being distributed, and digitization efforts have begun to support them. This ISP paper aims to investigate how recent digitization and payment of CHPs impact their motivation and effectiveness in a peri-urban community in Kisumu, Kenya. The project includes data analysis on CHP performance data from 2016 to 2021 and analyses of interviews with CHPs and CHAs in April of 2024. It was found that time was positively related to CHP performance. It was also found that CHP motivation and effectiveness were highly impacted by digitization—however, stipends only slightly improved motivation. In regards to digitization, CHPs want more funding to cover smartphone-related expenses (e.g., data bundles and phone repair and replacement) as well as more eCHIS refresher training. In regards to compensation, it was found that CHPs want to be placed on the payroll with a higher salary, but while they are on a stipend, they want a higher stipend that is distributed on time through M-PESA. Furthermore, CHPs want their healthcare insurance paid for and job materials such as gumboots and umbrellas
Diaspora As a Cultural Hearth: A Case Study of the Amazigh in Morocco
Get PDFDiaspora consists of a group of people who reside in a location different from their imagined homeland. Despite the growing prevalence and prominence of diasporas around the world as contact between cultures becomes more frequent, there is relatively little consensus regarding the nature of diaspora communities and their identity construction. This paper uses the case study of the Amazigh diaspora to reveal some of the nuances and aspects that affect both the creation and spread of identity within diasporas. The Amazigh diaspora differs from other diasporas because it is a historically marginalized and oppressed group within their countries of origin, particularly in Morocco. I utilize both oral interviews and written sources in order to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the Amazigh diasporic identity both in its genesis and the present. In this paper I will demonstrate that in the case of a marginalized group, such as the Amazigh that endured significant repression throughout the 20th century, diaspora can play an essential role in preserving and cultivating cultural memory and identity
Educación superior y construcción de la memoria política: estudio de caso vertical en el Instituto de Historia de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso
No full textFifty years later, Chilean society still continues to struggle with underlying political cleavages resulting from the complex historical effects of the Pinochet dictatorship (1973-1989) which can be seen in educational curricula that address this historical period of Chilean History. Studies conducted on primary educational systems note the lack of discussion or full disclosure of the events that transpired during the military government, emphasizing a type of ‘memory regime’ based on omission and silence about aspects of this period, yet there is a lack in post-secondary studies of this same phenomenon. This paper aims to bridge the inherent lack by conducting a vertical case study on the narratives presented about the Pinochet dictatorship in the Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Valparaíso through archival research of the history department curriculum along with interviews of history majors at this institution. Research revealed that similar to the primary schools, there exists a type of ‘memory regime’ within the institution that avoids a lot of the lived experience and institution’s history by taking on a similar posture to Chilean society of non-positionality. Students respond to this regime with frustration and confusion due to the actions of maintaining the memory regime in turn exposing a tension present between history and memory within the political and academic sphere of Chile
Complementariedad en la comuna de Putre: reflexiones sobre el sistema de salud y los conocimientos comunitarios aymaras
Get PDFIn the comuna of Putre, which lies in the XV region of Chile, exists a community and culture unique from the rest of the country. Half of the population identifies as part of the Aymara indigenous group, which according to Chilean law, means that a system of intercultural health must exist in the commune. Our objective included establishing the format in which the intercultural system of health functions nowadays and assessing how well the system serves the community, keeping in mind the history of the commune, barriers to access, community needs, and Aymaran culture. Furthermore, the domination of the Aymaran health system, if it exists and to what extent, was evaluated. Simple observation was used, in addition to cuestionaires with community members and interviews with health professionals. Our results indicated that the health system funcions in two complementary parts: a biomédical system, where health professionals with a university education work, and an ancestral system, where Aymaran health professionals, who have systems of knowledge the have been passed from generation to generation by other Aymaran healers, work. The majority of the community members expressed satisfaction with both of the health systems, with slightly better opinion of the Aymaran system. In addition, a community knowledge of Aymaran health practices and the use of medicinal herbs was encountered, which functions separately from the “official” health system in the commune. Overall, we concluded that there is not an outright domination of the Aymaran health system by the biomedical one, because the systems function in a complementary manner, where neither presides over the other. However, we acknowledge that it is vital to continue to evaluate the system to prevent furthur domination of the Aymaran health system by the biomedical system and other powers.
