Global Voices » Tanzania

Africa: Do You Need a Handbook For Bush Flying?

Ndesanjo Macha — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:25:54 +0000

“Low timer pilots handbook to bush flying?,” Bush Pilot in Swakopund asks: “I was wondering if any of you would be interested in an e-book that has all the information about the where's, how's and what's of the job hunt in Botswana, Namibia, Tanzania (and also some other information I have).

Global Voices in French: Translators' Choice 2011

Marvin Vann — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 18:10:03 +0000

This post is part of our special coverage 2011 on Global Voices.

With now more than 500 volunteer authors and translators, Global Voices is a unique global media network that keeps track of current events via social media conversation. Global Voices in French [fr] is one of the 20-plus sites of the Lingua translation project, and one of the most read Global Voices Lingua websites.

Since early 2007, when the French site launched, nearly 200 volunteers [fr] have translated or continue to translate articles and posts from various languages into French, every day. Our “family” lives on every continent: Francophonia is truly worldwide!

Global Voices French logo

In 2011, French-speaking translators carried out the challenging task of covering the many historic revolutions and uprisings throughout the world for the Francophone world by translating hundreds of blogsposts (with our co-editor, our Suzanne Lehn, on the front line!).

But, like our friends the Spanish translators at Global Voices in Spanish [es], when we asked volunteers what translations struck them most in 2011, “The Arab Spring” was not their automatic response. (Global Voices has been following and translating bloggers from the Arab world since 2004.)

Our translators' picks for 2011 demonstrate how much they approve of the Global Voices philosophy: shining light on countries, places, people, ignored by traditional media (for now, at least).

From left to right, upper row: Samantha, Abdoulaye, Fabienne, Ange, Lou. Lower row: François-Xavier, Noële, Gaël, Thalia, Stéphanie. Greetings and thanks to everyone involved!

Abdoulaye Bah, a Guinean United Nations retiree living in Rome, naturally pays particular attention to Africa:

I really liked translating the post about the mayoral opposition win in Mozambique. That victory teaches how it's possible to win elections in an African country, without fraud by those in power and without spending large sums of money.

Noële Belluard-Blondel, a professional translator living in France, was the first to refuse to choose only one translation:

My last translation in 2011 made me daydream…. ‘USA: Has NASA Discovered a Life-Friendly Planet?‘ I love astronomy, and space travel fascinates me. These are today's exploratory expeditions, and we're only at the beginning. I find that fascinating, gripping! I must say two other subjects struck me: ‘Bangladesh: A Bold Protest Against Dowry.' The courage of some women makes you wonder. It made me wonder. And China: ‘Do You Have Memories From Before You Were Kidnapped?‘ In this case, I was moved by the life of these women. A disturbing topic, deeply moving.

Fabienne Der Hagopian, who lives in Normandy, makes it a principle to translate what she most likes to read:

There is a lively diversity in our tastes and interests, which means that almost all the posts published in Global Voices in English get translated into French. In 2011, the posts that most struck me were those concerning the women of Yemen and their courage, such as this one on revolutionary women. It's sad that the traditional media don't talk about this more. It reminds me of [French singer] Daniel Balavoine's song, ‘Revolucion.'

Teacher Ange Pambou's pick illustrates the diversity of topics covered by Global Voices:

For 2011, my favorites are: the blogpost about the “Bidun” in Koweit (I was unaware of both the term and the phenomenon), another on homosexuality in Ghana (which, in addition to demonstrating the difficulties of being homosexual in Africa, deconstructs rather methodically the arguments generally advanced against homosexuality), the letter by a young Chinese woman to the Norwegian killer after the massacres in Norway, the gripping testimony of a “nuclear gypsy” in the wake of the Fukushima disaster, a post about the prohibition of water fights in Tehran last summer, and finally, — without a doubt, my favorite among favorites — an astonishing post about the daily life of a blind person who happens also to be a film critic.

Stéphanie Camus, who runs an e-commerce site, takes the time to “listen to the world” by translating:

I think it was my translation of the anniversary of the Sabra and Chatila massacre that had the greatest impact on me. I had just watched the film, ‘Waltz with Bashir.' The full meaning of “We must never forget,” becomes clear when one observes such an event, I find. It's the account of a horrific episode in a long war that symbolises, in my view, the horror and absurdity of all armed conflicts, whatever form it takes…

Lou F., currently studying in the United Kingdom, is a fan of world languages and met interesting people while translating:

In 2011, I loved translating the profile of Julie Kertesz, because she is one of those people one would like to come across more often: passionate, active, and above all, very human. I also really liked the article on the Welsh-language blogosphere. Global Voices allows us to discover voices from throughout the world, and I think it's great that regional languages are now joining the international choir!

