Category Archives: Education

TERI-UNOPS Initiative Empowered 27000 School Children in Uttar Pradesh on Climate Change, Health, and Hygiene Practices

24th June 2024 New Delhi, Delhi, India A TERI-UNOPS (The Energy and Resources Institute – United Nations Office for Project Services) collaborative initiative on “Capacity Building Programme Targeting School Children on Climate Change, Health, and Hygiene across 11 Districts of Uttar Pradesh, India”, concluded with a National Conference held in New Delhi on Thursday. The national workshop involving various stakeholders from ministries, UN agencies, and partners was held to share lessons from the field, exchange best practices from the project, and discuss scaling-up efforts. The project, is conceptualized around the combination of three Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely SDG 3 (ensure healthy lives across all ages), SDG 6 (ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all) and SDG 13 (limiting and adapting to climate change), aims to improve public health and raise community awareness. It incorporates climate change adaptations into the curriculum for school children in 11 districts of Uttar Pradesh, where unique challenges related to water, sanitation, health, and climate change are prevalent. The project especially focuses on teenage girls, providing them with the tools to effectively manage and preserve water sources.

Launch of TERI-UNOPS Project Manual

Dr Dipankar Saharia, Senior Director, TERI, welcomed the guests, dignitaries and particularly congratulated the students emphasizing their role as ambassadors of climate change. “You all are the torch bearers of the initiative and shoulder the responsibility of taking forward this message to the community to tackle the changing climate and make the environment clean. This will go a long way in achieving our sustainability initiatives,” he said.

Elaborating on the on-ground initiatives, Mr Vinod Mishra, Country Manager, UNOPS India, expressed the organization’s delight in collaborating with the Government of Uttar Pradesh to organize vital workshops for 27000 children across 162 schools. “Students can be the champions, if trained, can be the Ambassadors”, expressed Mr Mishra giving a rationale of the very project which has been conceptualized on the basis of three SDGs. Taking the audience through the objectives of the project, he further added, “By focusing on critical areas such as access to clean water, the impact of climate change, and comprehensive WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) facilities, we are directly addressing Sustainable Development Goals 3, 6 and 13. This initiative not only aims to enhance public health but also empowers communities by incorporating climate change adaptations into the educational curriculum.”

Highlighting the project’s achievements, Dr Neha, Senior Fellow, TERI, stated that the initiative raises awareness of climate change, water conservation, and menstrual health among school children. It also promotes sustainable water-saving practices in schools and aims to influence water management and conservation at family and community levels. This was followed by the student climate champions sharing their experiences and the screening of a project video.

Mr. Bharat Lal, Secretary General, National Human Rights Commission, Mr Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator, H.E. Freddy Svane, Ambassador at the Royal Danish Embassy in India, and H.E. Dr Muawia Elbukhari, Ambassador of Sudan in India, delved further into the achievements of the project in their special addresses. Highlighting the importance of the Jal Jeevan Mission and the factors necessary to contribute towards its success, Mr Bharat Lal, said, “There is a need for UN agencies and organizations like TERI who have an important role to play in the success of such projects through the children and youth. Achieving the mission of Vikshit Bharat will not be possible without children. A clean and green India can happen only by training and educating the children,” he emphasized.

Referring to the current situation of triple planetary crisis, Mr Shombi Sharp, said, “There is no better engine than youth for achieving sustainability.” Highlighting power of the large youth base in India, he further added, “India has more young minds, which means more young people bringing solutions to the problems than any country had before. So, this is about the youth and India is pushing the action climate action and climate justice for a sustainable future.”

H.E. Freddy Svane emphasized the need to bring about change at an individual level. “Take individual responsibility, for you are the ones who can harness the dividend of the young democracy. Do it through individual change,” was his message to the children present.

“Students would be the leaders of the community. We are surrounding them with the messages on climate change, health and sanitation means we are empowering them so that they tackle the issue individually,” underscored H.E. Dr Muawia Elbukhari. The launch of the Project Manual was followed by a panel discussion on the role of students as change agents in disseminating knowledge and building community capacities on climate change, environment, health, and hygiene. The panel, moderated by Mr RR Rashmi, Distinguished Fellow, TERI, included Mr Yugal Kishore Joshi, Adviser, NITI Aayog, Government of India, as the chair, alongside representatives from embassies, UN agencies, state and central governments, CSOs, and international partners. Further, the Student Climate Champions were felicitated by notable figures including the Panama First Secretary, H.E. Freddy Svane, and Dr Dipankar Saharia, Senior Director, TERI.

