Is homophobia on the rise in the Commonwealth’s African member states?

This is a very complicated subject. Human rights is of paramount importance but there are some rights which kill the very fundamental moral principles of life.

The issue becomes more complicated when we are in the world where religion and all other social values co-exist. Human rights will allow all these to co-exist but the things we allow to co-exist are not symbiotic and sometimes one hardly tolerates the other.

By the end of the day it depends on who rules and who is in control and what are the values and beliefs of those in control.If those formulating human rights guidelines were/are guided by religous values and beliefs, which the human rights allow to co-exist, one would agree with me that some rights would be at very serious discretion. And it is a very big challenge if the one judging such a case in a court has religious values and beliefs but is judging using laws and guidelines which are not fully in support of his values and beliefs.

At the very end of it all, the basis of our powers is what determines which values will take lead in the end. Based on my religious principles, values and beliefs; some of the human rights exists because the world is mainly controlled by the devil. If we were to look critically at the human rights, they were supposed to foster the liberty which the creator himself wanted man and woman to enjoy on earth. That liberty has limits and that is why human rights have limits too.

If one critically analyses what other human rights and fundamental moral principles of life the gay rights torture, one would then justify whether it is proper to advocate for such or not.

In the real sense, what ever we do; it is spiritual war in the name of balancing which rights to include in the laws,sometimes mixing things which are immiscible.

In conclusion, we can allow our human rights to allow everything co-exist but the one to be taken by the majority depends on the beliefs and values of the majority and how religion and spirituality preaches for and against such rights. (personally, I hate same-sex relationships and those who do it should know that God will judge them on the last day)

other links:
http://www.thecommonwealthconversation.org/2010/01/is-homophobia-on-the-rise-in-the-commonwealths-african-member-states

RENEWABLE ENERGY FOR SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOOD : A NEW PROJECT IN PARTNERSHIP WITH "EMPOWER" OF AUSTRALIA IS BORN IN MALAWI

A new project has been launched where renewable energy technologies will be installed in a community to meet the various energy needs of the people.The project is to be funded by "Empower" of Australia in partnership with Mzuzu University, Department of Energy Studies.

The project will involve solar lighting using solar lanterns and PV modules for households, schools, and health centres; biogas production from animal waste for cooking; solar and wind water pumping for clean water supply and irrigation agriculture; water harvesting technologies and drip irrigation.

The objective of the project is to demonstrate and use renewable energy technologies in achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Energy poverty in Malawi is a very serious problem mainly at a domestic level in the rural areas. Women travel for an average of 10-15 kilometres to fetch firewood and this reduces the time they spend in income generating activities and family activities.

Three communities, from which one will be chosen, are currently being assessed. The communities are in Mchinji, Chikwawa and Mzimba. A vision workshop will be organised for the community which will be selected. The aim of the vision workshop is to encourage a participatory approach and empower the people so that we take aboard their problems and their suggested solutions to the energy problems they meet.

Small scale loans will also be provided to the community members for small business enterprises.

othher links: http://empowerprojects.org/ http://www.cscuk.org.uk/news/news.asp

SOLAR WATER HEATER FROM LOCALLY AVAILABLE MATERIALS IN MALAWI

A product of the then Polytechnic for Rural Electrification Project (POREP), a research group which I led as an Executive Director from 2004-2006. In the picture it is Collen explaining to the then Deputy Minister of Energy at Madziabango clinic in Chikwawa district where the system was donated.

With about K70,000 (£300) you can have this solar water heater providing 140 litres of hot water at about 70 degrees throughout the day. The tank is 70 litres but it can provide more than this because of thermosyphonic cycles depending on how you utilise it.The system can also be mounted on roofs hence improving its security. It is simple and robust.