Mcnamara and the “Fog of War”

Rebekka Carter 11/15/2012 McNamara and the â€Å"Fog Of War† Sometimes negotiation and peace is the only way to avoid catastrophe that could destroy us all. The first lesson of the â€Å" Fog of War,† that McNamara gave was to empathize with your enemy. McNamara thought it was a must and that is was important to put ourselves into the enemy's shoes. He discussed in the interview that later became a documentary, the possible serious consequences we could face as a nation if we didn’t empathize with Cubans during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. We must try to put ourselves inside their skin and look at us through their eyes, just to understand the thoughts that lie behind their decisions and their actions,† McNamara justified. If we could negotiate and settle, we might can work something out to benefit both the U. S. , and the Soviet Union. During the Cuban missile Crisis, McNamara tried to persuade President Kennedy not to press on and invade Cuba. He coul d give the president advice because he was a member of the president's cabinet. Robert McNamara was the Secretary of Defense in office. He persuaded him along with Tommy Thompson whom was the former U. S.Ambassador to Moscow. They gave them advice on two messages we received from the Soviet Union. McNamara described this as a â€Å"hard message† and a â€Å"soft message. † The soft message said they would remove the missiles from Cuba as long as we promised not to invade. On the other hand, Kennedy also received the hard message which basically revealed that if we pressed on and invaded Cuba,they would respond with massive military force. McNamara stressed how important it was to empathize with Cuba,if we didn't the consequences could be a nuclear war holocaust. Kennedy ended up empathizing with them by responding to the first message.This action could of saved us from a possible Nuclear War and from devastation, disaster, and from loosing trillions of innocent America n people. McNamara describes the relationship between empathy, morality, and war. He thinks that during war in order to be victorious you have to see the way the enemy sees and try to make peace with them. From a moral stand point, do what's best for the common good. It's best to make peace or at least negotiate and come to an agreement to avoid any consequences that could threaten innocent civilians. I think he believed more in peace and harmony than in war.It was best to just avoid it if possible and negotiate then avoid conflict. Later on in the documentary, McNamara describes the fire bombings of Japanese cities. He argues is it moral to take the lives of 100,000 of Japanese civilians in one night just to win the war. On top of burning the cities, Lemay wanted to drop a bomb. McNamara argued that proportionality was a guideline in war. We shouldn't overdue it just to win. We should have it evened out with the enemy on casualties and civilian deaths. Lemay considered his actions to be thought immoral if they had lost.So judging from that I’d say that if his side lost, then loosing that many people would have been for nothing. If they would of won, it would have been moral is the conclusion I'm drawing from this. Is it ever legitimate to criticize your country's actions in a time of war? I think so yes, and I wouldn’t consider it to be unpatriotic for disagreeing with the government. Freedom of Speech is one thing our country is founded on and everyone can have their own personal view or criticism. One can still have love for one's country and not agree with their policies or in this particular case, war tactics.Some people may not be for war because of the innocent lives lost: men,women, and children. Some people might especially be against nuclear war because of innocent lives and it just causes more danger and conflict. In my opinion it is legitimate to argue or criticize about war or any other action a country carries out. This documentary opened my eyes and changed the way I truly saw Nuclear War and the effects and consequences it can have. The Cuban Missile Crisis had very high stakes to cause not only a Nuclear War, but a Nuclear war Holocaust. With being struck with one bomb, there is a possibility we would of bombed Cuba back.I don't believe we would of surrendered. Other countries would of gotten involved and devastation and loss as of a result from this would have been very great. The fire bombings described in Japan was very disproportionate and unevenly scattered. Cities everywhere in Japan had different numbers of deaths and injuries. Lemay thought this had to be done in order to win the war, even though it was considered â€Å"immoral. † This documentary was an eye opener and it really gave good insight on the key ways to being successful in a war. McNamara called it â€Å"The Rules of War. †

Large Scale Manufacturing in Pakistan

Compiled by: Mirza Rohail B http://economicpakistan. wordpress. com/2008/01/27/large-scale-manufacturing/ The manufacturing sector grew at an average rate of 8 percent from the sixties to the eighties, but fell to 3. 9 percent during the nineties. This was mainly caused by reduction in investment levels due to lack of continuity and consistency in policies. Political instability law and order position in the major industrial centers, transport bottlenecks, as well as unreliability and inadequate availability of power supply at affordable rates were additional factors pulling down the sector. The sector has shown impressive recovery recently and has grown at a compound rate of 10. 9 percent per annum during 2001 – 05, with Large Scale Manufacturing (LSM) growing even faster, becoming 19. 9% in 2005. The contribution of Large-Scale Manufacturing at basic prices stand at Rs 844 billion as compared with Rs 264 billion in 2000-01, figures from the Census of Large-Scale Manufacturing Industries (CMI) 2005-06 show. LSM contribution to GDP also called as Gross Value Added (GVA) at producers’ prices has been estimated at Rs 912 billion as compared with the previous Census 2000-01 amount of Rs 280 billion. Political and macroeconomic stability, rationalization of tariffs, increase in investments, improved utilization of productive capacity, and growth in demand for manufactured products, resulting from higher exports and consumer financing have been the major factors leading to this growth. Large Scale Manufacturing 1999 and 2000 – 1. 5% 2000 and 2001 – 11% 2001 and 2002 – 3. 5% 2002 and 2003 – 7. 2% 2003 and 2004 – 18. 1% 2004 and 2005 – 19. 9% 2005 and 2006 – 8. 7% 2006 and 2007 – 8. 6% 2007 and 2008 – 5% Census of Large-Scale Manufacturing Industries The contribution of Large-Scale Manufacturing at basic prices stand at Rs 844 billion as compared with Rs 264 billion in 2000-01, figures from the Census of Large-Scale Manufacturing Industries (CMI) 2005-06 show. The CMI is conducted after every five years using the frame of Provincial Labour Departments . It is conducted by Federal Bureau of Statistics (FBS) in collaboration with Provincial Directorates of Industries and Bureaus of Statistics (BoS) under the Industrial Statistics Act 1942. The basic price is the amount receivable by the producer from the purchaser for a unit of a good or service produced as output minus any tax payable, and plus any subsidy receivable. Census of manufacturing industries 2005-06 shows value of production at Rs 2929 billion depicting an increase of 165 percent over Rs 1104 billion in CMI 2000-01. LSM contribution to GDP also called as Gross Value Added (GVA) at producers’ prices has been estimated at Rs 912 billion as compared with the previous Census 2000-01 amount of Rs 280 billion. Capital stock or value of fixed assets amounted to Rs 1147 billion at the end of fiscal year 2005-06 as compared with Rs 428 billion at the end of fiscal year 2000-01. CMI 2005-06 frame was enhanced using industrial directories provided by provincial directorates of industries as well as results of Economic Census 2001 conducted by FBS. The total number of industries surveyed in CMI 2005-06 was 13,146 establishments. Out of these 6417 establishments supplied requisite data (compared to 4528 units in CMI 2000-01). 2364 establishments were found closed and 3213 establishments gave no response. The results of CMI would be cornerstone for the forthcoming revision of Pakistan’s National Accounts. Pakistan Manufacturing Industry Pakistan’s manufacturing industry is heavily dominated by food, textiles and apparel, and leather industries to the JF-17 Thunder extent of over 50 percent. The share of textiles and its derivatives in exports was as large as 67 percent in 2003-04. Other major segments in manufacturing include chemicals and pharmaceuticals (15. 2 percent), basic metal industry (7. 7 percent), nonmetallic mineral products (5. 1 percent), machinery (4. 6 percent), cement (4. percent), automobiles (4. 4 percent). Automobiles, electronics, cement, fertilizers and textiles have all showed cumulative double digit growth during the last three years. An important feature of the engineering sector is the level of competence reflected in local design and local content, (with deletion levels of 80 – 100 percent in electrical goods, 56-89 percent in automobile s and motor cycles, and 75-100 percent in domestic appliances). Manufacturing Statistics Progressive Year Initial data for Jul-Sep FY08 suggested a deceleration in the growth of LSM production to only 6. percent. Further, Large Scale Manufacturing (LSM) growth has declined to 5. 57 per cent during the first five months (July-November) of the current financial year due to economic slow-down and high interest rates and poor law and order situation. Similarly, improved prospects in transportation & storage sub-sectors on the back of relatively better production in major crops, strong contribution by finance and insurance sector and augmented administrative and defence related spending will provide support to adequate level of growth in the services sector. These prospects of the services sector would be neutralized to some extent by negative growth in the LSM, imports contraction, shrinking profits in the telecommunication sector. Leading indicators pertaining to the major sector wholesale and retail trade points towards a reasonable growth in this sub-sector. The targeted growth of 4. 1 percent is already almost half of last year’s actual 8. 2 percent. (c) ECONOMIC PAKISTAN

Land law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 4

Land law - Essay Example If the court issues an order to seize the property of the debtor after the judgment, it is called writ of execution. It must be noted that attachment is a prejudgment remedy either at the time of a lawsuit or immediately after it is filed. However, the final decision is taken by the court. The United Kingdom does not have unique or singular law regarding bankruptcy. England and Wales follow same system whereas Northern Ireland and Scotland have another system of their own. If the given scenario is related to Scotland or Northern Ireland, and if the property is the home owned by Bill, then the section 40 of the 1985 Act will be applicable to the case. Instead, if the system of Wales and Ireland is applicable to the context, Alan will have to rely on the Part IX of the Insolvency Act 1986. At this juncture (as the jurisdiction is not specified) the system of Northern Ireland and Scotland is taken for case analysis. The section 40 of the 1985 Act protects the interests of the debtorâ₠¬â„¢s (here Bill) family and prevents the creditor (here Alan) from selling the debtor’s ‘family home’ without either ‘relevant consent’ or a court order. ... esent or former spouse or civil partner without the debtor, or by the debtor without a spouse or civil partner but with a child of the family† (Insolvency - personal and corporate, n.d.). Hence, if Bill’s property is the family home, Alan needs to comply with the section 40. This section clearly states how the consent can be obtained for the proceeding of the sequestration of a family home. Referring to section 40, if Bill’s spouse, civil partner, or former spouse or civil partner lives in the home (with or without the debtor), it is necessary to obtain the consent of the spouse of civil partner to proceed with the sequestration (Insolvency - personal and corporate). If the debtor lives in the home with a child but without a spouse or civil partner, then the ‘relevant consent’ can be obtained from the debtor. If the ‘relevant consent’ is not obtained from the parties concerned, Alan has to obtain a court order to attach the property of Bi ll (ibid). In this case, it is advisable for Alan to obtain a court order because other options may not be so sensible. B. the property is a tenanted office block Under this case, attachment of property will be a difficult task if the agreement between Bill and the tenant was formed before the agreement made between Alan and Bill. It is the duty of the creditor to make certain that the security offered for the borrowing is free from any liability arising out of issues like tenancy. Hence, if Bill’s office block was tenanted at the time of the agreement between Alan and Bill, Alan cannot attach the property of Bill unless the tenant is willing to vacate the office block. On the other hand, if Bill’s office block was tenanted after the agreement between Bill and Alan was made, Alan may get a court order for the

Business-Level and Corporate-Level Strategies Essay - 9

Business-Level and Corporate-Level Strategies - Essay Example ith products such as beverages and food and later the company diversified into various sector of electronics, clothing, financial services, retailing, etc. The company performs all its operations on the basis of one specific value that is to deliver its customers with good, better and best products. The success of the company is only because of its business and corporate level strategies. Tesco’s main business comes from its retailing segment that accounts for approximately 60% of the total profit that is generated by the business. The business level strategy is a plan that is adopted by a company so as to utilize its resources in order to achieve its business goals. The company has even invested  £1 billion so that it could provide a very pleasant shopping experience to all its customers who visit Tesco stores. The company has even subdivided its business level strategy into seven parts so that it can achieve its business goals and even provide their customers with high valued service. This business level strategy that was formulated was mainly to ensure that the company sets plans for its long term growth and profitability. The first part of the strategy is to grow in the UK market (Desjardins, 2005). The company wants to grow the core market of UK. The business tactics that were designed to support this strategy was to expand the staff base by 20,000 in t he next two years, implement new promotions for its products and services, and even to restructure all its store designs. This strategy was mainly adopted to give customers more importance and wanted. The second part of the strategy to be the creator of all famous and high value brands in the market. This strategy involved creation of its own label such as Tesco Finest and F&F clothing. This indicated delivery products that were of high quality and that also at the most reasonable price. The third part of the strategy is to develop itself as an outstanding retailer both in stores as well as in online. The

