Latest news with #SEF
Arab News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Saudi Esports Federation launches second edition of GCC competition
RIYADH: The Saudi Esports Federation is set to host the second edition of the GCC Esports League on July 21-22 at the SEF Arena in Riyadh. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport The tournament gathers leading players from across the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council): The UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. It is presented by the global luxury automotive brand Genesis. Players will compete across two of the world's leading games, EA FC 25 and Street Fighter 6, for a total prize pool of almost SR100,000 ($26,000). Turki Al-Fawzan, CEO of the SEF, said: 'We are delighted that the league is returning for its second edition following a successful and highly competitive first edition in 2024. 'We are excited to witness elite competitive gaming from leading esports athletes from across the GCC countries, and (to) experience the passion of the fans as they watch the next generation of gaming heroes stamp their authority on the competition. 'The fans in the GCC countries are known across the world for their vibrant, unwavering support for home-grown talent and their knowledge of esports. 'Once again the tournament will provide a leading platform for players in the region to elevate their skills and continue their development as part of a comprehensive sustainable gaming and esports ecosystem here in Riyadh.' Omar Al-Zubaidi, CEO at Genesis Middle East and Africa, said: 'At Genesis we are proud to support platforms that empower the next generation, whether through bold automotive innovation or the evolving world of competitive gaming. 'As presenting partner of the GCC Esports League, we are honored to celebrate the creativity, ambition, and talent of the region's rising champions, and to play a role in fostering a future shaped by excellence across all arenas.'' The second edition of the GCC Esports League also serves as an official qualifier for the Street Fighter 6 tournament at the Esports World Cup 2025, creating pathways for players to make significant progress in their esports careers with opportunities to compete against the world's leading players. The league supports the SEF's aims to champion regional esports development and nurture talent at all levels, from amateur players to professional esports athletes, while showcasing Riyadh as one of the world's leading hubs for esports and gaming.
GMA Network
07-07-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
‘Decades of neglect': PBEd urges decentralization amid PH education crisis
The Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) is sounding the alarm on the worsening state of Philippine education, calling for urgent decentralization and localized reform delivery to address what it calls a 'generational crisis' in learning and workforce readiness. At the core of its latest push, PBEd unveiled a four-point agenda aimed at reversing decades of systemic neglect and failed top-down reforms: Institutionalize decentralization by empowering Local School Boards (LSBs), reforming Special Education Fund (SEF) spending, and strengthening school leadership. Scale up early learning and remediation programs, including ECCD and the Aral Law, to ensure children master reading, writing, and math at grade level. Realign tech-voc and higher education curricula to match industry needs and close the education-to-employment gap. Invest in quality instruction and better classrooms, through lower student-teacher ratios and sustained professional development for educators. 'We need reforms that transcend administrations—systems that ensure continuity and local ownership,' said PBEd Executive Director Bal Camua during an education forum held in Pasay City on Monday. "National policy can set directions, but delivery must be localized,' he added. PBEd, a non-profit advocacy group founded by top business leaders in 2006, bases its findings on national education data, global assessments, and direct engagements with schools and education agencies across the country. A learning crisis generations in the making Despite major reforms over the years—EDCOM I, K–12, and the ongoing EDCOM II—the country continues to suffer from low learning outcomes, high dropout rates, and a mismatch between what students learn and what the workforce demands. According to PBEd, nine out of 10 students cannot read at grade level, a statistic that paints a dire picture of the country's future. 'That's not just a learning gap. It weakens our future workforce,' said Samantha Ulchico, PBEd Senior Program Manager. In underserved regions, only 7% of learners who start Grade 1 finish college, and across the country, 4 in 10 college students drop out before graduation. Camua warned, 'Our learners are racing against time. This is no longer just an education issue—it's a national economic crisis.' Teachers overworked, graduates underprepared At the heart of the problem are teachers who are stretched thin and teaching outside their expertise. More than 62% are teaching subjects beyond their specialization, and many lack access to modern training or classroom support. 'Can we truly expect effective learning when teachers themselves are not given the right training or support?' Camua asked. 'Many of them are products of the same broken system.' Even for those who complete their education, job prospects remain dim due to a growing disconnect between the education system and labor market requirements. Meanwhile, the country's three major education bodies—DepEd, CHED, and TESDA—continue to function in silos. PBEd pointed to TESDA's severe assessor shortage, which has created a backlog of students unable to receive certifications. Fragmented system, centralized decisions Despite having a structure for local education governance, many Local School Boards remain inactive, and SEF funds are often spent mostly on infrastructure rather than on teacher training, learning resources, or student support. Camua argued that decentralization is not merely a policy choice but a necessity if the country wants to close the learning gap and empower schools. 'The issues in NCR are not the same as those in BARMM or Samar,' he said. 'Solutions must come from those who understand the context best—our school leaders and LGUs.' PBEd urged that principals be supported not just as administrators but as instructional leaders who are equipped to drive learning outcomes at the school level. Running out of time As EDCOM II enters its final year, advocates fear that momentum for reform will stall again. 'We are down to the last three years of this administration,' said Uichico. 'If we don't act now, another generation will pass through our classrooms without the skills and hope they deserve.' 'The window for change is closing fast. We cannot afford to waste another decade,' Ulchico added. Camua then emphasized that the crisis spans administrations and must be addressed with long-term structural reforms. "A six-year term is not enough to solve generational problems. We need institutional continuity," he said. —LDF, GMA Integrated News
