Thursday, October 31, 2019

Looking Within to Produce Without Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Looking Within to Produce Without - Essay Example As for the anger for example, I should practice claiming techniques, try to find positivity in every negative situation and this will assist in dealing with my inner feelings and preventing them from coming to the external and running my performance. Self-awareness of the situations that participate in my emotional state is necessary so that I can be able to better handle myself and be a better leader (Goleman, Boyatzis & McKee, 2001). My boss is not one of the nice people and this is especially visible when performance declines even if slightly. He is an autocratic leader that likes things to go his way and controls everything leaving us to be only faithful followers. Most of the times our performance is great but there are a few hitches we encounter at times and it is at these times that he is unbearable. The best thing I have learnt is to read his emotional state once he comes in the morning. This is important in order to know how to relate and interact with him for the day without him affecting my day and performance as well. If he is in a terrible mood, the best thing is to avoid crossing his path by asking him questions unless it is a really urgent matter. Becoming least resisting is another way to deal with him. Whatever he wants done no matter the magnitude or time limit I never argue or complain within earshot. This way, he is less angry and no conflicts arise. Leaders are more productive when they have open communication with their team members. This will require them to focus more on others and externally open as well as focusing more on the results. I would like my boss to for example be more supportive of the team by being empathetic and expressing concern about both personal and work issues. In this way, he can cultivate a culture of sharing, getting to know the potential each of us possess as well as develop trust with the team. I would also like my boss to constantly motivate us and especially after one

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

The In-between world of Vikram Lall-Draft Essay Example for Free

The In-between world of Vikram Lall-Draft Essay Home is an anchor; without it, one is lost. Brainstorming: The story is itself of an Asian living in an alien land of Africa which since centuries has been a colony of British regime. This essay will be developed around the Vikram Lal’s life in the alien land, and how he landed in Canada. Vassanji’s power lies in his carefully narrated skill in examining the paradoxical and complex situations in which Lal Ji and many other Asians find themselves. It is all an issue of bringing forth hidden identity in the soils where racism and class division is at its peak and always struggling to make themselves feel at home in the alien land away from home. It is rightly said that Home is an anchor; without it, one is lost. It implies that Home makes us realize what we are and who we are. It makes us identify with ourself, with neighbors and society. In an alien land more and more we try to search our identity more and more we find ourselves lost in the two worlds. In the quest to be loyal to the alien land we deprive ourselves from our own identity and if we refuse to adopt the alien world, we are not adopted by that world. I would try to explore how Vassanji’s tried to explore this dilemma in the minds of the immigrants through the story of Vikram Lal in the family. Outline Racism Author was himself born in Kenya It is his own experiences which are reflected in the book Through the voice of Vikram Lal, this story will bring about the problem of citizenship for the people of Asian Descent in Kenya and how they are adjusting and adopting themselves in the alien land where Kenya is itself engulfed in the fire of rebellion against the British regime. The situation of Kenya when it is rapidly descended into neo-colonialism addresses the issue of citizenship for people of Asian descent in Kenya by studying the during the president-ship of Jomo Kenyatta. Rough Draft Racism was deeply into the   soils of Kenya and the Aisans too had to face the burnt of racism and the question of class further raised the question of establishing him politically. The way Vikram Lall perforrn his struggle for citizenship is in sharp contrast to his friend Nioroge who inspite of belonging to the very lowest strata of society, he occupied highest posistion duing neocolonial period.   was occupieng the   considered to be   differentiated

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Thalassemia Effects on Pregnancy