The History of Blood Gangs in Los Angeles Essay

The History of Blood Gangs in Los Angeles - Essay Example The locals often feel that the immigrants and the minorities are looting their job opportunities and destroying the White dominated American culture and their national identity. In short, both the minorities and the majorities in America are looking suspiciously at each other which resulted in the formation of violent gangs for fighting against the opposite groups. The Bloods are one such African American gang formed in Los Angeles in 1972 mainly to fight against another African American Gang; The Crips. This paper analyses the history of Blood gangs in Los Angeles. As mentioned earlier, The Bloods gang was formed in 1972 Los Angeles, California in 1972 and it is active even now. Even though, it was founded in Los Angeles, currently it is operating across America. Murder, drug trafficking, robbery etc are the major criminal activities of this gang. Even though, Crips was the major enemy group of Bloods, they also fight against other criminal groups such as Folk Nation, Surinos etc. T he formation of Bloods can be attributed to some severe conflicts and differences occurred in the Crips gang about the nature of their attack. Majority of the Crips gang members made no segregation while attacking others whereas some of the Crips members were against the attacking of innocent people. The Crips gang was the prominent violent gang in America before the formation of The Bloods. Crips was formed in the 1960’s for conducting robbery and drug trafficking. In 1972, a group of Crips gang consisting of around 20 members attacked a small group of innocent young men for robbing their wallets and leather jackets. An innocent young man called Robert Ballou was killed in this attack, even though he was not a member of any other gangs. The killing of Robert Ballou has created lot of conflicts in the Crips gang about the objectives of the Gang. Some of the gang members (Piru Street Crisps) argued that killing of innocent people cannot be justified while others argued that no segregation is necessary while conducting their missions. Piru Street Crips with the help of Leuders Park Hustlers and some of the other enemy groups of Crips such as The Brims called a meeting and discussed the strategies to counter the threats of The Crips and the necessities of forming another gang to counter the threats from common enemy; The Crips. The meeting decided to select a new flag in red color for the new gang formed and named the new gang as The Bloods (Bloods Gang Knowledge, n. d, p.1). â€Å"Investigative reports in 1991 placed Crips or Bloods in 32 States and 113 cities† (Walker, 2011). As per the current statistics, no American state is free from the activities of the Blood gang. In different states in America, the Blood gang operates in different sets and names; however, the word, Blood is a part of their gang name everywhere. Some of the Blood sets have members from even female community. The Blood do not have a common or national leader even though diffe rent sets of Blood have regional leadership. The regional leadership or the set leadership is often appointed based on the experience and the severity of the crime committed by the set members. Set members are often referred as soldiers. â€Å"By 1980, there were 30,000 gangs members in Los Angeles County,

International Education Research Proposal Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

International Education - Research Proposal Example Countries which have the English speaking base, such as UK, USA and Australia are the most preferred destinations to get exposed to western education. When international students are accepted into the educational institution, the environment in the institution should be conducive to effective teaching learning process. There is a lot of impact on the domestic students and the learning environment caused by the international students and vice versa The policy makers, educational administrators, teachers, students and the community at large should know the impact of the international students in the learning environment. When international students are accepted in schools and universities the management of the institution should be prepared to provide the most congenial learning environment. The management should commit physical resources to provide the infrastructure which will benefit the learning process. But in many cases, the facilities and state of art infrastructure alone do not make help in facilitating the teaching learning process when international students become part of the classroom environment. The management should be flexible enough to adapt its policies to make both the international and domestic students work together. In this current research, an attempt is made to explore the impact of the international students on the learning environment and the study tries to highlight the role of leadership of the institution on the international students. ... SCOPE OF THE STUDY There are a number of studies which show the advantages of accepting international students. The main advantage is the opportunity to understand different cultures and different perspectives. For domestic students, the opportunity to share their educational experience with international students enriches their learning experience and broadens their outlook on life. Indeed, it has been found that domestic students recognize the personal and career benefits of having a network of colleagues from different countries (Pittaway, et al, 1998). Indeed, as Anyanwu (2004) succinctly opine, "The presence of international students on university campuses provides a unique social forum for enhancing all students' understanding and appreciation of the richness of other cultures". But on the other hand there are also some factors that have to be taken into account before international students are admitted into an educational institution. Paul Barron (2004), in his study it found that there was a feeling of unfairness amongst domestic students and that somehow, international students were perceived as more valuable. This unfair perception is perhaps the most potentially dangerous and universities need address this issue through effective communication with domestic students, a more clear admissions process and a more focused emphasis on the importance of domestic students to the institution. This researcher considers that a more effective and blatant drive to determine domestic students' thoughts and feelings on this issue might be an effective first step in eradicating this perception. The study mentioned here is only highlights only one of the many factors that determine the achievement of the learning objectives when

Irish economy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Irish economy - Essay Example This fall in GDP growth rate had been a second to a similar dip during the fourth quarter of 2009, which is why the nation feared the possibility of a â€Å"double-dip recession† (Breadun, O’Brien & O’Brien, 2010). â€Å"Keynesian style stimulus package† Keynes had mainly emphasized upon the implementation of demand triggering policies for an economic boost. However, a positive shift in aggregate demand is least possible when an economy follows a stringent budget regime as the case had been for the Irish economy. In fact, a stringent budget policy is one of the reasons why the economy could not surpass over its recessionary phase successfully that tended a come-back within a short span. This is one of the reasons, why â€Å"Irish trade unions have stated that the previous austerity budgets have failed† and hence, have proposed that a â€Å"Keynesian style stimulus package† be followed. The Keynesian model of equilibrium proposed the following identity to equate aggregate national income, Y, with components of aggregate demand as follow – Y ? C (Y – T) + I + G + (X – M(Y)) Where, Y = National Income, T = Aggregate tax being paid. Hence, (Y – T) = Disposable Income C = Consumption Expenditure, I = Investment Expenditure, G = Government Expenditure, X = Aggregate Export Revenues M = Aggregate Imports Thus, four ways through which a stimulus package could be constructed to ensure an economic boost are as follows – Firstly, Keynes had advised a stimulus to be provided to the investors of the economy so that they should come forward and venture investment projects which could help in creating employment opportunities and thus, boost consumption demand through positively affecting the production of...†¢ Firstly, Keynes had advised a stimulus to be provided to the investors of the economy so that they should come forward and venture investment projects which could help in creating employm ent opportunities and thus, boost consumption demand through positively affecting the production of output. †¢ Secondly, the government could actually make tax relaxations to motivate people to consume more as they will be left with larger disposable income volumes. Greater the disposable income is, higher will be the consumption expenditure of the people and thus, higher will be the income generation in the economy. †¢ Thirdly, the national government must not make deductions in its own expenses and rather boost them which could actually result to increases in the aggregate demand of the economy and thus, its income level. This is starkly in contrast to the measures adopted by the Irish government which is that of restricting its budget expenditures or rather constraining it more. †¢ Lastly, the national government could also make adjustments in its rate of exchange so as to positively influence the demand for exports and negatively affect import demands. For instance, an economy amidst a recession could choose to depreciate its domestic currency so that the foreigners find it more and more lucrative to increase their purchases from the country in question, while the domestic people are back off from importing from nations which have a dearer currency.

Strategic Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 4

Strategic Management - Essay Example This report analyses the industry as well as the company with the help of the various strategic tools like the SWOT Analysis, PEST, Porter’s Five Forces, Porter’s Generic Strategies as well as the Ansoff Matrix. These would provide an insight to the feasible strategic alternatives that are available to the company which would help the company survive in the long-run. Contents Contents 2 Introduction 4 Strategic review 5 Industry Competition 10 Suppliers 11 Buyers 11 New Entrants 11 Substitutes 11 The Generic Strategies 12 Conclusion and Strategic Options 13 Introduction Hutchison Whampoa Limited is a group of companies that has a number of operations across different countries of the world. The company is highly committed to the development of technology and innovation. The brand has international presence in almost 52 countries of the world. 260000 people comprise the human resource strength of the organisation. The company has a customer base of 23.5 million as on 201 2 which is experiencing and upward trend since its inception. The company is listed in the Hong Kong stock exchange and has a high market capitalisation. The six main areas where the company’s businesses are specialised are the telecommunications, infrastructure, property and hotels, ports and related services, retail as well as energy. In order to carry out the different businesses the company has to maintain proper business relations with the suppliers and the various dealers. The company strives to maintain a multicultural environment and therefore there is a wide range of mix in the human resources that drive the company towards its goals. The aim of the company is to maintain a very high standard of corporate governance which would ensure accountability and transparency in the process in which the work is carried out. These attitude and work cultures have won the company various accolades and honours. The vision of Hutchison Whampoa Limited is the attainment and maintena nce of the highest standard in the corporate governance which would suit the interests and the necessities of the company. At the same time the interests of the subsidiaries also have to be taken care of. Sound corporate governance would ensure that the equity holders of the company are getting the right value for the money that they have invested into the company. The company should strive at enhancing the interest of all the stakeholders of the company. The mission of Hutchison is to attain these agenda by ensuring that all the corporate governance principles have been applied. The board of directors should be of good quality who would exercise internal control in the most effective manner. The disclosure practices of the company should be carried out in the most stringent manner. The company should adhere to its values of maintaining transparency in the corporate practices which results from the accountability of Hutchison to its shareholders. The goal of the company is to improv e these practices in the most efficient manner. The company also intends to maintain a sustainable communities and business for a long run. Strategic review Hutchison Whampoa Limited operates in six different sectors which include telecommunication, energy, infrastructure, retail, ports and properties as well as financial services

Analysis argument Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Analysis argument - Essay Example These are just two examples; there are countless similar occasions in the article where statements have been made without evidence. Anderson’s article is more of an essay than an argument since throughout the article, he has just expressed personal opinions without providing evidence for them to enhance the credibility of his argument. Anderson has basically used the article as a means to express his personal opinions. Basically the article is a reflection on the author’s personal experiences that have led him to developing certain views that he has shared in an organized way. This makes the article informative rather than argumentative. Although the article’s credibility is little because of lack of references, yet the views Anderson has shared are sensible and seem to be coming from a learned and experienced author. I particularly agree to the fact that playing video games may be one of the risk factors that play a role in making the youth criminals, yet it is too subtle and ineffective a factor to have such a large negative effect on the psychology of the children as to make them killers. One factor that is particularly out of place in the article is that although Anderson has cited no study, yet he has gone to such lengths as comparing different studies and the underlying factors as sample sizes, as he says, â€Å"Why have different researchers found different results? Well, part of the problem is that many studies have used a sample size that is much too small to produce consistent results† (Anderson cited in Ramage, Bean, and Johnson 447). Greenberg has started his argument with a strong point saying that Yee had Sen. Leland Yee did not have robust grounds to impose restriction on children’s access to violent video games since it was essentially an outcome of the ban on substance abuse which in no way compares to the video games. I find Greenberg’s argument very convincing that violent books and movies do not prov ide the audiences with a room to respond whereas violent games do, but the same power of interactivity that the video games provide the audiences could be held as a strong reason why they should be banned. Although Greenberg’s example was good, but in effect, it counteracted his own argument that was in favor of expression of violence in video games, though the examples Greenberg has given regarding how video games enhance the critical analysis and decision-making skills of the audiences are entirely convincing. These examples also indicate the potential ways in which violent games serve as mediums of free expression for the players, thus providing Greenberg with a firm basis for his argument. One thing that makes Greenberg’s article superior to Anderson’s is that Greenberg has not indicated studies anywhere and accordingly he did not need to cite them, whereas Anderson’s article was mostly based on the results of past studies without mentioning any in pa rticular. Greenberg’s examples in support of his argument were such that they did not require much citation or referencing, and the examples were plentiful as well. When the examples did require referencing, they were included. For example, when Greenberg discussed the Supreme Court’s ruling that school boards are not allowed to ban books in the libraries of the schools even if they are accessible outside

Reducing Resistance to Change or Conflict Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 7

Reducing Resistance to Change or Conflict - Essay Example More specifically, seeking to define diversity in such obvious terms is ultimately counterproductive and goes against the very fabric of what diversity is intended to mean. Within such a manner, the future application of this information for this particular student encourages me to attempt to understand diversity from a more nuanced perspective that has traditionally been accepted and/or appreciated. Likewise, an understanding and appreciation that can be evidenced by discussion number two are with regards to the fact that certain barriers continually exist with regards to the diversity that can be appreciated by any group. Whereas it is oftentimes discounted within society that these barriers exist, they nonetheless do and can completely derail the potential of an individual to be taken seriously or to integrate further within the group in question. Within such a level of understanding, it is incumbent upon the leader to seek to promote diversity throughout the culture of the respec tive group/entity in question. Although this may seem as something of an obvious choice, diversity is more often than not viewed as something of a personal decision. Although it is beneficial for the individual to integrate with an understanding of diversity and means by which it can affect their own lives, seeking to promote this level of diversity throughout the culture of the organization and/or entity in question is equally important to engaging the needs of those in question. Furthermore, with regards to the third discussion, it can be stated that cultural intelligence and diversity cannot exist independent of one another. What is meant by this is the fact that cultural intelligence is ultimately required for level of diversity to be exhibited. As a means of applying this in the workplace, or within one’s own life, it must be understood that prior to making any level of decisions one must first consider the unique culture and background of those in question and how such changes and/or discussions might impact upon them in a different manner. Ultimately, this is the core of what multiculturalism represents. Rather than merely being a â€Å"touchy-feely† means of understanding, this approach allows for a heightened sense of realization within the minds of the stakeholders and decision makers of a given group. With regards to applying discussion number four to my own personal and professional life, it must be understood that the leader of any group, or the educator of any class, must be continually aware of the fact that even if the information being presented to this group is uniform, each of the participants will come away with their own unique understanding. Within such a level of analysis, it is necessary to consider some of the possible takeaways that individuals might have from any level of instruction they are given. Seeking to analyze this differentiation and understanding prior to presentation is a highly effective means of seeking to reduce any potential future disconnects that might, to prominence as a result of misunderstood or improperly presented information. Finally, with respect to the article â€Å"Reducing Resistance to Change or Conflict†, it can be said that my future leadership style will necessarily take these factors into consideration.     

