Latest news with #CSOs
France 24
3 days ago
- Health
- France 24
'The sea rejuvenates you': Cuban seniors defy aging by diving in
The 87-year-old former revolutionary, who helped Fidel Castro fight his way to victory over a dictatorship in 1959, took up swimming relatively late in life, in his sixties. Before that, "I knew how to float, I used to bob about in the water like everyone else but I didn't know the different strokes," the silver-haired ex-soldier said. Now, he spends a full two hours a day cleaving through the aquamarine waters of the Caribbean and has a bunch of amateur swimming titles to his name. "I have almost no challengers. In my age category, very few people know how to swim," he confided with a smile. Lazaro Diaz, 75, was also a pensioner when he learned to swim as a panacea for a weak heart and recurring back pain. "I was starting to feel the effects of aging," said Diaz, who undertakes a six-kilometer (3.7-mile) round trip from home every day to get in his vivifying 400-meter (1,300-foot) swim. "In the water I don't feel (any pain)," he added. Juventud Acumulada operates out of one of a string of leisure centers built for the Cuban elite along the coast west of Havana between the 1930s and 1950s. The centers were later nationalized by Castro's communist government and transformed into "workers' social circles" or CSOs. The glamor of the Otto Parellada CSO -- named after a young rebel killed fighting the Fulgencio Batista dictatorship -- has long since been eroded by the elements and successive economic crises. The pale green paint on the club house is peeling. And the ladder that once led from the pier to the water was swept away by a hurricane, meaning swimmers now have to negotiate a slippery sea wall. But the bronzed elder statesmen and -women of swimming remain undaunted. Juventud Acumulada was founded by a local amateur swimming champion, Ramon Cordoves, who honed his technique by reading tips from legendary Romanian-born American Olympian and actor Johnny Weissmuller, of "Tarzan" fame. The club is now open to swimmers of all ages but is most closely associated with its old-timers, who fly its colors at competitions across the island. Its oldest member, Maria Antonia Cendoya, recently took gold in a 50-meter race at the tender age of 88. At a time when Europeans are going crazy for wild swimming in lakes, lochs and oceans, Quintana summed up the benefits of a dip in the sea: "The sea rejuvenates you, gives you energy, makes you happy and relieves stress. The sea is wonderful." © 2025 AFP
Business Recorder
4 days ago
- General
- Business Recorder
Communicable diseases: Need for collaboration to create awareness stressed
ISLAMABAD: The Director General (DG) Health of Federal Directorate of Immunization (FDI) has stressed the need for close collaboration between the government agencies and the civil society organisations (CSOs) to create awareness on various communicable viral diseases including poliovirus. Speaking at an event, Dr Shabana Saleem, DG Health FDI here on Tuesday said that SCOs engagement will help bridge remaining gaps in routine immunisation coverage, especially in remote and underserved areas through advocacy, demand generation, and service delivery. The meeting marked the beginning of a transformative phase in Pakistan's Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), highlighting the significant role CSOs can play in reaching underserved populations. Dr Saleem welcomed representatives from CSOs, partner organisations, and the EPI community, expressing gratitude to Gavi, Mannion Daniels (MD), Oxford Policy Management (OPM), and the 17 selected CSOs from all the four provinces for their commitment and participation. 'CSOs bring community trust, local knowledge, and grassroots presence, making them essential partners in strengthening our immunisation programme,' said Dr Saleem. These CSOs will play a pivotal role in identifying 'zero-dose' children, mobilising communities, and extending EPI services where they are needed most. The CSOs will operate as a vital extension of national and provincial EPI systems. Federal and provincial governments' leadership in CSO engagement exemplifies how strategic collaboration can drive higher immunisation coverage. Through the government's strong commitment to work closely with CSOs at the provincial level, the immunisation programme will be further strengthened to reach more children, especially those that have proven hardest to reach, stated Carrie Madison Gheen, Senior Country Manager, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. Karen Stephenson, Team Lead for the CSO Fund Manager Mechanism at Mannion Daniels stated: 'We are delighted that thanks