Latest news with #Katter
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
New Ukrainian school helps the displaced build new lives through hospitality
In a luxurious resort complex north of Kyiv, 12 women are retraining to enter the hospitality sector in a new school that will kickstart a fresh life for Ukraine's internally displaced people (IDPs). The women, mostly from Ukraine's occupied territories, are learning to be housekeepers in the first program organized by German-born non-profit school Grains. Unlike other hospitality schools in Ukraine, Grains also focuses on the personal development of students, and they are guaranteed a job with the Shelest hotel after they complete nine days of training. Grains is the brainchild of Berlin-based venture developer Maddina Katter and Elena Muradyan, CEO of Shelest, a luxury hotel that opened in 2020. They hope to address two challenges: integrating some of the approximately 5 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) and addressing a workforce deficit in the hospitality sector, which has boomed since the full-scale invasion due to rising domestic tourism. Integrating IDPs is a top priority for Ukraine's Social Protection Ministry, and the ministry found 30% of Grains' applicants. The ministry said it would help Grains secure more funding if at least two IDP students entered employment afterwards. "The government needs us," Katter told the Kyiv Independent. "Until today, there is no project in Ukraine that directly connects education and employment, and also works with the personal (development) of students. "Students will never pay for the school, made possible thanks to partners who will provide the 180,000 euros ($205,000) needed annually. The main donor is German defense company ARX Robotics, which initially invested 25,000 euros ($28,000) into the non-profit company. "It's a blueprint that we want to develop in the future." Shelest, owned by one of Ukraine's top investment bankers, Ihor Mazepa, covers operational costs, including bussing students to school from Kyiv, food and drinks, plus bookkeeping and HR. The school, a trendy Scandinavian-style building constructed with wood and glass, is nestled into the Shelest resort and connects to the restaurant where students train. It's a win-win, Katter said. Shelest gets qualified staff, IDPs get jobs, and the state receives taxes and spends less on support programs. In the future, Grains will include other programs like bar and restaurant work, and partner with other high-end hotels offering good salaries and benefits. The courses are open to all Ukrainians, but Katter wanted the first one to be geared toward women. Read also: In wartime Ukraine, a university grows — and reclaims a space once reserved for the corrupt The idea for Grains came to Katter over two years ago in Berlin when she met Muradyan, who had fled Ukraine with her daughter. Katter had already set up the company Bulletproof Ukraine, making affordable bulletproof vests for civilians, and wanted to create an educational project. When she heard Muradyan's struggles to find employees in the hotel industry, she realized hospitality would be the right path. Salaries have increased in the sector, and housekeepers can earn Hr 1,400 ($35) daily in a hotel like Shelest, above the average salary in the country. Katter saw the opportunity for Grains to help reduce unemployment among IDPs in Ukraine, which is higher than among other citizens, and plug the workforce deficit. "We want to show to the students that they can be creators of the reality they want to live in." Alongside theoretical and practical classes, taught by senior staff at Shelest, Katter starts every eight-hour day with a personal wellness session at 10 a.m. This is not about mental health, she says, but helping students set and achieve personal goals and breaking free from something she believes plagues post-Communist countries – the Soviet mindset. Katter wants students to gain confidence and aim high in their careers. Grains sets out a path to progress in the hospitality industry, but the skills they learn are transferable to other jobs if students want to try something else. "In the Soviet mindset, everyone is just confined to whatever life path is outlined for them. We want to show to the students that they can be creators of the reality they want to live in,' Katter said, adding that she also sees this issue in her homeland, Kazakhstan. For now, Grains has space for maximum 20 people per course, and soon students will be able to stay in on-site dormitories. For the first program, the school interviewed 60 applicants and accepted 12 who the company felt were keen to remain in hospitality. The first students graduated on May 23, and 95% went on to work at Shelest. The next program will launch at the end of July for housekeepers, while the team currently develops a culinary arts course with esteemed Kyiv chef Mirali Dilbazi. One student, Tetiana Izorkina, originally from now-occupied Luhansk, saw the program advertised on Telegram, a messaging app. Stable and safe work is hard to find in her current town, Dobropillia, Donetsk Oblast, which is near the front line. Her mother and grandmother initially