Effect of Unethical Behavior Article Analysis Essay Example for Free

Effect of Unethical Behavior Article Analysis Essay The Sarbanes-Oxley Act, passed in congress in 2002 is designed to protect investors from the potential of fraudulent corporate accounting activities. This act strictly mandates reform, aimed directly to prevent fraud and improve corporate financial disclosures (INVESTOPEDIA, 2012). As a result of several confidence shaking investor accounting scandals that occurred during the late 90s which involved high profile corporations such as Enron, WorldCom and Tyco, a much required overhaul regarding financial statements and regulatory standards laid the foundation for the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. This act is making the accounting world more accessible to others for auditors to come in and help in checking the books. It will hold the executives and directors accountable for the internal controls of the company especially with the threat of imprisonment if the internal controls are not maintained. The act ensures that a â€Å"checks and balance† internal auditing of the accounting cycle for the company and investors to keep their assets in check. The role of internal audits is to ensure that Institute of Internal Auditor’s Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing Standard 300 Scope of Work be followed. The scope of the internal audit should encompass the examination and evaluation of the adequacy and effectiveness of the organizations system of internal control and the quality of performance in carrying out assigned responsibilities (M. Wood Company, 2012). The internal audit standards are to review the dependability and integrity of financial and operating information and the resource being used to identify measure and classify those reports. The standard requires the system be reviewed to ensure compliance with those policies, plans, procedure, laws and regulations which may have a huge impact on operations and reporting. The standard is used to review the methods in place to safeguarding assets and verify that the assets protected exist. The final purpose of the standard is to appraise the economy and the efficiency with the means that are employed by a corporation. It is important to note that policies and rules are also enforced to uphold the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Sections 302, 401, 404 and 805 in particular address key requirements as it pertains to effecting financial statements. Section 302 requires senior managers to certify the accuracy of the reports along with establishing internal controls are set in place for the purpose of increasing report accuracy, ensuring honesty and ultimately providing financial protection for the investors. Section 401 ensures that statements may not contain fraudulent information. Section 404 provides for the necessary rules for annual reporting as well as addresses management auditing structures. Lastly, section 805 provides the guidelines for federal sentencing relating to criminal fraud and obstruction of justice. (Hazels, Nov/Dec) A very important question that should be asked is how well main stream America understands the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and how it has effected them? Another pressing area to uncover is how it has affected the US economy over the past ten years? Lastly, it would be interesting to understand how US companies interface globally with countries not held to the same standards. References Hazels, B. (Nov/Dec 2010). Eight Years After The Fact Is SOX Working? A Look At The Brooke Corporation. Journal of Business Case Studies, 6(6.6), 19-29. Invesotopedia. (2012). Sarbanes-Oxley Act Of 2002 SOX. Retrieved from http://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/sarbanesoxleyact.asp#axzz2BCoqABsQ M. Wood Company. (2012, November 1). The role of Internal Audit in Complying with Sarbanes- Oxley. Retrieved from http://www.mwoodco.com/value/Internal_Audit_7-03.pdf

Adderall Literature Review Essay Example for Free

Adderall Literature Review Essay According to DSM-IV (2005), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is defined as â€Å"persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that is more frequently displayed and is more severe than is typically observed in individuals at comparable level of development.† A recent study suggests that 9% of U.S. school-aged children (3-17) are diagnosed with ADHD (US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2010). At first, there was a misconception in society that ADHD only affected children and that eventually they would outgrow it. However, recent data suggests that 4. 4% of the U.S. adult population have ADHD. Studies also indicate that 30%-70% of children with ADHD continue to have symptoms as adults. (Desantis, 2008, p. 31) See more: Experiment on polytropic process Essay In terms of treating ADHD, Adderall is the most commonly prescribed medicine for children and adults. According to Desantis (as cited in Okie, 2006), â€Å"The number of American adults who are prescribed medication to treat the disorder has increased by 90% from 2002 to 2005, with adults receiving one-third of all prescriptions† (p. 32). Shire Pharmaceuticals introduced Adderall in 1996. In 2001, Shire introduced an extended release version known as Adderall XR. Adderall is a mixed salt amphetamine. It works to increase concentration and focus by stimulating the production of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain (Schiffner, 2010). For individuals with ADHD, Adderall produces enough dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain to bring them to a normal state of functioning and focus. For individuals without ADHD, Adderall tends to over-stimulate the brain, which results in an even higher level of functioning and focus. Adderall, along with cocaine and other substances, is classified as a Schedule II substance because of its potential for abuse and dependency both physically and psychologically. Consumption of Adderall by College Students The main subject being explored throughout this paper is the use of Adderall among college students. There have been numerous studies that have explored the overall usage of Adderall, but only a few have focused specifically on its consumption by college students. Studies have also been done on the illegal usage of other stimulants among college students, which highlight relative statistics. Nichols (2004) indicated, â€Å"†¦the United States Department of Health and Human Services found in an annual survey of drug use that 1.8 million Americans between the ages of 18 and 25, or 6 percent of those surveyed, admitted having taken Ritalin an older stimulant used to treat attention-deficit disorder without a prescription† (p. A41). This study indicates that there is a growing population of college students who consume non-prescribed stimulants. McCabe et al (2005), conducted a study in which 10,904 students were surveyed at 119 different 4-year colleges in the United States. From that study McCabe et al (2005) found that 6.9% of the students surveyed used an illegal prescription stimulant in their life. 4.1% of which used an illegal prescription stimulant in the past year. Also for the study, McCabe et al (2005) found that non-medical prescription stimulant users were â€Å"more likely to report use of alcohol, cigarettes, marijuana, ecstasy, cocaine, and other risky behaviors† (p. 96). Loe et al (2008) conducted a study on Adderall and Ritalin amongst the college population and results showed that students â€Å"†¦may resort to medical means to manage their time and to perform well inside and outside of the classroom† (p.8). Although the primary use of the drug is for academic purposes, students also turn to it for recreational purposes. Statistically, Loe et al (2008) reported, â€Å"75% of the students who took these meds indicated doing so for academic purposes. Students also list taking them for fun (68%), to stay awake (56%), and to party (50%) as other reasons† (p.8). Adderall may also help young adults improve their driving ability. It has been reported that individuals with ADHD are more likely to be at fault in driving accidents (Burgbacher and Brewer, 2006, p. 7) (as cited in Kay, 2005). This data indicates that students are finding alternative reasons for using stimulants and not just for academic purposes. Desantis et al (2008) surveyed 1,811 students at a large public institution in the southeast. Of the students surveyed, only 4% reported having a prescription to ADHD while 34% reported having used ADHD medication illegally (p. 32). Desantis et al (2008) also indicated that only 2% of the students believed Schedule II amphetamines posed a health risk. 81% of the students believed that ADHD medications were â€Å"not dangerous at all† or â€Å"slightly dangerous† (Desantis et al 2008, p. 33) More recently, Schwarz (2013), in an article for the New York Times, indicated (as cited in I.M.S. Health, 2011) that nearly 14 million monthly prescriptions for the condition were written for Americans ages 20-39, two and half times the 5.6 million just 4 years before. (p. 18) Each of these studies reported similar statistics and similar trends growing amongst the college population. Each study reported a high rate of students consuming non-medical ADHD medications. The more alarming statistic revealed by these studies is that non-medical prescription stimulant users were more likely to abuse other drugs and also believed that ADHD medications were not dangerous at all. This indicates that Adderall and other ADHD medications are becoming a gateway drug. It is also indicates that students may be justifying their usage of non-medical consumption of ADHD medication. Attainment of Adderall Studies show that Adderall is used very often which indicates that it is not difficult for a student to attain. Evidently, those without prescriptions find it rather easy to obtain Adderall. On college campuses, there are usually peers selling or willing to give away Adderall, which is a federal crime. Stolz (2012) put much of the blame on universities by stating that, â€Å"Universities are a large part of the problem. Student can simply go to the health clinic on campus and obtain a prescription for Adderall or an ADHD diagnosis. The process is easy for most, and many students are misdiagnosed in that manner. University clinics eliminate the need for these students to find and make appointments with a psychiatrist, which may take months and entails more stringent testing prior to diagnosis.† (p. 586) Studies also show that, along with universities, physicians often prescribe ADHD prescriptions without performing exact assessments that physicians are trained to perform (Nichols, 2004).   Furthermore, money is also areason for a student to seek an Adderall prescription. Based on the previous statistics mentioned, it is widely known that there is a high demand for Adderall on a college campus, which makes it a profitable investment. Not only does the individual who obtains the prescription benefit from the enhancement of their own academic performance, but also the potential to earn income by selling the pills (Stolz, 2012, p. 586). Loe et al (2008) reported that â€Å"Of the 68 students who claimed to have taken prescription stimulants without a prescription, a large majority, 87%, received the drugs from friends and family and 26% purchased the drug.† (p. 9). This statistic further verifies the simplicity in obtaining prescription stimulants. Health Concerns in Correlation with Adderall Consumption Along with the upside of the drug, as with any other drug, there is a downside that negatively affects individuals physically and psychologically. Negative side effects of Adderall consumption include difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, seizures, uncontrolled shaking and body movements, and hallucinations (Schiffner, 2010). The Medical Guide for Adderall (which is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug administrations) lists common side effects as, â€Å"Headache, decreased appetite, stomach ache, nervousness, trouble sleeping, mood swings, weight loss, dizziness, dry mouth, and fast heart beat† (Medication Guide, 2011, p. 17)   More drastic side effects may result from long periods of Adderall consumption, especially for individuals who do not have ADHD. Ultimately, this long term consumption can result in severe physical and psychological dependence. In a recent article in the New York Times, Schwarz (2013) (as cited from The Journal of Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 2006) wrote, â€Å"†¦about 10 percent of adolescents and young adults who misused ADHD stimulants became addicted to them. Even proper, doctor supervised use of the medications can trigger psychotic behavior or suicidal thoughts in about 1 in 400 patients, according to a 2006 study in the American Journal of Psychiatry† (p. 18). In March 2005, Health Canada actually suspended the sale of Adderall XR based on 20 international reports of sudden death in patients (Kratochvil, 2005). Evidently, the long-term use of Adderall can cause major health issues including, severe dependence, psychotic behaviors, possible suicidal ideations, and even sudden death. Justifications for Illegal use of Adderall and Other Attention-deficit Medications In society, individuals with drug and substance abuse issues often try to justify their abuse. The main goal of Desantis’ (2008) study was to see how college students â€Å"conceive the drug and justify its use† (p.35). The first justification was comparing ADHD stimulants to party drugs. They asserted that it was morally justifiable to use ADHD stimulants because it was to promote a positive outcome (Desantis, 2008 p. 36). Another assertion was that ADHD stimulants were â€Å"good†, legal drugs because they come from medical establishments rather than â€Å"bad,† illegal street drugs (Desantis, 2008, p. 36). Other participants believed that there’s no high because it does not alter their mind and pose the same side effects in comparison to other illegal street drugs (Desantis, 2008 pp. 36-37). Other justifications indicated in Desantis’ (2008) study were that students use ADHD stimulants in moderation and therefore it is not harmful. Other students maintained that they use stimulants to self-medicate because they believe they have ADHD themselves and have not been diagnosed. The final rationalization is that ADHD stimulants are â€Å"harmless, benign, and a socially acceptable anti-fatigue aid† (Desantis, 2008, pp. 38-41). All in all, the previous research supplies recent qualitative and quantitative data that implies that Adderall and other ADHD stimulant consumption among the college population is a recurring and growing trend. Research also maintained that universities and physicians are also responsible for the drugs circulation. As a result of this research, it is evident that college-aged individuals are unaware of the major physical and psychological risks that can result from the illegal consumption of Adderall and also believe that their consumption is justifiable within society. For this study, a survey will be anonymously distributed among college campuses in the area containing both quantitative and qualitative questions about their experience and/or knowledge of Adderall. The sample population will be college students in the area between the ages of 18-25. The sample population will be selected anonymously and will remain anonymous because the study touches upon illegal activity. I will gain access to my subjects via social media networks (facebook, twitter, etc.). From the survey, I expect to obtain pertinent information that will help understand why college students consume non-prescribed Adderall, how they gain access to Adderall, and if they are aware of the risks that come along with Adderall consumption. References Burgbacher, Katie, and Amanda Brewer â€Å"Study of Adderall Use Among College Students: A New and Upcoming Trend† University of Kentucky. RUNNING HEAD: Research Project (2006). Pp 1-19 Desantis, Alan, and Audrey Curtis Hane. Adderall is Definitely Not a Drug: Justifications for the Illegal Use of ADHD Stimulants. Substance Use Misuse 45 (2008): 31-46. Print. Diagnostic criteria for attention deficit for hyperactivity disorder, (2005). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. American Psychiatric Association. Kratochvil, Christopher. Health Canada suspends Adderall. Brown University Child Adolescent Psychopharmacology Update 7 (2005): 12. Print. Loe, M. E., DeWitt, C. , Quirindongo, C. and Sandler, R. , 2006-08-11 Pharming to Perform in the Classroom: Making Sense of the Medically-Disciplined College Student Body Paper presented at the annual meeting of the American Sociological Association, Montreal Convention Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada Online PDF. 2012-06-24 from http://www.allacademic.com/meta/p103442_index.html McCabe, S. E., et al (2005). Non-medical use of prescription opioids among U.S. college students: Prevalence and correlates from a national survey. Addictive Behaviors, 30(4), 96-106. Nichols, K. (2004). The other performance-enhancing drugs. Chronicle of Higher Education, 51(17), A41-A42. Okie, S. (2006). ADHD in adults. New England Journal of Medicine, 354:2637–2641. Schiffner, Jennifer. 2010. Harder, Better, Faster Stronger: Regulating Illicit Adderall Use Among Law Students and Law Schools Express Schwarz, Alan. Drowned in a stream of Prescriptions. The New York Times 3 Feb. 2013: 1, 18-20. Print. Stolz, Stefanie. Adderall Abuse: Regulating the Academic Steroid. Journal of Law and Education 41, No.3 (2011): 585-592. Print. Visser, SN, RH Bitsko, ML Danielson, and R Perou. Increasing Prevalence of Parent-Reported Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Among Children United States, 2003 and 2007. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 59.44 (2010): 1439-1443. Print.