En la comuna de Putre, que está en la XV región de Chile, existe una comunidad y cultura única del resto del país. La mitad de la población pertenece al pueblo originario aymara, y por eso, el sistema de salud tiene que incluir una sistema de salud intercultural, con asistencia sanitaria con pertinencia cultural. Nuestro objetivo era establecer cómo funciona el sistema de salud intercultural de la comuna actualmente, y acceder cómo sirve el sistema de salud intercultural a los habitantes de la comuna, teniendo en cuenta la historia de la comuna, barreras al acceso, necesidades de la comunidad, y la cultura aymara. También, se evaluó la dominación, si existe, sobre los sistemas y costumbres aymaras por los sistemas de poder. Se usaron observación simple, cuestionarios con miembros de la comunidad, y entrevistas con profesionales. Nuestros resultados indicaron que el sistema de salud funciona en dos partes complementarias: un sistema biomédico, donde trabajan profesionales de salud con formación universitaria, y un sistema ancestral, donde trabajan profesionales de la salud aymara, que tienen conocimientos que vienen de generaciones de otros curanderos aymaras. La mayoría de las personas de la comunidad se manifestaron satisfechas con los dos sistemas de salud, con una opinión más positiva del sistema aymara. En adición, se encontró un conocimiento comunitario sobre la salud aymara y el uso de hierbas medicinales, que funciona completamente separado del sistema de salud “oficial” de la comuna. En total, concluimos que no existe una dominación fuerte del sistema aymara por el sistema biomédico, porque el sistema funciona en una Benish 3 manera complementaria. Sin embargo, es vital continuar con el acceso al sistema de salud de la comuna para garantizar que esto no pase
Género y resiliencia en la Amazonía peruana: Las experiencias y respuestas de agricultoras indígenas ante el cambio climático
No full textEl cambio climático antropogénico está redefiniendo rápidamente las relaciones humano-ambientales, especialmente en la Amazonía peruana, donde más de 66 comunidades indígenas enfrentan mayores sequías y temperaturas, afectando profundamente sus medios de vida. Crucialmente, desde la visión ecofeminista central a esta investigación se subraya que las mujeres indígenas experimentan los impactos del cambio climático más severamente y son a menudo los líderes en el fomento de la resiliencia ambiental. Esta investigación explora cómo las agricultoras indígenas de la Amazonía peruana viven el cambio climático y sus estrategias de adaptación y resiliencia. El trabajo de campo se realizó en la comunidad Ese\u27Eja de Infierno en Madre de Dios, Perú, donde se entrevistó a cuatro mujeres y dos hombres agricultores durante el transcurso de una semana. Desde una perspectiva ecofeminista, los hallazgos revelan que las agricultoras de Infierno soportan una carga desproporcionada de trabajo con responsabilidades amplias en ambos ámbitos productivo y reproductivo. Esta disparidad en las responsabilidades de género determina cómo las mujeres de Infierno entienden, experimentan y, por tanto, responden al cambio climático. Los hallazgos demuestran que las agricultoras tienen una comprensión más profunda de los efectos del cambio climático, asumen mayores responsabilidades laborales y reciben menos ingresos debido a perturbaciones climáticas, y lideran la creación de adaptaciones agroecológicas y redes comunitarias de resiliencia.
