Nelson Mandela,Nobel prize for peace
Nelson Mandela,leader among leaders
Chief among African leaders, Nelson Mandela is one of few statesmen to have achieved almost universal respect around the world and across the political spectrum.
His role in fighting apartheid, his imprisonment on Robben Island where he came to symbolize the struggle of oppressed people around the world and his ability to steer South Africa through the crisis of its rebirth earned him the international reputation of benevolent negotiator and quintessential peacemaker.
Imprisoned for 27 years for his opposition to apartheid, Mandela came out of prison in 1990 expressing no bitterness towards his tormentors. Instead, he championed reconciliation among South Africa's polarized races, espousing the principles of nation-building and co-operative governance.Mandela was one of the few leaders capable of inspiring confidence both inside and outside the country. Few others would have managed to unite the disparate warring parties and steer South Africa from what seemed to be the brink of civil war.To some, Mandela had a near-omnipotent power at the negotiating table, carrying with him an indubitable moral authority and gentle but firm sense of fairness. In 1993, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, which he shared with former South African president FW de Klerk.
Mandela as president
As South Africa's first democratically elected President in 1994, Mandela tackled the challenge of uniting both the country's racial groupings and a fragmented public service whose delivery mandate was skewed in favor of the white population.A significant milestone of the his presidency was the exemplary constitution- making process, which delivered a document that is the envy of the democratic world.Mandela is equally known for taking a strong stand against the giant world powers especially in defense of Africa. As president, he was unrestrained in embracing the ANC's former allies, such as Libya's Muammar Gadaffi and Palestinian Liberation Organisation leader Yasser Arafat, in spite of criticism from the United States.His position also made for fluid relationships with both Russia and China, former communist allies of the ANC.After handing over the reigns of the presidency to Thabo Mbeki in 1999, Mandela played a key role as middleman in crisis-hit areas such as Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo.Besides campaigning globally for peace, Mandela focused his still prodigious energies increasingly on empowering disadvantaged children and fighting against HIV/Aids.In June 2004, Mandela officially retired from public life. His parting gift a R1- billion endowment to South Africa, to be raised by the three charitable organisations that bear his name: the Nelson Mandela Foundation, the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund and the Nelson Mandela Rhodes Foundation.
Youth League founder
Together with Sisulu and Tambo, Mandela participated in the founding of the African National Congress Youth League in 1944.The Youth League invigorated the ANC. Its Programme of Action was adopted by the ANC in 1949, and it provided much of the impetus that led to mass protests and later, the formation of the ANC's armed wing, Umkhonto weSizwe.Visit the ANC's archive: African National Congress Youth League and Programme of Action In 1948 Mandela served as the Youth League's national secretary, and in 1950 became its national president. He became one of four deputy presidents of the ANC in October 1952.
First arrest and banning
In December of the same year, Mandela and 19 others were arrested and charged under the Suppression of Communism Act for their participation in the Defiance Campaign, a national protest against laws curtailing the freedoms of blacks, Indians and coloureds.The campaign was significant for Mandela. Whereas previously he was wary of working with non-black Africans, the campaign convinced him to move towards coordinating an interracial and united front to fight apartheid.Mandela was sentenced to nine months' imprisonment with hard labour, suspended for two years. He was later served with a six-month banning order prohibiting him from attending meetings, or from leaving the Johannesburg magisterial district. For the following nine years his banning orders were continually renewed.In December 1956 Mandela was one of 156 political activists arrested and charged with high treason for the campaign leading to the adoption of The Freedom Charter in 1955. The trial lasted four-and-a-half years. On 25 March 1961, Mandela and 29 others were found not guilty.
