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Nawa 43 |
May 24 2006 |
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LAUNCH OF ZERO TOLERANCE FOR CORRUPTION CAMPAIGN
 Blowing a red whistle and brandishing a red card against graft, Namibia`s President Hifikepunye Pohamba officially launched the Zero Tolerance for Corruption Campaign on March 27, 2006. This is a civil society initiative co-funded by USAID and the Embassies of Sweden and Finland. In his address to the audience that included Ministers, Parliamentarians, and members of civil society and the private sector, the President welcomed this effort by Namibians, describing it as "testimony to the consensus that has taken root in our country that corruption must be fought by all members of society". |
Citing a case of fraud involving N$100 million that is yet to be resolved, the President said the money could have been used to provide drugs to HIV and AIDS sufferers, or for children who do not have schools, or for developing roads in communal areas.
The campaign aims at supporting public institutions, such as the recently-established Anti-Corruption Commission and the Ombudsman`s Office, through technical assistance and training on anti-corruption systems and strategies. At the same time, the public will be educated on the definition, costs and consequences of corruption and civic groups will be trained around recognizing and reporting on instances of corruption and malfeasance.
The President, as well as the Director of the Anti-Corruption Commission, expressed their gratitude to the donors for their generous and timely support to this initiative. On behalf of the US government, Ambassador Joyce Barr, expressed her government`s commitment to supporting the Namibian government in its efforts to promote transparency, accountability and integrity, stating that: "…because you are taking such a strong stand against corruption, Mr. President, civil society-led initiatives like the Zero Tolerance for Corruption Campaign have the political backing to be effective. The time has come and the climate is right to stop the corrosive effects of corruption on this promising country." |
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"WRITING FOR KIDS" PROJECT - SIX NEW TITLES
 The final series of children`s books funded by the U.S. Government through USAID were launched in Windhoek on Thursday May 18, 2006. Member of Parliament, Hon. Elia George Kaiyamo and USAID/Namibia Director Gary Newton, officiated at the occasion.
Writing for Kids is a series of supplementary readers for primary school age children and is an important component in USAID`s Basic Education Support Project, Phase III. The authors of the six new titles are teachers and advisory teachers from the six northern education regions: Caprivi, Kavango, Omusati, Ohangwena, Oshana, and Oshikoto. The illustrators are student artists from the John Muafangeyo Art Centre in Windhoek. The authors and artists developed a product that can be proudly branded "Naturally Namibian", and in the process acquired skills they will be able to use in their professional careers.
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In his remarks at the occasion, Gary Newton said, "These books tell touching, topical and important stories, are beautifully illustrated, and are attractively designed and presented. The Writing for Kids project is good for all concerned:
· Young readers sharpen their reading skills on books they can relate to and at the same time learn important life lessons from.
· Teachers strengthen their ability to write for children and learn how to use books effectively in the classroom.
· Art students polish their skills at communicating with young learners visually through clear, creative illustrations.
· And, local publishers pass on editing skills to upcoming Namibian editors".
In expressing thanks on behalf of the Namibian government, Hon. Elia George Kaiyamo, Member of Parliament and Chair of the National Library Council, stated that he had seen the slogan, `From the American People` at various sites he had visited in different regions of Namibia and thanked the U.S. taxpayers for their contribution to this project. "I would like to express Namibia`s sincere thanks and appreciation for the work that went into making a success of this project …the contributors have also set a very good example for others to follow, and for which our society and its children will always be grateful". |
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IN MEMORIAM
 It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our dear friend and colleague Lahya Shiimi . Shiimi passed away April 30, 2006 in Windhoek after a brief illness. Her loving mother and family were with her throughout her hospitalization and at the time of her death.
Lahya Ndapandula Shiimi was born on September 9, 1968 in Ombalantu, Outapi, Omusati Region. She is survived by her son John, her mother Kristofina, and her sisters Diina, Helmi, and Nuusiku. Her older brother Jackson died March 5, 2005. Her father Uuno died in exile in Angola in 1987.
Shiimi was one of Namibia`s most accomplished and respected HIV/AIDS experts. She had extensive experience in virtually every aspect of HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment. She worked as a nurse, counselor, trainer, supervisor, motivator, coordinator, planner, and evaluator. She worked in households, villages, clinics, hospitals, classrooms, Ministries, and conference rooms. She worked at the local, regional, national and international levels.
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At the time of her death, she was the Senior Technical Advisor for HIV/AIDS at USAID/Namibia. In this capacity, she helped lead a massive and historic expansion in U.S. assistance to Namibia’s HIV/AIDS prevention, control and treatment program under the U.S. President`s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. She was also USAID`s technical liaison with the Namibian Ministry of Health and Social Services (MOHSS) and the program specialist who briefed VIP delegations including visitors from the U.S. White House and Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC). Prior to joining USAID, from 1992 to 2002, Shiimi worked for the MOHSS in a variety of increasingly responsible positions mainly in the Kavango Region.
Shiimi earned a Masters Degree in Public Health (with Distinction) from Leeds University in 2001, and a University Diploma in Nursing Science and Midwifery Science from Oshakati Nursing College, University of Namibia in 1992. She continued studying and learning throughout her career and completed a variety of specialized HIV/AIDS training courses in Namibia, the region, the U.S. and Europe.
Namibia has lost one of her best and brightest public health professionals, the U.S. Emergency Plan Team has lost our most gifted Namibian colleague, and USAID has lost a beloved member of the office family whose proud, positive, confident presence brought hope and joy to us all. We will miss dear Shiimi terribly. |
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