The event concluded with a strong commitment from all stakeholders and closing remarks by Ms Elizaveta Zalkind, Coordination Specialist at the UNOPS Office of the Regional Director for Asia. She emphasized the importance of continuing to support and expand such initiatives to build a more sustainable and resilient future by creating climate-resilient communities.

Author J. Dill’s New Book, Monsters

New York, NY, June 21, 2024 –J. Dill, an author and high school English teacher from the Midwest, has completed her new book, “Monsters”: a gripping and captivating glimpse into the human psyche that explores the ways in which one’s emotional monsters can manifest in their lives, and the best mechanisms with which one can confront them in order to take back control.

Every day, author J. Dill is inspired by the beauty of words and how they have the power to shape, build, and add value to human life. Her passion for teaching and learning is the same passion that drives her motivation to write. With the success of “Sheltered,” her debut novel, she continues to explore the literary world in multiple genres. Her dream is to empower others with her words and continue to live a life of love, personal growth, and creativity.

“If there’s anything I’ve learned, anything at all, it’s that monsters are real, and we break before we fall. Walk inside an anxious mind, see if you can race me to the end,” writes Dill. “Some monsters come to protect and some come only to destroy again.

“We can befriend the monsters, you, me, and We. Allow me your eyes for a moment and try your hardest not to flee.

“We remember together. We run together. We teach Death that She’s never been welcome inside the time She has stolen. Me, We, Pain, Pound, and Rayne. Ardavana blankets us all. She whispered to me that she’s glad you came.

“Monsters are real. And I am tired of running from them. If I am afraid, then there’s reason to fear. But come inside and look at them long enough, discover which face you might find in the mirror.”

SMC Exhibits at The American Society For Engineering Education (ASEE) in Portland, OR – June 23 – 26

Noblesville, IN, June 20, 2024 — Visit SMC’s Booth # 219 at The Oregon Convention Center, 777 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Portland, OR 97232 on June 23 to 26 to interact with the latest in pneumatic and automation training modules.

Products on exhibit will be:
· FAS 200 Flexible Assembly System with Industrial Automation Technologies
– Comprises up to 18 independent stations with integrated control
– Different process stations provide the system with greater flexibility and adapt to a wide variety of assemblies
Stations include:
– Base feeding / verification station
– Base rejection / transfer station
– Bearing feeding / transfer station
– Bearing measuring / transfer station
– And more

ASEE 2024 Exhibit Hall Hours:
June 23, Sunday: 5:00 – 7:00 PT
June 24, Monday: 9:00 – 6:00 PT
June 25, Tuesday: 12:30 – 6:00 PT
June 26, Wednesday: 9:00 – noon PT

Dr. Zena Hamdan’s New Book Our Inner Biases

Dearborn, MI, June 20, 2024 –Fulton Books author Dr. Zena Hamdan, a public health educator and scholar, has completed her most recent book, “Our Inner Biases: Awareness Alone Is Not Enough”: a thought-provoking guide to help readers reflect upon and identify their subconscious biases in order to work through and overcome them and dispel the harmful effects that can have over an individual.

“Have you ever heard about the power of thinking without thinking?” writes Dr. Hamdan. “We all hold inner biases toward many different aspects of life! And these biases have a negative impact on our social, family, study, and work environments. These biases are harmful because they influence the way we perceive things, make decisions, and interact with others.

“Learning to identify and overcome these biases is a very crucial step toward living a better life the way you like and not how others want you to!”

S.M. Naylar’s New Book I Should Have Written That Down

Vista, CA, June 20, 2024 — Fulton Books author S.M. Naylar, who grew up in Sierra Madre, California, and loves a good joke and anything medieval, has completed his most recent book, “I Should Have Written That Down: A Book of Random Poems”: a poignant and heartfelt collection of poems that range from a wide variety of topics to explore the author’s reflections on the world around him.

Naylar shares, “Memories and mysteries that have popped in my head || Puzzles and limericks that show up before I go to bed || This and much more reside within this book || Satisfy your curiosity and let’s take a look”

Andrew W Murray Jr.’s New Book The Right to be Selfish

Gainsville, FL, June 19, 2024 — Fulton Books author Andrew W Murray Jr, a loving husband and devoted father of three, as well as a US veteran and a retired Home Depot associate of twenty-five years, has completed his most recent book, “The Right to Be Selfish”: an impassioned plea to encourage readers from all walks of life to come together and repair the divisiveness within America, despite their right to be selfish and not care for others.

