Welcome to CENFACS’ Online Diary!
30 June 2021
Post No. 202
The Week’s Contents
• Season of Happiness 2021 in a Changing Climate and Mutating/Enduring COVID-19
• Digital and Social Media Campaign (Levels 2 and 3) – In Focus: Digital and Cyber-security Threats to Poverty Reduction
• Reduction of Poverty Linked to Desertification and Drought in Africa
…And much more!
Key Messages
• Season of Happiness 2021 in a Changing Climate and Mutating/Enduring COVID-19
CENFACS’ Season of Happiness is back with a focus on both happiness and healthiness. Happiness as we are working on the process of returning some of our services to normal this Summer pending the conditions relating to COVID-19 containment measures.
Healthiness (as healthy life expectancy as predicator of life evaluation) will be as well trending since COVID-19 continues to rage and changes its shape with the Indian and South African variants.
In this focus, we should not forget climate change and its impacts as they continue to adversely affect the way in which we feel and pass the Season of Happiness.
Since we are working within the programme of building forward better together greener and cleaner, the Season of Happiness will be about building forward better happiness and healthiness.
Under the Main Development section of this post, we have provided further details including the projects and programmes making the Season of Happiness.
• Digital and Social Media Campaign (Levels 2 and 3) – In Focus: Digital and Cyber-security Threats to Poverty Reduction
During this time of the coronavirus pandemic, like anybody else people in need have to rely on digital and online means in order to meet their basic life-sustaining needs and to survive. However, what is required to safely run these digital and online means, most people in need cannot afford it. They do not have enough money to spend on the security requirements (such as anti-virus software, subscription to online insurance policy, adaptation to new technologies, security camera, etc.) to mitigate any digital, online and cyber-security issues.
• • The extent of cyber-security crimes and digital threats on the poor
Cyber criminals, online hackers and internet scammers are using the vulnerability and space created by the coronavirus pandemic and accidental damages caused by containment measures to launch any sorts of attacks to vulnerable online accounts and poor people. These crimes and malpractices existed before the pandemic; however the coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated or opened a window of opportunities for this behaviour.
There are now pandemic malicious websites and scams that try to exploit poor people’s ignorance and lack of financial means that are engaged in all types of criminal activities such as identity theft, ransom ware, fake employment agencies/offers, dishonest credit card companies, copyright violators, fake coronavirus funding programmes and all sorts of fraud.
• • Advocating for the support of those in need of digital equipment and infrastructures
These cyber criminals and online fraudsters have complicated the work of poverty reduction. The pandemic-related digital threats are now a BIG ISSUE for both our users in the UK and in Africa. This is why we are re-activating the levels 2 and 3 of our Digital and Social Media Campaign. The level 2 is about IT and Online Security while level 3 deals with Digital Infrastructures, Security and Defence.
In this re-activation of the two areas of our campaign, we are asking to our users to extremely stay vigilant when operating online and digitally (e.g. during remote work, filling digital applications, shopping online etc.).
We are as well advocating for the support of those in need of digital equipment and infrastructures (such as anti-virus device or software, online cover policy, etc.) to be considered in any funding programme or policy.
This is because one can notice that some of the funding programmes toward those in need simply ignore this problem of lack digital equipment and security for those in need to express their needs and effectively communicate without cyber-security threats and fear in order to resolve the issue of poverty they are facing. In this respect, there is a need for cyber and online defences for the poor, those who cannot afford security items such as anti-virus, insurance cover against digital and cyber-security threats and attacks, etc. The threat and crime levels we are talking about cannot be dealt with free or essential anti-virus software or device as such software or devices are limited in their scope to deal with the matter.
• • Extra help and support
There are both print and online resources regarding digital and cyber-security threats which can be accessed. For those who would like to further discuss cyber-security issues and digital defences, they can contact CENFACS.
For further information about CENFACS’ Digital and Social Media Campaign, please also contact CENFACS.
• Reduction of Poverty Linked to Desertification and Drought in Africa
As part of CENFACS’ 2020s Development Agenda and Poverty Reduction Programme, we are working on Goal 7 of this agenda and programme. Goal 7 is about reducing climate-induced poverty or situational (or transitory) poverty amongst the victims of natural disasters and destructive wars. Amongst natural conditions and events are desertification and drought in Africa, mostly in arid and semi-arid areas of Africa.
