Royal Academy of Engineering launches major new prize to reward innovation and entrepreneurship in Africa
UK’s Royal Academy of Engineering announced the launch of the first Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation and called for entries from engineers connected with universities and research institutions in sub-Saharan African countries. The Prize is described as “Africa’s biggest prize devoted to engineering innovation, covering all disciplines from mechanical, civil and computing to biomedical, oil and gas, mining and electronic engineering.” The overall winner receives £25,000, and “every shortlisted entrant will receive six months of extensive mentoring, training and support in commercialising their innovation, as part of the Academy’s commitment to international development.” The Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation is supported by the Shell Centenary Scholarship Fund, Consolidated Contractors Company, ConocoPhilips and the Mo Ibrahim Foundation. The deadline for entries is Friday 30 May 2014. More at www.raeng.org.uk/africaprize

AMREF [to 5 April 2014]
The wind of change is blowing through AMREF
We started as a small idea that grew into a big deal. And as our vision expanded into more ideas, so did our organisation. After careful consideration, we decided to come together as One AMREF, one brand, one identity. We took a really good, hard look at our brand. We asked, we researched, we tested. We wanted to make our brand stronger and more impactful and create greater value to our communities, our partners, our supporters!
We relooked at our identity, our programmes, our partnerships, our most valued customers- the communities in Africa that we serve. We wanted to be easily identified by what we do.
We thank you all for your support, friendship, commitment and the trust you have in us that has helped us deliver on our promise. Without you we would not have touched the lives of over 30 million people in Africa. Thank you!
Now the wind of change is blowing through AMREF. On April 10, we will be different. Celebrate with us as we make our next big move…

AMREF ‏@AMREF_Worldwide Apr 5
57 years serving communities @AMREF_Worldwide . Time for a change…#thebrand…

Aravind Eye Care System [to 5 April 2014]
Latest Vision Centre at Kadayam Opened
Kadayam, March 26, 2014
Aravind- Tirunelveli opened its latest vision centre at Kadayam. Dr.R.Ramakrishnan – Chief medical officer welcomed the gathering and the centre was inaugurated by Dr.R. Kim- Chief medical officer Aravind, Madurai. Lamp lighting ceremony was performed by Ms Kalyani Paramasivam, Medical Officer, ESI Hospital. Various leaders and key persons in the community gathered for the occasion. On the inaugural day, 92 patients were screened of which 86 were new cases and 6 review cases

AravindEyeFdtn ‏@AravindEye Apr 1
#Aravind Celebrates 10 years of Hope http://conta.cc/1ff7rfg #constantcontact for our #retinoblastoma patients!

BRAC [to 5 April 2014]
BRAC launches innovation fund to make mobile money work for the poor
On March 30, 2014 BRAC officially launched the BRAC innovation fund for mobile money at the Frugal Innovation Forum: Scaling Digitally in Savar, Bangladesh. BRAC is experimenting with transitioning from cash and exploring new development strategies enabled by mobile money with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Asif Saleh, BRAC Senior Director of Strategy, Communication and Capacity shared his thoughts, “Often NGOs lack the space to take risk and innovate. Therefore adoption of new technology can take a long time. Mobile money is an exciting new tool for financial inclusion and service delivery across many sectors, and we’re really thrilled that the Gates Foundation has given BRAC support for experimentation in this initiative. We’re seeing a lot of great ideas and look forward to beginning implementation later this year.”BRAC, the world’s largest NGO, impacts more than 120 million people in Bangladesh and works in eleven other countries. It is widely considered one of the most innovative and effective NGOs in the world, most notably for achieving success at scale.
BRAC’s Social Innovation Lab hosted an open challenge, whereby anyone could submit an idea related to how mobile money can improve the lives of the poor. Selected projects will be implemented by BRAC in Bangladesh over the course of the next year. At the Frugal Innovation Forum, over a hundred participants representing thirteen countries spent two days sharing their experiences with mobile money and data, and learning about the latest innovations emerging from the global South…

BRAC @BRACworld Apr 1
Read the whole story here – http://bit.ly/1hv6Y9F to know about the launching of BRAC innovation fund that’s funded by @gatesfoundation.