Thalassemia Effects on Pregnancy Thalassemia is the most common hereditary disease in Iran and more than 2 million carriers of the thalassemia mutant gene are living in this country. Material methods: In this retrospective, case-control study, all pregnancies occurred between 2006 and 2008 were included. Patients were divided in two groups regarding the presence of ÃŽÂ ²-thalassemia. Patients in case and control groups were matched according to maternal age, gestational age and number of previous pregnancies. Cesarean delivery, hypertensive disorders, gestational diabetes mellitus, premature rupture of membranes and preterm labor were recorded in each group and were compared using the à Ã¢â‚¬ ¡2 or Fisher exact tests. Results: Overall 510 ÃŽÂ ²-thalassemia subjects and 512 healthy controls were studied. cases with ÃŽÂ ²-thalassemia had significantly higher prevalence of oligohydramnios (P Conclusion: ÃŽÂ ²-thalassemia does not influence the pregnancy outcome in the negative way significantly. Keywords: Minor ÃŽÂ ²-thalassemia, Pregnancy outcome, Gestational diabetes mellitus Oligohydramnios Introduction The prevalence and severity of the thalassemia syndromes are population dependent.(1) Thalassemia minor results in a variable degree of the disease but, depending on the rate of ÃŽÂ ²-chain production, usually presents as asymptomatic anemia of mild degree(2) ÃŽÂ ²-thalassemia is the most common hereditary disease in Iran and more than 2 million carriers of the ÃŽÂ ²-thalassemia mutant gene are living in this country. About 110 mutant genes have been recognized all over the world of which 21 have been identified in the Iranian population. The mutant genes and their frequencies vary greatly in different parts of Iran Prevalence of ÃŽÂ ² thalassemia minor among Iranian is about 7%. (3) ÃŽÂ ²-thalassemia minor represents the heterozygous state. In general, a heterozygote for thalassemia is diagnosed owing to the patient presenting with a mild anemia (hemoglobin A level 1 or 2 g below normal range), low mean cell volume, low mean corpuscular hemoglobin, elevated hemoglobin A2, and normal or elevated hemoglobin F. During pregnancy, women with thalassemia minor will often show more significant anemia, which is often most prominent during the latter half of the second trimester and early third(4,5,6,7). Thalassemia syndromes constitute a group of inherited hemoglobinopathies that require close maternal and fetal surveillance during pregnancy, including appropriate consultation with maternal fetal medicine and hematology specialists. Even for the women who are asymptomatic before pregnancy the added stresses of pregnancy on the hematopoietic system can cause deterioration of maternal status. Health care providers must appreciate that the more severe the thalassemia syndrome the more significant the consequences for both woman and fetus.(4) The impaired globin synthesis impairs oxygen transport and delivery to tissues, placental bed, and fetus because of limited hemoglobin-oxygen binding. Furthermore, in more severe disease states, the accumulation of iron stores in vital maternal organ systems can lead to chronic organ dysfunction, such as cardiomyopathy and diabetes. These women must be monitored closely for worsening anemia and the development of pregnancy-associated complications (8). Because of high prevalence of ÃŽÂ ²-thalassemia in Iran and its possible effects on pregnancy outcome and limited study about this problem. we performed this retrospective case-control study to investigate pregnancy outcome of patients with minor ÃŽÂ ²-thalassemia referring to Hafez Hospital of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences between 2006 and 2009. These results can alert health care providers to take more care about ÃŽÂ ² thalassemia and pregnancy. Methods and material: This study was a case-control one which included all the pregnancies (7290) referring to Hafez Hospital of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences between 2006 and 2008. The patients were divided into two groups regarding the presence of ÃŽÂ ²-thalassemia. Patients in case and control groups were matched according to maternal age, gestational age and number of previous pregnancies. The study was approved by Shiraz University of Medical Sciences ethical committee and all the patients gave their written consents. The data was collected by a means of a questionnaire. Overall 510 ÃŽÂ ²-thalassemia