News24
27-06-2025
- Business
- News24
Rallying South Africa towards the Common Good
The Social Employment Fund (SEF), managed by the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), is a transformative initiative aimed at combating unemployment in South Africa by supporting work that serves the 'common good.' It partners with civil society organisations like NGOs, community kitchens, ECD centres and faith-based groups to provide meaningful work and promote social cohesion. Since its inception in 2023, over 150,000 people have participated in the programme. Many have never worked before – but have been able to use the skills, capabilities, self-esteem and confidence gained to take the next steps on their pathways out of poverty – into better jobs – or into livelihood and micro-enterprise activity. Building agency at community level SEF-funded projects have led to significant skills transfer in areas such as: Health and Care: Home-based care, maternal health support, psycho-social services. Agriculture: Organic farming, composting, food garden management. Education: ECD facilitation, after-school tutoring, sports programmes. GBV Support: Community-based paralegals, counselling, awareness raising campaigns. Greening and Cleaning: Waste management, Beneficiation of biomass, invasive species removal. Community and public art: Presentation skills, social media usage, Arts and Crafts showcasing and performance Digital Inclusion: Computer & research skills, data gathering and survey process These programmes not only provide income, but also foster community agency and resilience, reinforcing a sense of purpose among participants. Case studies of impact 1. Johannesburg Inner City Partnership (JICP) In partnership with the City of Johannesburg, JICP addresses urban regeneration by employing 1,600 participants through NGOs like Urban Space Management and Clean City SA. Participants clean public spaces, plant gardens and help reduce crime through placemaking. Youth-focused programmes such as Sport for Social Change combine recreation with life skills training, promoting safety and community pride. 2. Hlanganisa Institute: Sisterhood Advocates Operating in provinces like Free State and Limpopo, Hlanganisa has trained over 2,600 'Pinkies'—female paralegals who support survivors of gender-based violence (GBV). With SEF support, their reach expanded from 391 to 6,000 GBV cases handled monthly, highlighting how social employment can significantly scale up effective community initiatives. 3. Food Security: Seriti Institute and Solidaridad Network Addressing hunger, Seriti developed an agri-node in Deelpan, North West, offering fresh produce and reducing clinic visits due to improved health. Solidaridad empowered 1,650 smallholder farmers with technology and market access in Gauteng, Eastern Cape and North West, contributing to long-term household food security. The Social Employment Fund is part of the Presidential Employment Stimulus, in support of the social economy strategy of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition. The Industrial Development Corporation is the fund manager.
IOL News
25-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
When short-term jobs aren't enough: Lessons from Komati's Just Transition
Since March, Seriti Institute has been implementing the Social Employment Fund (SEF) in Komati, a programme under the Presidential Employment Stimulus that enables work for the common good. Image: Supplied Komati, Mpumalanga - The silence left by the shutdown of the local power station in 2022 is more than just a drop in electricity output. It is the quiet of a community struggling to rebuild after losing its economic heartbeat. Since the shutdown, approximately R7 billion has been channelled into Komati through the Eskom Just Energy Transition Project, backed by the World Bank, Canadian concessional finance, and ESMAP. Yet, despite this significant investment, the town's 4600 residents have seen almost no tangible benefits in terms of sustainable employment or local economic revival. Good Intentions, Slow Delivery Over the past two years, dozens of consultants, researchers, and development partners have engaged with stakeholders, including Eskom, municipalities, civic groups, unions, and national agencies. Multiple committees and coordination bodies have been established, including Presidential Climate Commission task teams, district forums, and JET-specific working groups. While many of these structures were established with good intentions and have made valuable contributions, some have, over time, contributed to slower decision-making and delayed implementation. This is often due to limited coordination rather than a lack of effort. In several cases, well-meaning interventions, whether in agriculture, training, or psychosocial support, have operated independently, highlighting an opportunity to improve alignment around key areas such as land access, water provision, and community outreach. 'Komati deserves not only investment, but true integration. The time has come for aligned, community-led action that addresses the root causes of unemployment, disconnection, and disillusionment, beyond surface-level interventions.' The Social Employment Fund: A Different Kind of Work Since March, Seriti Institute has been implementing the Social Employment Fund (SEF) in Komati, a programme under the Presidential Employment Stimulus that enables work for the common good. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Funded by the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and delivered through civil society partners, SEF offers part-time employment (16 hours per week) at the national minimum wage. Participants contribute to community-based projects, such as food gardens, public infrastructure maintenance, and learning support, while gaining valuable skills and work experience. SEF is built on the belief that communities have value, even when the market overlooks them. It is more than a job; it is a pathway to purpose. 