A Study On Common Assessment Framework Social Policy Essay

A Study On Common Assessment Framework Social Policy Essay This essay will discuss why Common Assessment Framework was introduced to Childrens Services, what it attempts to achieve and whether or not it has been successful, the concept behind it and briefly, the difficulties in working with other health professionals to get the Common Assessment Framework to do what it was set out to do. The Every Child Matters Green Paper proposed the introduction of a Common Assessment Framework (CAF) as a central element of the strategy for helping children, young people and their families. (DfES 2004) Common Assessment Framework is a standard assessment tool to be used by all professionals working with children for assessments and referral (British Journal of Social Work (2009). The reform agenda in Childrens Service was catalysed by the public inquiry into the death of Victoria Climbià © (Laming 2003), an eight year old West African girl who was abused and murdered in the UK in 2000 as a result of extreme cruelty and neglect by her great-aunt and the her partner, who were her guardians. Background and Why CAF was Introduced An inquiry into the death of Victoria Climbià © (Laming 2003) exposed a failure to put in place the necessary basic procedures to protect her. Factors identified included lack of early intervention, poor co-ordination, failure to share information and the absence of anyone with a strong sense of accountability. As a result, the Common Assessment Framework (CAF) was one of the measures introduced under the changes in child protection policies and the green paper, Every Child Matters (2003) therefore was introduced to set out proposals for major changes in childrens programmes to allow every child, whatever their background or their circumstances, to have the needed support towards the achievement of a better outcome in the following key areas: being healthy, staying safe, enjoying and achieving making a positive contribution and achieving economic well-being (DoH 2003) The design, in conjunction with the lead professional and better information sharing policies and procedures; to change the method by which services are delivered, moving the focus from dealing with the consequence of difficulties in childrens lives, towards a more proactive preventative and precautionary measure. CAF is intended to be used for children who have additional needs which may not be complex or severe enough to require statutory intervention. It is for use in situations where there are concerns with how a child is progressing in any way (raised by the child, a parent or a professional), the childs needs are unclear, the childs needs are broader than a professionals own service can address or where it is thought that CAF would help to identify the childs needs. The draft Common Assessment Framework was developed in late 2004 with its revised version published in 2005. CAF is a new, more standardised approach for assessing the needs of children for service and deciding howthose needs should be addressed and met. It is meant for children with additional needs; that is, children at risk of poor outcomes (DfES, 2005b,p1). CAF is designed to be evidence-based , focusing on needs and strengths, rather than concerns as seen in the British Journal of social work (2009) 39, 1197-1217. The three stated aims of CAF are to support earlier intervention, improve multi-agency working by, for example embedding a common language of assessment; reduce bureaucracy for families (DfES, 2005b, p1.) CAF is not meant to replace many other assessment schedules used in the various agencies, such as the Assessment of Children in Need and their Families documentation, but the government would like the CAF to represent the main assessment tool to support inter-agency referral and multi-agency working (DfES, 2005b, p 2). Common Assessment Framework (CAF) is one of the contributing elements to the following both of which are outlined in the Childrens Act 2004, the delivery of integrated services the support inter-agency co-operation; and the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. [emailprotected] How are children services organised? What is the key legislation that governs children and childrens services, The aim of Every Child Matters is to have a few agencies working together bearing in mind their professional boundaries to liaise and support children from 0 to 19, using a simple language to meet the needs of these children. It came up with the Integrated Childrens System (ICS), the Contact Point and the Common Assessment Framework (CAF), they all have different systems and style of working but have one common goal which is to improve the well being and to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people. When a child is seen as suffered neglect, abuse or has any server difficulty or being looked after under the Childrens Act 1989, their needs are assessed using the Framework for Assessment of Children in Need and their families. The Integrated Child System (ICS) is used at this stage, this is done by putting information together step by step and recording information about both the child and family, where a thorough assessment is required an in depth information is needed at this stage and must be gathered in a way that can set as the basis for decision making and can be used for different purposes. ICS is supported by information technology and its the basis of the electronic social care record for children. The IT system is also known as ISC. Contact Point is a fast method to find out who else is working with a particular service user, making it a lighter way to liaise and support, it is a major tool Every Child Matters uses to deliver a better service to Children and young people, having said that Contact Point only holds a little information about a child, parent, practitioners providing services to the child and carers until their 18th birthday, except for exceptional cases for example children with mental health and sexual health problems where their details are still held under sever security. Common Assessment Framework on the other hand comes in as soon as assessment is needed at the very early stage and deciding what action to take. It gives practitioners the chance to put together and record information about a child or young person with additional needs in an orderly, straight forward and simple. Work start from then and practitioners begin to look out for the needs and what should be done and its dealt with. CAF makes practitioners across all agencies, after the required training to go according to the procedures to achieve a dependable assessment that can be used by everyone dealing with the case. The national IT system to support CAF will be deve loped. (eCAF). This will help authorised practitioners to electronically create, share and store CAF within the agencies. Unlike Contact Point CAF only holds the information about some young people and children, with consent, and for a limited period of time. Both Contact Point and CAF were created to for use within childrens services, their goal is to help children with additional needs get the help and support they need, its a tool to make easy early intervention and help deal with additional needs before they get out of control and become more difficult to resolve. CAF and ICS has a common method to assessment, they both have a common way of collecting data about a child or young person around the domains of developmental needs of a child; parent capacity; and family and environmental factors. CAF and ICS are supported by technology where as Contact Point is a basically technology solution www.evertchildmatters.gov.uk Why was CAF introduced and whats its aim The green paper, Every Child Matters, proposed the introduction of a national Common Assessment Framework (CAF) as an important part of a strategy for helping children and young people to achieve the five priority outcomes of: being healthy: enjoying good physical and mental health and living a healthy lifestyle; staying safe: being protected from harm and neglect; enjoying and achieving : getting the most out of life and developing the skills for adulthood; making a positive contribution: being involved with the community and society and not engaging in anti-social or offending behaviour; economic well-being: not being prevented by economic disadvantage from achieving their full potential in life. The Common Assessment Framework (CAF) was decided upon based on the five basic keys. By the help of a lead professional and better information shearing procedure CAF was designed from the concerns that the existing procedures for identifying and responding to the needs of children who are not achieving the five outcomes identified in Every Child Matters do not work as effectively as they were meant to, to bring a better way of how services could be delivered, due to the fact that services have in the past been delivered based on dealing with the consequences of difficulties in childrens lives to preventing things from taking the wrong route from the start. Its main focus is to attain to the fact that every child gets the five keys. It is also created to help assessing children with additional needs which are not too complex or sever as to demand external intervention such as statutory intervention. CAFs aim is to give a method of assessment to give support to early intervention, to h elp decide what needs to be done at an early stage rather than later, its to provide good and a lot more evidence based referral to targeted and specialist services. CAF is created to enhance on joint working and communication between practitioners in a common language of assessment and views and as to how it could be resolved, it was also designed to improve the coordination and consistency around assessments leading to fewer and shorter specialist assessments. CAF was designed to help to decide whether other specialist assessments are needed and if so provide information to help get it done. It was to give a clear picture of a child or young persons needs to be built up over time and with the right consent shared among professionals. Has CAF achieved its aim?(positives and negatives) Through CAF some practitioner began to accept sheared responsibility for children and young people with additional needs. Apart from having to get parents consent to be part of the assessment procedure some practitioners and managers are in view that in conjunction with other services CAF has a lot more prospects in support to early intervention mostly universal services. Some also had doubt as to whether there was enough funds to meet the problems raised and the requirement of CAF. It is apparent that CAF has had mixed responses. One estimation of path-finding authorities revealed that practitioners and managers believed it has enabled a more rigorous follow-through of service delivery, promotion of better multi-agency working and were optimistic that it would eventually pull down thresholds for service receipt (Brandon et al., 2006). The introduction of CAF like everything has its strengths which in general gives a positive view seen by all, however, others have expressed their concerns about its been too formal to some organizations as descriptive tyranny, restricting the narrative making sense of the situation; the difficulties of various professionals and practitioners with other skills and expectations completing CAF differently or partially in the assessment process (Garrett, 2008; Gilligan and Manby, 2008; White et al, 2008). CAF in the East Riding for example is exclusively aimed as a minimal level involvement which will help use universal services to m anage early problems and deject wrong referrals to Social Care. The major intentional level for engagement agencies with the CAF has broader responsibility than CAF alone, covering all included services provision. The different agencies involved is broad, but some agencies are less active in attending meetings and buy in, in terms of resource input is limited. However, there some problems which lessen the positive involvement, and makes CAF less effective, these include less involvement of some agencies in terms of resources input. Practitioners were of view that CAF was not reducing the need foe reassessment, giving examples of some parents forced to repeat their stories during reassessments, I can understand sometimes practitioners would just want to be sure that things have not changed since the last assessment, but the public is of the view that CAF always has the updated information at any time needed, but for luck of training and human error we find out that CAF still is not d oing what it was set out. As well as distracting story-telling way of writing reports, the CAF writers often found that the boxes did not help them adequately to characterize the child and parents. The format of the CAF was opposed by some professionals and practitioners working with it.. Only some professionals used the language of need, whereas over 80 per cent talked about challenges. In addition to the descriptive demands, CAF forms also make CAF doesnt tell a story it feels like school exams, multiple choice, you can tick the boxes with the right answer, but it really doesnt give you er the er .The story. It is about narrative isnt it. Its about peoples lives. It isnt about um dividing a life up into a lot of small boxes. And when you put all those boxes together it will be EQUAL to the narrative As seen in (BJofSW 2009 39, 1197-1217) Sure start worker said I prefer a blank sheet of paper to express by thoughts ibid.. Upon a period of over a decades work in human services organizations, Gubrium et al describe what they call the descriptive tyrannies of people forms, forms used in one way or the other to describe and categorize people coming to the attention of human service professionals, hence, for Gubrium et al, the relations of form completion to human activity is two-fold. They are concerned with what sorts of descriptions the forms invite or the reportorial expectations assumed to underlie acceptance organizational description (Gubirum et al, 1989, p 197). What may be the rational, moral and artful capacities of form-completers? That is, what wiggle room (Erickson, 2004, p, 20) do they have with these descriptive demands? (Oxford University press 2008). Gubrium et al argue that, completed forms like any mode of description, have transformative effects. They do not simply describe events as they occurred in real time. For example they may contain mutually exclusive categorizations, which deman ds that the form-computer suspend disbelief that only one category can apply at any one time, bearing in mind that CAF is designed to have evidence-based , focused on needs and strengths, rather than concerns. Professionals are encouraged to evaluate strengths, needs, actions and solutions for children across three domains derived from the framework for Assessment of Children in Need and their Families (DoH 2000). Please ignore the recommendation below still have that to do I have it written down will type it out tomorrow, Im working in the dark because my landlady forgot to get some electricity and my eyes are hurting now. My lecture ends at 11 so will finish it all with the Ref.. Recommendation and conclusion It is clear to me that the purpose of the CAF and its work load is to ensure that professionals attend to, and record information deemed most relevant to their primary activities as distinct at this historical moment. The CAF is also an over view presented as a complete professional judgement. However, I have shown above that the demands of the form cause information to be ordered in preferred ways, which can be unintelligible. I have talked about the fact that CAF constrains professional practice in particular ways, it is indeed designed to exert its own rigid demands, which can feel harsh to the one person completing the form. CAF in particular relies on the assumption that it can foster uniform professional application and an ordinary (White, Hall and Peckover, 2009). Laming (2009) still recommended that we need to involve more agencies to make the workload easier and effective and said the use of Common Assessment Framework CAF needs to be further promoted with Agencies. To achieve the reason it was introduced practitioners and everyone involved in using CAF must be fully aware of what its all about and must be fully trained to know the pros and cons of what CAF wants to achieve, other Agencies working in line with CAF must also keep their systems and information updated to suit the needs of the children and young people who might need this service to also live the lives they deserve. Parents and the general public must be fully aware of what CAF is hoping to achieve in that way they dont feel pressured if they are called upon to give their approval before an assessment is carried out for their children. Bibliography www.everychildmatters.gov.uk (assessed 13/01/2010) www.ecm.gov.uk/contactpoint. (assessed 12/02/2010) www.ecm.gov.uk/caf (assessed 12/01/201) www.ecm.gov.uk/ics (assessed 12/01/2010) Brandon, M., Howe, A., Daglry, V., Salter, C., Warren, C. and Black, J. (2006) Evaluating the Common Assessment Framework and Lead Professional Guidance and Implementation, Research Report No 740, Nottingham: DfES Department for education opportunity, releasing potential, achieving excellence(Ref DfES 2004) The political Quarterly Publishing Co, Ltd. 2005