“We as a people of the United States of America face multiple problems every day,” writes Murray Jr. “Some are small, some are large, and new ones are coming up all the time. This is not a perfect society, and we don’t live in a perfect world. A lot of people here in the USA are doing the best they can do to help fix these problems. Some are not doing anything. They feel that it is not their problem. They believe if they turn their heads, these problems will go away. They will not. By not doing anything, some of the problems just got bigger.

“It has been proven time and time again that the only way to fix our problems is to pull together. When we stand together, we are one great nation. When we stand apart, we are just a country in turmoil. This is a free country and the land of opportunity. Because of this, this is also the land where you have the right to be selfish.

“Let us be one nation again. Stop the hate and embrace the love. Let’s stop fighting each other and start loving and helping each other. Let’s be the America that we once were. We are a very diverse country. We are because we are a great nation. Although we have the right to be selfish, let’s come together and fix our problems.”

Sheri Winesett Unveils Her Groundbreaking Book

Roanoke, VA, June 19, 2024 — Renowned business strategist and leadership coach, Sheri Winesett, proudly announces the launch of her transformative new book, “Transparent Leadership for Women Who Mean Business.” This empowering guide encourages organizations to elevate female entrepreneurs, executives, and aspiring leaders, unlocking their full potential.

Research highlights that women possess unique traits contributing to leadership effectiveness: empathy, emotional intelligence, communication skills, collaborative leadership, resilience, adaptability, diverse perspectives, empowerment of others, integrity, and ethics. Notably, the 2022 Spencer Stuart Board Index reported that women now hold 30% of S&P 500 board seats, up from 16% a decade earlier.

John Mattone Global, a world leader in executive coaching and leadership development, recently appointed Sheri Winesett as Chief Operating Officer and Partner. With extensive experience in scaling service companies and a proven track record as a certified business and leadership coach, Sheri has been instrumental in helping CEOs achieve significant traction and market innovation. For over 20 years, she has collaborated with top coaching firms in business operations, development, mergers and acquisitions, and strategic partnerships.

Her book, “Transparent Leadership for Women Who Mean Business,” serves as a beacon for female executives, entrepreneurs, and aspiring leaders aiming to break free from traditional constraints. The book advocates for creating cultures where every team member is excited to contribute, leading to faster problem-solving and more authentic work relationships. “We have a responsibility to lead. Future generations depend on us, and how they are led will shape how they lead others,” said Sheri.

Sky Ridge Future Careers Student Scholarship Awarded to Four Student Volunteers

Denver, CO, June 19, 2024 — For the fifth year, Sky Ridge Medical Center presented its Future Careers Student Scholarship awards to four student volunteers, all currently assigned to the Emergency Department, in recognition of their dedication and contributions to Sky Ridge during their time at the hospital. These young adults have donated more than 2000 service hours to Sky Ridge, learning about and serving in 13 different departments.

$5000 in scholarships were awarded to the new graduates to help them pursue healthcare careers. “My grandfather, who has had a huge impact on my life, was an excellent role model and mentor. He showed me how to inspire others to pursue their dreams. Helping students see the rewards of working in medicine and caring for their community is a gift, and I am excited we can help our young students pursue further education,” said Wes Ayres, Chief Operating Officer at Sky Ridge when asked about the importance of these awards.

The student volunteer program, led by Volunteer Director John Penn, is a passion for him. “My father and brother were doctors and this is my way of giving back to the next generation. I love hearing from our students about their academic pursuits and look forward to them returning to Sky Ridge as medical professionals.”

The Class of 2024 Recipients:
Melanie Angelo, Legend High School Graduate
“I found that the Emergency Department connected me to the community. Living in a secure and stable household, I never realized how sheltered I was from my community’s needs and issues. Volunteering in the ER has opened my eyes.”
– Heading off to Arizona State University
– Has supported five departments over three years
– Interested in Emergency Medicine

Sydney Geary, Rock Canyon High School Graduate
“Volunteering in the Emergency Department has been one of my favorite experiences because of its versatility, learning experiences, and direct connections with patients and families. My volunteering has helped me learn more about the systematic approach to admitting patients and the procedures and processes in patient care.”
– Plans to attend Colorado School of Mines
– Hopes to pursue a career in Neurology, Pediatrics or Emergency Medicine