Casa Alianza [to 5 April 2014]
Covenant House [to 5 April 2014]
Team Nicaragua win first game at the Street Child World Cup and meet Gilberto Silva

Casa Alianza UK ‏@CasaAlianzaUK Apr 2
Brand-new on our blog – an Opening Ceremony to stir the soul: http://casaalianzauk.wordpress.com/2014/04/02/goals-for-the-long-term-at-the-street-child-world-cup-rio-2014/ … #IAMSOMEBODY @SCWC2014 #Rio @OficialCAN #streetchildren

Covenant House ‏@CovenantHouse Apr 5
If you’re interested in exclusive #CovenantHouse photos and videos, follow us on #Instagram @Covenant_House.

Covenant House ‏@CovenantHouse Apr 1
Check out the trailer 4 a documentary about 1 of our kids & the bond he formed that changed his life: http://ow.ly/v8OI5

ECPAT [to 5 April 2014]

ECPAT welcomes joint commitment of Pope Francis, Obama to end human trafficking
Posted on 04/01/2014, 15:48
His Holiness Pope Francis and the President of the United States of America, Barack Obama, have declared a common commitment to the eradication of trafficking in persons. The commitment was made as an outcome of the 27 March meeting between Pope Francis and President Obama in Vatican City.

Global Network urges the Government of Nigeria to address child marriage and child sex trafficking
Posted on 03/31/2014, 17:00
ECPAT International, a global network of organisations dedicated to ending the commercial sexual exploitation of children, published a country monitoring report today, outlining the status of action against the commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) in Nigeria.

ECPAT International @ECPAT Apr 2
Hear about what the Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize has meant to Laureates and their impact on Humanitarian work. http://bit.ly/PmWsXr

ECPAT-USA ‏@ecpatusa Apr 5
Want to spend your summer working to protect kids + building your resume? We are currently seeking summer interns! > http://ow.ly/vsBIi

ECPAT-USA ‏@ecpatusa Apr 2
Tonight: Participate in discussion about #sextrafficking with ECPAT-USA, @AmyPaulin, law enforcement, and an author: http://bit.ly/PiWksc

Handicap International [to 5 April 2014]

Handicap Intl UK ‏@HI_UK Apr 5
This month, #Rwanda will commemorate its darkest days. We’ve put together a collection of deeply moving stories http://bit.ly/1hESO5Z

Handicap Int’l-US ‏@HI_UnitedStates Apr 4
Now marking our 3rd year responding to the #Syria crisis, HI has helped 180,000 refugees and displaced Syrians http://bit.ly/1lFAblB

Handicap Int’l-US ‏@HI_UnitedStates Apr 3
Handicap International U.S. is hiring a new Major Gifts Officer. Apply & share! http://bit.ly/1grejCp

Handicap Int’l-US ‏@HI_UnitedStates Apr 2
@washingtonpost reports on our beneficaries in Lebanon: “Syrians adjust to life without limbs” http://wapo.st/1gnEIRw #Syria

Heifer International [to 5 April 2014]

Heifer International ‏@Heifer Apr 4
Dive deeper into Heifer’s work and read our @World_Ark magazine online today: http://hefr.in/1luNDpC pic.twitter.com/0kW7SWD6rq

Heifer International ‏@Heifer Apr 3
Deepen your commitment to ending hunger and poverty by signing up for Heifer’s email: http://hefr.in/1jGYFYY

Heifer International ‏@Heifer Apr 2
Read why @HeiferCEO believes that female farmers will save the world: http://hefr.in/QGhBwT

Heifer International ‏@Heifer Apr 2
A new & innovative program in Nepal is showing that Heifer’s work has a much broader impact on feeding the world. http://hefr.in/QGnJVW

Retweeted by Heifer International
Pierre Ferrari ‏@HeiferCEO Mar 30
Selfie-Centered | The NonProfit Times: http://www.thenonprofittimes.com/news-articles/selfie-centered/#.UzLwg5Tc1qc.twitter … Great @Heifer mention and quotes from @maeganclark

HelpAge International [to 5 April 2014]