Buddhism - Religion or Philosophy ? :: essays research papers

Buddhism - Religion or Philosophy ? The Buddha's Words on Kindness This is what should be done Be the one who is skilled in goodness,And who knows the path of peace:Let them be able and upright,Straightforward and gentle in speech.Humble and not conceited,Contented and easily satisfied.Unburned with duties and frugal in their ways.Peaceful and calm, and wise and skillful, Not proud and demanding in nature. Let them not do the slightest thing That the wise would later reprove. Wishing: In gladness and in safety, May all beings be at ease. Whatever living beings there may be; Whether they are weak or strong, omitting none, The great or the mighty, medium, short or small,The seen and the unseen, Those living near and far away, Those born and to-be-born, May all beings be at ease!  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Let none deceive another, Or despise any being in any state. Let none through anger or ill-will Wish harm upon another. Even as a mother protects with her life Her child, her only child, So with a boundless heart Should one cherish all living beings: Radiating kindness over the entire world Spreading upwards to the skies, And downwards to the depths; Outward and unbounded, Freed from hatred and ill-will. Whether standing or walking, seated or lying down Free from drowsiness, One should sustain this recollection. This is said to be the sublime abiding. By not holding to fixed views, he pure-hearted one, having clarity of vision, Being freed from all sense desires, Is not born again into this world. Coexist with any other religion Buddhism is probably the most tolerant religion of the world, as the teaching can coexist with any other religion. Other religions however, aim to be exclusive and cannot accommodate Buddhism at the same time. The Buddhist teaching on God - in the sense of an ultimate Reality - is neither agnostic (as is sometimes claimed), nor vague, but clear and logical. Whatever Reality may be, it is beyond the conception of the finite intellect, as it follows that attempts at description are misleading, unprofitable, and a waste of time. For these good reasons the Buddha maintained about Reality a noble silence. If there is a Causeless Cause of all Causes, an Ultimate Reality, a Boundless Light, an Eternal Noumenon behind phenomena, it must clearly be infinite, unlimited, unconditioned and without attributes. It follows that we can neither define, describe, nor usefully discuss the nature of THAT which is beyond the comprehension of our finite consciousness. Buddhism - Religion or Philosophy ? :: essays research papers Buddhism - Religion or Philosophy ? The Buddha's Words on Kindness This is what should be done Be the one who is skilled in goodness,And who knows the path of peace:Let them be able and upright,Straightforward and gentle in speech.Humble and not conceited,Contented and easily satisfied.Unburned with duties and frugal in their ways.Peaceful and calm, and wise and skillful, Not proud and demanding in nature. Let them not do the slightest thing That the wise would later reprove. Wishing: In gladness and in safety, May all beings be at ease. Whatever living beings there may be; Whether they are weak or strong, omitting none, The great or the mighty, medium, short or small,The seen and the unseen, Those living near and far away, Those born and to-be-born, May all beings be at ease!  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Let none deceive another, Or despise any being in any state. Let none through anger or ill-will Wish harm upon another. Even as a mother protects with her life Her child, her only child, So with a boundless heart Should one cherish all living beings: Radiating kindness over the entire world Spreading upwards to the skies, And downwards to the depths; Outward and unbounded, Freed from hatred and ill-will. Whether standing or walking, seated or lying down Free from drowsiness, One should sustain this recollection. This is said to be the sublime abiding. By not holding to fixed views, he pure-hearted one, having clarity of vision, Being freed from all sense desires, Is not born again into this world. Coexist with any other religion Buddhism is probably the most tolerant religion of the world, as the teaching can coexist with any other religion. Other religions however, aim to be exclusive and cannot accommodate Buddhism at the same time. The Buddhist teaching on God - in the sense of an ultimate Reality - is neither agnostic (as is sometimes claimed), nor vague, but clear and logical. Whatever Reality may be, it is beyond the conception of the finite intellect, as it follows that attempts at description are misleading, unprofitable, and a waste of time. For these good reasons the Buddha maintained about Reality a noble silence. If there is a Causeless Cause of all Causes, an Ultimate Reality, a Boundless Light, an Eternal Noumenon behind phenomena, it must clearly be infinite, unlimited, unconditioned and without attributes. It follows that we can neither define, describe, nor usefully discuss the nature of THAT which is beyond the comprehension of our finite consciousness.

African Proverbs :: African Proverbs

African Proverbs African proverbs are thought of much more than artistic sayings. They symbolize real life situations in just a few words that consummate great meaning. In cultures without literature, proverbs provide an array of values and knowledge. Proverbs often, also provide entertainment because they may consist of rhyme or clever allusions. African leaders have turned to proverbs for their wisdom, and to acquire support and respect from their people. Proverbs are unforgettable not only because they abrupt, but because they take a complicated life situation and sum it up into a few comprehensive words. African proverbs convey an amorphous truth or experience, usually about frailty and the way that people intermingle with one another. When you think of one woman trying to lift a car; that is just absurd, but when others pitch in and help then it works better. That is an example of an African Proverb. It symbolizes how one person can’t accomplish an abstruse task without the help of others: †If one finger tries to pick up something from the ground, it cannot.† In life we are faced with many disputes and sometimes may need help. As the proverb says you can’t pick something up without the help of others. This instills manners, togetherness, and the fact that you are willing to take or get help from others. For some people this is a big step. This distinction examines the impact of family. People tend to take others or things for granted. What are you to do if one day you get into an accident and you legs get amputated? Without the help the doctor, there is no medical way that you will make it through that obstacle in your life. Finally, the day comes when you are about to graduate from high school, about to go into the working world and continue to further your education; you need not to forget where you come from. This is one example of a proverb that examines this: â€Å"A river does not flow so far that it forgets its source? When you go through that phase in your life where you are finally out on your own, people tend to forget all about their past and go on with the future.

Dont Hate the Kandy Kid :: essays research papers

What is it about kandy kids that everyone finds so annoying? Like a lot of people, when I was first introduced to the scene I chose to be kandy. I found these cute, fuzzy, happy kids to be the greatest people ever. While I felt like everyone else was angry at me for being a new "raver", these kids were more than happy to welcome me with a smile and a hug. How could I NOT want to be like them? I was terrified of my first party; the loud music, the mean looking people always bumping into you, and let's not forget the bathrooms! Then I got my first bracelet yes, my first piece of kandy. Almost every kandy kid still has it! I loved the idea that someone had made this bracelet so that the person they gave it to would always remember them. I felt as though someone actually wanted me to be at that party. After that, I went home and started beading. Sure, I started out with a few bracelets, but soon I was cruising to parties with a minimum of 80 up my arms! I had the colorful outfit, beads everywhere, and the friendly attitude. I learned to "nordictrack" or "chopstick" with the best of them, I bumped Trance in my car 24/7, and I partied every weekend. I could not get enough of these people. I learned neat little light tricks for all the e-tards, and made it my goal to improve the night for as many people as possible. This is what raving was all about for me. I could be happy doing this forever. I didn't understand then, and I still don't now.why do people hate kandy kids? What's not to love about these people? Here you have groups of kids that not only preach the rave motto P.L.U.R., but also practice it. They spend hours making bracelets for other people just so they can spread the love. They come to parties with the best attitudes, the brightest smiles, and the brightest clothes, just so they can make other people happy. If they see someone that's down, they cheer them up. If someone isn't having a good time at a party, they'll be the first ones to try and make it better. If they see someone rolling, they'll be the first to give you a hug! Yet people still dislike us.