Paige Scully, Cherry Creek High School Graduate
“I’ve had the opportunity to learn about traumas in the Emergency Department. I am impressed with how the team handles life-threatening events with composure and professionalism.”
– Moving on to the University of Tennessee
– Is interested in Hospital Administration, Marketing or Emergency Medicine

Nandhana Vivek, Legend High School Graduate
“The firsthand experience of watching skilled doctors and nurses work together to save lives has been nothing short of inspirational. It’s in these moments, amid the controlled chaos, that I’ve learned the most about the resilience of the human body and the impact of quick, decisive action. This is an invaluable part of my education, far exceeding what could be learned in a traditional classroom setting.”
– Will be attending the University of Colorado Boulder
– Wants to go into Neuroscience or personalized medicine
– Is also as a hospice volunteer and CNA at Stonegate

Trucent Renewable Chemicals Welcomes Local STEM Students and Educators with Ohio’s Lt. Governor

Van Wert, OH, June 18, 2024 — Trucent Renewable Chemicals was honored to host the “Educators on Location” group at their Van Wert facility on June 6, 2024. This initiative, part of Ohio’s Teacher Bootcamp program, aims to provide educators with a deeper understanding of local industries and job opportunities for their students. They were particularly pleased to welcome Ohio’s Lt. Governor Jon Husted as part of this event.

The Teacher Bootcamp program, funded by the state, brings educators from Van Wert and Lincolnview to businesses around the county, helping them gain insights into the various career paths available to their students. This program is crucial in aligning educational outcomes with local workforce needs.

During the visit, Lt. Governor Husted emphasized the importance of such programs in addressing the state’s labor shortage. “If your job is to be an educator, you’re focused on kids and what’s happening in the schools, but you never really get a chance to go see the businesses and meet the people that fuel, literally, the economy of your community,” Husted stated. “With this, we create intentional efforts to help teachers get the experience of seeing what’s happening in businesses. The businesses participate because that means they have some advocates right there in the school to help the students understand what kind of skills they need to go to work.”

The educators toured the facility, learning about Trucent’s innovative biocatalytic splitting technology, which produces high-quality fatty acids from various vegetable oils with significantly reduced energy consumption. This exposure not only highlighted the advanced manufacturing processes used at Trucent Renewable Chemicals but also underscored the diverse career opportunities available within the renewable chemicals industry.

“We are thrilled to be part of the Educators on Location program,” said Bill Hayes, Vice President of Trucent Renewable Chemicals. “By opening our doors to local educators, we hope to inspire future generations and provide them with a clearer picture of the potential career paths in their community.”

In addition to hosting the Educators on Location, Trucent Renewable Chemicals welcomed a local junior high school chemistry class earlier in the same week. The students were given an interactive tour of the facility, where they learned about the science and technology behind Trucent products. This event was designed to spark their interest in STEM fields and demonstrate the real-world applications of their classroom learning.

Trucent Renewable Chemicals is dedicated to fostering educational partnerships and supporting workforce development in Ohio. Trucent believes that by collaborating with educators and state officials, we can help build a stronger, more knowledgeable community.

Portronics Launches All-in-One Bella 2 Wireless Charging Stand

New Delhi, June 18, 2024: India’s most loved gadgets brand Portronics, launches the Bella 2, a sleek, all-in-one 15W wireless charging stand. Designed to simplify your charging routine, it boasts three induction charging pads for simultaneous multi-device charging and a configurable digital alarm clock for convenient access. Whether you’re tackling tasks at your desk or winding down for the night, our charger ensures your devices are always within reach and fully charged, keeping you connected and productive throughout the day.

Seamless Wireless Charging for Multiple Devices

The Bella 2 boasts three dedicated charging areas, making it an ideal solution to simultaneously power your smartphone, smartwatch, and TWS earbuds. The charging stand supports Qi-enabled devices, including Apple’s MagSafe-compatible iPhones (12 series onwards), for effortless wireless charging. Additionally, the base of the stand conveniently includes a standard 5-watt USB port. It provides additional charging options for another device.

Versatile and Adaptable

The Bella 2 is equipped with a configurable digital alarm clock, adding another layer of convenience to your daily routine. Featuring 4-level display brightness, the clock allows for customization based on your preferences. Dim the LED clock for a restful sleep or adjust the brightness for a distraction-free workspace. This personalized experience ensures optimal comfort.

Pricing & Availability:

The Portronics Bella 2 is available for purchase at an introductory the company’s official website, backed with a 12-month warranty. You can also find the product on Amazon.in and Flipkart.com, and other leading online and offline stores.