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Liberia: Minister Jallah Engages Young Women at She’s the Way Summit

What does it take to be ready for an opportunity you cannot yet see?

That was the thread running through Minister of Education Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah’s conversation with young women and girls at the SHE’s the Way Summit, organized by the Macdella Cooper Foundation.

Drawing from her own journey, Dr. Jallah spoke about the years that come before visible success. The rejection that redirects you. The discipline required to keep learning. The wisdom to protect a dream while it is still taking shape. And the humility needed when opportunity finally arrives.

She recalled being rejected by a school that told her she was not smart enough, only to enroll elsewhere and later graduate as valedictorian.

“I see ‘NO’ as Next Opportunity.”

She also reflected on a career that did not follow a carefully scripted path. Becoming Minister of Education, she noted, was not something she could have planned years in advance.

“You cannot plan for a position such as this. I call it preparation meeting opportunity.”

For the young women in the room, that was the message: keep preparing, keep learning, and keep building yourself, even when you do not yet know where the journey will lead.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Education: Republic of Liberia.

  1. TravelResilience starts at home: Preparing communities for El Niño before disaster strikesIn parts of the Karamoja region, north-eastern Uganda, the effects of prolonged drought are already visible. Water sources have dried up or fallen to very low levels. Families are travelling further to find water, while pasture continues to deteriorate, putting pressure on livelihoods that depend on livestock and crop production. One of the clearest signs of the worsening situation is Kobebe Dam in Karamoja’s Moroto district, normally a critical source of water for communities and their livestock. This year, the dam has dried up. In Nakidongo, Moroto district, more than 645 households displaced from Kotido District have moved closer to the area in search of water. Pastoralists from Loima in Kenya’s Turkana County have also crossed into the area with their livestock, seeking water and pasture. As more people and animals depend on an increasingly limited supply of natural resources, pressure on already vulnerable communities continues to grow. For these families, disaster risk is not a distant forecast. It is already shaping where they live, how they care for their livestock and how they meet their most basic needs. The Uganda Red Cross Society is responding by providing multipurpose cash assistance to more than 5,000 people affected by drought in Karamoja. It is also providing water for livestock, supporting pastoralist communities and their animals, including goats, sheep, cattle and camels. This assistance is helping address critical water shortages and protect livestock and livelihoods during the ongoing drought. Red Cross volunteers, who are part of the communities they serve, play an important role in understanding local needs, sharing information and helping communities respond to changing risks. Their local knowledge and trusted relationships can help ensure that warnings reach people and translate into practical action to protect lives and livelihoods. Yet significant gaps remain. Communities need sustained support for water access, livestock, food security and the protection of livelihoods. And the situation extends beyond Moroto: other parts of Karamoja, including Kaabong, Karenga, Napak and Kotido, are facing similar challenges linked to water scarcity, depleted pasture and growing food insecurity. On 13 October, the world marked the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction under the theme “Resilience Starts at Home.” The situation in Karamoja is a reminder that resilience is not an abstract idea. It is about whether families can access water, protect their livelihoods, understand warnings and get support before a crisis deepens. One climate pattern, different risks across Africa El Niño is a naturally occurring climate phenomenon, but its effects are not the same everywhere. Its impact depends on where people live, the season, existing vulnerabilities and how prepared communities are to respond. Across parts of the Greater Horn of Africa, forecasts point to an increased likelihood of heavy rainfall and flooding during the October–December 2026 rainy season. Meanwhile, rainfall deficits have already affected parts of Ethiopia, South Sudan and Uganda’s Karamoja region. Further south, the coming season brings an increased risk of below-average rainfall, prolonged dry spells and above-average temperatures. Parts of the Sahel are also experiencing rainfall deficits. These risks can have far-reaching consequences. Flooding can damage homes, destroy crops, contaminate water sources and cut off roads. Drought and heat can reduce water availability, undermine livestock and crop production, and put further