thought Grains was a scam because it was free, an issue that Katter says will be solved once the company has a bigger presence and reputation. Fortunately for Izorkina, it wasn't, and she found herself in awe of the manicured lawns, flowerbeds, and contemporary art that decorates the resort. "In Donetsk Oblast, you only see gray colors. There are only soldiers around me, and you cannot see beautiful art. You only see dark," she said, adding how happy and emotional she felt to be on the course. For Izorkina, hospitality will be one of the key industries when the war ends, as tourist numbers are expected to climb back to over 14 million per year. She wants to join those working in hotels, restaurants, and bars to welcome tourists with high hospitality standards. In the long term, Ukraine is just the beginning, and Katter wants to take it worldwide. She sees Germany as the next country due to the high number of displaced people living there. "What we are building right now in Ukraine is a start. It's a blueprint that we want to develop in the future. Grains needs to become a tool that works for people everywhere in the world," she said. Hi, it's Dominic, thank you for reading this story. It's not all doom and gloom in Ukraine, and I want to shine a light on some of the positive things happening during the war. The women I met on the course were incredible and inspiring. It takes a lot to completely start fresh in life, especially when you've had everything turned upside down. To help us keep bringing you good news from Ukraine, please consider becoming a member. We've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Katter hits back after Irwin croc sledge
Maverick Queensland MP Bob Katter has hit back at Terri Irwin after she publicly criticised the Katter's Australian Party (KAP) latest bill to cull crocodiles in the north of the state. Mrs Irwin described the amended proposal as 'lazy and sloppy' earlier in the week and warned it would 'turn the clock back to the dark and destructive days prior to the 1970s'. The bill claims Queensland has seen a giant increase in crocodile numbers, which Terri Irwin disputes, as justification for removing and euthanising crocs found in 'populated' waterways, and enabling hunting safaris on Aboriginal-controlled land. However, on Friday Mr Katter hit back at the animal conservationist, questioning her knowledge of crocodile preservation in Australia. 'Mrs Irwin … said that I'm a dangerous person and it's the only time I've ever agreed with her in my life,' he said in a video posted to Facebook. 'She knows all about crocodiles … well that's rather fascinating for me because she lives in Brisbane and I work with the top crocodile handlers in the world I would argue. 'Versace and the other big fashion houses have huge crocodile farms here.' Mr Katter went on to explain that the best crocodile handlers in the world have 'always been here in Australia'. 'She knows all about it well …. I'm a bit fascinated by that … how would you know about crocodiles if you live in Brisbane?' he said while laughing. 'Oh that's right she's got them all locked up in a cage in Brisbane I'd forgotten about that.' But Mrs Irwin has earlier claimed the amended bill – which imagines currently croc-infested waterways being used recreationally – is 'reckless, ill-informed and dangerous on so many levels'. In a 14-page long submission, Irwin argued a false sense of security may be created by the proposals, which would actually increase crocodile-related deaths. 'The removal of crocodiles, either through trapping or culling, will instead increase the likelihood of crocodile attacks as people believe the lie that once a crocodile is removed from a waterway then there will be no crocodiles,' she wrote. 'Research has consistently shown that when a crocodile dies or is removed, then another crocodile immediately comes in to take over that territory. Because of this reality, the Bill will not eliminate or even greatly reduce the risk of crocodile attacks.' Irwin also disputed claims that crocodile numbers have dramatically increased, saying there is no Queensland data to confirm that and the bill's cited increase does not account for multiple sightings of the same croc. 'It is the Irwin family and Australia Zoo's belief that individual culling and relocation are not effective ways to manage crocodile/human coexistence; rather, research and educating people are the key,' she said. 'The best course of action is for people in crocodile territory to be 'Croc-wise', reduce risk wherever possible and take sensible steps to minimise human-crocodile interaction.' KAP MP Shane Knuth spoke about the bill at state parliament last month, stating North Queenslanders are 'angry about losing more of our recreational waterways to the increasing crocodile population'. 'The constant threat of attacks, recent deaths and near-death experiences are dramatically affecting North Queensland's outdoor lifestyle,' he said. 'We never had to worry about the threats of crocodiles in our recreational waterways and beaches until the last two decades.' Crocodiles are protected in Queensland and remain listed as vulnerable under the Nature Conservation Act 1992.