There are various initiatives taken by and on behalf of people suffering from desertification in Africa. These initiatives include: forest recovery, prevention of soil degradation, re-fertilisation of lands, replanting trees, afforestation, reduction of stress on food producing capacity, improvement in biodiversity, etc. There are also projects carried out to reduce drought such as reduction in deficits in rainfall, river flow, soil moisture and food.
Beyond these initiatives, we are as well going to look at projects set up and run by our Africa-based Sister Organisations to help their locals to come out poverty linked to desertification and drought in Africa. An example of these initiatives include irrigation project in Chad with one of CENFACS’ sister organisations working on the ground.
To discuss the reduction of poverty linked to desertification and drought in Africa, please contact CENFACS.
Extra Messages
• Report on COVID-19 Campaign
This week, we would like to share with our stakeholders the findings about CENFACS’ Campaign for Resilience against the Coronavirus Pandemic (or COVID-19 Campaign) since it began in 2020. These findings are compiled in a report relating to this campaign.
• • What is the report on COVID-19 campaign?
The COVID-19 campaign report is a summary of actions carried out by CENFACS from March 2020 until now in the fight against the life-threatening and –destroying impacts of the coronavirus pandemic and its side effects.
• • The purpose of the report
The purpose of the report is to investigate CENFACS’ COVID-19 Campaign in order to identify outcomes achieved and recommend new direction or an end to this campaign in terms of the different phases undertaken so far.
• • Essential highlights
The investigation looks back the different episodes of the campaign and the actions and activities undertaken by CENFACS to support and work with the communities (here in the UK and Africa) on COVID-19 protection, to protect CENFACS’ services and the general public at a time ravaged by a global pandemic, economic downturn and the ever-worsening climate crisis.
The report shows how CENFACS acted during this crisis in order to find a new, creative and innovative way of re-engaging with stakeholders, protecting and delivering services and liaising with other sustainable development partners.
The report portrays how CENFACS went beyond and out its way to stay focus on poverty reduction and sustainable development despite the disruption and disturbance caused by the coronavirus and associated adverse impacts.
The report is finally a testimony about the contribution of CENFACS to the recipes of poverty reduction and enhancement of sustainable development during this challenging time.
For insight reading of the report including its findings and recommendations, please contact CENFACS with your mailing details.
• The Last Creative and Innovative Activity of the Creative Economic Development Month: Navigation of Human Development Index
In Focus: How to move up when living on the lower end of human development at this challenging time of enduring coronavirus
Human Development Index (HDI) is the United Nations Development Programme’s measure of development (1). According to the United Nations Development Programme, the Human Development Index (HDI) is
“A composite index measuring average achievement in three basic dimensions of human development: a long and healthy life, knowledge and a decent standard of living.”
More details on how it is calculated can be found at hdr2020_technical_notes.pdf (undp.org)
As part of our last activity of June 2021, we are working on practical ways to move up for those who are currently living on the lower end of human development , especially those living in low human development countries making CENFACS’ area of our operation in Africa.
These practical ways include solutions to the problem as well as infographics to help in this matter. It is our way of conveying an extra message of hope and support to those who are in this situation, particularly at this time of enduring coronavirus. Indeed, the coronavirus has challenged the three elements (healthy life, knowledge and standard of living) that make the architecture of the HDI for many people in need.
If you are one of those who have reached the lower end of the human development and wondering how to move up, CENFACS can work with you/your organisation to help you navigate your way to the upper end of human development. All you need is to contact CENFACS on this site.
• The 30th of June 2021 as our Last Day of Thanksgiving to Supporters
We would like to take this opportunity to reiterate of thoughts, expressions and feelings of gratitude to all our supporters.
For those of our supporters who will be missed by the end of today, we hope they will be a similar opportunity in the future during which we can together celebrate the achievement from their support while acknowledging the gifts they have made or make to our end users, our work and the work of our Africa-based Sister organisations.
Many thanks!
Main Development
• Season of Happiness 2021 in a Changing Climate and Mutating/Enduring COVID-19
• • Life Renewal Season to Happiness Season
Jmesci (June Month of Environmental and Sustainable Creative Initiatives) and Arts and Design Project are the projects that have made the last part of Spring 2021 programme. Both projects make our Creative Economic Development month.