Anthropogenic climate change is rapidly redefining human-environment relationships, especially in the Peruvian Amazon, where more than 66 indigenous communities face increased droughts and temperatures, deeply affecting their livelihoods. Crucially, from the ecofeminist vision central to this research it is emphasized that indigenous women experience the impacts of climate change most severely and are often the leaders in fostering environmental resilience. This research explores how indigenous women farmers in the Peruvian Amazon experience climate change and their adaptation and resilience strategies. Fieldwork was conducted in the Comunidad Nativa de Infierno in Madre de Dios, Peru, where four women and two men farmers were interviewed over the course of a week. From an ecofeminist perspective, the findings reveal that female farmers of Infierno bear a disproportionate workload with extensive responsibilities in both productive and reproductive spheres. This disparity in gender responsibilities determines how the women of Infierno understand, experience, and therefore respond to climate change. The findings demonstrate that female farmers have a deeper understanding of the effects of climate change, take on greater work responsibilities and receive less income due to climate shocks, and lead the creation of agroecological adaptations and community resilience networks
From Conflict to Classroom: The Impact of the Anglophone Crisis on Displaced Students\u27 Education in Yaoundé
Get PDFThe Anglophone Crisis in Cameroon has caused significant disruption to the education of students from the Northwest and Southwest regions, leading to displacement and resettlement in Francophone areas such as Yaoundé. This study explores the educational experiences of displaced Anglophone students aged 18+ in secondary education in Yaoundé, focusing on the challenges they face in adapting to a Francophone education system, their coping mechanisms, and the support they receive from schools, local organizations, and the government. Employing a qualitative methodology, the research conducts in-depth interviews with displaced students and key stakeholders, revealing that language barriers, cultural differences, and financial constraints are primary obstacles for displaced students, key stakeholder interventions play a critical role in facilitating adaptation. However, gaps in support persist, leaving many students vulnerable. Key Words: The Anglophone Crisis, Education, Internal Displacement, Intervention
La crise anglophone au Cameroun a provoqué des perturbations significatives dans l\u27éducation des élèves des régions du Nord-Ouest et du Sud-Ouest, entraînant leur déplacement et leur réinstallation dans des zones francophones comme Yaoundé. Cette étude examine les expériences éducatives des élèves anglophones déplacés âgés de 18 ans et plus dans l\u27enseignement secondaire à Yaoundé, en se concentrant sur les défis qu\u27ils rencontrent pour s\u27adapter au système éducatif francophone, leurs mécanismes d\u27adaptation et le soutien qu\u27ils reçoivent des écoles, des organisations locales et du gouvernement. En adoptant une méthodologie qualitative, la recherche s\u27appuie sur des entretiens approfondis avec des élèves déplacés et des acteurs clés, révélant que les barrières linguistiques, les différences culturelles et les contraintes financières constituent les principaux obstacles pour ces élèves. Les interventions des parties prenantes jouent un rôle crucial dans leur adaptation. Cependant, des lacunes dans le soutien persistent, laissant de nombreux élèves dans une situation de vulnérabilité. Mots clés: La Crise Anglophone, Éducation, déplacement interne, interventio
The Ideological State Apparatus of Cameroon: Molding Consciousness
Get PDFThe ideological state apparatus is a concept introduced by French Marxist philosopher Louis Althusser that refers to the body of institutions–educational, cultural, religious, and communications–that shape the popular class’ values, beliefs, and political ideas to legitimize and reproduce the conditions of production. This framework is essential for my research because it offers a material basis–the economic foundations–of the institutions that mold consciousness. Simply put, the education and media in Cameroon, as in every state, are guided by the underlying logics of their mode of production. Using this framework, my research explores the political consciousness of the working class in Yaoundé and how it is molded by media and educational institutions in Cameroon. Through the convergence of theoretical grounding on the unique political-economy of neocolonialism, and interviews with non-university-educated and university-educated Cameroonians, this paper argues that while consciousness is structurally obstructed by the ideological state apparatus, it is still developed as a result of the glaring contradictions amongst which people live. Nonetheless, the barriers to critical engagement with political ideas and authentic histories, do create obstacles to social movement and ideologically grounded organization.
