Did anyone learn from the Ebola Crisis? The Water Project.

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Take a Water Break A collection of updates, knowledge, and distractions from us, for you. Vol. 15 - July 30, 2020 This Week's Highlight   Philip Omukiti is a member of the water user committee for Asena Spring, which he depends on for all of his daily water needs. Our team recently visited Mungakha to conduct a COVID-19 prevention training and monitor their water point. Shortly after, we returned to check in on the community, offer a COVID-19 refresher training, and ask how the pandemic is affecting their lives.  “Staying indoors is not my thing…It seems I have a lot of time on my hands,” said 31-year-old teacher. After several months of lockdowns, restrictions, curfews, and stress in his hometown of Mungakha, Kenya, it is easy to find empathy in Philip’s statement as so many people around the world are facing similar challenges. Continue reading to learn how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted Philip and his family.   Latest From the Field See what our team has been working on this past week. Last week, our teams trained more than 17 communities on COVID-19, ways to prevent its spread, and how to ensure that they stay safe while fetching water. In total, our teams led 870 trainings since the start of April. We are continuing to train communities and support water points in Kenya, Sierra Leone, and Uganda.   Our teams also completed 25 repairs on water points in need of attention. In total, more than 243 repairs on water points since the start of April.   Mass COVID-19 testing in Kenya has begun to spread into counties to help test beyond hospital walls. Test results take five days, on average. The government is following a schedule for mass testing meant to go through at least September. COVID- 19 testing is available at these locations in our areas of impact in Western Kenya - Kakamega County General Hospital, Malava County General Hospital (Kakamega), and Mbale County General Hospital (Malava).   Our teams in Sierra Leone finished up COVID-19 sensitization training in local markets and are beginning to hold follow up meetings at the markets visited last month. We observed some promising trends and some challenges. At the Lungi market, everyone attending wore a mask and, all of the handwashing stations were in good order. However, in the Rotifunk market, we found that all of the handwashing stations were missing. The market Chair promised to replace the missing stations. We continue to engage with market leaders and vendors to promote health behaviors and ensure that they are taking the necessary steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Covid-19 cases to date: Kenya - 19,125 (+4,320) Sierra Leone - 1,803 (+74) Uganda - 1,140 (+65) * These figures are based on extremely limited testing.  Data Source   WaSH in the News and Notable WaSH Resources Have some extra reading time? Impress your friends with your new-found WaSH Wisdom. USAID’s New Center for Water Security Signals Progress, But More is Needed - New Security Beat "The elevation of water security within USAID is an important acknowledgement that access to water plays a central role in a range of development challenges. But it’s a first step. The test for the Global Water Coordinator and Water Center will be how well they integrate the Agency’s well-known water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) work with investments in ecosystem health and freshwater resource management, resilience and climate change response, food security, energy development, and economic activity across the Agency within USAID Missions around the world. " 10th anniversary of the recognition of water and sanitation as a human right by the General Assembly - OHCR "Despite all of the important efforts and progress achieved since 2010, too many people around the world are still waiting for the promise made by the General Assembly ten years ago to become a reality in their lives. One in three people still lack access to safe drinking water and more than half of the World population (4.2 billion people) lack access to safe sanitation, while three billion people lack basic handwashing facilities with soap and water, and more than 673 million people still practice open defecation. This unacceptable situation causes 432,000 diarrhoeal deaths every year. Those appalling numbers show that progress has been far too slow and that the international community is far from being on track to uphold its commitment to achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all by 2030, as per Sustainable Development Goal 6.1 and 6.2." Inadequate Water & Sanitation Threatens Women’s & Girls’ Development in Senegal - Inter Press Service   "In urban Senegal, water shortages have been frequent for several years, affecting thousands of households. But this summer, the shortage has been more acute, as most homes have seen their taps run dry or reduced to a trickle.  