HelpAge ‏@helpage Apr 5
Sustainable Development Goals for all ages… dare we dream? Our CEO, @tobyhporter on our #post2015 progress http://www.helpage.org/blogs/toby-porter-20545/sustainable-development-goals-for-all-ages-dare-we-dream-667/#.U0BKdIbBhVw.twitter … #SDGs

HelpAge ‏@helpage Apr 2
Happy to be part of @StartNetwork’s #StartFund to fill gaps in #emergency responses (w/ @DFID_UK @Irish_Aid support) http://bit.ly/1muUVcT

HelpAge ‏@helpage Mar 31
Age Helps is out! http://paper.li/helpage/1360751304 … Stories via @Aging_Society @GlobalAgeing @HelpAge_USA

International Rescue Committee [to 5 April 2014]
Press Releases
02 Apr 2014
International Rescue Committee report calls for urgent aid investment to ‘protect fragile gains’ in Afghanistan
Excerpt
The report details knowledge from the IRC’s unique experience with local partners in more than 4,000 villages, delivering emergency assistance, providing health care and education, improving infrastructure and helping the Afghan people find employment opportunities. Through these high-value-for-the-money grassroots investments in community-based projects, the IRC has learned what can work.
The report calls on the international community to stand beside the Afghan people as international troops leave the country. Five million Afghans need lifesaving support, such as food and emergency medical care and a further 4 million have chronic longer terms needs, including safety from conflict, regular employment and access to health care. In addition 650,000 Afghans are displaced within the country and an additional 2.5 million are living as refugees in neighboring countries, unable to return home.

This Week’s Voices: Apr. 4, 2014
Posted by The IRC on April 4th, 2014
This Week’s Voices is a roundup of recent eyewitness reports and commentary by IRC experts and others. This week: What next for Afghanistan as Afghans go to the polls on Saturday to elect their next president? more »

Displaced development, Copenhagen style
Posted by Alyoscia D’Onofrio on April 4th, 2014
The majority of the world’s estimated 47 million refugees and internally displaced persons live in protracted displacement situations. Given this stark picture, one might assume that the business of helping displaced people would be set up in a way that sought to address the specific challenges that being in limbo for years, even decades poses. Wrong. more »

In the turmoil of elections, international community must commit to Afghanistan
Posted by Chelsea Purvis and Sayre Nyce on April 2nd, 2014
The world is waiting to see how Afghanistan weathers an uncertain 2014. The stage is set for Afghanistan’s first democratic transfer of power, but violence threatens to derail this Saturday’s election. more »

Old pizza in new boxes? Rediscovering the meaning of innovation
Posted by Emmanuel d’Harcourt on April 1st, 2014
Innovation is a widely used buzzword in international development, but the problem is that all this talk about innovation may be distracting us from what really matters. more »

Intl Rescue Comm IRC ‏@theIRC Apr 5
We must stand beside the Afghan people as international troops leave. Our new report: “What Next for #Afghanistan?” http://bit.ly/1gNPntT

Retweeted by Intl Rescue Comm IRC
UKUN_NewYork ‏@UKUN_NewYork Apr 4
.@UNOCHA Donor Support Group visits @theIRC site providing empowerment & support for survivors of #sexualviolence. pic.twitter.com/vqxOJz7B8y

Intl Rescue Comm IRC ‏@theIRC Apr 4
Earlier, @DMiliband was on @Morning_Joe talking about #Afghanistan. Watch the video here–> http://on.msnbc.com/QLbKqi pic.twitter.com/epi9jnZ9lv

Intl Rescue Comm IRC ‏@theIRC Apr 3
AUDIO: president @DMiliband’s interview with @ABC_NewsRadio on concerns over the withdrawal of aid from #Afghanistan: http://ab.co/1fPp9CY

Intl Rescue Comm IRC ‏@theIRC Apr 1
Inside #Congo’s “Triangle of Death,” a bustling market becomes an oasis of hope: http://bit.ly/1jEdTQW pic.twitter.com/wGHX6LQkop

IRCT [to 5 April 2014]
In the media
02 April 2014
What the bones remember: Doctors from IRCT partner PCATI share their experiences of documenting torture