to the collaboration with the FDI and Provincial partners, a diverse range of civil society organizations are now able to support Pakistan's efforts to increase immunization coverage. Civil society organizations will be able to deliver meaningful results together with the communities they work in.' Under Gavi's CSO Fund Manager Mechanism, Mannion Daniels and Oxford Policy Management are responsible for delivering fund management services. To date, this has involved a rigorous independent shortlisting and due diligence process including consultation with federal and provincial EPI leadership. This resulted in the selection of 17 CSOs to support immunisation efforts across Pakistan. Following this shortlisting and selection process, the CSO Fund Manager Mechanism in Pakistan now enters the grant implementation phase. At this point, Dr Saleem emphasised the importance of coordination between CSOs, the FDI, Provincial EPIs, and development partners. 'Clear KPIs and robust monitoring frameworks will guide this initiative to ensure transparency, accountability, and measurable results,' she stated. 'I urge all CSO partners to embrace this responsibility with integrity and commitment.' Dr Saleem thanked all participants for their dedication. 'Together, let's make this partnership a model of how governments and civil society can work hand in hand to ensure every child in Pakistan receives life-saving vaccines, regardless of geography or background.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Time of India
Manipur's Shirui Lily Festival back amid heightened security
Guwahati: The resumption of the Shirui Lily Festival in Manipur 's Ukhrul district , following a two-year pause, represents more than just commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Royal Horticulture Society London's recognition of the state flower. It serves as a crucial assessment of security measures in the conflict-hit state striving towards stability. Authorities, including state police and central security forces, have implemented safety protocols for festival attendees from all communities during the five-day celebration commencing Tuesday. The festival, organised by Manipur tourism, promotes sustainable tourism while highlighting the endangered Shirui Lily , a rare flower exclusive to Shirui Hills in the state. The fifth edition of the festival holds particular significance in demonstrating safety in Manipur, which was under President's rule since Feb. However, the event has attracted attention due to reported threats from certain Kuki-affiliated individuals targeting Meitei community members planning to attend the festival in the Tangkhul Naga-dominated Ukhrul district. Manipur Police confirmed on Monday the registration of a criminal case regarding social media threats, while assuring comprehensive security arrangements for the attendees. "Some unknown individual and organisation allegedly of Kuki community have issued threat messages to the Meitei, who are planning to visit Shirui Festival in Ukhrul today mostly on various social media platforms. Any such threats are taken seriously and inquired into promptly. So far, these organisations are found to be non-existent," Manipur Police stated through a post on X on Monday. Manipur Police said legitimate Kuki organisations have distanced themselves from these unidentified groups. "A criminal case has been registered at Cyber Crime PS in this regard and all-out effort shall be made to arrest them," read the post. Authorities conduct regular security assessments, with senior officers overseeing festival arrangements, police said. Security measures extend through Kuki-inhabited villages located along the 80-83km route from Imphal to the festival's six venues across four villages in Ukhrul. Tangkhul Naga Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have collaborated with the state govt, managing volunteers who coordinate cultural presentations, including traditional performances, crafts displays, and indigenous sports. "With immense help from the local organisations and people of Ukhrul, we are organising this Shirui festival with a lot of hope for peace. In hospitality, too, CSOs are helping, besides helping in organising the events showcasing the indigenous culture. We have three to four layers of security in the district in view of the festival. We are fully prepared," Ukhrul DC Asish Das told TOI on Monday evening. He added that around 2,000 security personnel have been deployed across the district. Manipur Police recently filed an FIR against Paojakhup Guite, president of Kuki Student Organisation, Delhi and NCR, for threatening to prevent Meiteis from crossing the buffer zone to attend the festival.