In recent weeks during the  emergency coronavirus lockdown, protests have rocked both the streets of the capital Dakar and M’Bour, a city in western Senegal. Many citizens complained that water supply has worsened since this January when the government signed over the rights of water distribution and management, for 15-years, to a private company called Sen’eau. As the protests grew, the company made a public statement, blaming the crisis on a storm that damaged some of its infrastructure and promised to normalise distribution by next year." Yemen facing hidden cholera crisis as COVID cases set to peak in coming weeks – Oxfam "Thousands of people in Yemen could be dying from undetected cases of cholera because COVID-19 has overwhelmed the country's health facilities and people are too frightened to seek treatment for fear of the virus, Oxfam said today. The number of coronavirus cases in Yemen is likely to peak in the coming weeks while the heaviest rains are expected in August which could deepen a hidden cholera crisis. The numbers of recorded suspected cholera cases since March have shown an abnormal decrease. In the first three months of 2020, there were more than 100,000 suspected cases of cholera in Yemen but this dropped by 50 per cent in the second three months. Last year, the numbers increased by 70 per cent in the second quarter because it coincides with the start of rainy season."   Project of the Month: Mutulani Secondary School Kenya - Planned for August 2020 Provide a rainwater catchment to help at least 275 people find access to safe and reliable water. Learn More »   Things We're Reading Relatively random reads that we found reasonably interesting.   Love Is Medicine for Fear - The Atlantic "The Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu wrote in the Tao Te Ching, “Through Love, one has no fear.” More than 500 years later, Saint John the Apostle said the same thing: “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” This is a very strong argument: Love neutralizes fear. It took about 2,000 years, but contemporary neurobiological evidence has revealed that Lao Tzu and Saint John were absolutely on the money." How (not) to write about global health - BJM "There has been much talk recently in BMJ Global Health, in other journals, and on social media platforms, about equity in global health research. But there has been little guidance on how to write about global health in a way that advances equity and justice. Inspired by a famous satirical article by the Kenyan author Binyavanga Wainaina, I present some guidelines for how (not) to write about global health." Ebola prepared these countries for coronavirus — but now even they are floundering - Nature "What’s more, some health-care workers say they have not been paid in two months, and have stopped coming to work as a result. This problem vexed the Ebola response as well, leading to strikes among health-care workers. “Since they never paid us what they owed us during Ebola, I’ve decided not to risk my life again for COVID,” says Christopher White, an ambulance driver at Kenema Hospital. A report from the Center for Global Development, a think tank in Washington DC, projects that such problems are likely to grow worse as shutdowns and trade disruptions owing to COVID-19 damage the economies of low-income countries. Current trends suggest that falling economies will translate into a reduction of US$2 billion in the health budgets of all low-income countries between 2020 and 2024." The Seismic Hush of the Coronavirus - Eos "Seismic noise has dropped by half during coronavirus lockdown measures, giving scientists a rare lull to search for hidden signals usually drowned out by human activities. Researchers measure seismic waves coming from natural sources, like earthquakes and volcanoes, as well as human activities. Trucks, cars, factories, and even shopping can create high-frequency seismic waves radiating out from population centers, and most scientists filter out human noise to seek for natural signals. But seismic noise has been unusually quiet lately, in what scientists are calling the “anthropause.”" The Japanese-American Sculptor Who, Despite Persecution, Made Her Mark - NY Times "Today, Asawa has returned as a subject of rediscovery — someone who has finally been given the kind of international recognition that was owed during her lifetime, and whose legacy reflects both her own contributions as an artist as well as the singular path she forged for herself as the child of immigrants, a woman and an Asian-American. This past April, the United States Postal Service announced that 10 different works of Asawa’s would be featured on a series of postage stamps, out next month. Also in April, the first comprehensive biography of Asawa, “Everything She Touched” by Marilyn Chase, was published by Chronicle Books. She is now routinely included in comprehensive group shows alongside artists such as Anni Albers, Sheila Hicks and Bourgeois. Laib, who took the original call from Asawa’s daughter, eventually moved from Christie’s to the David Zwirner gallery and is responsible for several lauded solo shows of her work, resulting in sales of her sculptures for well over a million dollars."   Things We Like Taylor Swift - Folklore "I’m obsessed! It’s so different for her, and I’m so for it! I love all of the songs and I keep finding a new favorite. But right now it’s 'my tears ricochet', 'exile', and 'mad women'." - Maggie Reilly, Communications Coordinator