In focus
01 April 2014
IRCT adopts policies on Right to Rehabilitation, Migration and Torture, and Detention and Torture
The International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT) adopted three new policies during its annual Council meeting on 28 March 2014 in Copenhagen.
These policies represent the voice of the world’s largest membership-based organisation in the field of torture rehabilitation, and address the critical areas of right to rehabilitation, torture and forced migration, and torture and detention. They significantly further IRCT’s mission, and denote a clear path on addressing urgent gaps in the fight against torture, still prevalent throughout the world.
“The IRCT is calling upon states to ensure that domestic legal frameworks provide an effective right to rehabilitation; introduce mechanisms in national legislation or policy for the early identification of forced migrants who have experienced torture; and ensure that victims of torture and ill-treatment are identified as early as possible in detention settings and have access to treatment and rehabilitation services at all times,” said Suzanne Jabbour, IRCT President.
States that implement these recommendations – which stem from the UN Convention against Torture, the OPCAT and General Comment 3 of the Committee against Torture – will be placing themselves at the forefront of human rights, catering for the rehabilitative needs and rights of torture survivors, and delivering appropriate care for vulnerable migrants and within places of detention, where most cases of torture and ill-treatment occur.
Secretary-General Victor Madrigal-Borloz added that the policy positions and respective declarations mark a significant milestone for the IRCT and the torture rehabilitation sector. “It is thrilling to see such concrete progress across a network the members of which range from large organisations that provide rehabilitation services to several thousands of torture victims, to very small centres that struggle in some of the world’s most challenging social, economic and political climates.”
The purpose of the Council is to formulate and monitor policy with an aim to advancing IRCT’s global vision of a world without torture.
The Council will next meet in November 2014 in Nigeria.

MSF/Médecins Sans Frontières [to 5 April 2014]
Guinea: Mobilization Against Ebola Epidemic
March 31, 2014
With eight confirmed cases of Ebola reported in Conakry, the capital of Guinea, Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is facing an unprecedented epidemic regarding the distribution of the disease, which is present in several locations in Guinea.
To date, Guinean health authorities have recorded 122 suspected patients and 78 deaths. Other cases, suspected or diagnosed, were found in Sierra Leone and Liberia. The outbreak features the Zaire strain of the virus, the most aggressive and deadly. It kills more than nine out of 10 patients. In addition to Conakry, there are cases in Gueckedou, Macenta, Kissidougou, and Nzerekore.
“We are facing an epidemic of a magnitude never before seen in terms of the distribution of cases in the country,” said Mariano Lugli, coordinator of MSF’s project in Conakry…

MSF International ‏@MSF Apr 4
#CARcrisis: “International response has been extremely disheartening”, country still under grip of extreme violence. http://www.msf.org/article/central-african-republic-international-response-conflict-extremely-disheartening …

MSF International ‏@MSF Apr 4
MSF treated over 12,000 people for kala azar in Bihar, #India since July 2007. http://www.msf.org/article/india-access-kala-azar-treatment-public-healthcare-system-needs-be-scaled … #NTDs pic.twitter.com/0oSMAWFIOB

MSF International ‏@MSF Apr 2
MSF releases case studies that reveal the organisation’s internal struggle during the Rwandan genocide. http://speakingout.msf.org/en/the-great-lakes … #Rwanda20yrs
MSF Speaking Out: The Great Lakes of Africa Crises 1994-1997
The first case study: Genocide of Rwandan Tutsis 1994 depicts the MSF reaction when confronted with systematic extermination of Rwandan Tutsis between April and July 1994. The case studies draw from internal field reports, press articles, transcripts from the testimonies of MSF field staff and video footage from MSF and the media. They illuminate the dynamics, dilemmas and disagreements underlying MSF’s humanitarian response to the crisis in Rwanda.
Three more case studies cover the period 1994-1997 when the humanitarian consequences of the genocide affected refugees and host populations. These case studies document the disaster that unfolded in camps in Zaire and Tanzania when over a million people were under the tight control of ‘refugee leaders’ who were also responsible for the genocide, the abuses committed by the new Rwandan regime during and after the genocide, the hunting and killings of the Rwandan refugees in Zaire by the rebel forces supported by the Rwandan army.