Samy Boutayeb, our specialist on net freedom and the free software culture, refuses to choose:

As far as I'm concerned, it's impossible to make a choice, because I loved not only reading but also translating *all* the posts I translated.

Tahlia Rahme, who works for the Global Road Safety Partnership with the International Federation of the Red Cross in Beirut, Lebanon, is addicted to our short “updates”:

Once I got started translating those, I found it difficult to stop. This year I tried to translate every update about the Middle East. I considered it my duty somehow to familiarize the rest of the world, especially the French-speaking world, with the Middle East and its news, and above all to help change its image and the prejudices attached to it.

François-Xavier Ada Afana is a young, enthusiastic translator from Cameroon who is studying in Cyprus:

The post I most enjoyed reading and translating, by far, was the one about Independence Day in Tanzania: A good overview of the situation in the country.

Gaël Brassac lives in South-East France but will soon move to Japan, and opted to go with a “Top 3″ format:

1. ‘Global: Bloggers Take Issue With Anti-Niqaab Punditry,' because this article is a model of sort to expose ethnocentric self-righteousness, feminist extremism, and religious intolerance. 2. ‘China: Reflecting on 100 Years Since the Xinhai Revolution,' because I love history and China, so putting the two together could only please me! 3. ‘Mozambique: Behind the Detention of MC Azagaia,' because this is the kind of articles that makes me love Global Voices, covering countries never talked about in the traditional media.

Samantha Deman began translating for Global Voices while she was living in Singapore and offers a nice panoramic view of her years with Global Voices.

I choose my very first translation, published in 2008: ‘Humanitarian Crisis in South Philippines,' simply because it represents the beginning of my adventure with Global Voices. I like the idea of being able to inform others about what's happening in the remotest, often forgotten locales, thus helping weave ties between people living in the four corners of the world.

This post is part of our special coverage 2011 on Global Voices.

Africa: Startups in Africa 2011 and Beyond

Ndesanjo Macha — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 17:50:11 +0000

Erik believes that 2011 was a great year for startups in Africa: “The past few years have been about building an infrastructure that improves the chances of the technology startups in Africa to succeed. Seeing this buildout in action in 2011 was exciting, but it should be recognized for what it really was: a setup for 2012 and beyond.”

Tanzania: Dar Youth Mobilise Online to Assist Flood Victims

J. Nambiza Tungaraza — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 17:57:56 +0000

Dar es Salaam’s young social media users are mobilising volunteers to assist in relief efforts following the floods that inundated vast areas of Dar es Salaam causing deaths and damage to infrastructure. Using the hashtag #Darfloods, Twitter users have been in the forefront informing the public and mobilising relief efforts.

The floods were unleashed by heavy rains that poured continuously for two days caused at least 13 deaths and huge damage to infrastructure. Floods inundated office buildings and residential areas leaving hundreds of people homeless. According to Daily News, Tanzania Meteorological Agency (TMA) said these are the heaviest rains Tanzania has experienced in 57 years.

Dar es Salaam youths rescuing children. Photo courtesy of http://issamichuzi.blogspot.com/.

In the past three days, bloggers and social network users used the social media platforms to send their condolences as well as important updates.

Altaz Premji wrote:

@altazpremji: step in right direction RT @ihelptz: All willing to lend a helping hand in the #DarFloods response can reach out at +255 222181117

Amor Mtage posted a contact number for those who would like to volunteer their time to help the victims:

@AmorMtage: The chairperson UN youth association can be reached thru 0718104565 for anyone hu wants to contribute or volunteer #darfloods

Bongo 5 Media Group posted the locations of emergency relief centres:

@bongofive: Vituo vya waathirika wa #DarFloods ni Sekondari za Azania, Msimbazi, Mchikichini, Kibasila, Mzambaraoni. Sh. msingi Mchikichini, Muhimbili

@bongofive: Relief centres for #Darfloods are Azania, Msimbazi, Mchikichini, Kibasila, Mzambaraoni secondary schools. Mchikichini and Muhimbili primary schools

So far due to ordinary people’s efforts thousands of victims are receiving assistance. Luca in Dar Es Salaam writes:

@simplyluca: We hv seen over 3000 #DarFloods victims, efforts continue kesho (tomorrow)and thereafter. This is real..not for PR! They need help now, acheni majungu (stop witch-hunting)

Acknowledging that more needs to be done at the relief centres, Lusajo L.M tweeted:

@sajjo: @DarFloods kindly concentrate on coordinating relief efforts and disseminating information about #DarFloods leave Politics to Politicians.

