The Intersection of Gender, Culture and Education: Jamaica: The Next 50 Years!

“The International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace highlights a fundamental truth: no country can solve today’s challenges alone.”- Secretary- General of the United Nations- António Guterres. The international order which has been in place since the Second World War is under threat. The world is at a critical juncture. Major global wars are dominating the international scene. From Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, to the wars in the Middle East, Sudan and beyond, the principles of the United Nations (UN) Charter are under direct assault. The international community is experiencing war fatigue from all these raging wars across the globe. Consumers are paying dearly for these wars as their grocery bills and petrol prices are increasing weekly. A global recession is looming. Disturbingly, in the midst of all these wars, a select number of connected groups are benefiting economically. The UN Charter requires that countries with disputes that could "endanger...

“Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live with today, and what we pass on to future generations.”- U.N. What images are conjured when you hear the word heritage? The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) defines heritage as the cultural, historical and social legacies passed down through generations. UNESCO adds that from cherished historic monuments and museums to living heritage practices and contemporary art forms, culture enriches our lives in countless ways and helps build inclusive, innovative and resilient communities. The definition of heritage is rather wide-ranging. Passing down legacies is one part of the equation. The protection of these legacies for future generations is equally important. As a result, protecting and safeguarding the world’s cultural and natural heritage and supporting creativity and dynamic cultural sectors are fundamental to addressing the challenges of our time, from climate change to poverty, inequality, t...

“Every beauty which is seen here by persons of perception resembles more than anything else that celestial source from which we all are come.”- Michelangelo. Art is often misunderstood. It is debatable whether an aura of mysticism and obscurity is frequently associated with art. Art is an expression from the artist’s view point. What makes art so interesting is the fact that the consumer has the right to interpret the art form. As a result, art can be viewed as subjective at its base core. Art is intergenerational. Art has the ability to connect people from various ethnic and religious backgrounds. Some will argue that there is a culture of neutrality surrounding art. Art is contextual and should be viewed and interpreted with this in mind. The term “art” is related to the Latin word “ars” meaning, art, skill, or craft. The first known use of the word art is revealed in 13th-century manuscripts. However, the word and its many variants (artem, eart, etc.) have probably existed since the...

“Sports can serve as a powerful catalyst for peace, inclusion, and international development.”- United Nations. Sports serve as a powerful channel for social transformation. Even in the midst of war and hostilities sports has the ability and scope to connect communities across borders and generations, reducing isolation among marginalized groups, and create space for dialogue, solidarity, and mutual respect. Sports provide that invisible bridge that often translates to tangible and meaningful cooperation among nation states. In light of its holistic reach, unparalleled popularity and foundation of positive values, sport is ideally positioned to contribute towards the United Nations’ objectives for development and peace. As a result, 6 April is observed globally as the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) by the UN General Assembly. This year’s theme is “Sport: Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers.” The adoption of this Day signifies the increasing recognition b...

“Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.”- St. John 11:25. Easter has always been the bedrock of Christianity from time immemorial. Even among non-believers Easter holds a special place of hope. There is a spirit of anticipation of Easter. This anticipation begins during Holy Week and climaxes on Easter Sunday with the resurrection of Jesus. Easter brings a sense of calmness and mindful discourse within the secular and religious realms. Not to be outdone, in education circles Easter brings with it some off time from the rigors of academic and intellectual dialogue. The resurrection power of Easter provides the best opportunity for strongholds in our lives to be broken. The chains of depression, shame, guilt, associated with masturbation, adultery, fornication, gambling, and lust are no match for the miraculous power of Jesus Christ. The trial, crucifixion, burial and resurrection of Jesus show the self...

Globally, 1 in 127 people is diagnosed with autism, a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition affecting social interaction, communication and behaviour. Autism is among the top 10 brain health conditions contributing to health loss globally. The World Health Organization (WHO) adds that despite international human rights conventions, autistic people still face stigma, discrimination and barriers to participation. Notwithstanding, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) is a major international human rights treaty that protects and promotes the rights of people with autism. It is made up of two documents, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which contains the main human rights provisions expressed as a series of Articles and the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The autistic community continues to experience challenges, such as access to timely and quality health care and access...