pressure on household incomes and food supplies. For communities already facing conflict, displacement or food insecurity, another climate shock can deepen existing hardship. The consequences may take months to emerge as harvests, livestock and household incomes come under pressure and families struggle to meet their needs during subsequent lean seasons. The challenge is not simply to anticipate the weather. It is to understand what changing conditions could mean for people—and to act on that information in time. Turning forecasts into action Acting early means preparing before a crisis escalates and being ready to respond when risks become more immediate. This includes ensuring warnings reach communities, mobilising volunteers, positioning essential supplies and putting plans in place to protect lives and livelihoods. Across Africa, Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies are working to translate risk information into practical action. In Southern Africa, Early Action Protocols for droughts have been activated in Lesotho and Eswatini. These interventions include cash assistance, early warnings, community preparedness, water support and measures to protect livelihoods, helping households meet essential needs and prepare for worsening conditions. In areas facing potential flooding, preparedness includes strengthening early warning systems, mobilising volunteers, checking emergency supplies, planning evacuations, and ensuring teams are ready to support search and rescue if needed. The work is different from one place to another because the risks are different. But the objective is the same: to give communities more time and more options to protect themselves before the worst happens. National Societies are central to this effort. Their volunteers and local branches understand their communities, know who may need additional support and can help turn warnings into decisions people can act on. They also help ensure preparedness reaches people who might otherwise be overlooked. Resilience starts at home, but cannot end there Households play an important role in disaster preparedness. Knowing what to do when a warning is issued, protecting essential supplies, planning where to go during a flood and taking steps to safeguard water and livelihoods can all help reduce risk. But households cannot prepare for every threat on their own. They need timely and accessible warnings, reliable information, safe infrastructure, and essential services. Communities also need trained responders, functioning local systems and the resources to act when risks increase. Building resilience therefore requires collective action. The IFRC Africa Regional Office works with National Societies to strengthen coordination, identify readiness gaps and improve operational preparedness, helping ensure volunteers, supplies, logistics and early action mechanisms are in place as risks evolve. This support helps National Societies prepare for different scenarios and respond quickly when communities need assistance. Early action cannot prevent floods or droughts, and forecasts cannot remove all uncertainty. But acting on credible warnings can help reduce avoidable losses, protect livelihoods and ensure assistance reaches people before their options narrow. Acting on what we know Preparedness must continue as forecasts evolve and conditions change. It means listening to communities, monitoring local risks and adapting plans as new information becomes available. In Karamoja, the drying up of Kobebe Dam shows what resilience means for communities whose lives and livelihoods depend on access to water and pasture. When these resources disappear, families need the support and means to protect their livelihoods and cope with growing pressures. Resilience starts at home, but it depends on communities having access to information, support and resources to face the challenges ahead. Across Africa, the risks ahead are varied, and communities will not experience El Niño in the same way. What they share is the need for timely information, practical support and the opportunity to act before conditions deteriorate further. We cannot control the weather. But we can act on what we know. Resilience starts at home. Preparedness helps make it possible. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
  2. Aerospace & defenseUnited by Faith, Bound by FamilyFaith, family unity and spiritual growth are fundamental to nurturing a strong and resilient military community. In this spirit, Roman Catholic faithful and their families gathered at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Parish, Embakasi Garrison, for the annual Parish Family Day, an occasion that brought together worship, fellowship and celebration. The event also featured the official opening and blessing of the Cardinal Otunga Multipurpose Hall by the Bishop of the Military Ordinariate of Kenya, Rt. Rev. Wallace Ng’ang’a Gachihi. The celebration provided an opportunity for military families and members of the parish community to come together in prayer, thanksgiving and fellowship, while