MSF International ‏@MSF Apr 1
PRESS RELEASE: #Greece must end systematic and prolonged detention of migrants, says #MSF. http://bit.ly/1gJVEqf

Operation Smile [to 5 April 2014]
March 31, 2014
Working together in Honduras
While in Honduras on assignment, a Heifer International employee noticed a small boy with a cleft lip and cleft palate. He knew of Operation Smile’s work in Honduras and helped the little boy and his family get the help he needed to change his life, forever.
Here’s the story from Heifer International’s blog:
Just last month, while on assignment in Plan del Barrio for Heifer Honduras, Jairo Ponce, driver and handy man, heard a child crying. Jairo walked over to the nearby kindergarten, peeked in and noticed Margarito, a 5-year-old boy clinging to his mother. It was Margarito’s first day of school, and he was scared. At second glance, Jairo noticed that Margarito had a cleft lip and cleft palate. Suddenly overwhelmed with the urge to help the little boy, Jairo offered him gum and then the Heifer truck to calm him. He also thought to take photos of the boy and brought them back to Heifer’s offices in La Esperanza and then Tegucigalpa. That led to Heifer Honduras contacting Operation Smile to see what they could do to help Margarito. Watch the video for more information and to see the ending to this sweet story of caring and partnership.
Heifer International is a nonprofit, non-governmental organization working with communities to end hunger and poverty while caring for the Earth.

Partners In Health [to 5 April 2014]
Apr 02, 2014
10 Surprising Facts about PIH’s Tuberculosis Lab in Peru
A new tuberculosis lab in Peru supports research and treatment for the country. Read More ▸

Apr 01, 2014
Video: Paul Farmer Speaks in Moscow about Health Equity
For more than 15 years, Partners In Health has been collaborating with Russian health authorities to deliver tuberculosis care for vulnerable and marginalized patients, including prisoners, the homeless, and those with substance abuse disorders. Earlier this week, Dr. Paul Farmer delivered a lecture at the Russian Academy of Sciences in which he discussed PIH-Russia’s work on drug-resistant tuberculosis, the push toward health equity, and advances in diagnosis and treatment regimens. “When there are new drugs discovered, the question is: what is our plan to deliver them equitably?” Dr. Farmer told the crowd.

Partners In Health ‏@PIH Apr 1
MT @Fonkoze: Today FKZ turns 20! Check out our 2 decades of serving rural #Haiti: http://bit.ly/1e7Kc3c #FKZ2014

PATH [to 5 April 2014]

PATH ‏@PATHtweets Apr 3
PATH’s Evan Simpson says integrating vaccines with treatment and prevention is key. Full #globaldev expert Q&A at http://bit.ly/1dlh200

Retweeted by PATH
Steve Davis ‏@SteveDavisPATH Apr 3
In Kiev to visit PATH teams and projects, and support one of our longest country programs with great work on TB and HIV in Ukraine

SOS-Kinderdorf International [to 5 April 2014]
Empowering professionals to secure the rights of children in care: Guide launched by the Council of Europe and SOS Children’s Villages
04.04.2014 – SOS Children’s Villages and the Council of Europe have teamed up once again to advocate for the rights of children in alternative care. After the success of their 2009 joint publication, Discover Your Rights!, a child-friendly information booklet addressed to children and young people in alternative care, the two organisations launched a follow up publication to inform social care professionals about the rights of children in alternative care, at the recent Council of Europe conference Growing with Children’s Rights, held on 27-28 March in Dubrovnik, Croatia. More

Vincent Kompany becomes International Ambassador
04.04.2014 – Vincent Kompany, captain of Manchester City and Belgian national football teams, has become an International Ambassador for SOS Children’s Villages, the world’s largest organisation dedicated to providing a loving home for every child in need. More

Children’s Villages ‏@sos4children Apr 3
This year marks 50 years of helping children in #India for SOS Children http://www.soschildrensvillages.org.uk/our-work/tomorrow-in-india …

Children’s Villages ‏@sos4children Apr 2
We are protecting children as #Ebola strikes Western Africa http://www.soschildrensvillages.org.uk/news/protecting-children-as-ebola-strikes-western-africa … #WestAfrica