President Jakaya Kikwete’s Twitter account (@jmkikwete) posted the following message:

@jmkikwete: @DJ_KIMZ The government is doing it's part.TPDF [Tanzania Peoples' Defence Force] has been working for the past two days to help victims,hand in hand with other stakeholders.

And Singida Member of Parliament Mohammed Dewji posted a statement from the president on his blog:

Nimepokea kwa masikitiko habari za vifo vya wenzetu 13 vilivyotokana na mafuriko yaliyosababishwa na mvua kubwa ambayo sote tumeishuhudia katika mkoa wa Dar Es Salaam tokea jana.

I am saddened by the news of 13 deaths due to the floods caused by heavy rains in Dar Es Salaam since yesterday.

While massive rescue efforts continued, several bloggers in Dar Es Salaam including Issa Michuzi and Bongo5 posted photos showing the severity of the floods.

Dar Es Salaam based tweeps, Rakesh Rajani and Mikie Mckee, explained the extent of flooding in some office buildings:

@rakeshrajani: #Twaweza Dar closed until further notice due to severe flooding (chest high inside the office!). Extensive damage, will take days to fix

@MikieMckee: Diplomatic offices and international organization Including UN Tanzania, Swiss Embassy, Twaweza, India Embassy zimejaa majii #DarFloods

Other tweeps posted much needed real time status of roads using #Darfloods hashtag. EATV 5 twitter account @Number1youthchannel tweeted:

@Number1youthchannel: Lugalo /Tangi Bovu Bridge collapses. NO cars allowed to PASS over it. Picture Courtesy of Jimmy Blanks.

Tanzania's President Jakaya Kikwete visited the affected areas showing his government's commitment in leading the relief efforts.

Tanzania: Blogging and Tweeting Tanzania@50

Ndesanjo Macha — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 17:48:44 +0000

The 9 December, 2011, is a big day for Tanzanians as the mainland part of the United Republic of Tanzania, Tanganyika, turns 50. Online, bloggers and tweeps are celebrating and reflecting on the future of Tanzania.

The Dar es Salaam Bloggers' Circle urged bloggers to mark this event by a blog post on December 9:

The rules are simple:
Write a blog post based on the topic.
Hashtag it on Twitter #DarBlogCircle and ##Tanzania50.
Share it here: http://www.facebook.com/DarBlogCircle

Misternv shares excerpts taken from a letter written by Mwalimu Nyerere to his ministers and party officials in 1964:

Official logo for Tanzania at 50. Image source: the government of Tanzania.

Do they [ordinary citizens] really love being shouted at to get off the road because the President, a minister or a regional commissioner is taking an afternoon drive? (…) Do they really feel a surge of pride and patriotism every time they are expected to stop what they are doing and stand at attention just become some newly-appointed official whom they many not even have seen before is being serenaded with the national anthem? (…) Dignity does not need pomposity to uphold it: and pomposity in all its forms is wrong. Even if it were proved that the people really enjoyed it – which I very much doubt- it would still be a wrong; and it would still be our duty to put a stop to it and to tell the people that what they had learned to enjoy was wrong. (…)

After pointing out a few things that Tanzania could do better, David Mugo who lived in Tanzania for 18 months, finishes his post by saying:

In conclusion, I still think Tanzania is still one of the greatest countries I have been to in Africa. The people are definitely the best. Happy independence day, reflect on what independence you have, what it means to you, to this generation and future generations. I challenge young people to view things beyond the eyes of our aging leaders. Congratulations again. Long live Tanzania and its people.

Tanzanian activist and blogger, Ashura, wonders, “Where are we at 50?”:

In the Arusha Declaration of 1967 by Mwalimu Nyerere he stated ‘Independence means self-reliance. Independence cannot be real if a nation depends on gifts and loans from another for its development…’ lets ask ourselves today does Tanganyika not depend on gifts and loans for her development? The answer is yes that is why most of the land is sold to foreign company while leaving Tanzanians with neither land nor compensation. Our government thinks our development will be brought by foreigners in exclusion of Tanzanians, according to Mwalimu Nyerere we cannot depend on foreign company and act as we please! Its fifty years since Tanganyika got its independence on the 09th of December 1961 the country is almost regress and not progressing at all. In 1967, £ 1 was worth Tsh. 16.6 today £1 is worth 2650+ this has bad meaning as far as the economy is concerned.

