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Showing posts with the label social welfare

GES provides 6.6 million sanitary pads to schoolgirls nationwide

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Addressing Menstrual Hygiene Challenges in Ghana The Ghana Education Service (GES) has taken a significant step towards promoting the welfare and dignity of schoolgirls by distributing over 6.6 million sanitary pads across the country. This initiative aims to address menstrual hygiene challenges and ensure that no girl misses school during her menstrual period. According to a statement issued by Daniel Fenyi, Head of Public Relations at GES, the distribution of 6,607,095 sanitary pads is part of broader efforts to support girls' education and well-being. The statement emphasized that this initiative is aligned with the Government of Ghana’s commitment to providing free sanitary pads to all schoolgirls from basic to second cycle levels on a monthly basis throughout their time in school. This effort comes as Ghana joins the global community in commemorating the International Day of the Girl Child on October 11 each year. This year’s theme, “The Girl I am. The change I lead: Girls ...

Over Half of Japan's Scholarship Recipients Struggled to Buy Food

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Financial Struggles Among Guardians of High School Scholarship Recipients in Japan In a recent survey conducted by the Ashinaga Foundation, a Tokyo-based organization that supports children who have lost their parents due to illness, disaster, or disability, it was revealed that more than half of the guardians of high school scholarship recipients in Japan have faced difficulties in affording necessary food in the past year. The survey, carried out in August and September, targeted 3,487 households receiving the foundation’s scholarships, with preliminary results from 1,447 online responses. Rising Prices Exacerbate Financial Challenges The survey highlighted the increasing financial strain on already vulnerable families, particularly those supporting growing children. When asked about their ability to afford food, 12.4% of respondents indicated they often struggled, while 20.6% reported sometimes facing this issue, and 21.5% said it happened occasionally. Additionally, 33.8% of ho...

SOS Children’s Villages and NCCE Strengthen Strategic Alliance

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Strategic Partnership for Child Welfare The SOS Children’s Villages in Ghana and the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) have formed a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing the welfare of children across the country. This collaboration, formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), focuses on promoting child rights, improving civic education, and fostering sustainable community development. The MoU was signed between Mr Alexander Mar Kekula, the National Director and Chief Executive of the SOS Children’s Villages, and Madam Kathleen Addy, the Chairperson of the NCCE, in Accra. This partnership aims to eradicate harmful practices and all forms of violence against children while amplifying civic education on child protection, welfare, and fundamental human rights. Through this joint effort, the two organizations will work together to empower families and communities with the knowledge and resources needed to create safer, more nurturing environm...

Japan's Major Bank Mandates 1-Month Paternity Leave

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Japan's Major Bank Takes Steps to Encourage Paternity Leave Japan’s Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) has announced a new policy requiring its employees to take at least one month of paternity leave starting in October. This initiative aims to promote greater involvement in childcare and foster a more balanced working environment. The policy is part of broader measures that will be fully implemented by the 2028 fiscal year. As part of these efforts, SMBC plans to provide a bonus of 50,000 yen ($335) to employees on parental leave and their colleagues if business operations remain stable during their absence. This incentive is designed to support both the employee on leave and those who step in to cover their responsibilities. The bank emphasized that workers will have sufficient time to prepare for their leave, and it will focus on initiatives to strengthen team resilience. It views absences due to childcare as an opportunity to improve collaboration and adaptability wi...

Hanwha's Six-Year Support Empowers Youth Toward Independence

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Hanwha Impact's Long-Term Commitment to Supporting Youth Transitioning into Society Hanwha Impact has been actively involved in corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives aimed at supporting young people who are preparing to become independent. Since 2020, the company has focused on helping these individuals, who have left child welfare facilities after turning 18, navigate their first steps into society. These youths often face significant challenges due to a lack of stable income and support systems. Over the past six years, Hanwha Impact has worked to provide a safety net that enables them to achieve economic independence. The company’s efforts began in 2020 with annual donations to child welfare institutions in three key regions—Seoul, Ulsan, and Daesan in Chungnam—where Hanwha Impact operates. These contributions are made possible through a matching grant system, where the company matches voluntary donations from its employees. To date, the total amount raised through...

Hong Kong Must Protect Dignity of Its Elderly

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Addressing the Crisis of Isolation Among the Elderly The recent discovery of the remains of an elderly resident in a public housing flat has once again brought attention to the growing issue of isolation among the aging population. This tragic event, which occurred in Kwai Tsing district, is not an isolated incident. It highlights a deeper systemic problem that requires urgent and comprehensive action. As the primary provider of housing for the elderly, the government holds a critical role in addressing this crisis. The current social safety network is insufficient to support the increasing number of elderly individuals living alone or with an elderly spouse. Without proper support systems in place, such incidents are likely to become more frequent unless effective measures are implemented. Several initiatives have been introduced to tackle this issue, but they remain fragmented and lack coordination. A centralized approach is necessary to ensure that all efforts are aligned and imp...

AOT and BAFS Aid Border Communities

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AOT and BAFS Donate Relief Kits to Communities Affected by Border Unrest Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT) has joined forces with Bangkok Aviation Fuel Services Public Company Limited (BAFS) to provide essential relief kits to Thai citizens impacted by recent unrest along the Thai-Cambodian border. The initiative, driven by a collective effort from AOT employees and stakeholders, highlights the companies’ commitment to social responsibility and community support. The relief kits were officially handed over on 15 August 2025 at the Royal Thai Army Headquarters. The event was attended by Lieutenant General Jintamai Cheekwang, Director-General of the Army Civil Affairs Department, who received the supplies on behalf of the affected communities. This gesture aimed to offer both material assistance and emotional encouragement to those facing challenges due to the ongoing situation. The donation was spearheaded by several key figures within the organizations. Waewruthai Su...

BETTY NKIROTE: How the New Disabilities Act Fosters Inclusion

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A New Era for Persons with Disabilities in Kenya The signing of the Persons with Disabilities Act by President William Ruto on May 8 marks a pivotal moment for Kenyans with disabilities. This legislation represents a significant step forward in fostering inclusion and ensuring that the rights of individuals with disabilities are protected, promoted, and monitored effectively. The new Act aligns closely with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, setting a strong foundation for future progress. Key Rights Established by the Act Part III of the Act outlines the comprehensive rights of persons with disabilities, expanding upon the Bill of Rights in the Constitution. It operationalizes Article 54, which was not explicitly addressed in the previous constitutional framework. The Act recognizes critical rights such as legal capacity, equality, freedom from discrimination, the right to marry and form a family, privacy, physical and mental integrity, human ...