In 2009, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed Mandela's birthday, 18 July, as "Mandela Day", marking his contribution to the anti-apartheid struggle. It called on individuals to donate 67 minutes to doing something for others, commemorating the 67 years that Mandela had been a part of the movement.
http://www.southafrica.info/mandela/mandela.htm#.U8fz8JR_tao
A Look at Nelson Mandela's Life
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was born on July 18, 1918 on the eastern coast of Africa in Mvezo. When his father died when Nelson was nine, he was raised by royalty. As a result, he was the 1st person in his family to attend school. Later on in his young adulthood, he became an activist with the African National Congress. Knowing the power of young people, he started the African National Congress Youth League.
Mandela began actively participating in politics in his thirties, when he led the Defiance Campaign in 1952 and the 1955 Congress of the People. His campaigning soon hit a brick wall in 1956, when he was charged with high treason against the government, along with 155 other activists. He, along with the rest of the activists, were later acquitted.
Apartheid was growing stronger, and new laws were passed with which told blacks where they were allowed to live and work. Mandela tried to fight back, coordinating sabotage campaigns against military and government targets and planning a possible guerrilla war. He claimed he hope to bring down the oppressive government and rebuild the country based on democracy, freedom, and above all, equality.
So committed to equality, Mandela said at the time: "It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die."
Nelson was arrested in 1962 after being on the run for 17 months. He was charged with sabotage and attempting to violently overthrow the government and sentenced to life in prison on Robben Island in South Africa.
While he and other leaders of the Arican National Congress (ANC) were in jail, young South Africans continued to rebel against the apartheid government. It wasn’t until 1990 that change finally came to South Africa.
The ban against the ANC was lifted, Mandela was released after 27 years of being imprisoned, and talks to form a multi-racial democracy were set to begin. Three years later, Mandela was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his work to end apartheid. Months after that he was elected president.
Since he stepped down as president in 1999, Nelson Mandela has been dedicated to ending global poverty and helping to resolve wars and conflicts throughout Africa.
https://www.dosomething.org/tipsandtools/a-look-nelson-mandelas-life
The United States Peace Corps
As the preeminent international service organization of the United States, the Peace Corps sends Americans abroad to tackle the most pressing needs of people around the world. Peace Corps Volunteers work at the grassroots level toward sustainable change that lives on long after their service—at the same time becoming global citizens and serving their country. When they return home, Volunteers bring their knowledge and experiences—and a global outlook—that enriches the lives of those around them.
The Peace Corps' Mission
To promote world peace and friendship
by fulfilling 3 goals:
1.To help the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women
2.To help promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served
3.To help promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans
Peace Corps Today
Making a difference in communities abroad, the lives of Volunteers, and in the United States.
Although times have changed since the Peace Corps' founding in 1961, the agency's mission—to promote world peace and friendship—has not.
The Peace Corps has been a leader in international development and citizen diplomacy for more than 50 years across more than 139 countries. In an increasingly interdependent world, we tackle challenges that know no borders—such as climate change, pandemic disease, food security, and gender equality and empowerment. Today, the Peace Corps is more vital than ever, working in collaboration with partner organizations and using cutting-edge technologies and well-tested best practices to enhance impact.
Our more than 215,000 current and returned Volunteers know that the Peace Corps changes lives—both their own and the lives of people in communities around the world. They learn about leadership, ingenuity, self-reliance, and relationship building and become global citizens. Peace Corps Volunteers reflect the very best of humanity, innovation and aspiration for a better tomorrow. When they return home, they share their stories and experiences and give back to their own communities, helping to strengthen international ties and increase our global competitiveness.
Global Influence
The Peace Corps is an integral part of the global community helping to eradicate disease, feed the hungry, and address other worldwide challenges through innovative, grassroots solutions.
http://www.peacecorps.gov/today/
Peace Corps Supports 'Let Girls Learn'
Effort in Africa
Washington — Peace Corps volunteers worldwide are supporting the new U.S. government 'Let Girls Learn' effort by increasing opportunities for women and girls through education.