subjects and 512 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Only women with singleton pregnancy were included. Patient with recurrent abortions (2 or more consecutive pregnancies resulting in spontaneous abortion), history of neural tube defect in previous pregnancies, history of infertility, history of any medical problem, undelivered in this center or mean follow-up visits less than thr ee times were excluded. Follow-up intervals in case and control groups were similar. Gestational age was calculated from the first day of last menstrual period or according to the sonography which was performed in the first months of pregnancy. Anemia was determined on the basis of hemoglobin less than 10 mg/dl. Anemia evaluation was performed in all the cases. Complete blood count (CBC), Iron studies (iron, total iron binding capacity) were performed for excluding iron deficiency anemia and the anemia of chronic disorders. Thalassemia was diagnosed according to CBC and standard hemoglobin electrophoresis criteria in the first trimester: an elevation of Hb A2 (equal or more than 3.5%) demonstrated by electrophoresis and column chromatography confirms the diagnosis of ÃŽÂ ²-thalassemia trait. Blood transfusions were given only when hemoglobin (Hb) dropped significantly (less than 7mg/dl)either due to pregnancy or any other causes. Hemoglobin increased at least to 10 mg/dl with transfusion.(According ACOG criteria(9) Folate supplement in each group (case control) w as given 1mg orally daily. In the study period each patient was evaluated for maternal age, parity, gestational age, maternal anemia during pregnancy (hemoglobin less than 10 g/dL) and birth weight. Poor pregnancy outcomes or complications included hypertensive disorders, gestational diabetes mellitus, premature rupture of membranes (rupture of membrane under 37 weeks gestational age ) and preterm labor.(labor pain under 37 weaks of gestational age) Hydramnios (amniotic fluid index more than 24 cm), oligohydramnios (amniotic fluid index 5 cm or less) and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) (when intrauterine growth under 10% by serial sonography especially in third trimester of pregnancy)were also evaluated using sonography in the third trimester. Labor and perinatal outcome included placental abruption, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, cesarean delivery, Apgar score at 1 and 5 minutes less than 7, perinatal mortality, postpartum hemorrhage, and maternal packed-cell transfusions, neonatal ICU admission. Statistical analysis was performed with the SPSS package. Statistical significance was calculated by using the à Ã¢â‚¬ ¡2 or Fisher exact test. A multivariate logistic regression model, with backward elimination, was constructed to find independent risk factors associated with maternal ÃŽÂ ²-thalassemia minor. Odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed. A value of P less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results We recorded 510 alive-births and 7 (1.4 %) stillbirths in case and 512 alive births and 5 (1%) stillbirths in control group. The Hb A2 level in our cases usually was approximately 4-6%. Baseline characteristics of subjects in two study groups are shown in Table 1. There was no statistically significant difference between these groups regarding these baseline characteristics. There was no significant difference between these groups regarding pregnancy hypertension and gestational DM (Table 2). Polyhydramnios (AFI>24cm) was observed in 1.4% of cases and 1.9% of control group while oligohydramnios was observed in 10.8% of case and 5.4% of control group (P=0.001, Table 2). Regarding the perinatal complications, 3.1% of case group and 1.5% of control group developed IUGR (P=0.073). Cesarean delivery was significantly more common in case group than control group (38.3% vs 26.5%; P=0.001, Table 3). There was no significant difference between two groups regarding the Apgar score in 1st (P = 0.65) and 5th minute (P = 0.25), ICU admissions (P = 0.17) and placental abruption (P = 0.42). Using a multiple logistic regression model of risk factors for minor ÃŽÂ ²-thalassemia, oligohydramnios, placental abruption and meconium-stained amniotic fluid were significantly associated with cesarean delivery (Table 4). Conclusion Thalassemia syndrome is very common in Iranian population. This case-control study was performed on patients with minor ÃŽÂ ²-thalassemia