[VOA] Yaounde, Cameroon -- An estimated 8 million voters in Chad go to the polls Dec. 29 in legislative, local and district elections. Female leaders and activists, however, say women candidates are being underrepresented.

Seychelles has revised its national qualifications framework to enhance education and training standards in the country aiming to create more flexible and inclusive pathways for learners and employers. The Minister for Education, Dr. Justin Valentin, launched the revised Seychelles National Qualifications Framework (SNFQ) virtually in the African Continental Qualifications Framework (ACFQ-II) at a workshop taking place at the Savoy Resort and Spa, on Wednesday. The workshop, being held from November 13-14, is a forum for various stakeholders in the development of micro-credentials on the continent and how it may provide opportunities to develop the respective workforces. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) defines micro-credentials as «a record of focused learning achievement verifying what the learner knows, understands or can do.» This includes assessment based on clearly defined standards and qualifications awarded by a trusted provider. In his address, Valentin explained that such qualifications offer «an agile solution to an ever-changing landscape.» Through the discussions in the workshop, it was shown that since many people in the actual labour force later decide to enrol in various short courses, this is helping to build capacity and provide the labour market with the skills it required. This is why Seychelles has now included micro-credentials in its SNQF. Prior to including micro-credentials in its SNQF, Seychelles had carried out a survey to determine how the qualifications can enhance skill development, employability, and lifelong learning. «All forms of learning are validated and can contribute meaningfully to personal and professional development,» said Valentin. In addition to participants from Seychelles, representatives from various African countries, including Senegal, Ghana and Somalia, were present. During the two days, the participants discussed the impact of micro-credentials, share good practices as well as discuss how it will help respond to the growing demand in «green» skills and digital transformation. The fourth ACFQ-II forum is being held under the theme of 'Micro-credentials for better opportunities' and is a collaboration between the African Union Regional Economic Communities and the Seychelles Qualifications Authority (SQA). 

[allAfrica]

A woman was sent flying after she was hit by a car on Wednesday (Nov 13) morning. The incident occurred at the junction of Orchard Road and Handy Road. In a video posted to the SG Kaypoh Facebook group, the woman is seen crossing the road while the traffic light was not in her favour.   She appears to be looking down at her phone. The driver involved in the accident did not notice her till it was too late and collided with her head-on. In the video, the woman is sent flying and lands several metres in front of the car upon impact. She manages to sit up after landing, and looks stunned from the impact.   The driver and his passenger also rush out of the vehicle to assist.  Speaking to AsiaOne, the Singapore Civil Defence Force said that the female pedestrian was conveyed conscious to Tan Tock Seng Hospital. When contacted, the police said they were alerted to an accident involving a taxi and a pedestrian at the junction of Orchard Road and Handy Road on Nov 13 at about 3.15am.

About 2.9 million Singaporeans aged 21 and above can look forward to receiving between $200 and $600 in cash this December. The payout comes under the Assurance Package (AP) scheme which aims to help alleviate cost of living pressures for Singaporean households and provide more support for lower- to middle-income families. To be eligible for this, adult Singaporeans must have an annual assessable income of not more than $100,000 and not own more than one property. Recipients will receive AP Cash every December from 2022 to 2026.  In a joint press release on Thursday (Nov 14), the finance, health and manpower ministries also announced measures to help offset healthcare costs as well as the upcoming increase to MediShield Life premiums. About 1.4 million Singaporeans born between 1974 and 2003 will receive a one-time MediSave top-up of $300 to $500 in December. Under the Majulah Package - MediSave Bonus, about 1.6 million Singaporeans born in 1973 or earlier will receive a one-time MediSave top-up of $1,250 or $2,000.

An oncologist at Chennai's Kalaignar Centenary Super-Specialty Hospital, Dr Balaji Jaganathan, was seriously injured in a knife attack by a patient's relative dissatisfied with the treatment his mother received. The attack sparked protests by medical professionals demanding better security measures. The assailant was apprehended, and authorities promised swift action and increased security at medical facilities.

Developing nations need trillions in annual climate funding by 2030, according to a UN report released at COP29. The report estimates that these countries will require between $1.1 trillion and $2.4 trillion annually to meet their mitigation targets. This figure highlights the financial chasm between developed and developing nations in tackling climate change.

A new study published in The Lancet reveals that India has the highest global number of adults living with untreated diabetes. The study found over 212 million adults in India had diabetes in 2022, with treatment rates remaining low. Researchers emphasize the urgent need to address this growing health concern in India and other low- and middle-income countries.

Normal life in Manipur's Imphal Valley was disrupted on Wednesday due to a total shutdown organized by 13 civil rights groups. The shutdown was in protest against the alleged abduction of six individuals by militants in Jiribam district. The incident involved the burning of two trucks by suspected militants, further escalating tensions in the region.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently exchanged barbs during their respective campaigns for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections.

Some Scotiabank customers are still unable to access their online banking accounts after what the company called «scheduled maintenance» turned into a service outage that crept into Wednesday, sparking online anger and a proposed class action lawsuit.

A pair of Chinese vases that have been in the same family for over 100 years and escaped Second World War bombing raids have sold in London for a staggering £9.7m.

LABOUR'S tax raid on private tuition fees is in disarray as school heads have been unable to register for VAT on the official UK tax website.

Rankin has photographed the most famous people in the country - and now he has lined up some of the luckiest.

After Princess Diana 's tragic death in 1997, it was only natural for her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, to choose a personal item of hers as a reminder of their mother.

Coordinated dressing is a royal style trick that has been used for decades. As well as Prince William and Kate, King Frederik and Queen Mary of Denmark have used matching outfits to their advantage.

