Latest news with #AishaKhan
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Bright young things in Bolton shine as they voice their thoughts on AI
The voice of Bolton's young people is being heard and respected. Primary school children debated the hot topic of AI at the annual Junior Speaks competition, organised and sponsored by the Bolton with Le Moors Rotary Club. Held at The Oaks Primary School in Sharples, pupils from primary schools across Bolton discuss 'Generative AI is transforming life as we knows it'. Rotarian Andrew Harbot Taylor said: "Before a live audience and a panel of three judges from the Rotary Club, students from several local primary schools presented their views with clarity, passion, and intelligence. READ MORE: A big thank you from Turton and Bolton-le-Moors Rotary Clubs for Christmas Appeal support Bolton's primary schools Key Stage 2 performance released Turton Rotary Club's duck race sees special honour for woman "The standard of speeches was exceptionally high, making it a challenging task for the judges to select a winner. "After much deliberation, Yaya Kalam from The Oaks School was crowned the winner, delivering his entire speech flawlessly from memory — an impressive feat that left the audience in awe. "Two equally commendable runner-up spots were awarded to speakers Aisha Khan and Moiz Ahmed from Heathfield School, whose insightful takes on the evolving role of AI highlighted the depth of understanding among these young minds." The event was hosted by Mr Harbot-Taylor, Chair of the Rotary's Satellite Group — a sub-group of the Bolton with Le Moors Rotary Club, s created to engage younger members and help sustain vital community initiatives such as Junior Speaks. He said: "This year's Junior Speaks event not only showcased the incredible talent of local students but also highlighted the vital role of community groups like the Rotary in nurturing the next generation of thinkers and leaders. "The Rotary Club, renowned for its dedication to service above self, supports a wide range of community, youth, and international projects. The Satellite Club recognises the busy lives and work commitments of modern professionals. It meets just once every six weeks, with sessions alternating between in-person and virtual to ensure accessibility and flexibility for all members. "Interested in getting involved? If your school would like to take part next year, you would like to learn more about the Satellite Club or are considering joining, you're warmly encouraged to get in touch with Andrew Harbot-Taylor at AndrewHarbotTaylor@
Business Recorder
19-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
‘Water Security' initiative: Coca-Cola Foundation partners with MGPO, UNDP
ISLAMABAD: A global philanthropic arm of a multinational beverage company partnered with Mountain and Glacier Protection Organization (MGPO) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Pakistan has jointly launched Water Security and Building Resilience for Mountain Communities' initiative. This partnership aims to help ensure sustainable water access for agriculture and daily use, integrating water resource management for food security, ecosystem restoration, and community stewardship to promote sustainable use of water. Recognising this urgent need, the Coca-Cola Foundation partnered with MGPO and UNDP in Pakistan to launch the 'Water Security and Building Resilience for Mountain Communities' initiative. This partnership aims to help ensure sustainable water access for agriculture and daily use, integrating water resource management for food security, ecosystem restoration, and community stewardship to promote sustainable use of water. With a generous contribution of $120,000 from, 'The Coca-Cola Foundation' covering more than 80 percent of the project cost — a robust irrigation system was developed to serve not only Tholdi but also neighbouring areas, including Daghoni and Siksa. A 9,900-foot-long water transmission system now delivers water through 7,700 feet of underground piping and 2,200 feet of open, paved channels, minimizing water loss, and significantly improving agricultural productivity. Sourced from glacial melt, snow, and a perennial spring, the water is stored in a 7,000-gallon covered catchment chamber before being distributed through a gravity-fed irrigation system. As a result, 238 hectares of land are now irrigated, including 91 hectares that were previously barren, enabling the cultivation of wheat, corn, barley, onions, tomatoes, and potatoes. According to the MGPO, previously, nearly 50 percent of the water was lost due to transmission inefficiencies, leaving fields dry and limiting agricultural productivity. The inadequate water supply also prevented the community from utilising existing land to its full potential. The initiative has empowered 2,100 people with reliable water access for agriculture, helping improve their chances for better livelihoods and household income; economically uplifted 1,000 people, by expanding farming opportunities and transformed barren land into productive fields, contributing to environmental restoration. Community-led afforestation initiatives developed with plans to plant over 20,000 trees across the region. The life-changing water pipeline is ensuring year-round water availability for non-potable domestic use, a critical need during the harsh winter months when other water sources freeze. According to Aisha Khan, CEO of MGPO, 'I would say that with this new irrigation, previously barren lands are now producing crops. There has also been tree plantation. The local community has access to around 800 canals in the valley and every year they say they will plant more trees to increase forest cover and counter climate change.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