'Let Girls Learn' launched June 20 to raise awareness about the need to support all girls in their pursuit of a quality education. The effort, coordinated by the U.S. Agency for International Development, includes $231 million in new education programs in Nigeria, Afghanistan, South Sudan, Jordan and Guatemala.
Peace Corps volunteers are working to empower women and girls through programs in Benin, Morocco and Senegal, among other places.
BENIN
In Benin, Peace Corps volunteers Heather Pace of Dublin, California, Kelly Baug of Hamlin, New York, and Ashley Gannon of Harrington, Delaware, are spearheading efforts to organize a Camp GLOW (Girls Leading Our World) for local girls. The weeklong camp will help participants develop leadership skills and learn about important health and social issues affecting their communities.
Girls will attend sessions that discuss vital public health concerns, emphasize the value of education, focus on building life skills, and encourage creativity and critical thinking. On the final day of the camp, Pace and her fellow volunteers and community members will lead a discussion on how girls can bring what they learned back to their villages.
"The girls will be mentored by adult Beninese women who have been selected for the exceptional example they set as professional, progressive women, as well as older girls from last year's camp selected as outstanding participants," said Pace, a graduate of St. John's University who has been living in Benin since 2012. "Most importantly, the girls will be surrounded by positive encouragement. They will be reminded that they are special and valuable."
Camp GLOW is a Peace Corps program that began in Romania in 1995 to promote female empowerment. The program began in Benin in 2004 and has been widely successful.
MOROCCO
During her Peace Corps service, recently returned volunteer Sarah Quinn of Athens, Georgia, collaborated with a group of 40 female artisans to teach marketable skills to young Moroccan women at a 10-day camp. The artisans mentored camp participants in traditional craftwork, and local female leaders led supplemental workshops on successful business practices to encourage creativity and give the women an opportunity to establish financial independence.
"The camp created new opportunities for both the artisans and the girls who attended," said Quinn, a graduate of the University of Georgia. "The artisans thrived in their roles of planning and implementing the logistics of the camp. The girls not only learned the basics of several traditional handicrafts, but really poured their energy and creativity into several remarkable pieces. It was a really successful 10 days in every way."
Following the camp's success and popularity, Quinn's community plans to make it an annual event, and the artisans are looking into further mentorship opportunities for local women.
SENEGAL
In Senegal, Peace Corps volunteer Brian Harris-McTigue of Brooklyn, New York, is working with fellow volunteers and community members to host a weeklong leadership camp for girls ages 12-16. Volunteers and community members will lead educational sessions throughout the week to empower and equip girls with tools to become the next generation of female leaders.
"Girls are selected to participate in the camp based on their academic promise, leadership ability and motivation," said Harris-McTigue, a graduate of Wheaton College who has been living in Senegal since 2013. "At the camp, the girls will learn to take ownership of their own lives."
Camp sessions will include topics like healthy lifestyle choices, financial literacy and planning for the future. To ensure sustainability, Harris-McTigue and his fellow volunteers will train their community members to independently organize and manage future camps that promote youth volunteerism and positive gender development in the region.
A portion of funds for the leadership camp are being raised through the Peace Corps Partnership Program (PCPP), which supports Peace Corps volunteer community projects worldwide. The PCPP funds will be used to purchase materials for the camp's educational workshops, transportation and meals. The local community will provide resources to cover guest speaker and counselor fees, classroom space and entertainment.
http://allafrica.com/stories/201406232903.html?viewall=1
The United States Peace Corps/Volunteer
Agency overview
Formed March 1, 1961; 53 years ago
Headquarters Washington, D.C
Website www.peacecorps.gov
The Peace Corps is a volunteer program run by the United States government. The stated mission of the Peace Corps includes providing technical assistance, helping people outside the United States to understand American culture, and helping Americans to understand the cultures of other countries. The work is generally related to social and economic development. Each program participant, a Peace Corps Volunteer, is an American citizen, typically with a college degree, who works abroad for a period of two years after three months of training.