reaffirming the importance of strong family bonds in nurturing a united and resilient military community. A key highlight of the occasion was the official opening and blessing of the Cardinal Otunga Multipurpose Hall by Bishop Gachihi. The facility is intended to support parish activities, pastoral programmes and community gatherings, providing a dedicated space for fellowship and engagement among members of the parish community. A commemorative plaque at the hall records its official opening and blessing today 18 October 2026. In his homily, Bishop Gachihi urged the congregation to respect those in positions of authority, whether in the country, workplaces or the Church, noting that respect and cooperation make it easier for leaders to discharge their responsibilities. He encouraged the faithful to live lives that please God rather than seeking to impress people, emphasising the importance of making choices that glorify God and reflect Christian values in everyday life. The event also highlighted the Sacrament of Confirmation as an important milestone in the Christian faith journey. The sacrament strengthens candidates in their faith and deepens their commitment to Christian values and the life of the Church. The celebration underscored the importance of spiritual guidance and family support in promoting the well-being of KDF personnel and their families. Through shared worship, fellowship and communal activities, the occasion reaffirmed the role of the Church and the family in nurturing responsible individuals and strengthening unity within the Embakasi Garrison community. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Defence - Kenya.
  3. SportsBeyond the Parade Ground: Kenya Air Force Extends Compassion to Vulnerable ChildrenMilitary service extends beyond safeguarding national security to embracing compassion, uplifting vulnerable communities and strengthening the bond between the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and the people it serves. This spirit of service was demonstrated by the Kenya Air Force Parade Team, currently deployed in Eldoret for national parade duties ahead of Mashujaa Day celebrations at Kipchoge Keino Stadium, through a humanitarian outreach to Jawabu Rehabilitation Centre. The initiative, undertaken under the KDF Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) framework, was coordinated by Warrant Officer Class Two (WO2) Emanuel Kolil and WO2 Mark Mutai. The team donated foodstuffs and essential personal items, while engaging the children through mentorship, encouragement and moments of shared joy. The personnel also recognised the dedication of the centre’s management, caregivers and staff in providing care, rehabilitation and support to vulnerable children. Despite a demanding schedule of parade rehearsals, air display preparations and ceremonial drills, the team took time to extend a helping hand, demonstrating that the true spirit of military service is reflected not only in operational excellence and discipline, but also in humanity, compassion and selfless service. Warmly received by the children and staff, the outreach reinforced the KDF’s enduring commitment to community welfare, strengthened civil-military relations and underscored the importance of leaving a positive impact beyond the call of duty. As the nation prepares to celebrate Mashujaa Day, the initiative serves as a reminder that heroism is expressed not only through courage and sacrifice in defence of the nation, but also through acts of kindness that restore hope, uphold dignity and transform lives. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Defence - Kenya.
  4. AILesotho: National Science, Technology and Innovation Week 2026The Minister of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation, Honourable Nthati Moorosi, has called for greater efforts to translate scientific research and innovation into practical solutions that improve the lives of Basotho. The Minister made the call when officially opening the third edition of the National Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Week 2026 in Maseru Today.Held under the theme “Exploring the Role of Science, Technology and Innovation in Improving Lives and Building a Better Future,” the week-long event brings together stakeholders to explore how science, technology and innovation can address Lesotho’s development priorities. In her keynote address, Hon. Moorosi said the country must build a culture in which science, technology and innovation are central to solving problems, creating jobs and growing the economy. She noted that these fields are no longer activities reserved for universities and research institutions but have become the backbone of modern, competitive economies. The Minister stressed that research should not end with reports on shelves but must find practical application in factories, farms, businesses, public services and communities. She further highlighted Government’s efforts to strengthen the policy and institutional foundations for research and innovation, including advancing the Research and Innovation