West Australian
3 days ago
- Politics
- West Australian
‘How would you know about crocodiles if you live in Brisbane?': Maverick MP Bob Katter lashes out at Terri Irwin
Maverick Queensland MP Bob Katter has hit back at Terri Irwin after she publicly criticised the Katter's Australian Party (KAP) latest bill to cull crocodiles in the north of the state. Mrs Irwin described the amended proposal as 'lazy and sloppy' earlier in the week and warned it would 'turn the clock back to the dark and destructive days prior to the 1970s'. The bill claims Queensland has seen a giant increase in crocodile numbers, which Terri Irwin disputes, as justification for removing and euthanising crocs found in 'populated' waterways, and enabling hunting safaris on Aboriginal-controlled land. However, on Friday Mr Katter hit back at the animal conservationist, questioning her knowledge of crocodile preservation in Australia. 'Mrs Irwin … said that I'm a dangerous person and it's the only time I've ever agreed with her in my life,' he said in a video posted to Facebook. 'She knows all about crocodiles … well that's rather fascinating for me because she lives in Brisbane and I work with the top crocodile handlers in the world I would argue. 'Versace and the other big fashion houses have huge crocodile farms here.' Mr Katter went on to explain that the best crocodile handlers in the world have 'always been here in Australia'. 'She knows all about it well …. I'm a bit fascinated by that … how would you know about crocodiles if you live in Brisbane?' he said while laughing. 'Oh that's right she's got them all locked up in a cage in Brisbane I'd forgotten about that.' But Mrs Irwin has earlier claimed the amended bill – which imagines currently croc-infested waterways being used recreationally – is 'reckless, ill-informed and dangerous on so many levels'. In a 14-page long submission, Irwin argued a false sense of security may be created by the proposals, which would actually increase crocodile-related deaths. 'The removal of crocodiles, either through trapping or culling, will instead increase the likelihood of crocodile attacks as people believe the lie that once a crocodile is removed from a waterway then there will be no crocodiles,' she wrote. 'Research has consistently shown that when a crocodile dies or is removed, then another crocodile immediately comes in to take over that territory. Because of this reality, the Bill will not eliminate or even greatly reduce the risk of crocodile attacks.' Irwin also disputed claims that crocodile numbers have dramatically increased, saying there is no Queensland data to confirm that and the bill's cited increase does not account for multiple sightings of the same croc. 'It is the Irwin family and Australia Zoo's belief that individual culling and relocation are not effective ways to manage crocodile/human coexistence; rather, research and educating people are the key,' she said. 'The best course of action is for people in crocodile territory to be 'Croc-wise', reduce risk wherever possible and take sensible steps to minimise human-crocodile interaction.' KAP MP Shane Knuth spoke about the bill at state parliament last month, stating North Queenslanders are 'angry about losing more of our recreational waterways to the increasing crocodile population'. 'The constant threat of attacks, recent deaths and near-death experiences are dramatically affecting North Queensland's outdoor lifestyle,' he said. 'We never had to worry about the threats of crocodiles in our recreational waterways and beaches until the last two decades.' Crocodiles are protected in Queensland and remain listed as vulnerable under the Nature Conservation Act 1992.