Mwalimu Nyerere celebrating independence. Photo shared on Tanzania-Have-Your-Say Facebook page.

In celebrating 50 years of independence, The Wayward Press writes:

Right now, our country finds itself at a moment of transition and great uncertainty. Our politics lacks a sense of direction or grand ideological vision anchoring us forward. Our leaders seem to be making it up as they go along. Our knowledge of our history is fragmented and rooted in skewed nostalgic visions of the past. Our cultural identity is confused, informed more by foreign forms than any sense of a local aesthetic. To be a contemporary Tanzanian at the moment is to be a person of great potential unclear about what the future holds for him.

The Creatively Maladjusted looks at blogging and social media in Tanzania at 50:

In a country such as Tanzania where media coverage is likely censored or at the very least is inconsistent / unreliable, blogging (and social media generally) open up a whole new world of opportunities. “Social media can give Tanzanians their own public voices. That’s the most powerful opportunity I can think of to be frank”- Elsie from The Mikocheni Report blog. A common (often intended at ending any further conversation) response that I hear in discussions about social media in Tanzania is that most people don’t have access to the internet. In rural areas where 75% of the population lives, access is without doubt the major challenge (related to poor electricity coverage as well as few and expensive internet cafes), but this situation is rapidly changing from both supply and demand vantage points, with increasingly cheaper internet access on mobile phones and younger generations attracted to the connectivity that social media offers. In towns I would argue that a large proportion of the population are at least on Facebook, and via links on Facebook probably have much more direct access to blogs / citizen journalism than people living in the West…

Ahmed at VijanaFM asks, “Tanzania at 50 what do we have to show for it?”:

I think there is a challenge right now of galvanizing the people to reflect on the past fifty years. We do remember the good times but are constantly reminded about the bad. We have immense challenges and, as the saying goes, do Tanzanians feel they are better off today than they were ten years ago, let alone 50 years ago? The answer is probably no. I think instead of being nostalgic about the good old days we should really look inside ourselves, both the mwananchi and the leadership and interrogate how we can build a better tomorrow. This is because I think the majority of us are concerned about what the next 50 years will look like.

Karim Hirji, a professor of biostatics at the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, discusses the education system in Tanzania after 50 years of independence:

At the time of Uhuru, not a single doctor was being trained in Tanzania. Now, my research methods class at the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences has 150 students. My dilemma reflects the situation in most of the subjects taught at my university and, in fact, at all universities across the nation. Student numbers have expanded sharply, but the number of lecturers and teaching resources have not. Some universities have a department with 20 or so academic staff, yet none has a doctoral degree We have just gone through a multimillion-dollar curriculum review exercise. Yet, hardly any department has changed the substance of what it teaches.

On Twitter, tweeps celebrate Tanzania@50 with the hashtag Tanzania50:

dgtlUbun2: I am remembering ALL those lives UNNECESSARALIY lost in ZanzibarBoatTragedy & many more lives LOST due to a corrupt system. #Tanzania50

@BabatundeJnr: Happy birthday to D nation of a great African Julius Nyerere #Tanzania50. Wish the people freedom from corruption & bad governance. #Africa

@ChickAboutTown: Happy 50th, Tanganyika! (Dar is ablaze with fireworks.) #Tanzania50

@SalimHatib: Never forget the heroes who sacrified their life's to bring up this glorious day. Happy Independence day #Tanzania50

@dgtlUbun2: Only in Tanzania,whr over 80% population lives in poverty, BUT Mp's get 185% raise on sitting allowances.This is #Tanzania50 gvt. in action.

@SwahiliStreet: sorry, but the independence celebrations include a display by the police of how to stop a public demonstration?

@KateBomz: My finale goes to —> #Tanzania at 50 what do we have to show for it? by @asalim86 http://vijana.fm/2011/12/07/ni-hamsini-ni-hamsini-tanzania-at-50-what-do-we-have-to-show-for-it/ I saved best write up 4 last!

@tweetingchaga: The British departure from tanganyika in 1961 was premature. Yes, i said it #Tanzania50 @atititu @dizainatweets @jmkikwete

@Dunia_Duara: Blogs about #Tanzania50. Read and/or join @DarBlogCircle: facebook.com/DarBlogCircle

Tanganyika gained independence from the United Kingdom on 9 December, 1961, and later Tanganyika formed a union with Zanzibar to form the United Republic of Tanzania.