In practice, Jmesci is the project that is ending our Spring Relief or Life Renewal season to start Summer of Happiness. After creating and innovating to build forward better together greener and cleaner as well as to help reduce poverty and enhance sustainable development, we are now looking forward to enjoy the sunshine of Summer with Happiness and Healthiness. We would forward to Summer, although the warm weather has already started.
• • What is Summer for CENFACS’ Users and Beneficiaries?
Summer is a period of the warm sunny weather that we would like to associate with it at CENFACS. It is the time of happiness that we all expect, after a long period of full time work and education. We look forward to a break after such a long time of routine working life, especially as most of CENFACS’ projects and programmes are framed around the school timetable to suit and reflect the needs and living patterns of our users and beneficiaries. This is despite that the fact that during Summer people are still working to keep their households and the economy running.
• • In focus for this Summer: Happiness in a Changing Climate and Mutating/Enduring COVID-19
Generally, it is expected Summer to be warm and sunny. In recent times or decades, Summer is not all the time warmer and sunnier. The climate (that is the average atmosphere conditions prevailing in a particular region) is now much variable to the extent that summers are now not always hot dry.
Yet, most people want warm, sunny and happy summers. Those who can afford can plan to go to destinations in places and locations where they can enjoy the summer weather. Those who cannot afford, like many of our users, may not be able to choose but to be subject of the changing climate.
• • Happy but restricted holidays
In addition to the changing climate, there is the coronavirus which is still there and taking other forms or variations (e.g. Indian, South African or other) despite the rollout of COVID-19 vaccine. The coronavirus has led to many restrictions including those on travels and holidays. The traditional way of passing holidays is now restricted to the coronavirus containment measures. These are the restrictions on our holidays, restrictions from changing climate and from measures to control the coronavirus pandemic. This is whether we take holidays or work or even study over the Summertime.
• • Happiness in a changing climate and enduring COVID-19
Since the coronavirus endures and the climate is still changing, this Summer 2021 will be affected by both changes (e.g. changing climate and mutating coronavirus). So, the key note of our theme for Summer of Happiness will be how to create, enjoy and sustain happiness in a changing climate and a mutating/enduring coronavirus.
To support those victims of changing climate and mutating/enduring coronavirus over Summer, we shall work with them so that they can navigate their way to happiness and healthiness in a changing climate and mutating/enduring coronavirus over Summer 2021.
To do that, we shall provide Happiness and Healthiness Tips and Hints in a changing climate and mutating/enduring coronavirus. We will provide them through the following Summer initiatives.
• • Preview of 2021 Summer-of-Happiness and Healthiness Programmes
Summer Programme at CENFACS is mainly made of two sets or broad areas of projects for and with Multi-dimensionally Poor Children, Young People and Families; which consists of:
(a) Happiness and Healthiness Projects (Part 1) and
(b) Appeal Projects or Humanitarian Relief to Africa (Part 2).
Besides this main Summer seasonal regular feature, we have also planned other initiatives as side menus. We shall gradually release the contents of these Summer projects as we progress during Summer 2021.
Our development calendar/planner already indicates what is planned for July and August 2021. However, should anybody want to find out more, they are welcome to contact CENFACS.
• • • Summer 2021 Programmes, Projects and Activities (Summer calendar/planner)
How to Make this Summer 2021 as of Happiness in a Changing Climate and Mutating/Enduring Coronavirus
July 2021
∞ Financial Updates: Managing your Nature Accounts and Build Forward Better Accounts
The 2021 Edition of Financial Updates (a CENFACS’ Individual Capacity Building and Development resource for Summer) will focus on two sets of accounts: nature and build forward better accounts.
∞∞ Nature accounts (or natural capital accounting) are those any household can run in their budget to keep their relationships with nature in harmony. One can integrate ecosystems and biodiversity into their household budgets. This can enable them to take responsibility towards nature or natural resources.
∞∞ Build forward better accounts are any items of household budgets related to the process of building forward better from the Covid-19. In this second type of accounts, we shall align them to the requirements of greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals and targets.
Besides these two sets of accounts, the 2021 Financial Updates will update readers about the current financial and economic situation. The updates will go further in terms of financial and economic advice to build forward better together greener and cleaner.