Tostan [to 5 April 2014]
March 31, 2014
Former US President Jimmy Carter praises Molly Melching and Tostan in his new book
In his new book A Call to Action: Women, Religion, Violence, and Power, published on March 25, former United States President Jimmy Carter shares high praise for Tostan and …

Tostan ‏@Tostan Apr 4
Every month we highlight @Tostan partner communities who adopt long-term #sustainable solutions. Find out more here http://bit.ly/1hkS813

Tostan ‏@Tostan Apr 3
Our #GenerationalChange campaign activities are ready to start! See how you can help empower millions in #WestAfrica http://bit.ly/14lZSyk

Tostan ‏@Tostan Apr 1
Check out the latest news on our work w/ religious leaders & a shout out from @melindagates in our April newsletter: http://bit.ly/14VnE3y

United Nations – Selected Meetings Coverage and Press Releases [to 5 April 2014]
http://www.un.org/en/unpress/

Press Releases
Secretary-General, in University Address, Calls on Young People to Be Global Citizens, Champions of Common Values (4 April 2014)
SG/SM/15750

Security Council Press Statement on Situation in Guinea-Bissau (3 April 2014)
SC/11345-AFR/2849

Fighting Malaria Increases Economic Progress, Secretary-General Tells Leaders, Calling for Greater Funding of Health Interventions (3 April 2014)
SG/SM/15747-AFR/2848-DEV/3075

Solidarity Must Guide Actions in Tackling Humanity’s Common Challenges, Secretary-General Tells European Union-Africa Summit (2 April 2014)
SG/SM/15743

Secretary-General, in Message for World Health Day, Urges States, Development Partners to Accord Vector-borne Diseases Priority (2 April 2014)
SG/SM/15746-OBV/1323

Secretary-General, Marking Anniversary of Landmark Arms Trade Treaty, Calls upon All States to Join without Delay (2 April 2014)
SG/SM/15741-DC/3484

No Part of World Immune to Risk of Genocide, Secretary-General Tells Conference, Urging Greater Focus on Preventing Atrocity Crimes (1 April 2014)
SG/SM/15740

Secretary-General, in Twentieth Genocide Commemoration Message, Hails Rwanda People’s Capacity for Reconciliation after ‘Monumental Tragedy’ (1 April 2014)
SG/SM/15739-AFR/2846-OBV/1322

Secretary-General, Condemning Latest Violence in Central African Republic, Stresses Need for List Naming Those Who Undermine Peace, Stability (31 March 2014)
SG/SM/15737-AFR/2845

Secretary-General Urges Countries to Reach Climate Agreement Swiftly As Report Confirms World ‘Largely Ill-prepared’ for Risks (31 March 2014)
SG/SM/15736-ENV/DEV/1419

UNICEF [to 5 April 2014]
http://www.unicef.org/media/media_71508.html
Media Releases [selected]
Statement by UNICEF Syria on Reported Deaths of Children in Recent Violence
DAMASCUS, 4 April 2014 – The reported killing of 11 children in two separate attacks this week in Rural Damascus and in Al Qalamoun Mountains in Syria is a horrific and tragic reminder of the human cost of the conflict inflicted by all sides in the fighting.

UNICEF: Prioritize children to speed up Roma inclusion in Europe
BRUSSELS/GENEVA, 3 April 2014 – On the eve of the third Roma summit in Brussels today, UNICEF calls on European governments to firmly place children at the centre of Roma inclusion policies.

UNHCR [to 5 April 2014]
http://www.unhcr.org/cgi-bin/texis/vtx/home
6 April 2014
UNHCR dismayed at violent demonstration at Za’atri Refugee Camp in Jordan

4 April 2014
UNHCR recommends starting the cessation process for refugees from Croatia

3 April 2014
Syrian Refugees in Lebanon surpass One Million

2 April 2014
UNHCR, WFP Leaders Witness Shocking State of South Sudanese Refugees during Ethiopia Visit

1 April 2014
Heads of World Food Programme and UN Refugee Agency alarmed at scale of needs arising from crisis in South Sudan

31 March 2014
Heads of World Food Programme and UN Refugee Agency visit South Sudan and Ethiopia amid alarming spread of hunger and displacement