'SEF gives structure and dignity, but for transformation to take root, time and continuity are essential', said Juanita. The Promise - and the Pain When SEF opened recruitment in Komati, we received over 500 applications for just 300 placements, proof of the community's hunger for opportunity. But within a few months, many participants left. Some migrated to other cities for better opportunities, others took short-term high-paying jobs, and some absconded. This isn't laziness. It is the result of years of reliance on stable, well-paying jobs in the mining and energy sectors. The sudden shift to part-time, developmental work is not just economic; it is emotional. It impacts identity, structure, and purpose. Short-term contracts don't allow enough time for participants to adjust, develop new work habits, or see the long-term value of their work. Barriers on the Ground Our implementation team now travels weekly to Komati to manage resignations, replace personal protective equipment (PPE), and restart site operations, costs that weren't originally anticipated. Some participants exit the programme without returning PPE, adding pressure to already limited resources. Our vision for a local agricultural hub, producing high-value crops, creating sustainable job income opportunities, and offering hands-on training, remains on hold due to the lack of accessible arable land. Most land in the area is privately owned or managed by Eskom and surrounding mining companies. For meaningful agricultural livelihoods to take root, it is essential that landowners and strategic stakeholders actively support initiatives that create long-term value for the community. Unlocking land for development is not just a logistical step; it is a signal of shared commitment to inclusive, regenerative economic growth. Some of the currently established communal gardens rely on municipal supplies, which are often unreliable, while others are still awaiting approval to access nearby mine water sources. As a result, even the most basic needs remain out of reach. From Circuit Breaker to Catalyst The Social Employment Fund (SEF) has already positively impacted the lives of over 100 000 people nationwide. It has supported communities in growing gardens, nurturing small businesses, and opening new doors for young people, whether through digital tools, early childhood development, or financial literacy. For many, SEF has been more than a programme; it's been a lifeline, disrupting the cycles of unemployment and marginalisation. It holds the promise of lasting change. But real transformation takes more than short-term effort. It needs time, trust, and co-investment. As one participant put it, 'You can't heal, grow, or rebuild in just ten months. Real change takes time.' Komati's Lesson: Think Long-Term Public employment programmes must move beyond the logic of temporary relief. To be truly effective, they must walk with communities at their own pace, rooted in their realities, rather than ahead of them or imposed from above. Transformation is not only about jobs; it's about supporting transitions that are social, emotional, and economic. SEF's strength lies in its holistic design. It provides income, yes, but also a renewed sense of purpose, structure in daily life, and a vision for what's possible. It builds confidence, fosters community cohesion, and opens pathways that were previously closed. But this kind of impact doesn't happen overnight. If SEF is to fulfil its transformative potential. In that case, it must be given room to grow, sustained with long-term commitment, scaled to reach more communities, and strengthened through collaboration, trust, and investment in what works. A Call to Action Suppose we are genuinely committed to a Just Energy Transition, one that includes everyone and builds a society that works for all. In that case, we must invest in programmes like SEF with the long-term vision, patience, and support they deserve. Komati is not just calling for jobs. It is calling for healing, for stability, and for the space to reimagine its future. Communities in transition need more than a quick fix; they need partners who will walk the journey with them. We cannot offer a ladder of hope only to pull it away before people have found their footing. Instead, let us build bridges that last and walk them side by side with the communities we serve.
Business Recorder
21-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
MD SEF urges partners to boost implementation, equity in education
HYDERABAD: In line with the visionary leadership of the Chief Minister Sindh, Chief Secretary Sindh, and Minister for Education Sindh, the Sindh Education Foundation the Sindh Education Foundation (SEF) Government of Sindh organized a Regional Partners' Conference at Jamshoro, bringing together more than 250 school partners from Hyderabad Region. The event aimed to strengthen collaboration and align educational efforts with the evolving needs of students in underserved regions. The conference was presided over by Managing Director SEF, Gahanwer Ali Laghari, who reiterated SEF's commitment to ensuring both access to education and its quality. In his keynote address, the Managing Director, Gahanwer Ali Laghari emphasized the importance of engaging with all partners from the Hyderabad region who are operating SEF's formal and non-formal educational institutions. He praised their unwavering commitment to providing free and quality education, recognizing it as a commendable effort. And also thanked to VC LUMHS and their management for their support. He stated that this noble cause not only grants children in Sindh access to education but also contributes to broader avenues of sustainable development, aligning with global objectives. Acknowledging that there is always room for improvement, he urged all partners to fully implement the commitments made with the Government of Sindh and SEF. 'You must create an environment where children are happy to come to school,' he stressed. When partners requested to Managing Director to please bring the matter of subsidy to classify the per-child subsidy based on the geographical challenges of the schools. 'There should be a clear distinction between subsidies for schools operating in remote, hard-to-reach areas such as the deserts of Tharparkar, Johi, or Kachho, and those operating in urban areas,' and Managing Director assured them that he will bring this proposal to the concerned. The conference concluded with a strong message of transformational partnership, aiming to move beyond conventional education and prepare students for a future shaped by technology, innovation, and values. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