∞ All-in-one Impact Assessment
July, which is the Analytics month within CENFACS, is the month to be at CENFACS for those who are working on project and programme impacts.
We will be doing two levels of impact assessment as follows:
Our usual July Impact Monitoring, Evaluation, Review and Analytics for projects and programmes that we run in the preceding financial year
Impact assessment of the Covid-19 Campaign, which will consider the initial findings of the COVID-19 report
∞ Virtual Summer Festival with Seven Days of Development in July
In focus for our Summer 2021 Festival will be:
Coronavirus Debt and Deficit Management – How to reduce or cancel debts and deficits for the poor to make ends meet
Since the coronavirus pandemic has led to a high level of indebtedness for many ordinary and poor families, our Seven Days of Development in July (7DDJ) will explore ways of reducing and/or cancelling debts and deficits in the accounts of these families so that they can meet their basic life-sustaining needs. Some of these debts and deficits were already there. However, the coronavirus has made them worse to the extent these families cannot normally function as human family.
July – August 2021
∞ Children, Young People and Families (CYPFs) Summer Programme (Part I): Appeal Projects
Summer humanitarian Appeal projects are a set of projects to help alleviate multi-dimensional poverty experienced by CYPFs during the Summertime. We normally launch one integrated appeal that brings under one roof these projects. This year, because of the enduring Covid-19 and its associated impacts, we are going to launch selected appeals for most of them with special emphasis on health.
One of the selected appeals will be about helping CYPFs to be free from distress caused by the enduring coronavirus pandemic and any health poverty associated with coronavirus. The appeal – Distress-free Life from Enduring Coronavirus for CYPFs in Africa (DfLECA) – is also about helping poor CYPFs to boost their capability to be healthy from the coronavirus and other diseases as well as from economic threats created by the same coronavirus.
Another appeal project that will have a particular attention and that is needed during this period of continuing health and sanitation issues is the Iconic Young Carer and Builder for a Coronavirus-free Environment (iYCBCfE).
The two projects fall under the scope of health (for DFLECA) and care (for iYCBCfE).
∞ Children, Young People and Families (CYPFs) Summer Programme (Part II): Happiness and Healthiness Projects
Happiness and Healthiness projects are another set of Summer projects making the second part of our Summer Programme. The same healthiness theme will be extended to apply to the second part of our Summer 2021 programme. We shall release more details about Happiness and Healthiness projects in due course.
∞ Summer 2021 Run, Play and Vote to Reduce Poverty
Because we are still under the rules and restrictions of lockdowns to protect ourselves and others, this year our Triple Value Initiatives (Run, Play and Vote) will be organised according to the state of progress in the fight against Covid-19 and of COVID-19 containment measures.
Depending on the circumstances (related to Covid-19 and level of reopening economies), some of these activities will continue to be virtually held.
Half-year actions and results about these activities will be sought from those who are using them.
We shall ask those who undertook exercises relating Triple-value Initiatives such as e-workshops and recreational activities during the full and partial lockdowns to report on their actions and results as well.
∞ Integration of Le Dernier Carré into Build Forward Better Programme
Our four step model of poverty relief (that is the Last Square of Poverty Relief or Le Dernier Carré) will be included in some of the elements of the Build Forward Better Programme.
∞ Summer Track, Trip and Trending
Track and Trip activities will be run depending on the progress on the protection against Covid-19 and the restrictions which will be in place at the time.
Regarding Trending activity, we are going to follow the direction of poverty reduction via natural capital investments. In other words, we are going to find out how a good management of natural capital assets and natural-based investment solutions to poverty are helping in lifting people out of poverty.
The above is just an indicative plan of work for our Summer of Happiness and Healthiness. Depending on the progress about the fight against Covid-19 and results achieved in terms of the economic reopening, we may review our Summer work plan.
We hope you find a happy, helpful and hopeful relief from the above programmes and projects on offer at CENFACS over this Summer!
For details or clarification about the above programmes and projects, including ways of accessing them, please contact CENFACS.
Note: Although the above is scheduled for Summer 2021, we may slightly alter our initial plan and or introduce occasional initiatives to cope with the reality of the unpredictability and complexity of development situations (e.g. humanitarian and emergency situations), in which case we shall let you know as early as we can.
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Reference
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We look forward to receiving your regular visits and continuing support throughout 2021 and beyond.
With many thanks.