to determine the maternal and fetal outcomes and describe most risk factors associated with ÃŽÂ ²-thalassemia minor during pregnancy. This study consisting 517 minor ÃŽÂ ²-thalassemia subjects is one of the biggest studies of its kind in Iran. Perinatal mortality (P=0.38) and Apgar score at 1min (P=0.65) and 5 min (P=0.25) after delivery were similar in patients with and without minor ÃŽÂ ²-thalassemia minor. This is consistent with previous studies (9-13). Thalassemia has been associated with an increased incidence of obstetrical complications (14). Adverse pregnancies outcomes detected in these case series, especially low birth weight (Wt Chronic maternal anemia during gestation might lead to fetal hypoxia, predisposing the fetus to IUGR (1,14). Thus, it was suggested that hemoglobin concentration should be maintained above 10 g/dL during these pregnancies (15). No significant association was found between hemoglobin levels and IUGR among thalassemic women in Eyal Sheiner and colleagues study and suggested that a different mechanism is responsible for IUGR in thalassemia minor patients (16). At least one study showed acute splenic infarct in ÃŽÂ ² thalassemia minor .(18).this mechanism may cause placental infarction but this theory needs further study to be approve. In another study all adhesion molecules and CRP (C-reactive protein) increased in patients with thalassemia intermediate (19) .so this molecules and inflammation may cause placental insufficiency in ÃŽÂ ² thalassemia minor but more study is neede Sheiner and associates (2004) reported that oligohydramnios were increased twofold in 261 affected women. In our study oligohydramnios was found in 10.8% of case and 5.4% of control group (P We found no statistically significant difference in the pregnancy outcome, preterm delivery, birth weight, growth restriction, pregnancy induced hypertension and gestational diabetes between thalassemic and non thalassemic patients. All studies investigating pregnancy outcome of patients with ÃŽÂ ²-thalassemia found higher rates of cesarean delivery (11,14,15,17). Likewise, in our study we found significantly higher rates of cesarean delivery. By using a multiple logistic regression model of risk factors for minor thalassemia, the following conditions were significantly associated with cesarean delivery: oligohydramnios, abruption and meconium-stained amniotic fluid. However, IUGR was not statistically independent risk factor for cesarean delivery, unlike previous study that cesarean birth due to fetal distress related to fetal growth restriction (13). In conclusion, Hemoglobinopathies can be associated with a variety of effects on the mother, fetus or newborn. The effects range from absence of clinical disease to severe morbidity and death. Through the obstetrician-gynecologists high index of suspicion based on clinical history and a close working relationship with a consultant hematologist, pregnancy outcome in patients with these disorders can be improved. Since most hemoglobinopathies are inherited as autosomal recessive conditions, screening, counseling, and prenatal diagnosis are important components of prenatal care for these women. Thalassemia syndrome, including minor ÃŽÂ ²-thalassemia during pregnancy can present unique management challenges and requires close maternal and fetal surveillance. The course of pregnancy of patients with ÃŽÂ ²-thalassemia minor, including perinatal outcomes, is favorable. In spite of an attempt to keep hemoglobin levels above 7.0  g/dl, the incidence of fetal growth restriction and preterm birth has been relatively high, though maternal complications are rather not different from general. Care for such pregnancies should be multidisciplinary, incorporating a maternal-fetal medicine specialist, a genetic counselor, and a hematologist. However, since fetal growth restriction complicates more pregnancies with thalassemia syndrome, the need for close antenatal follow-up and frequent sonograp hic assessment of fetal growth can be overemphasized. Further prospective studies among high-risk populations for ÃŽÂ ²-thalassemia with larger sampling should investigate the efficacy of such surveillance programs. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends screening for ÃŽÂ ²-thalassemia in couples of Mediterranean ancestry. We might miss some pregnant ladies with minor thalassemia and normal hemoglobin who were included in control group.

