Gender
Merck Foundation supports livelihood of women and casual workers
Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA, Germany, a leading science and technology company, has partnered 18 African First Ladies to support livelihood of about thousands of women and families of casual and daily workers who are most affected by the COVID -19 lockdown.
The First Ladies include that of Liberia, Ghana, DR Congo, Zimbabwe, Niger, Sierra Leone, Malawi and Burkina Faso.
The relief contribution, according to the organisation, was also undertaken in Egypt with the aim of supporting 500 families.
Dr Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation explained that the lockdown imposed on most countries had hit daily workers and women the most, hence the decision to support them.
The support, she noted, formed part of the Foundation’s “Separated but Connected” initiative.
According to her, the pandemic had led to a “horrifying increase in violence against women,” due to their “confinement at home with an abusive partner which has resulted in not only physical violence but also emotional violence against women.”
That, she said, could have “disastrous consequences” on the health and well-being of women.
“We decided to focus on supporting women in our coronavirus community intervention and strongly continue empowering infertile and childless women as part of our signature campaign ‘Merck More than a Mother’. We know they now need our support more than ever.
“We strongly believe that building professional healthcare capacity is the right strategy to improve access to quality and equitable healthcare especially during this vicious pandemic,” Dr Kelej said.
Merck Foundation said it would continue their current capacity advancement programmes and focus on building coronavirus healthcare capacity by providing one year online postgraduate degrees in Respiratory and Acute Medicines at one of the UK Universities.
This programme is in partnership with African First Ladies, Ministers of Health and Academia across Africa and Asia continents.
Merck Foundation has also launched ‘Stay at Home’ Media Recognition Awards in partnership with the African First Ladies.
The theme of the awards, according to the organisation, is to raise awareness on how to “Stay Safe and Keep Physically and Mentally Healthy during the coronavirus Lockdown with the aim to separate facts from myths and misconceptions.”
“We strongly believe that media plays a critical role in raising awareness about sensitive and pressing issues such as coronavirus. I am looking forward to receive the creative and informative work of our winners so that they become Merck Foundation health champions in their countries,” Dr Rasha Kelej emphasised.
The Foundation has launched an inspiring storybook titled ‘Making the Right Choice’ to raise awareness about coronavirus prevention amongst children and youth.
It provides facts about the pandemic and how to stay safe and healthy during the outbreak, and seek to promote honesty, hard-work and the ability to make the right choices even during the most challenging times.
Source: Ghanaian Times
Gender
Faith Dzakpasu receives huge global recognition
Ghana’s 2023 Best Teacher, Faith Aku Dzakpasu, has been named in the top 50 shortlist for the GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize.
Organised by Varkey Foundation in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), the award is given to an exceptional teacher making significant impact on students and the community.
She was selected from over 5,000 nominations and applications from 89 countries across the world.
Now in its ninth year, the one million dollars Global Teacher Prize is the largest prize of its kind.
She made the mark following an incredible teaching philosophy which focuses on innovative and inclusive strategies tailored to meet the diverse needs of students.
She also employs research-based methods like Layering Text, Cross Text Analysis and tools such as ChatGPT to simplify complex concepts.
Speaking to The Spectator in Accra on Monday, she explained that her classroom fosters creativity, active participation and hands-on learning, integrating digital tools like Canva and 3D modelling software.
“I have also established centres for supporting students with learning disabilities and offers creative modules to help all learners succeed, regardless of their challenges,” she stated.
“Being selected for this award is a remarkable milestone in my teaching journey as I look forward to impacting on children and society at large,” she stated.
She encouraged teachers to be committed to their duty and go the extra mile to impact knowledge into children.
“We must continue to find new way to make teaching and learning more flexible and understandable,” she stressed.
“Visually engaging classroom designs and inclusive methods would consistently boost attendance, confidence and academic performance,” she explained.
On her own, Mrs Dzakpasu founded the Street School Project, bringing education to street children and the Creative Aid Agenda, which has trained over 4,200 individuals in entrepreneurial skills like biodegradable paper bag crafting.
She also established the Mother of Many Missions orphanage project, supporting orphans with essentials and education. Her “Reinventing Behind Bars” initiative empowers incarcerated women with self-care and reintegration tools.
Ms Dzakpasu, is a teacher at Doblo Gonno Methodist Basic School in the Ga West Municipal Assembly in the Greater Accra Region.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
Gender
SDA Women’s Ministries observe International Day of Prayer
The Women’s Ministries Department of the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church observed the International Day of Prayer on March 1 at various SDA churches across the country.
The event, held on the theme ‘Reach Out,’ was aimed to empower women to spread the gospel, hope, kindness, and compassion to those in need.
Delivering the sermon at the New Life SDA Church last Saturday, Dr Mrs Cecilia Agyei Darko, former Acting Principal of the SDA College of Education (SEDACOE), encouraged women to stand firm in their faith because God allowed them to go through tribulations and trials to strengthen their faith in Him.
According to her, there would be times in their lives when they might lose a dear one, but even in those difficult times, they must still be thankful to God.
The former Acting Principal encouraged the women to reach out to the poor and vulnerable, and share their testimonies to inspire others.
Dr Darko, therefore emphasised the need for the women to carry with them a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to reach out to those in need.
As part of the programme, the women also lifted prayers for the nation and for leaders who would prioritise the welfare of citizens.
They also thanked God for a peaceful election.
The International Day of Prayer served as a powerful reminder of the importance of faith, hope, and compassion in the face of adversity.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