Volunteers work with governments, schools, non-profit organizations, non-government organizations, and entrepreneurs in education, hunger, business, information technology, agriculture, and the environment. After 24 months of service, volunteers can request an extension of service.
The government agency of volunteers was established by Executive Order 10924, issued by President John F. Kennedy on March 1, 1961, announced by televised broadcast March 2, 1961, and authorized by Congress on September 21, 1961, with passage of the Peace Corps Act. From 1971 to 1981 it was a sub-agency of an independent agency called ACTION. The first director of the Peace Corps was Kennedy’s brother-in-law R. Sargent Shriver.The act declares the program's purpose as follows:
The purpose of the Peace Corps is to assist other countries in their development efforts by providing skilled workers in the fields of education, agriculture, health, trade, technology, and community development. Peace Corps volunteers are assigned to specific projects on the basis of their skills, education, and experience. Once abroad, the volunteer is expected to function for two years as a good neighbor in the host country, to speak its language, and to live on a level.
To promote world peace and friendship through a Peace Corps, which shall make available to interested countries and areas men and women of the United States qualified for service abroad and willing to serve, under conditions of hardship if necessary, to help the peoples of such countries and areas in meeting their needs for trained manpower.
Between 1961 and 2013, over 215,000 Americans joined the Peace Corps and served in 139 countries.
For more info.click~
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peace_Corps http://global.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/447718/Peace-Corps
Anti-War Protests 1965
Hot Damn!
1965, 15 min., black/white, DVD
Hot Damn! is a short film with unique footage of the Bay Area peace movement at a time when the Vietnam War was escalating rapidly.
Segments include the Berkeley, California, troop train demonstrations; peace marches from Berkeley to Oakland, ending in massive confrontation with local police; the Oakland Army Induction Center protests, draft card burnings, and the sit-ins of 1964-65.
Topics: anti-war protests, war resistance, civil disobedience, draft resistance, sit-ins.
http://estuarypress.com/estuarypress/hot_damn.html
Wars and Conflicts are very foolish things for us to do because man is the lord of all creation. As the lord of all creation we shouldn't fight and kill each other.Fighting and killing aren't originated from God but Satan.
Therefore we, the lord of all creation, should restore our original True Selves through becoming Peace Messengers to bring Heavenly Peace on the earth as God is love and peace.Till then we shall overcome any kind of sufferings and distresses.
We'll surely make this world the land of heavenly peace.God'll be with us for ever and ever.Come and join us to make it come true as soon as possible.
Act Now to Stop War
What will end the war and occupation of Iraq and what should the US anti-war movement do?
The first question to ask and answer is: Can a people's movement in the United States overcome the commitment of the White House, Congress and the Pentagon to authorize, extend and finance the war and occupation in Iraq?
What is the military situation in Iraq? The US cannot achieve military victory in Iraq. Its multiple opponents in Iraq are not militarily strong enough to decisively defeat the US military in the short term. If the Iraqi population, however, were able to overcome sectarian divisions introduced with the US occupation it is possible that Iraq could witness a repeat of a nationwide uprising such as the 1958 Revolution that drove the British military out of Iraq. But the flames of division are being whipped up every day and function as a deterrent to such a spontaneous national uprising against the occupiers. Finally, the US military is stretched thin but is clearly able to continue the occupation for some time, and the anti-U.S. opponents in Iraq are not exhausted yet by the protracted conflict. If anything they are gathering strength and energy as the occupation forces cannot take the strategic initiative away from guerrilla forces.
Given this complex reality, or realities, we believe that the U.S. antiwar movement must take strategic and bold initiatives that change the political climate in this country. To succeed, these initiatives must be based on a correct assessment of where we are.
Assessment of the political situation as it regards the Iraq war
1) The people of the country have turned decisively against the continuation of the war. Most recognize that the war was based on lies and most no longer believe the president and the generals when they assure them that victory is still possible.