Friday, October 25, 2019

The Effects Of Divorce on Students :: Essays Papers

The Effects Of Divorce on Students How significant is the impact of divorce on children? There have been studies that show that divorce has a negative effect on children. The impact on a child's life often varies depending on the type of divorce and the age of the child during the divorce. The influence of a separation normally effects a child's learning and behavior skills. For a young child the concept of divorce is something that creates many misconceptions. Children do not understand the true meaning or reasoning behind why their parents would ever want to be separated. The initial reaction for most children is to blame themselves or to create a type of reasoning that they can relate to. Due to this, many children often concentrate on rebuilding their family structure instead of engaging in normal childhood activities. Sudden changes in a household can disturb a child's psychological well being. Children sometimes have a tough time being separated from their parents; they fear that if one parent can leave them why can't the other. Role changes often also occur; the mother may begin to work or a baby-sitter may now play a role in the child's life. The feeling of sadness, loss and abandonment are emotions that almost all children go through. As children develop in households that have experienced divorces, problems begin to come out in many phases of the child's life. After reading an article about the effects of divorce on young children I learned many interesting issues dealing with divorce. The authors say â€Å"Although there is considerable variability in outcomes over time, children in divorced and remarried families are more likely than children from non divorced families to have problems in their relationships with parents, siblings, and peers as well as lower self-esteem and academic problems† (Hetherington, Bridges, & Insabella, 1998,pg#2-3). The article also discuses the fact that the percentage of children who drop out of school and have divorced parents is greater then drop out rate of students who's parents are still married (Pedro-Carroll, 1999 pg.3). Over the years organizations have been established to help children cope with issues that have to due with divorce. An organization called The Children of Divorce Intervention Program (CODIP) is a support program that was formed to meet the needs of children.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Internal vs External Change Leaders Essay