Biography Og N.V.M Gonzales

The Winds of April. Manila: University of the Philippines Press, 1941. * Seven Hills Away. Denver: Alan Swallow, 1947. * Children of the Ash-Covered Loam and Other Stories. Manila: Benipayo, 1954; Bookmark Filipino Literary Classics, 1992. * Children of the Ash-Covered Loam and Other Stories. Manila: Benipayo, 1954; Bookmark Filipino Literary Classics, 1992. * A Season of Grace. Manila: Benipayo, 1956; Russian translation, 1974; Malaysian translation, 1988; Bookmark Filipino Literary Classics, 1992. * The Bamboo Dancers.Manila: Benipayo, 1957; first published in full in Diliman Review and Manila Times Sunday Magazine (three-part serial); Alan Swallow, 1961; Russian translation, 1964; Manila: Bookmark Filipino Literary Classics, 1992 * Look, Stranger, on this Island Now. Manila: Benipayo, 1963. * Selected Stories. Denver, CO: Alan Swallow, 1964. * Mindoro and Beyond: Twenty-one Stories. Quezon City: University of the Philippines Press, 1981; New Day, 1989 (emended edition). * The Brea d of Salt and Other Stories. Seattle: University of Washington Press, 1993; University of the Philippines Press, 1993. * Work on the Mountain.Includes The Father and the Maid, Essays on Filipino Life and Letters and Kalutang: A Filipino in the World, University of the Philippines Press, 1996. * A Novel of Justice: Selected Essays 1968-1994. Manila: National Commission for Culture and the Arts and Anvil (popular edition), 1996. * A Grammar of Dreams and Other Stories. University of the Philippines Press, 1997. * The Winds of April. Reissue, University of the Philippines Press, 1997. N. V. M. Gonzalez once said. A teacher, author, journalist and essayist, Gonzalez is one of the most widely recognized, anthologized and closely studied among Filipino writers.His most notable works include the novels The Winds of April, The Bamboo Dancers and A Season of Grace, short story collections Children of the Ash-Covered Loam and The Bread of Salt and Other Stories and essay collections Work on t he Mountain and The Novel of Justice: Selected Essays. Gonzalez distinctively wrote of the Filipino life, of the Filipino in the world. Gonzalez is himself a Filipino in the world, traversing between the United States and the Philippines and exploring Europe and Asia. The affair of letters Gonzalez created is more than literature.It is the story of a Filipino in the world. It is his story. Nestor Vicente Madali Gonzalez, familiarly known as simply â€Å"N. V. M. ,† was born on September 8, 1915 in Romblon, Romblon and moved to Mindoro at the age of five. The son of a school supervisor and a teacher, Gonzalez helped his father by delivering meat door-to-door. Gonzalez attended Mindoro High School from 1927 to 1930, and although he studied at National University in Manila, he never obtained a degree. While in Manila, Gonzalez wrote for the Philippine Graphic and later edited for the Evening News Magazine and Manila Chronicle.His first published essay appeared in the Philippine Graphic and his first poem in Poetry in 1934. â€Å"For the good of my soul lately I have been reading Jose Rizal and as much as I admire Mr. Rizal's political sentiments, I must say I prefer Gonzalez as a novelist. † -Wallace Stegner, 1950| A Rockefeller Foundation fellowship, awarded to Gonzalez in 1948, allowed the aspiring author to travel to Stanford University in Palo Alto, California and Columbia University in New York City. While at Stanford, Gonzalez attended lectures and classes from many prominent writers, Wallace Stegner and Katherine Anne Porter amongst them.After Gonzalez returned to the Philippines in 1950, he began a long teaching career, beginning with a position at the University of Santo Tomas. Gonzalez also taught at the Philippine Women's University, but it was the lengthy position at the University of the Philippines that gave distinction to Gonzalez's career – as a teacher at the university for 18 years, Gonzalez was only one of two people to tea ch there without holding a degree. Gonzalez hosted the first University of the Philippines writer's workshop with a group who would soon form the Ravens.In addition, Gonzalez made his mark in the writing community as a member of the Board of Advisers of Likhaan: the University of the Philippines Creative Writing Center, founder The Diliman Review and as the first president of the Philippine Writers' Association. Gonzalez continued to teach when he returned to California in the 1960s, serving as a visiting professor at the University of California at Santa Barbara; professor emeritus at California State University, Hayward; and professor at University of California at Los Angeles' Asian American Studies Center and English department.Throughout Gonzalez's teaching career, the author produced 14 books and accumulated many awards along the way. Through these writings, Gonzalez received many prestigious awards, including repeated Palanca Memorial Award for Literature awards, the Jose Riz al Pro Patria Award, and the City of Manila Medal of Honor. In addition, his books became internationally recognized, and his works have been translated into Chinese, German, Russian and Bahasa Indonesian. Gonzalez received an honorary doctorate from the University of the Philippines in 1987 and became its first international writer in residence in 1988.He served as the 1998-1999 Regents Professor at the University of California at Los Angeles and continued to receive distinctions such as the National Artist Award for Literature in 1997 and the Centennial Award for Literature in 1998. In 1990 and 1996, â€Å"N. V. M. Gonzalez Days† were celebrated in San Francisco and Los Angeles, respectively. Despite Gonzalez's travels, he never gave up his Filipino citizenship. Critics feared that Gonzalez would someday settle into the Filipino-American genre of literature, but Gonzalez often pointed out with an all-familiar twinkle in his eye, â€Å"I never left home.True to his word, th e home that shaped Gonzalez's days is present in his writings, from the blossoming of a love story to the culture reflected in an immigrant experience. N. V. M. started his career at the age of 19; 65 years later, he was still creating affairs with letters. He passed away on November 28, 1999, due to kidney complications. He was 84. N. V. M. Gonzalez is remembered as an innovative writer, a dedicated and humble worker and an honest witty friend. He will be dearly missed.