2) The military situation is worsening rather than improving in light of the so-called surge. The number of US war dead in May 2007 spiked to the third highest month since the initial invasion in 2003. The numbers of Iraqi dead is about 3,000 each month. Two million Iraqis have fled the country and another two million are internal refugees.
3) The US is unable to secure its political control over the region as is evident by what is happening in Lebanon, Iran and Syria and its intensified destabilization campaign towards the Palestinian people.
4) The Bush administration is increasingly isolated, at home and abroad, because of its failure in Iraq and its inability to regain the military initiative even with tens of thousands of more troops. The Pentagon anticipates occupying Iraq for decades, as it has Korea and other countries.
5) More and more U.S. soldiers, marines, veterans and the families of service members are either disillusioned or completely opposed to the continuation of the war and occupation.
6) The Democratic-controlled Congress voted overwhelmingly to extend and finance the war and occupation. The calculation of the Democratic Party leadership and the vast majority of its elected officials in Congress is based on avoiding at all costs taking responsibility for a pullout from Iraq which will be perceived as a defeat for the United States in this strategic oil-rich region. They believe that they can secure an electoral advantage in 2008 by having the war drag on and have the public hold the Republicans responsible for the war. Moreover, the Democratic Party is feeding from the same corporate financing trough as the Republicans and they share the Bush government’s broad objective of U.S. domination in the Middle East. Congress, under the current circumstances, is completely committed to not ending the war in Iraq in the next two years and probably for much longer than that.
Assessment of the weakness and strength of the antiwar movement
1) There have been a growing number of anti-war protests on the national, regional and local level during the past six months.
2) The antiwar protests are being joined and, in some cases, initiated by the people who have not been involved in past demonstrations.
3) A growing sentiment of opposition and disgust to the war, occupation (and the politicians) is building among rank and file service members and some officers.
4) A large amount of energy and activity was directed at Congress with the hope that the Congress would heed their constituents' desire to end the war. When the Congress instead voted against its constituents and with Bush to extend the war there was a huge wave of anger, frustration and desperation but with few available or recognized channels for effective action.
5) Although the antiwar sentiment is growing among the general population, the size and intensity of the demonstrations, protests and acts of resistance does not at all measure up to the vast magnitude of feelings against the Iraq war among the general population.
6) The single biggest reason for this dichotomy is the fact that the anti-war movement is badly splintered rather than working together or in a united fashion so as to marshal, stimulate and mobilize a truly massive outpouring of the people.
The aim is not just one more demonstration but the largest antiwar demonstration in US history.
A mobilization of one million people marching on Washington DC would be the best possible trigger for an avalanche of grassroots organizing throughout the country and among service members and their families and veterans. It is time for something bold and broad. Something that sends an unmistakable message to the powers that be that the people of the United States have entered the field of politics in such a way as to become an irresistible force.
http://www2.answercoalition.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=8501&news_iv_ctrl=0&abbr=ANS_
World at War,
10 Largest Armies in the World
Understanding Conflict and Society helps people develop a deeper critical understanding of conflict.
War is a turning point, changing the lives of leaders as well as ordinary families and citizens. Whether fighting for independence, forging alliances, or defeating a global threat, history is shaped when nations go to war.
Understanding Conflict and Society includes timelines, causes and consequences, portraits of opponents, and links to supporting facts and figures.
☆ 10 Largest Armies in the World ☆———————————————————————
Ranking Country Number of soldiers
1° China 2.285.000
2° United States of America 1.429.995
3° India 1.325.000
4° North Korea 1.106.000
5° Russia 1.040.000
6° South Korea 687.000
7° Turkey 664.000
8° Pakistan 617.000
9° Iran 523.000
10° Egypt 468.000
————————————————————————
These results signify that where most of conflicts and wars has broken out possess large armies in the world.
Therefore reducing armies shall be led to the actual World Peace on the earth.
Refer.
http://www.warsintheworld.com/?page=static1379780723