Perth Now
3 days ago
- Politics
- Perth Now
Katter hits back after Irwin croc sledge
Maverick Queensland MP Bob Katter has hit back at Terri Irwin after she publicly criticised the Katter's Australian Party (KAP) latest bill to cull crocodiles in the north of the state. Mrs Irwin described the amended proposal as 'lazy and sloppy' earlier in the week and warned it would 'turn the clock back to the dark and destructive days prior to the 1970s'. The bill claims Queensland has seen a giant increase in crocodile numbers, which Terri Irwin disputes, as justification for removing and euthanising crocs found in 'populated' waterways, and enabling hunting safaris on Aboriginal-controlled land. However, on Friday Mr Katter hit back at the animal conservationist, questioning her knowledge of crocodile preservation in Australia. Bob Katter has responded to Terri Irwin after a row erupted between them over a contentious bill proposing to cull crocodiles in North Queensland. Facebook Credit: Supplied Ms Irwin, the widow of the late Steve Irwin, has been vocal about Mr Katter's proposal, which she has called 'lazy and sloppy'. NewsWire / Tertius Pickard Credit: News Corp Australia 'Mrs Irwin … said that I'm a dangerous person and it's the only time I've ever agreed with her in my life,' he said in a video posted to Facebook. 'She knows all about crocodiles … well that's rather fascinating for me because she lives in Brisbane and I work with the top crocodile handlers in the world I would argue. 'Versace and the other big fashion houses have huge crocodile farms here.' Mr Katter went on to explain that the best crocodile handlers in the world have 'always been here in Australia'. 'She knows all about it well …. I'm a bit fascinated by that … how would you know about crocodiles if you live in Brisbane?' he said while laughing. 'Oh that's right she's got them all locked up in a cage in Brisbane I'd forgotten about that.' But Mrs Irwin has earlier claimed the amended bill – which imagines currently croc-infested waterways being used recreationally – is 'reckless, ill-informed and dangerous on so many levels'. Ms Irwin has argued the removal of crocodiles from waterways will increase the likelihood of attacks due to a false sense of security. FILE Credit: Supplied In a 14-page long submission, Irwin argued a false sense of security may be created by the proposals, which would actually increase crocodile-related deaths. 'The removal of crocodiles, either through trapping or culling, will instead increase the likelihood of crocodile attacks as people believe the lie that once a crocodile is removed from a waterway then there will be no crocodiles,' she wrote. 'Research has consistently shown that when a crocodile dies or is removed, then another crocodile immediately comes in to take over that territory. Because of this reality, the Bill will not eliminate or even greatly reduce the risk of crocodile attacks.' Ms Irwin, pictured with her son Robert, also disputes claims crocodile numbers have increased. NewsWire / Tertius Pickard Credit: News Corp Australia Irwin also disputed claims that crocodile numbers have dramatically increased, saying there is no Queensland data to confirm that and the bill's cited increase does not account for multiple sightings of the same croc. 'It is the Irwin family and Australia Zoo's belief that individual culling and relocation are not effective ways to manage crocodile/human coexistence; rather, research and educating people are the key,' she said. 'The best course of action is for people in crocodile territory to be 'Croc-wise', reduce risk wherever possible and take sensible steps to minimise human-crocodile interaction.' KAP MP Shane Knuth spoke about the bill at state parliament last month, stating North Queenslanders are 'angry about losing more of our recreational waterways to the increasing crocodile population'. Mr Katter said the best crocodile handlers have 'always been in Australia'. NewsWire / Martin Ollman Credit: News Corp Australia 'The constant threat of attacks, recent deaths and near-death experiences are dramatically affecting North Queensland's outdoor lifestyle,' he said. 'We never had to worry about the threats of crocodiles in our recreational waterways and beaches until the last two decades.' Crocodiles are protected in Queensland and remain listed as vulnerable under the Nature Conservation Act 1992.
19-05-2025
- Sport
Churches hope to tap the power of pickleball
Bourbonnais, Ill. (RNS) — The gym at the Adventure Commons was filled with sounds of pickleball — squeaking sneakers, the thwack of a paddle hitting a ball and cheers from players after a good shot. A dozen players filled three courts at the athletic center, run by the Adventure Christian Church, located just off exit 315 from Interstate 57 in south suburban Chicago. Among those playing pickleball on Wednesday morning (May 14) was Kathy Henricks, a retired real estate agent and member of Adventure Church. She's been playing the game with friends for about four years — and is largely responsible for the church having pickleball "I said, 'How come we don't have pickleball?'' she told RNS, during a break between games. 'And a little while later we had nets and were ready to roll.' —- This content is written and produced by Religion News Service and distributed by The Associated Press. RNS and AP partner on some religion news content. RNS is solely responsible for this story. ___ That same question is being asked at churches all over the country — from downtown megachurches to smalltown congregations — that are hoping to tap into the power of pickleball to build community and bring a little joy to their neighbors. About 20 million Americans played pickleball in 2024, according to data from the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, and that number continues to grow. More than a few play at churches. Todd Katter, pastor of Willow Creek Community Church's Huntley campus in the Chicago suburbs, said as many as 150 people have taken part in pickleball events sponsored by the church campus in local venues and in the church parking lot. 