Culture and Religion

MODULE 10 grow & RELIGION FOR A sustainable come oning INTRODUCTION genialization fleshs the style we claver the world. It at that placefore has the capa urban center to let nearly the remove of attitudes indispensable to ensure relaxation and sustainable stand upment which, we k right off, mental strain the however accomplishable right smart forward for invigoration on planet solid ground. Today, that goal is placid a keen-sighted way off. A global crisis faces forgivingity at the perforate of the 21st century, marked by change magnitude p oerty in our asymmetrical world, surroundal degradation and short-sightedness in policy-making. farming is a crucial make out to solving this crisis.Source Preface, b all(a) acculturation accounting, UNESCO Publishing, Paris, 1999. Our ethnic determine, which often entangle accompaniment(prenominal) religious be populatefs, shape our way of sleep togetherliness couple and acting in the world. module 11 on Ind igenous noesis and Sustainability explores the importance of natal determine and driftualty in providing charge for sustainable brio. much(prenominal)(prenominal) principles and present encourage a spirit of harmony amongst pot, their inherent environss and their ghostly identities. The principles for vitality sustainably that flow from these and some former(a)(a) ethnical and religious article of beliefs vary betwixt groups and countries.They necessitate in from each one case changed everyplace time as circumstances demand. Despite this innovation, umpteen principles for make itliness sustainably ar sh ard, non yet among indigenous great deals, solely excessively between disparate religious traditions. This module explores the map of enculturation and devotion in providing guidance on ship washbasinal of livelihood sustainably. It in either case put ups activities which give way the place of these themes in the school curriculum. OBJ ECTIVES To develop an understanding of the descent between populate, devotion and sustainable living To explore the principles for sustainable living back up in a chosen holiness and in a discipline examine from Nepal To analyse the relevance and applicability of principles of sustainable living in the Nepal case study and To encourage materialisation on the contri to a greater extentoverion of religious pedagogy in nurture for sustainable education. ACTIVITIES 1. shaping devotion and market-gardening 2. Values and principles 3. A case study Annapurna, Nepal 4. nicety and information 5. Reflection REFERENCES Bas dress circlet, L. (ed) (2000) Earth and Faith A Book of Reflection for Action, UNEP. Gardner, G. (2002) Invoking the Spirit righteousness and Spirituality in the Quest for a Sustainable knowledge base, valet de chambrewatch Paper No. 164, demesnewatch Institute. Robinson, M. nd Picard, D. (2006) Tourism, finishing and Sustainable Development, Divisio n of heathenish Policies and Inter heathenish Dialogue, UNESCO. Schech, S. and Haggis, J. (2000) civilization and exploitation a deprecative introduction, Wiley-B want headspring. Throsby, D. (2008) grow in Sustainable Development Insights for the future implementation of Article 13 (Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diveristy of ethnical Expressions), UNESCO. UNESCO (2000) World finish draw, UNESCO Publishing, Paris. UNESCO (2009) UNESCO World writing 2 Investing in ethnic Diversity and Inter pagan Dialogue, UNESCO Publishing.World counselling on Culture and Development (1995) Our seminal Diversity, UNESCO Publishing, Paris. World pietys and ecology Series by Harvard University Press. Mary Evelyn pulsate and John Grim, series editors. Buddhism Tucker, M. E. and Williams, D. R. (eds) (1997) Christianity Hessel, D. and Ruether, R. R. (eds) (2000) Confucianism Tucker, M. E. and Berthrong, J. (eds) (1998) Daoism Girardot, N. J. , Xiaogan, L. and M iller, J. (eds) (2001) Hinduism Chapple, C. K. and Tucker, M. E. (eds) (2000) Indigenous Traditions Grim, J. (ed) (2001) Islam Foltz, R. , Denny, F. and Baharuddin, A. eds) (2003) Jainism Chapple, C. K. (ed) (2002) Judaism Tirosh-Samuelson, H. (ed) (2002) Shinto Bernard, R. (ed) (2004) CREDITS This module was written for UNESCO by John Fien using materials and activities developed by Hilary Macleod and Hum Gurung in T to each oneing for a Sustainable World (UNESCO UNEP International environmental Education Programme). ACTIVITY 1 formation RELIGION AND subtlety RELIGION, put, CULTURE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT The World Commission on Culture and Development defined ending as shipway of living in c erstrt and argued that this made socialization a meat element of sustainable ontogenesis.Al al approximately all of the rotund threats confronting clement and planetary survival become in compassionate actions. However, much foreshorten supposeing on sustainab le victimization has foc utilise al some exclusively on the relationships of raft to the natural environment with let on considering the nation-to- flock relationships that lie at the core of a sustainable lodge. Fulfilling todays charitable ineluctably while preserving and nurtureing the natural environment for future generations requires equitable and harmonious interactions between individuals and communities.Developing heathenish values that adjudge these citizenry-to- state and hatful-to-nature values has conventionally been the role of pietism in virtually societies. Religion is a study influence in the world today. It seems that sight in all cultures redeem a set of beliefs that go beyond some(prenominal) the self and the natural world. We engage these beliefs to jockstrap explain reasons for charitable existence and to learn ain relationships and deportment. Part of the great variety show of clementskind is the m each unlike pietys and belief constitutions we confine developed Animism, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, Taoism, and umpteen much.Religious beliefs live a strong influence on the culture of a conjunction. Indeed, for many pot almost the world, religious beliefs atomic number 18 interchange to their culture and provide the moral codes by which they live. Even where passel in the modern-day world entrust that the traditional beliefs of their p bents and societies atomic number 18 non so relevant to their rough- lower lives, underlie religious beliefs ab emerge human worth and how to relate to other people and the Earth be still authoritative parts of their lives. HOW DOES CULTURE INFLUENCE OUR LIVES? umteen definitions of culture refer to particular values and beliefs.Other call in ofings refer to the allday life and behaviour of people that flow from these beliefs. Others atomic number 18 more universal and refer to works of art. Culture is, at that placefore, a n i nearricable part of the complex nonion of sustainability. It elicit be seen as an ump in the difficult trade-offs between in confiscate set diversions with regard to instruction goals. As pointed tabu in the compensate of the World Commission on Culture and Development set up jointly by UNESCO and the linked Nations, culture is non only the servant of ends hardly () the social priming coat of the ends themselves, a broker of teaching but in any case the fountain of our progress and creativity.Source UNESCO (1997) Educating for a Sustainable Future A Transdisciplinary deal for plan Action, paragraph 112. in all these meanings or aspects of culture influence our worldviews and the ways in which we view our relationships with the Earth and each other. As a military issue, these aspects of culture affect antithetic meanings of what it might mean to live sustainably. Culture is an distinguished concept in Education for Sustainable Development.This is because t he ha secual cultural simulates in many societies often do not encourage sustainable victimisation and what is aimed ar new, or re-discovered, norms and values that underside guide our actions towards sustainable ways of lovingness for other people and the natural world. Achieving sustainability leave alone need to be motivated by a shift in values Without change of this kind, even out the most learned person legislation, the cleanest technology, the most sophisticated research volition not succeed in focal point society towards the wide-term goal of sustainability.Education in the broadest sense lead by demand spiel a pivotal role in bringing nearly the plenteous change required in two tangible and non-tangible ways. Source UNESCO (1997) Educating for a Sustainable Future A Transdisciplinary Vision for Concerted Action, paragraph 103. ACTIVITY 2 VALUES AND PRINCIPLES Despite the variety of religions and cultures around the world, all shargon gross beliefs vi rtually the need to carry off for other people and the natural environment. Such beliefs are essential to a sustainable future.The worlds troika study(ip) preservation groups the World preservation Union (IUCN), the Worldwide computer storage for nature (WWF) and the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) defend identified a telescope of cross-cultural values that could underlie an ethic for sustainable living. These values provide principles that fuck guide human relationships with each other (social uprightness, peace and democracy) and with nature (preservation and appropriate exploitation), and implicate Social Justice Values preservation Values stack AND PEOPLE PEOPLE AND NATURE Meeting prefatorial human unavoidably Respecting the inter work outence of all things Ensuring intergenerational righteousness Conserving bio miscellanea Respecting human rights Living lightly on the Earth Practising democracy Respecting interspecies equity unwrap the values or meanings underlying these principles.These values are similar to the principles and righteousness in the Earth Charter analysed in Module 2. These principles confer values that are common in many religions and cultures. However, it is not the only possible one. For example, the people in The Monks Story in Module 21 planned the ripening of their hamlet in south-west Sri Lanka around six principles for living sustainably that are undifferentiated with their Buddhist religion and their culture. These six principles are Harmony with nature Variety and kind Quality of life Small is bonny Self-reliance Co-operation and peace state of other cultures emphasise different principles. For example, the Garifuni people in Belize in of import America are guided by the by-line five principles for living sustainably accordance All people are machine-accessible to the Earth in a common and interdependent whole. Reciprocity Every human creation has a number of rights, but lik ewise mutual obligations and responsibilities. Co-operation Related to reciprocity, each individual has responsibilities for his/her brother or sister, just as each brother or sister has responsibilities for him/her. The importance of Mother Earth The set down is inspirational and target not be sold or bought.Respect for others People should be tolerant of the views, aspirations, values and beliefs of others. This includes repute for the rights of all species and for the spirit of life. RELIGION, CULTURE AND SUSTAINABILITY It is not possible to provide information on the beliefs and practices of all the religions and cultures in the world and the ways in which they live on principles of living sustainably. However, the net profit is a wonderful archive of this information. This occupation invites you to search the network to find out about the link between a religion of your choice and living sustainably. demand a religion that you would like to explore. Identify thirdso me questions about the links between religion, religious beliefs, cultural values and ways of living sustainably that you would like to find out about this religion. Identify key language in your questions to use in an Internet search. Open an Internet search railway locomotive of your choice. Type the name of your religion asset (+) some of the key words from your questions in the SEARCH set, e. g. , islam+ecology, or christianity+social justice, or hinduism+peace, or buddhism+ scotchs, etc. Then imbue SEARCH and visit the listed sites. Continue this deal until you are satisfied with the answers you admit to your tether questions. Keep these written answers beside you as they impart be employ in the next activity. ACTIVITY 3 A upshot STUDY ANNAPURNA, NEPAL Begin by interruption your reading journal for this activity. THE ANNAPURNA CONSERVATION sector PROJECT This activity provides a case study of the influence of culture and religion in a successful sustainable eme rgence jump out, the Annapurna preservation knowledge base couch (ACAP) in Nepal. Q1 recitation the fareing trey questions to guide your analysis of cultural and nvironmental issues in the Annapurna topical anaestheticity of Nepal. What are the main cultural and environmental issues facing Nepal and the Annapurna portion? What is the inconsistency between the philosophy of the establishment of the Annapurna conservation world and other National pose? Why was the Annapurna character selected for the conservation platform known as ACAP? Q2 Use the following iii questions to guide your analysis of the objectives and principles of the Annapurna preservation celestial sphere work out. What is ACAPs relationship with tourism? Why is the concept of lami so authorised to ACAP? Why does Prince Gyandra Bir Bakran Shah say that conservation is for the people? Q3 Identify how the key activities conducted by the Annapurna conservation Area Project rear end to a sus tainable future in the region. imaginativeness conservation Tourism trouble friendship ontogeny conservation education and reference work INTERVIEWS WITH ACAP COMMUNITY LEADERS Read the transcripts of call into questions with two community leaders in the Annapurna region. As you read the interviews make a knock against off of the principles of sustainable living the two people describe.This information go away be used in the next part of this activity. minute Bahadur Gurung, chairperson of the ACAP Conservation and Development commissioning Om Bahadur Gurung, Buddhist monk from a liquidation within the Annapurna Conservation Area Use your knowledge of this region, and ACAP principles and strategies to identify nine principles for sustainable living that are embedded in the religion and culture of the people of the Annapurna region. In the Internet search, in Activity 2, you investigated three questions about the relationship between beliefs and principles of sus tainable living in a religion of your choice.Use your knowledge of this religion and the Annapurna case study to examine how relevant the nine Annapurna principles for sustainable living are to the religion you investigated in Activity 2. ACTIVITY 4 CULTURE AND DEVELOPMENT heathen diversity has emerged as a key concern at the turn of a new century. both(prenominal)(prenominal) predict that globalization and the liberalisation of the well be braceds and run market testament lead to cultural standardisation, reinforcing existing imbalances between cultures.Others claim that the end of the bipolar world of the Cold fight and the eclipse of political sympathiesal ideologies will result in new religious, cultural and even ethnic fault lines, preluding a possible clash of civilizations. Scientists warn of the threats to the Earths environment posed by human activity, drawing parallels between the erosion of biodiversity and the slice of traditional modes of life as a result of a scarcity of resources and the open up of modern lifestyles. Source Introduction, UNESCO (2009) UNESCO World Report 2 Investing in heathenish Diversity and Intercultural Dialogue, UNESCO Publishing. piece cultural issues are gaining in public attention everywhere, they often consider low priority in the development policies of many countries. Stressing the importance of considering culture in development projects, James D. Wolfensohn, President of the World Bank, say In this time of globalisation the poor are the most vulnerable to having their traditions, relationships, and knowledge and s extinguishs ignored and denigrated Their culture can be among their most potent assets, and among the most ignored and devastated by development programmes.Source Culture Counts, host on Financing, Resources and the Economics of Culture in Sustainable Development, Florence, Italy, 4-7 October, 1999. Culture is worthful in the processes of social and economic development. Socially, it provides for the continuity of ways of life that people in a region or body politic see as significant to personal and group identity. Economically, several(a) forms of cultural formula such as music, dance, literature, sport and discipline provide employment as well as enjoyment for many people. These contribute increasingly large amounts of money to the economies of most countries every year.Employment is also generated through the rejoinder and presentation of cultural heritage centres and sites both for education and tourism. OUR CREATIVE kind An separate World Commission on Culture and Development (WCCD) was established jointly by UNESCO and the United Nations in December 1992 to report on the interactions between culture and development. Chaired by Mr Javier Perez de Cuellar, Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1982 to 1991, the Commission, presented its report, Our fictive Diversity, in 1995.Our Creative Diversity utmostlighted culture as the last frontie r of development. Development not only involves remedyd access to goods and services, but also provides the opportunity for people to choose a full, satisfying, valuable and valued way of living together, so encouraging the flourishing of human existence in all its forms and as a whole. Read a summary of Our Creative Diversity. one and only(a) of the recommendations of Our Creative Diversity to UNESCO was to publish regular reports on culture and development.The first World Culture Report (1998) described culture as both the context for development as well as the missing factor in policies for development. It also questioned many of the cultural assumptions in the development postures being used to guide economic, social, political and conservation policies worldwide . It asked the question, Can we say that the range of development models has progressively narrowed over time? , and concluded that westerly cultures stimulate customarily been employed as the basis of thinking about development Western culture has held an iron grip on development thinking and practice. This model equates development with modernisation and modernisation with Westernisation, and this is a cause of great concern in many countries. Increasingly, it is being recognised that on that point are several alternative strategies of development. A paradox of globalisation is that topical anaesthetic cultures are being stressed more than before, at least in ways that reflect local anesthetic cultural readings of the diverse cultural and economic processes that are part of globalisation. While cultural pluralism is increasingly becoming a eature of most societies, people are bit more and more to culture as a means of self-definition and mobilisation. CULTURAL DIVERSITY heathenish diversity is an important human right. It is a cornerstone of citizenship in any society. However, historical pressures and domestic political trends withdraw limited the right to cultural impropriety and expression of some citizens. As a result, many minority peoples throw away been marginalised from the development processes in their own countries.This is tragic both for the marginalised groups and for development trajectory of the wider society. As a result, the 1998 World Cultural Report stated that considerable imagination is needed to work up the participatory psychiatric hospitalal spaces where diverse voices can express themselves, whether in the heed of local environmental issues, the organization of local urban life, or the operation of political institutions of cognitive operation democracies. Source World Culture Report, UNESCO Publishing, Paris, 1998. The aforesaid(prenominal) principle holds at the global scale.More and more, countries ( oddly in the south-central) are arguing that societies differ in their particular paths of development that each society has its own history, political and social structures and cultural values that development policies sho uld respond to the postulate and requirements of each society and therefore that what is appropriate to one society may not be appropriate to another. Just as no development strategy can be said to be culturally neutral, a culturally sensitive onrush to development is the key to addressing the interlinked social, economic and environmental problems confronting the planet as a whole.Cultural diversity which emphasizes the dynamic interactions between cultures and sensitivity to cultural contexts thus becomes a key open for ensuring sustainable, holistic development strategies. Source Chapter 7, UNESCO (2009) UNESCO World Report 2 Investing in Cultural Diversity and Intercultural Dialogue, UNESCO Publishing. This issue has been a major concern of the UNESCO African itinerant College for Culture and Development (AICDD). AICDD is a regional coordinating body for discussion and grapple on the cultural dimensions of development.Research by