Read More on Our Weekly Blog Copyright © 2020 The Water Project, Inc., All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: The Water Project, Inc. PO Box 3353 Concord, NH 03302

Tennessee State Senator Embezzled $600,000 in Federal Money, U.S. Says

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/29/us/katrina-robinson-embezzlement-fraud.html


".....The money in question was intended to fund a nurse training program at a vocational school run by Ms. Robinson, but instead was siphoned off to add to her salary, help fund her other businesses and pay personal expenses, among other things, according to an affidavit filed with the complaint.  ...."

July 2020. Former head of Howard University’s bursar’s office pleads guilty to stealing more than $140,000

By 

Keith L. Alexander

July 24, 2020 at 9:56 p.m. EDT

A former top director of Howard University’s bursar’s office pleaded guilty Friday to stealing nearly $140,000 from the university.

Doemini Mosley, 35, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud in U.S. District Court. As part of the plea agreement with federal prosecutors, Mosley faces 10 to 24 months in prison and must repay nearly $140,000 in restitution as well as an additional $86,000 in forfeiture funds.

Mosley worked at Howard from 2011 through 2017, initially in the university’s financial aid office and then as associate director of the university’s bursar’s office.

An ongoing investigation by the FBI’s Washington office determined that she conspired with another Howard financial aid office employee to steal from the university, the government said.

Prosecutors in the fraud and public corruption section of the U.S. attorney’s office for the District said it was Mosley who hatched the scheme to steal the funds. Mosley collaborated with Brian Johnson, 35, an alumnus of the university who later served as associate director of Howard’s financial office from 2014 through 2016, prosecutors said.

In fall 2016, Mosley proposed sending the fraudulently-obtained financial aid funds from Howard to Johnson, prosecutors said. Johnson would then give half the proceeds to Mosley in cash or electronic transfers, prosecutors said. As part of the scheme, according to the government, Mosley applied the funds to Johnson’s student account even though he was no longer a student or employed at the school. Prosecutors said Mosley forwarded more than $107,000 to Johnson’s bank account from November 2016 to May 2017.

Last week, Johnson pleaded guilty to the same offense and admitted to sharing half the proceeds with Mosley. Mosley is scheduled to be sentenced Oct. 25. Johnson is scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 25.

The plea agreements were part of a 2018 investigation by Howard University that resulted in the termination of six employees, including Mosley and Johnson.

Keith L. Alexander

Keith L. Alexander covers crime and courts, specifically D.C. Superior Court cases, for The Washington Post. Alexander was part of the Pulitzer Prize-winning team that investigated fatal police shootings across the nation in 2015. He joined The Post in 2001. He previously worked as a reporter for USA Today, BusinessWeek and The Dayton Daily News.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/former-head-of-howard-universitys-bursars-office-pleads-guilty-to-stealing-more-than-140000/2020/07/24/099f2862-cddb-11ea-bc6a-6841b28d9093_story.html

BEMA International Requirement......e-Learning Course. The Fight Against Corruption

Here is the anti-corruption training requirement information.

                          http://www.thefightagainstcorruption.org/certificate/

Charles

 ----------------------------------------------

From: Charles D. Sharp [mailto:CharlesDSharp@BlackEmergManagersAssociation.org]
Sent: Friday, January 10, 2014 2:51 PM
Subject: BEMA Requirement......e-Learning Course. The Fight Against Corruption

As of Monday, January 13, 2014 PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT THIS ONLINE TRAINING WILL BE A REQUIREMENT FOR ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP IN BEMA, future certification process, and our participation in the global arena will require incorporating certain requirements to ensure our professionalism and credibility.

Use the following URL to complete the course.  We will not be tracking certification completion, but relying on your ethics as a professional that you’ve completed the training when asked, or when a procedure is instituted to track membership training requirements.

I know this is a last minute requirement, but for me to make any statement at public events of your association to address corruption issues then a standard has to be set to meet that requirement.

Please feel free to contact me at any time for additional information.

Charles

 --------------------------------------------

BEMA Network:

As part of our partnership in the UN Global Compact I highly recommend this course for all members, and affiliates with a global presence. 

In order to move forward in establishing our relationships internationally the issue of corruption has to be discussed openly to ensure that changes take place.

Sincerely,

Charles D. Sharp

Chief Executive Officer

Black Emergency Managers Association

Grant Funding up to $50K........ Maryland Nonprofit Foundation Recovery Initiative

All members within U.S. 

Please check your local State public safety agencies and offices for similar funding programs for your community.

Maryland BEMA International Members

If you have a valid 501c3 entity with IRS tax letter you will find that the application processes nationally are being simplified for grant application submission.  Apply ASAP.

Also we highly recommend and advise that BEMA International be added as a subject matter expert for annual dues contribution, and not to rely on local emergency management resources to provide all training certifications which may be overwhelmed due to COVID-19 tempo.

Within BEMA International our private sector members and consultants can provide education & training, exercise engagement & coordination, and job development advise and recommendations to ensure your program is a success and fulfills community needs.

Former head of Howard University’s bursar’s office pleads guilty to stealing more than $140,000

https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/former-head-of-howard-universitys-bursars-office-pleads-guilty-to-stealing-more-than-140000/2020/07/24/099f2862-cddb-11ea-bc6a-6841b28d9093_story.html

https://www.blackemergmanagersassociation.org/2020/07/july-2020-former-head-of-howard.html

Anti-corruption education and training

https://www.blackemergmanagersassociation.org/2020/07/bema-international-requiremente.html

Grant Opportunity up to $50K

https://onestop.md.gov/forms/dhcd-maryland-nonprofit-recovery-initiative-5f173344ea2cf472a715e6dd