'Which was a bad idea,' said Katter, as it turned out the parking lot sloped downward. He called pickleball a 'playground' for adults and a new third space where people hang out and make friends — and it appeals to folks from 17 to 70. 'There was an era where people went to Starbucks to hang out, he said. 'Now, people drive through and grab a Starbucks and go play pickleball.' Katter, who picked up the game a few years ago, said pickleball is a great outreach for churches. It's easy to play and is widely popular. And it doesn't take long for people to get hooked, because the skill level-to-enjoyment curve isn't very steep. "Even if you don't have a lot of skill, you can still have a lot of fun,' said Katter. Jason Young, the care and ministry pastor at Hope Community Church in Glenview, Illinois, said sports like pickleball can have both social and spiritual benefits. Young said he started going to church in his 20s, after his brother invited him to join a church volleyball team. At the time, he'd had no interest in religion, but he loved to play volleyball, so he said yes. Over time, he said, being around folks on the team rubbed off on him and he eventually started going to church. Sports and friendship, he said, opened the door for him to think about faith. 'What I appreciated about it was nobody was kind of putting me in the hot seat,' he said. Hope started offering pickleball a few years ago, when the church, which started during the COVID-19 pandemic, was meeting in a park district building that had a gym. One day, Young said, a church member approached the pastors with the idea of offering a free pickleball clinic. About 40 folks showed up to that first clinic, so when Hope moved to a new building, leaders decided to offer pickleball a few days a week. Kay Seamayer, 85, said she was thrilled when First Baptist Church in Dallas decided to start offering pickleball. Seamayer, a lifelong athlete, had been playing for more than a decade and was a longtime advocate for the game. nyone can play it, she said. And it's a great way to make friends. But playing at church did come with a challenge. The game draws people of all skill levels, she said, and that meant toning her competitive side down a bit. Which took some prayer, she said, and a message from God. 'You just don't have to be competitive in everything you do,' said Seamayer, who still plays competitive three-on-three basketball. 'So, settle down and help those people who want to play and just play for fun.' First Baptist runs pickleball as part of the church's overall sports ministry, with leagues in the fall and winter, said Brent McFadden, minister of sports and outreach. They also offer pickleball during open gym times — the church has a pair of courts marked out for pickleball. The sessions start with a short prayer and then a devotional. Many of the folks who take part in pickleball or other sports aren't members. But that's OK, said McFadden. The idea is to offer an easy entry point to the church for folks who might be skeptical of coming to a service. The Rev. Michael Graham, of Gilford Community Church, a progressive congregation in New Hampshire, hopes to give pickleball a try at some point. Graham got a pickleball racket for his birthday, but knee surgery delayed his debut on the court. Graham sits on the board of the Gilford Youth Center, a nonprofit that operates out of the gym the church built that offers sport programs to the community. He was skeptical at first when folks from the community asked about playing pickleball at the center. Now the center offers pickleball three days a week. "Over probably the last four or five years, pickleball has become so important that now we have three courts,' he said. The Armenian Church of Our Saviour, an Orthodox church in Worcester, Massachusetts, has offered pickleball in the church's auditorium over the past two winters, said Bryan Davis, a longtime church member. Davis, a 72-year-old retired teacher, said a friend from the church had introduced him to pickleball a few years ago — and he played mostly outside. Then his friend came up with the idea of playing in the auditorium, which doubles as a gym and event space. 'He kept on saying, you know, I think we could fit some pickleball courts in the auditorium,' said Davis. 'We went up and measured, and sure enough, we could fit two in there.' Because the space is used for all kinds of events, the courts could not be permanent. Instead, Davis said, church members lay out the courts using a special tape, which takes about a half an hour to lay down — and just a few minutes to clean up afterwards. About a dozen folks play at the church, paying $5 each — with the funds going to pay for equipment. 'We gave a little money back to the church, too,' he said. 'The priest came and played. He loved it. It was just really a lot of fun.' Terrie Golwitzer started playing pickleball at Adventure two years ago after Henricks invited her to give it a try. She watched a few videos online to get some tips, then showed up to play on a Monday. After about 10 minutes, she was hooked. Now she plays three days a week and is in a group chat with friends she's made there. They often hang out together when they are not playing. And she said pickleball is one place where folks don't argue about politics, which is a relief, and the game has both social and health benefits. 'Pickleball is about people,' she said.