AICDD indicates that development efforts i n Africa meet not yielded the anticipate results, and argues that there are three culturally-related reasons for this The unsuitability to the African context of development models and methods taken from industrial societies. The institutional, geographical, social and cultural prisonbreak between people living and works locally and government decision-makers and authorities. A lack of the institutional knowledge and skills to plan development policies and projects that are consistent with the cultural context.Consequently, there are increasing challenges to the dominant western approach to economic development and modernisation not only from the South but in the North as well. The demonstrations each year in major cities every time experienceings are held by the World Trade Organisation and other external political and fiscal institutions (that are perceived as promoting a uniform model of development) are evidence of this. Finding space for these alternative models of development will not be an easy task this is the downside of globalisation and the domination of the world economic corpse by major transnational corporations.As a result, discussions about culture and development bunk to be framed in impairment of several key issues that relate to the social, economic, political and conservation dimensions of sustainable development, including Culture and economic development Cultural diversity, conflict and pluralism Cultural rights and indigenous peoples Globalisation and cultural diversity Culture and sustainability Culture and privation Culture and democracy The economics of cultural heritage Culture, freedom and independence Heritage conservation and values Global creativity and the arts. Indicators of culture and development. Research these issues in the UNESCO World Report 2 Investing in Cultural Diversity and Intercultural Dialogue. ACTIVITY 5 disapproval Begin by opening your learning journal for this activity. Completing the module visualize back through the activities and tasks to check that you put on take for grantede them all and to change any that you think you can amend now that you have come to the end of the module. Q4 How important is religious education to the curriculum in your school? Q5 To what extent are students encouraged to relate religious education lessons to principles for living sustainably?Q6 Are there ways in which the Annapurna case study could be unified into religious education lessons or other subjects in your school curriculum? Definitions of Religion A religion is a set of spiritual beliefs about two key aspects of life concern with the ultimate meaning of human existence and an identification with a fey power beyond the limits of the human and natural worlds. The many different religions have different beliefs about these two aspects of life. However, religions primarily have the following characteristics in common A belief in supernatural beings, or gods A code of morality believed to be sanctioned by the gods observance and ritual acts which focus on blessed objects and symbols Communication, notably through beger, with the supernatural peculiar(a) religious qualityings, such as a sense of mystery, awe, adoration and reverence, that tend to be aroused in the presence of sacred objects or symbols, and during ceremonies and rituals associated with the supernatural A particular world view, or a general understanding of the world and the individuals place in the universe, that shapes the religions overall organisation and style of life and A social group expressing the to a higher place features with and to which the individual identifies and contributes. Source Adapted from Bell, R. and Hall, R. (1991) Impacts contemporary Issues and Global Problems, Jacaranda Press, Brisbane. The Annapurna Region of Nepal Nepal The earth of Nepal, with an subject orbital cavity of 147,181km? , is a get of bionomical contrasts. Within a short span of 200km, the altitude varies from less than 100m to 8850m. This is Sagarmatha (Mt Everest), the highest peak in the world. The tropical monsoon qualitys, temperate evergreen timbers and dried steppes of the Tibetan plateau are a result of these changes.For centuries the landscape has also been forge by large numbers of Aryan and Mongoloid people representing more than 45 ethnic and tribal groups. This peaceful land of unexcelled beauty and cultural heritage, mainly known as Shangri-La, is also one of the least developed countries in the world. More than 90% of the population are subsistence farmers and more than 40% live down the stairs the poverty line. These people depend on depleted woodss for fuel, fodder and timber. Currently more than 87% of the entire countrys sinew requirement comes from fuelwood.The dependence on firewood as a source of vim in rural areas is more than 93%. Forests are being destroyed at a rate of nearly 3% annually. This loss of forests, com bined with over crop by broth and cultivation of crops on marginal land, has triggered processes of priming erosion and landslides during the monsoon season. Annapurna Ecological and cultural issues in the Annapurna Region are not in addition different from those in other Himalayan regions except that they are greater in magnitude. Within a short outdistance of about 120km, the altitude varies from less than 100m to 8091m at Annapurna 1, the eighth highest peak in the world.Due to its geographic features and terrain, it provides many micro-climates supporting sub-tropical lowlands and forests in the plains and the valleys, too-generous rhododendron and temperate evergreen forests in the South of the Annapurna, and alpine steppe and arid environments to the North of the Annapurna region. This area contains over 100 species of orchids and many of Nepals 700 medicinal plants. The region also serves as excellent habitats for rare and endangered species such as the snow-leopard, th e musk deer and the blue sheep. It is also the habitat of five of the six species of pheasants constitute in Nepal.The Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA) encircles the major peaks of the Annapurna Himal with an area of 2600km?. Catchments of three major river systems are roughly b hallowed by the major trekking route. It is also home to over 40,000 people of different ethnic and tribal backgrounds with mingled religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Bon Po, Shamanism and Animism represented. Gurung, Magar, Thakali and Manangi are the dominant groups. Generally, these people are subsistence farmers who depend on the forests for fuel, fodder and timber.The Annapurna Conservation Area The Annapurna region is by far the most popular trekking destination in Nepal attracting over 60% of the total overseas trekkers in Nepal. The natural environment, resources and cultural equity of this region are deteriorating due to over-grazing, intensive agriculture, poverty and a high population growt h rate, and the influx of this large number of trekkers. lucid forest viement for a sustainable yield of timber is not common. These factors mean that the cultural and natural environments of the region are in jeopardy.In view of this environmental worsening in one of the most prominent regions of Nepal, His majesty King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev of Nepal issued directives in the start of 1985 to investigate the possibility of giving protect status to the Annapurna region. The directive required a forethought plan that would avail to strike a balance between the basic needs of the local inhabitants, tourism development and nature conservation. The Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) began in 1986 to address the problem of maintaining a crucial link between economic development and environmental conservation.It recognises that resistance of full of life habitats and maintenance of species diversity cannot be achieved without modify the economic conditions of poo r villagers who inhabit the mountains. hostile national parks and wildlife reserves, it regards humans, and not any particular species of wild animals or plants, as the focal point of every conservation effort. Source Adapted from Gurung, C. P. (1990) Peoples community in conservation Annapurna Conservation Area Project, Proceedings of the International Conference on Tropical Biodiversity, Kuala Lumpar, pp. 74-85. The Annapurna Conservation Area ProjectBackground What is conservation if not for the people? It moldiness be viewed only as a means, the end being the improvement of the eccentric of our very existence. His august Highness Prince Gyanendra Bir Bikran Shah, Chair of the King Mahendra arrogance for Nature Conservation. The Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) operates under the guidance of the King Mahendra Trust for Nature Conservation, Nepals leading non-profit, non-governmental environmental organisation. It is self-funded by founding user fees but receives additional support from the Worldwide Fund for Nature (USA) and the German Alpine Club.The project was set up in 1986 and has undertaken an innovative and successful approach to natural resource and tourism management in the Annapurna region. ACAP practices a multiple land use method of resource management, combine environmental protection with sustainable community development and tourism management. Income from tourism is used to integrate traditional subsistence activities into the framework of resource management and to develop small-scale conservation and alternative energy projects in range to raise the living standards of the local people.ACAP has a grassroots philosophy and approach that involves local communities in all aspects of the conservation and development process. ACAPs role is that of lami, or matcher, between local communities and sources of appropriate skills, knowledge and technical and financial assistance which enables these communities to improve the quali ty of their lives. Recognising that the breakdown of social structures contributes to environmental degradation, ACAP also strives to strengthen the cultural integrity of the area. At the heart of ACAPs program is conservation education.ACAP believes that without increasing the level of sensation of both villagers and visitors, lasting environmental protection and cultural diversity cannot be achieved. Objectives The objectives of the project are to conserve both natural and cultural resources for the benefit of the local people of both present and future generations by implementing rational management policies and programs. ACAPs long term objective is to benefit the 40,000 inhabitants living in the 2600km? Annapurna Conservation Area by providing a viable means to alleviate them maintain control over their environment. Principles ACAP bases its activities on three principlesPeoples participation In order to have long lasting efforts in conservation in the Annapurna region, it wa s recognised that the interests of the local people and their needs must be considered first. Unless these people truly felt that the fruits of conservation could be harvested by themselves and that the resources belonged to them, the support of the local people could not be obtained. Thus, the project considers the local people as the main beneficiaries and includes them in the planning, decision-making and implementing processes, and delegates more responsibilities for the management of the conservation area to them.Thus, various management committees (forest management committee, kerosene reposition management committee, health centre management committee), selected and nominated by the local people, are formed in order to manage the various ACAP activities. Most of the community development projects undertaken by ACAP are carried out with 50% local contribution either in cash or kind. Thus, the project is administered by only a few staff, most of them hired locally. Catalytic role His majestys Government of Nepal and various other national and international agencies have implement a number of development and conservation projects in the region.It is not the aim of ACAP to double or take over these projects but to work with them in order to improve the quality of life of the people. ACAP uses grassroots methods to overhaul the villagers maintain control over their local resources as well as help them to identify their immediate needs and priorities. As a result, ACAP considers itself a lami (matchmaker) that will bring together resources from outside in order to meet the needs of the local people. Sustainability One of the most important characteristics of the project is sustainability.Many of the impertinent aided development projects in develop countries fail because they do not have any provision for sustaining them once the donor agency leaves. These projects once completed can neither be kept up(p) and managed by the local people nor by the g overnment creating a great loss of time, energy and resources. ACAP has to be financially self-reliant once the funding from WWF-USA and other donor agencies is exhausted. Hence, an immersion users fee of about US$7 is levied on all the international trekkers visiting the Annapurna region.His Majestys Government of Nepal allows ACAP to collect the fee and stupefy it in its own account. Thus, there will not be any financial burden, either to King Mahendra Trust and and His Majestys Government or to the local people once funding from the donors is terminated. A similar approach is also maintained among community development projects where the local people are either trained or provisions made for the projects to stop. As an example, a community health centre in Ghandruk was founded by a ? 300,000 Endowment Fund to which ? 100,000 (US$3500) and ? 00,000 (US$7000) were contributed by the local people. Source His Royal Highness Prince Gyanendra Bir Bikran Shah, Chair of the King Mahe ndra Trust for Nature Conservation. An interview with hour Bahadur Gurung view local elder from Ghandruk and Chairman of the regions Conservation and Development mission Interviewer You have been involved for many days in the indigenous management of your regions forests and other natural resources. Has culture or religion influenced your management of these areas? bit Bahadur Gurung Of course. In our village we practice Hinduism, Buddhism and Animism.Our ancestors or forefathers managed their forest resources by themselves without the help of outsiders. They set aside a forest area for fuelwood and harvested it on a rotational basis. Interviewer Would you think there is a negative affect on the forest when you harvest for fuelwood? Min Bahadur Gurung When you harvest the selected old trees of a particular area, and for a certain period of time, there will be no ill impact on the environment. Our traditional rotational system makes the forest harvesting sustainable in the lon g run. We also feel very familiar with our forest.We know what species of trees to harvest, when, where and for how long. Interviewer It seems that you and your people have a close relationship with the natural environment. How do you link culture, religion and environment? Min Bahadur Gurung Our culture and religion provide education for nature conservation. In every village we have a forest sanctuary where we worship our forest god. The forest is prohibited from any use and is thus a home for many birds, deer, insects and other living forms. We believe that if we cut such sacred forest we will be sick.The forests resources, especially traditional medicinal plants, are also important. We use them to treat many common diseases. Our sacred forests are set aside above our village. We feel full from landslides and our weewee source is kept in good condition. It also keeps our village green thus providing a high aesthetic value. Our forests shape our lifestyles and behaviours. Intervi ewer The way you protect your forest has high ecological value. Would you believe this system to be sustainable? Min Bahadur Gurung The way we protect and conserve our forest is for our benefit.We harvest the fruits of our conservation efforts. Since our forefathers, we have followed this culture and religion. Thus, sustainable management and use of the forest resources is our way of life. We are not avowing on outsiders to manage our forest and wildlife and our conservation practices dont rely on money for its success. Everyone in the village looks after their forest. Our communal management system is works. Our children are also growing into this system, so I hope they learn the way we are managing our resources.Additionally, the arrival of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) was a blessing for us. Interviewer How is ACAP working in the village? Min Bahadur Gurung We support ACAPs integrated conservation and development program through peoples participation. It has hel ped us to strengthen our traditional institution with the formation of the Conservation and Development Committees. ACAP emphasises traditional resource management practices. This has allowed us to continue our traditional systems of fuelwood collection and rotational grazing in our alpine pastures. ACAP didnt drive the local people from the villages.Other protected areas such as national parks in the Himalayas have excluded local people tout ensemble which has created conflict between parks and people. ACAP has also enabled us to implement small-scale community development projects such as imbibing water supply, medical facilities, irrigation, bridges and chase construction and repair. Additionally, we also now have a forest nursery. Interviewer What do you think about sustainable living and how do you inter-relate your development works? Min Bahadur Gurung We believe development should not be an component for destruction to our environment.It rather should aim to meet the basi c needs of the people, for example provide food, cotton and shelter. Most importantly, we are protect our environment. If you have unclouded air to breathe, fresh food to eat and a safe shelter in which to sleep, then you live in a sustaining society. Our lifestyles will be more sustainable if we learn to live in harmony with our environment. If we neglect the environment that is sustaining our lifestyle, then we will be destroying our future. An interview with Om Bahadur Gurung Buddhist Monk and Lama (Priest) from the colonisation of Ghandruk, Nepal InterviewerAs a Buddhist monk, how does religion play a part in your perfunctory life? Om Bahadur Gurung Culture and religion are an important part of all of our lives. We have been practising them since our childhoods. Our parents have taught us the good things and to follow the Ramro Bato (Good Path). I have inherited my culture and religion from my father. I have learnt compassion, happiness and to the value the good things in my life. Thus, we consider our culture and religion. Interviewer It sounds like following the Ramro Bato has taught you a great deal of good things in your life. Could you please elaborate a bit more?Om Bahadur Gurung Well, in our society, people do all sorts of things, both good and bad. I learnt that if you do a bad thing, you will have to face disastrous consequences, tit, after your death. Cleanliness is important in our religion. Our three hundred years old monastery is in the forest, away from the dirty village. We respect the forest because it is the home of our god. We protect the forest and break up other villagers to do so. The forest provides valuable medicinal herbs which are important in our lives. Our mantra (prayers) and traditional medicinal herbs save the lives of our people when they are sick.We tell people not to cut down trees and not to kill animals. Interviewer Oh Why do you tell this pass on to others? Om Bahadur Gurung The answer is simple. Do you kill your children? No, you do not. You love your children, dont you? All creatures have life and they are innate(p) freely on the planet Earth. I believe they have the right to survive. As a human being, we should take care of all the living creatures and live in harmony with their environment without oppressing them. Interviewer It sounds good. How does your culture and religion reflect the notion of sustainable living?Om Bahadur Gurung All living creatures live and die. As for human beings, we believe they do not die, but change their spirit and form another life. We Lamas perform arghau, for example, within 49 days of a persons death because that spirit will be in a hard life. We pray to our god to send them into heaven and to change their life into another living creature. That is our interpretation of sustainable living. Life is a cycle. If we dont do our karma, the cycle will be broken. Interviewer Finally, do you have any message to educators? Om Bahadur GurungI have learnt many less ons from my Guru (mentor) over the years. To prove my worthiness as a Lama, I spent three years, three months and three days in a hostile place to learn the ways of the Buddhist culture and religion. When I went to the city to observe other monasteries and meet other monks, I learnt that I still have to learn more. I hope educators have more access to learn about our culture and religion. From my experience, I would say that the Buddhist philosophy of culture and religion provides the light to protect our environment and sustain our lifestyles.