Time of India
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Kuki groups decide to halt talks with Centre
Guwahati: The from ethnic strife-torn Manipur on Friday decided it will not hold talks with the Centre until a ' ' is initiated by the Union govt with various stakeholders of their society. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Several Kuki MLAs from Manipur, along with representatives of various civil society organisations (CSO) and that have signed Suspensions of Operation (SoO) agreements, held a closed-door meeting in Guwahati to discuss their future course of action with peace gradually returning to the state. "The joint meeting of the MLAs, CSOs n (sic) SoO groups today at Guwahati resolved that until the resumption of substantive political dialogue by the with SoO groups, the CSOs and elected representatives shall no longer engage with the Government of India or it's (sic) representatives," stated a press release, issued by convener secretary of the meeting. Members of the Kuki community arrived in Guwahati on Wednesday and Thursday and are staying at an undisclosed hotel where the meeting was held, a source from the community and privy to the development told PTI. A senior Assam Police officer confirmed the meeting, but said it is taking place without informing the administration here. PTI
New Straits Times
09-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Regional aid lifeline best bet for civil society organisations
US President Donald Trump's approach to foreign aid has prioritised domestic interests, framing it as "America First" economics – that taxpayer dollars should be spent at home rather than abroad. This has shifted focus from traditional humanitarian and development aid to programmes aligned with US foreign policy. In Malaysia, funding cuts to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and World Health Organisation have caused an immediate impact. Civil society organisations (CSOs) were forced to close refugee schools. The closure reflects the faultlines in the international humanitarian funding mechanism. Almost immediately, CSOs had to diversify their funding sources. Malaysia Consultative Council of Islamic Organisation (Mapim) president Mohd Azmi Abdul Hamid disclosed that affected CSOs had sought help to connect with potential new sponsors. "Mapim only received one-time funding from UNHCR in 2023 for Rohingya refugee schools," he said and was spared from the recent US funding cuts. Mapim is "luckier" as its funding comes from different sources – including CSOs based in Qatar and Turkiye and grants from embassies and high commissions. International humanitarian organisations once aligned with US policy were most affected by funding freezes, disrupting community-led projects. An anonymous activist in Malaysia said CSOs reliant on the US, especially third-party funders, suffered most. "We're downsizing, cutting staff and scaling back refugee services," she admits. Reductions in funding for global programmes have also undermined efforts to combat diseases, ensure food security, climate change and gender-based violence. A UNHCR-registered Rohingya school principal in Malaysia said three schools have shut down. "The children now stay at home as other refugee schools are too far." Her school is resorting to selling food to keep its doors open. But the crisis could also force local CSOs to innovate and develop their resources and capabilities – a shift towards localised solutions as a short-term measure. A pullback from states opens a gap in the funding system. According to 2023 OECD data, more than 95 per cent of foreign aid still comes from governments. The US remains the single largest donor – 88 per cent of countries receive American assistance – but the trajectory is unmistakable. Washington has stepped back. That decision is not a blip and not just about Trump. It reflects a deeper shift in American priorities – one that will endure, no matter who occupies the White House. Others would do well to adjust accordingly. The geopolitical mood today demands trade-offs. Aid or arms. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's decision to cut Overseas Development Aid (ODA) from 0.5 per cent to 0.3 per cent of gross national income to fund defence is just one example. Unfortunate, perhaps. But it brings clarity – CSOs should now plan, recalibrate and look elsewhere. Asia's wealthier states – China through the Belt and Road Initiative and Japan via ODA – must step up. So, too, Gulf nations with regional ambitions. Some Europeans may step up, but no one should assume the gap will be filled fully. Malaysian CSOs and the region must adapt, as they recall their core mission – to save lives, not chase grants. It is no longer credible to speak of a just international order while the major powers lose interest in sustaining it. National interests are elastic: they stretch or shrink depending on who's in charge. Today, the elastic is snapping back. The age of expansive Western soft power is over – or at least in remission. Local philanthropy must step in. We must confront an uncomfortable truth: Southeast Asia has long relied on the West to fund programmes for the underprivileged. Yes, many local companies contribute through CSR – but the scale and speed of fallout from the withdrawal of USAID and other Western donors exposes the imbalance. It's time for local entrepreneurs and firms to do more. Support rooted in the region resonates more with local needs, is less exposed to shifting geopolitical winds and is more sustainable. And when foreign aid is scaled back or redirected, it is these actors, not Washington, Brussels or Tokyo, who should step into the breach and keep essential services alive.