Policy through the necessary approval processes. The policy is intended to strengthen the translation of scientific knowledge into commercially viable products, technologies and services. As part of practical initiatives to apply innovation to national priorities, Hon. Moorosi said her Ministry, working with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition, is developing an artificial intelligence-powered chatbot to strengthen agricultural extension services. The initiative aims to improve farmers’ access to timely and practical agricultural information and advice. She also highlighted ongoing efforts to upgrade the High-Performance Computing infrastructure at the Mohale’s Hoek Data Centre to support scientific modelling, advanced research, data analytics and the development of locally relevant artificial intelligence applications. Hon. Moorosi called on universities, researchers and young innovators to move beyond demonstrating that ideas are scientifically possible and take the next step towards testing, improving, commercialising and deploying them for the benefit of society. Meanwhile, the Acting Director of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, Ms Matšepo Mosoka, reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to promoting science, technology and innovation as drivers of sustainable development. The week’s programme will focus on the application of science, technology and innovation in agriculture, healthcare, digital transformation, climate resilience and the broader innovation ecosystem. The event also provides a platform for stakeholders to share knowledge, strengthen partnerships and explore practical ways of addressing national challenges through locally developed solutions. Through the National Science, Technology and Innovation Week, the Government of Lesotho seeks to strengthen the country’s innovation ecosystem and ensure that scientific knowledge contributes to productivity, economic opportunities and improved livelihoods. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Government of Lesotho.
  5. EnergyAlgeria’s Hydrocarbons Minister Joins MSGBC 2026 as Sonatrach Eyes Senegal PartnershipsCompanies: SonatrachMohamed Arkab, Algeria's Minister of State and Minister of Hydrocarbons, will join the speaker lineup at MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2026 in Dakar this December, bringing one of the continent's most senior energy ministers to a forum focused on investment and regional cooperation. His confirmation serves as a bridge between one of Africa's longest-standing oil and gas producers and one of its newest, paving the way for greater collaboration across upstream exploration, infrastructure and power. Algerian cooperation with MSGBC nations has already gained momentum. Minister Arkab hosted Senegal's Minister of Energy and Petroleum, Dr. El Hadji Abdourahmane Diouf, in Algiers on October 4. The two-day visit produced a cooperation agreement between Senegalese utility Senelec and Algeria's Sonelgaz, while Petrosen and Sonatrach held discussions on a potential partnership spanning upstream exploration and infrastructure. Senegal's government has said the visit sets the stage for an intergovernmental agreement to be signed in Dakar during MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2026. The two national oil companies first signed a memorandum of understanding in 2022, and Minister Arkab discussed putting it into effect with Senegal's Minister of Foreign Affairs Cheikh Niang in July. The potential partnership comes as MSGBC countries look toward the next phase of upstream development following the start of production at Senegal's Sangomar oil field and the cross-border Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) LNG project. Regional priorities are now shifting toward advancing the next generation of projects, including Senegal's Yakaar-Teranga gas development and Mauritania's BirAllah discovery, while attracting fresh exploration investment across the wider basin. Moving these opportunities toward development will require capital, technical expertise and partnerships with established producers – creating scope for deeper cooperation with countries such as Algeria and companies such as Sonatrach. Minister Arkab’s participation at the upcoming conference also arrives as Algeria advances its own exploration strategy. The event convenes shortly after bidding closes for the Algeria Bid Round 2026, which the National Agency for the Valorization of Hydrocarbon Resources launched in April with seven exploration blocks on offer. Submissions are due November 26, and Sonatrach expects to finalize contracts with successful bidders by the end of January 2027. Exploration and production will absorb three-quarters of the $60 billion Sonatrach intends to spend between 2026 and 2030, as the company works toward lifting annual gas output to 200 billion cubic meters within five years. With a bilateral agreement potentially headed for signature on the conference sidelines, Minister Arkab's participation promises to be one of the defining moments of the 2026 edition and reinforces MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power's standing as the region's leading meeting point for governments and investors. Organized by Energy Capital & Power and held under the High Patronage of Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2026 takes place December 1–3 in Dakar and will convene heads of state, ministers, investors, operators and development partners from Mauritania, Senegal, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau and Guinea-Conakry. Explore opportunities and secure your participation at www.MSGBCOilGasandPower.com. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.