L\u27appareil d\u27État idéologique est un concept introduit par le philosophe marxiste français Louis Althusser qui fait référence à l\u27ensemble des institutions–éducatives, culturelles, religieuses et de communication–qui façonnent les valeurs, les croyances et les idées politiques de la classe populaire pour légitimer et reproduire les conditions de production. Ce cadre est essentiel pour mes recherches car il offre une base matérielle–les fondements économiques–des institutions qui façonnent la conscience. En termes simples, l’éducation et les médias au Cameroun, comme dans tout État, sont guidés par les logiques sous-jacentes à leur mode de production. En utilisant ce cadre, mes recherches explorent la conscience politique de la classe ouvrière de Yaoundé et la manière dont elle est façonnée par les médias et les institutions éducatives au Cameroun. À travers la convergence de fondements théoriques sur l’économie politique unique du néocolonialisme et d’entretiens avec des Camerounais non diplômés et diplômés de l’université, cet article soutient que même si la conscience eststructurellement obstruée par l’appareil idéologique d’État, elle est toujours développée comme un résultat des contradictions flagrantes dans lesquelles vivent les gens. Néanmoins, les obstacles à un engagement critique envers les idées politiques et les histoires authentiques créent effectivement des obstacles au mouvement social et à l’organisation idéologiquement fondée
Building Effective Partnerships between International Aid Organizations and Civil Society: An Integrated Approach to Tackling Stunting in Indonesia
Get PDF This study examines the dynamics of collaboration between international aid organizations and civil society, using stunting in rural Indonesian communities as a case study. Stunting, caused by chronic malnutrition during early childhood, leads to irreversible physical and cognitive impairment. Addressing the cultural nuances of this issue requires integrated efforts, highlighting the need to evaluate how international organizations can contribute effectively. This investigation draws on four primary interviews and relevant literature to analyze the factors that enable and hinder successful partnerships. The findings identify significant barriers to collaboration, including top-heavy organizational structures, misaligned agendas, and problematic financial frameworks within international organizations. Programs like BISA, which rely on internationally dictated initiatives, often fail to adapt effectively to local contexts. In contrast, grassroots efforts led by organizations such as the 1000 Days Fund have achieved measurable reductions in stunting rates. Based on these findings, the study offers three key recommendations to enhance collaboration: decolonizing aid dynamics, amplifying grassroots initiatives, and empowering the youth. Future research could explore how international organizations can better support locally informed policy development and conduct comparative studies across nations facing similar public health challenges to uncover transferable strategies. Ultimately, this project advocates for a paradigm shift in international engagement, emphasizing the importance of localized expertise and equitable collaboration in addressing stunting and advancing global public health outcomes.
Predictable Differences in Surface Soil Organic Carbon Storage across Landcover Types around Ísafjörður, Iceland
Get PDFIt is unclear how soil carbon varies by landcover type in areas with discontinuous and heterogenous vegetation cover in the Icelandic subarctic. Understanding which landcover types store the most C is important for understanding regional surface C inventory and for making decisions about optimal land use for C sequestration and storage. This study investigates the differences in soil C storage between different vegetation cover types in the Westfjords of northwestern Iceland. The three dominant landcover types in the Westfjords include heathlands, wetlands, and unvegetated areas. When compared across these three landcover types, surface soil C, bulk density, and soil moisture follow predictable patterns that vary between vegetated and unvegetated landcover. Heathland and wetland soils were consistently statistically similar in physical and chemical characteristics. Wetland and heathland had the highest surface soil C at 0.05 ± 0.02 g C cm3 and 0.06 ± 0.01 ± g C cm3 respectively, while unvegetated areas had a significantly lower mean surface soil C of 0.03 ± 0.009 g C cm3 . This trend flipped for bulk density, with wetland and heathland soils having similar mean bulk densities of 0.48 ± 0.36 g- soil cm3 , and 0.39 ± 0.14 g-soil cm3, while unvegetated soils had a much higher mean bulk density of 1.11 ± 0.63 g-soil cm3 . The similarities between heathland and wetland areas lay the groundwork for future regional surface soil C inventories that take into account patchy landcover type. Additionally, this pattern is important to consider in the context of land conservation and strategically altering land to sequester and store C