Tanzania: Tanzania@50: What do we have to show for it?

Ndesanjo Macha — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 17:40:48 +0000

Ahmed reflects on Tanzania at 50 by asking, “Tanzania at 50 what do we have to show for it?”: “We have immense challenges and, as the saying goes, do Tanzanians feel they are better off today than they were ten years ago, let alone 50 years ago? The answer is probably no.”

Tanzania: Blog It: Tanzania at 50

Ndesanjo Macha — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 17:02:22 +0000

Celebrate Tanzania@50 by writing a blog post: “The Mainland part of the United Republic of Tanzania, Tanganyika, is celebrating 50 years of Independence on December 9 2011. The Dar es Salaam Bloggers' Circle encourages bloggers to mark this event by a blog post on December 9th 2011.”

Tanzania: YoungAfricaLive Mobile Community Launched

Ndesanjo Macha — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 16:56:55 +0000

Robert blogs about the launch of YoungAfrica Live mobile community: “Virtual youth community movement, YoungAfricaLive, has launched in Tanzania through Vodacom mobile. Young Africa Live is a mobile community that entertains and educates young people on topics of love, sexual health, gender and relationships which are issues adversely affecting the youth in Tanzania.”

Tanzania: How Not to Launch a Data.gov

Ndesanjo Macha — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 17:29:06 +0000

Mbwana Ally explains how not to lauch a Data.gov: “Checking my twitter stream I saw that the Tanzania Government had launched a Open Data website initiative (Kiswahili)…The complaints on twitter started mounting and I gladly participated. Where is the data? The SMS no. set up does not work. The site was loading slow or not at all for a lot of people.”

Tanzania: The Faces That Rocked Swahili Fashion Week

Ndesanjo Macha — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:51:07 +0000

Missie Popular shares photos of models who rocked Swahili Fashion Week in Tanzania: “Swahili Fashion Week 2011 provided quite an experience! We witnessed all types of walks and poses on the runway….”

Tanzania: Who Killed Zinjanthropus?

Ndesanjo Macha — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 14:43:34 +0000

TEDxDar 2011 asks, “Who Killed Zinjanthropus?”: “This year’s TED theme is “storytelling” and from this we have created our central theme for TEDxDar 2011: “Who Killed Zinjanthropus?” With Tanzania approaching its 50 years jubilee of independence, we are using Zinjanthropus – a fossil of early man discovered in Tanzania – as a metaphor for revered history and evolution as we attempt to navigate the clung-to and forsaken past as well as the future we appear to be striving for.”

Tanzania: New Blog to Connect College Students

Ndesanjo Macha — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 14:38:22 +0000

TZCampusVibe: Life of University Students is a new Swahili and English blog in Tanzania that connects University students in the country.

Tanzania: Priorities for Open Government in Tanzania

Ndesanjo Macha — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 16:41:02 +0000

Daraja discusses the decision by the Tanzanian government to joining the Open Government Partnership: “So, an open-data platform for Tanzanian government data is option 1. But with only around 2% of Tanzanians online, this option could be described as elitist. It would help researchers, academics, journalists, students and activists, but the vast majority of Tanzanians would be left out.

Africa: R.I.P Steve Jobs, You Will be Missed

Ndesanjo Macha — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 16:51:36 +0000

The co-founder, chairman, and chief executive officer of Apple Inc. Steve Jobs died on October 5, 2011. African bloggers have taken time to pay tribute and remember his contribution to the world of technology.

Thanks Steve Jobs for making creative life much easier:

Thank you Sir, for making my creative life that much easier through the vision you created in Apple Products.

And for making a dent in the universe:

Thank you Steve, for making a dent in the universe.

Collins says Steve was a gift to the IT world:

Steve Jobs was truly a gift to the IT World.

Our sincere condolences to the family, colleagues and friends from this blog .

Steve Jobs holding a MacBook Air at MacWorld Conference & Expo 2008. Photo courtesy of Matthew Yohe, released into the public domain (CC-BY-3.0).