  6. Burkina Faso - « Kiidiga, le cri des 333 collines » : la résistance à l’envahisseur mise en lumière pour la postéritéLe Camarade Premier ministre, Chef du Gouvernement, Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo, a assisté, le dimanche 18 octobre 2026, au Centre culturel du Faso, à Ouagadougou, à l’avant-première du documentaire « Kiidiga, le cri des 333 collines ». Consacré à la résistance du royaume de Boussouma face à l’envahisseur français, le film a été projeté en présence de membres du Gouvernement et une forte représentation des autorités coutumières. Organisée dans le cadre de la commémoration du 130ᵉ anniversaire des batailles d’octobre 1896, la rencontre a associé projection cinématographique et dédicace d’un ouvrage collectif de chercheurs burkinabè intitulé « Burkina Faso : terre des résistances ». Deux contributions à la connaissance des combats menés par les communautés pour défendre leur liberté et leur dignité. Réalisé par Ismaël Compaoré, le documentaire de 70 minutes revient sur les événements tragiques de 1896 et la résistance du Riungu de Boussouma. Selon le réalisateur, cette œuvre entend contribuer à la réécriture de l’histoire nationale et la rendre accessible au grand public. Son titre associe deux repères liés à cette mémoire : « Kiidiga », qui désigne notamment un bras du fleuve Nakambé passant par Mané et renvoie à une histoire marquée par de lourdes pertes humaines, et les « 333 collines » du royaume de Boussouma. Ces lieux inscrivent le récit de la résistance dans la géographie et l’identité du royaume. La dédicace, au cours de la même soirée, de « Burkina Faso : terre des résistances » a prolongé cette démarche de transmission. Présentant cet ouvrage de 219 pages au nom des auteurs, le Dr Coulibaly Hervé Landry a expliqué qu’il met en lumière les différentes formes de résistance développées par les populations face à l’envahisseur. Fondé sur des travaux scientifiques, des archives et des traditions orales, il accorde également une place à des acteurs et à des communautés parfois peu représentés dans les récits historiques. Pour le Camarade ministre de la Communication, de la Culture, des Arts et du Tourisme, Pingdwindé Gilbert Ouédraogo, ces productions participent à la réappropriation de l’histoire nationale. Il a appelé à poursuivre le travail de documentation et de transmission des mémoires de résistance à travers la recherche, la littérature et le cinéma. À l’issue de la projection, le Premier ministre a salué « une œuvre de très belle facture », qui participe à la volonté de reconquérir l’histoire véritable du pays. Évoquant les massacres et les violences rapportés dans le documentaire, il a souligné la nécessité de se remémorer cette page sombre et de rendre leur place aux résistants dans la mémoire nationale. Rappelant l’orientation donnée par le Président du Faso, le Chef du Gouvernement a déclaré : « Il nous faut travailler à reconquérir notre histoire, savoir qui nous sommes, savoir ce que nous avons vécu dans notre histoire. » Cette connaissance doit, selon lui, permettre de mieux orienter les énergies et de comprendre le sens des combats actuels. Pour le Premier ministre, cette reconquête passe notamment par l’enseignement et le cinéma. « Il nous faut aujourd’hui remettre cette histoire-là à sa place, la replacer dans les manuels scolaires, réaliser des films qui vont raconter cette histoire », a-t-il insisté. Il a également évoqué les réformes profondes des curricula, auxquelles il rattache cette même ambition de rétablir la vérité historique et le récit national. Le Chef du Gouvernement a présenté cette démarche comme un hommage aux devanciers qui ont refusé la servitude et la soumission au nom de la liberté et de la dignité. La transmission de leurs combats doit ainsi permettre aux nouvelles générations de connaître leurs héros et de comprendre d’où elles viennent. « Kiidiga, le cri des 333 collines » constitue, a-t-il précisé, une première étape dans une série consacrée aux résistances qui ont marqué le pays. L’ambition est de faire en sorte que les œuvres projetées dans les salles portent « notre propre récit de notre histoire ». Du livre à l’écran, cette rencontre a ainsi affirmé une même exigence : faire connaître les résistances, honorer ceux qui les ont portées et transmettre leur mémoire comme un héritage de liberté et de dignité. Distribué par APO Group pour Gouvernement du Burkina Faso.