Russia’s leading film studio Mosfilm has donated tanks to the Defense Ministry Read Full Article at RT.com

[allAfrica] Margareth Mwakilasa, an assistant research fellow at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences in Tanzania and a PhD student in Global Health at University College Dublin, presented her research findings at the 5th HIV Research for Prevention Conference (#HIVR4P2024) in Lima, Peru. Her study, titled ''They are Not HIV Treatment Drugs; They are Preventive Drugs (PrEP): Experiences of Using PrEP Among Vulnerable Adolescent Girls and Young Women in Tanzania,'' was part of the Oral Abstract

The police have now charged the man who was arrested in relation to the missing two bags of money from a Beryllium security vehicle. Fifty-two-year-old driver Aldin Nelson, of Harbour View, Kingston 17, is charged with simple larceny. A date...

Member of Parliament for St Catherine East Central, Alando Terrelonge, has informed that a new mobile police station is now located in the community of Gregory Park. He made the disclosure during his contribution to the 2024/25 State of the...

A 48-hour curfew has been imposed in sections of Reids Pen in Portmore, St Catherine. The curfew began at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 13 and will remain in effect until 6:00 p.m. Friday, November 15. The areas of the curfew are: North: At the...

The St Elizabeth police are probing the circumstances surrounding the death of a man who was killed in a suspected hit-and-run along the Goshen main road early Wednesday morning. The body is of a dark brown complexion, slim build and about 5 feet 4...

With the presidency, the Senate and the House in hand, the Republican Party ushers in a new political era

The former congressman resigned soon after being being nominated as President-elect Trump’s attorney general.

A property agent was shocked to discover a leased home in a filthy condition, left behind by tenants who moved out several months earlier, according to a TikTok video uploaded by user HomesWithHaziq on Saturday (Nov 9). «For my future landlords, beware,» Haziq wrote in the video description. Introducing the video, he also stated: «If you're planning to rent out your whole unit, watch this video first.» According to Haziq, the home had been tenanted out for less than two years to a group of foreigners who had little interaction with one another, keeping to their own rooms. The location of the property was not disclosed, but Haziq shared with AsiaOne that it is located in the west. Starting with the living room, things appear to be clean at first glance - if a little cluttered - but Haziq soon points out in the video visible spots of black dirt hidden behind the couch. «The condition of the house will speak for itself,» he added. The first toilet certainly proved his point - the toilet seat was yellowed, with the bottom of the bowl stained black.

SINGAPORE — A law was amended on Wednesday (Nov 13) to implement more government-paid parental leave and mandatory paternity leave, which had been announced earlier in August. Under the amendments to the Child Development Co-Savings Act, parents-to-be will get another 10 weeks of shared leave on top of their current leave entitlement, bringing the total amount of government-paid parental leave to 30 weeks by April 1, 2026. From April 1, 2025, eligible fathers of Singaporean children will also be entitled to four weeks of mandatory government-paid paternity leave.  The new shared parental leave scheme will be rolled out in two phases, starting with six weeks from April 1, 2025, and increasing to 10 weeks from April 1, 2026. This shared leave is to be taken within 12 months of the child's birth, and employees must inform employers at least four weeks before going on leave in a continuous block.

Parliament voted in favour of an amended version of a motion put forth by Progress Singapore Party (PSP) Non-Constituency MPs Leong Mun Wai and Hazel Poa on Wednesday (Nov 13) after a debate that lasted five-and-a-half hours. This motion called for the Government to «review its policies relating to hawkers and the management of hawker centres to provide better support for hawkers to sustain and grow Singapore hawker culture, so that Singaporeans can continue to enjoy good and affordable hawker food». During his speech, Leong highlighted that high operational costs, harsh working conditions, and the expectation to provide cheap food are pressing issues faced by hawkers here. The PSP secretary-general then proposed that social enterprise hawker centres be phased out as contracts expire, replacing them with centralised management under a new government agency called Hawker Singapore. This new agency would oversee the management of all hawker centres in Singapore and the promotion of hawker culture domestically and internationally, working together with other relevant agencies, he added.

Le mouvement de grève se poursuit devant la clinique Paofai. Infirmiers, aides-soignants, brancardiers ou encore femmes de ménage... Ils sont une trentaine de personnes à manifester depuis hier. 4 points de revendication sont présentés à la direction mais pour l’heure, toujours aucun accord satisfaisant n’a été trouvé.

Removing bike lanes on sections of Bloor Street, Yonge Street, and University Avenue could cost taxpayers at least $48 million.

A Toronto teen has been charged as part of an investigation into Kitchener, Ont.’s first homicide of 2024.

The federal government has ordered operations at B.C.'s ports to resume Thursday, according to the B.C. Maritime Employers Association.

The Kingston Central police are reporting the seizure of 38 assorted rounds of ammunition and a nine millimetre Mac 11 submachine gun in an abandoned building during an operation on King Street on Wednesday. Reports are that at about 6:30 a.m.,...

Forty-year-old Garfield Biggs, otherwise called 'blacks', a businessman of Mandeville, Manchester, has been charged with fraudulent conversion for allegedly failing to pay over sums from the sale of vehicles.  According to the...

The Kingston East police are probing the fatal shooting of a man along Greenvale Road on Monday. Killed was 57-year-old Richard Brooks, otherwise called ET, a sound system operator of Bull Bay, St Andrew. Reports are that about 12:25...

Pete Hegseth has none of the customary experience for running the Pentagon. Several Republicans said they were surprised by Trump’s choice.