Maryland Nonprofit Recovery Initiative (NORI) Application Round Extended to August 4, 2020 nonprofit organizations impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic can receive up to $50,000 in grant assistance through the Maryland Nonprofit Recovery Initiative (NORI). The initial round of NORI assistance includes $30 million for nonprofit organizations supporting economic recovery, health and human services, and housing in underserved communities.  The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development has extended the application deadline for the initial round of assistance. Applications now may be submitted until 12:00 PM on Tuesday, August 4, 2020.  For more information, FAQs, and to apply for NORI assistance, visit: https://onestop.md.gov/forms/dhcd-maryland-nonprofit-recovery-initiative-5f173344ea2cf472a715e6dd All the best, P.M. Hughes Master Continuity Practitioner Digital Engagement Coordinator

Black Emergency Managers Association International         1231-B Good Hope Road.  S.E.   Washington, D.C.  20020 Office:   202-618-909 bEMA International

“We are now faced with the fact that tomorrow is today.  We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now.  In this unfolding conundrum of life and history there is such a thing as being too late.  Procrastination is still the thief of time.  Life often leaves us standing bare, naked and dejected with a lost opportunity.  This may well be mankind’s last chance to choose between chaos or community.” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., ‘Where Are We Going From Here:  Chaos or Community’. Cooperation, Collaboration, Communication, Coordination, Community engagement, and  Partnering (C5&P)             A 501 (c) 3 organization

Climate Change. Science Based Targets for Low-Carbon to Protect Citizens

register for our fourth and final webinar in the Climate and Urban Health Series:

Net Zero: A Global Health Opportunity

As the world continues to tackle the coronavirus pandemic, global cities are taking steps to protect their citizens from the climate crisis and future public health shocks.  In this fourth and final webinar in CDP’s Climate and Urban Health series, we will enable cities to better understand what it means to set a ‘net zero target’ and how science-based targets and co-benefit solutions drive the low-carbon transition in ways that work for and protect citizens.  We will be joined by  José Siri, Senior Science Lead for Cities with the Wellcome Trust’s Our Planet Our Health Team and  Maia Kutner, Associate Director with CDP Cities, States & Regions, who leads CDP’s Cities’ work on Science Based Targets and Race to Zero.  We’ll also welcome  Celia Peterson, Environmental Sustainability Project Manager in Park City (Utah). Park City has made one of North America’s most ambitious climate goals: to be net-zero carbon and run on 100% renewable electricity for city operations by 2022, and for the whole community to be net zero by 2030.

Date: Wednesday, August 5, 2020

Time: 15:00 BST (British Summer Time); 07:00 PDT | 10:00 EDT | 16:00 CET

Register Now

You can find information on the entire series and past recordings by visiting the CDP Cities, States & Regions events page here. Please feel free to submit any questions or comments you may have in regards to the webinar to cities@cdp.net. We thank you again for your interest and look forward to seeing you again soon.

** If you are unable to attend the live webinar – please register today and we will endeavour to ensure that the full recording is sent to you via the email provided. This way you will able to view at your convenience. **

Georgetown Climate Center (GCC). Equitable Adaptation Legal & Policy Toolkit for states and communities

The impacts of climate change disproportionately affect overburdened and low-income individuals and communities of color that already face significant economic and social challenges. The cumulative impacts of pollution, racism, and political and economic disenfranchisement make it difficult for these communities to withstand and recover from extreme heat, flooding, and other climate impacts.

Today, the Georgetown Climate Center released the Equitable Adaptation Legal & Policy Toolkit, a comprehensive online resource to help state and local governments work with communities on climate adaptation solutions that put frontline communities first. Over 350 people joined the launch webinar this afternoon, which featured the toolkit's authors and advisors, including Jalonne White-Newsome (Kresge Foundation), Mayra Cruz (Catalyst Miami), Melissa Deas (D.C. Dept. of Energy & Environment), and the Georgetown Climate Center team.

Explore the Equitable Adaptation Legal & Policy Toolkit on the GCC website

The Equitable Adaptation Legal & Policy Toolkit features best emerging practices, legal and policy tools, and more than 100 case studies from across the country centered on equitable adaptation solutions. The toolkit explores fundamental concepts of procedural equity, community-driven engagement, and governance, then provides in-depth exploration of specific subjects to help guide community-driven planning processes and implementation, including: ·     Resilient Affordable Housing, Anti-Displacement & Gentrification ·     Natural Resilience & Green Space ·     Equitable Disaster Preparedness, Response & Recovery ·     Resilient Energy, Utilities, and Water ·     Public Health; and more. Each chapter includes lessons learned from communities and states that have implemented different approaches, and provides frameworks to help practitioners craft legal and policy options that address the needs of people who are most affected.

For questions, contact GCC Institute Associate and toolkit project lead Tiffany Ganthier, Tiffany.Ganthier@georgetown.edu. Explore the Equitable Adaptation Legal & Policy Toolkit on the Georgetown Climate Center website. Learn more about the toolkit's development process.