Swahili blogger Simon Kitururu writes:

. kuwa MTU mmoja anaweza kuwa changamoto kwa WENGI,…
…weye STEVE ulikuwa bonge la CHANGAMOTO na ni bonge la CHANGAMOTO bado

that one person can be an inspiration to many
…you STEVE you were a huge inspiration and still are

Moses says, “R.I.P Steve Jobs, you will be missed”:

Steve Jobs was without a doubt one of the Fathers of modern technology as we know it – a true Titan of all things digital. He defined and redefined everything from personal computers to mobile phones as well as movies and more recently tablets. He drove the vision of products and services that were quite simply “magical” – we would never have appreciated the art of technology that he brought to life through his well-known and unrelenting drive for perfection in all he did. The world would not be what it is today we’re it not for Steve Jobs.

One of Steve Jobs’ famous “closing” statements when recruiting new team members to Apple was to ask them if they wanted to “put a dent on the universe” by working for him. Indeed, Steve Jobs made many many dents in the technology universe, as we know it. R.I.P Steve Jobs, you will be missed.

EK13 Photography desktop screen shots of the London Regent Street Flagship Store. Image courtesy of EK13 Photography.

Kanyana's chooses best Steve Jobs quote:

“Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of other's opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”

Open Mic writes a “cheesy tribute”:

So, Apple Inc. have just announced Steve Jobs' demise after and amazing career that brought us iPods and every i-Thing we can think of. Wangari Maathai, our very own Nobel Laureate, activist, environmental champion and perhaps our best prototype of positive feminism is set to be cremated soon. Here goes a cheesy tribute:

Its an adage: An apple a day, or so they say
But what becomes of the apple trees on that day
The gardener's away and won't ever return again
Another adage: Where there's trees, there's rain
An apple a day, but not today, not today
A torrent of rain, but never again, never again

The day the designer died:

No one embodies the three things we strive for at Appfrica than the man the world lost today. Design. Leadership. Vision. We salute you, Mr. Steve Jobs. Best wishes from me, Jon, and our colleagues and friends in Uganda.

Mr Cape Town looks forward to paying respect to Steve Jobs by getting his hands on Tweetdeck for iPhone:

Running social media accounts for brands is something which requires having access to these accounts on-the-move. The best thing for this is @Tweetdeck for iPhone and I am looking forward to paying respect to Steve by finally getting my hands on when when my upgrade is due in a few months!

Finally, a poem for Steve Jobs from Nana Acquah:

Here, when The Empty dies
We cry a little. Just a little.
And then we drink, drum, dance
And recount their great deeds
So the living will not forget.

The common die with all or most
Of their dreams still in them.
They die full. Losers. Cowards.
Procrastinators. Full of excuses.
We don’t even notice when they go.
But you, you died empty: The way
The great do.

And may your soul rest in peace.
(For Steve Jobs, because he truly lived).

Update on Global Voices Mentorship: Meet the Activists

Leila Nachawati Rego — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 07:01:03 +0000

For over a month, ten Global Voices bloggers have been working with activists from ten different countries as mentors of members of the new Blogger Swarm of Activista, the youth network of international development organization ActionAid. The mentorship focusses on blogging, networking and online capacity building.

Members of the Activista Blogger Swarm (pictured here) are each working with a Global Voices mentor

In a previous post we introduced all the participants, and now we would like to invite you to find out more about the activists involved, via the Activista Youtube channel. Here's Kodili, from Uganda, sharing why she became an activist, her motivations and her expectations of the Blogger Swarm project:

Follow the Swarm!

The Blogger Swarm aims to put youth at the forefront of the discussion about food and climate justice, the issues on which the activists involved are focusing their individual work and research.

With the help of Global Voices mentors they are working on their blogging skills while getting more comfortable with using digital tools for collaborative work and online networking. Here is a list of some of their latest blog posts:

Awa Njie (Gambia) | Overcoming global hunger and poverty - smallholder women farmers are the key players
David Habba (Nigeria) | “I will never be a farmer!”
Anajana Luitel (Nepal) | Is our education reproducing gender norms?
Benadette Chandia Kodili (Uganda) | Waste is wealth
Emilia Jomalinis (Brazil) | Try a kitchen garden
Hannah Moloney (Australia) | Hats Off to Small Farmers
Collins Odhiambo (Kenya) | Government's deaf ears to the hungry
Tina McPherson (Australia) | If you always do what you have always done, you WON'T always get what you have always got
Elly Ahimidiwe (Tanzania) | My father, the feminist
Afrin Chowdhury (Bangladesh) | Blogger Swarm and me
Loyiso Zweni (South Africa) | Why my friends do not want to be farmers

To stay updated subscribe to the Blogger Swarm blog or follow our mentors and mentees list on Twitter.

Thanks for supporting this initiative!