Introduction Organisation development(OD) is a planned process of change in an organisation’s culture through the utilization of behavioral science technology, research and theory (Warner Burke, 1982). It also refers to a long range effort to improve an organisation’s problem solving capabilities and its ability to cope with changes in its external environment with the help of external or internal behavioral-scientist consultant or change agents (Wandell French, 1969). Organisation transformation(OT) is a term referring collectively to such activities as re-engineering, redesigning and redefining business systems. It is often used when there is existing issue faced by the organisation. Organisation development is the preferred choice that an organisation wants to be in and continually improve their products and service in an incremental manner. In order to achieve OD, organisation need internal or external change agents to aid them. However, after assessing the advantages and disadvantages of the change agents (Appendix 1 & 2), Internal change agent will be better for organisation to achieve OD as compared to external change agent. Internal and External Change Leadership External change agents are consultants who are temporary employed in the organization to remain engaged only for the duration of the change process. An internal change agent is a staff person who has expertise in the behavioural sciences to help in the OD. Various reviewers of change management argue that OD applied by managers, rather than OD professionals has grown rapidly. It has been suggested that the faster pace of change affection organisation today is highlighting the centrality of the manager in the managing change. Therefore, OD must become a general management skill. Many managerial staffs in an organisation are equipped with this relevant skill. Internal Change Leadership in the Action Research Model The Action Research model focuses on planned change as a cyclical process in which initially research about the organisation provides information to guide subsequent action. The model emphasises on data gathering and diagnosis pior to action planning and implementation. The result will be carefully evaluated after action has been taken. Data gathering and preliminary diagnosis: Although Internal change agents are often limited by perceptions and position in the organization, but they have the value of in-depth knowledge of the business, the organisation and the management. This in-depth knowledge makes them particularly valuable on sensitive implementation of strategic change projects or culture transformation initiatives, managing processes or projects, and integrating or leveraging initiatives across the organisation. It can also help to reduce the time spent on data gathering as internal change agents will have intimate knowledge of the organisation and its dynamics, culture and informal practices. Being part of the organisation, internal change agents are able to interact more freely with the fellow employees. This enable the internal change agents to gather a more reliable information as compared to external change agents. Feedback to client: In this step, clients are given the information gathered by the change agent to help them determining the strengths and weakness of the organisation. Internal change agents are employees and they have a better understanding to the organisational structure. Thus, after gathering the relevant information, it will be easier for them to feedback to the client as the client need not afraid that information on the organisation’s weakness will be exposed. Internal change agents have the knowledge of the politics in the organisation, this will enable to effectively establish rapport and trust better than external change agent. Organisation may be also wary of the external change agents as the organisation may fear that confidential information will be exposed. Joint diagnosis of problem: At this point, fellow employees discuss the feedback and diagnosis with the internal change agents whether they want to work on the identified issues. Strong inter-relationship between internal change agents, the fellow employees and clients can help in the understanding of the result gathered in the earlier steps. This is important as the failure to establish a common frame of reference in this relationship will lead to faulty diagnosis or to a communication gap whereby client become unwillingly to believe the diagnosis. By using internal change agents, organisations are more likely to have the trust in the diagnosis as compare to external change agen ts because internal change agents have the more sense of ownership to the OD as compare to external change agents. Joint action planning: At this stage, further action for the OD had been decided. Internal change agents will have the advantage of getting hold of the first hand information. Any immediate follow up action can be access and rectify Action: This stage involves the actual change from one organisation state to another. It may include installing new methods and procedures, reorganising structures and work designs, and reinforcing new behaviour. This stage may also take a long period to reach the ideal outcome. Although external change agents are often viewed as professional and has more credibility, internal change agents have the advantage of the sense of ownership to the change. Internal change agents are viewed as part of the organisation and fellow employee will trust them and will result in a smoother transition period. Data gathering after action: This research action model is a cyclical process. Therefore, internal change agents can more effectively gather the output of the change result and feedback to the client. The result obtained will also most likely be more accurate and timely. This will enhance the effectiveness of the process of rectification and also to stop OD if the result obtained is deem as a failure. This will help the organisation to cut cost if the change is a failure. Circumstances whereby Internal change leadership were preferred Planned change can be contrasted across situations on 2 key dimensions, namely the magnitude of organisational change and the degree to which client system is organised. One of the planned change is magnitude of organisational change. Planned change can be either incremental or quantum. Under incremental change, OD practitioners help to solve specific problems in particulars organisational systems. Example of such problem are poor communication between inter-departments, low productivity and continuous improvement as a quality management process etc. These issues are mostly solved by internal change agents because of the nature of the problems. Most of these issues are smaller problems faced by the organisation. By hiring external change agent for these problems are too expensive and time consuming. Under the quantum change, OD practitioners help to create a vision of a desired future and energise movements in that direction. Examples of quantum change are changing an organization’s structure and culture from the traditional top-down, hierarchical structure to a large amount of self-directing teams. Another example might be Business Process Re-engineering, which tries to take apart the major parts and processes of the organization and then put them back together in a more optimal fashion. These changes are more complex. Therefore, more people are involved in the change. The advantage of using internal change agents in this scenario will be the fact internal change agents have more in-depth knowledge of the structure of the organisation. By hiring external change agent, employee may have ‘fear’ to the outcome of the change. This can affect the morale of the organisation and data obtained from employees of the organisation may be untrue. Although quantum is a complex change, a more professional change agent is needed and more professional change agents should be involved in the process. However, by having different internal change agents from department of the organisation to work together can also have the same result of hiring the external change agents as mentioned earlier that more employees are equipped with the knowledge of OD. By having internal change agents, not only they have the ownership of the change and also it is cheap for the organisation. This could be useful for some smaller organisation. The 2nd dimension of planned change is the degree of organisation of the company. The system of a company can vary between overorganised situations to under-organised manner. In an overorganised system, the structure and leadership style of the company is usually bureaucratic and rigid. Most organisation that are in such organised manner usually have conducted OD before. Thus, having internal change agents should be sufficient for the organisation. Conclusion Internal change agent are preferred to External change agent for various reasons as mentioned as above. Internal change agents are closer to the organisation and have the ownership to the change and organisation. They are most likely to understand what is require and have a clearer picture of the change. However, if the change is drastic, organisations should consider hire a small group of external change agent as consultant for the internal change agent as external change agents are more experienced in OD. Organisations should not depend only on external change agent for OD because it may expose the weakness of the organisation and endanger the competitive edge of the organisation.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Inclusive Leadership in Education for the Attainment of the Millennium Development Goal One: Poverty Eradication and Hunger Reduction

INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP IN EDUCATION FOR THE ATTAINMENT OF THE MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOAL ONE: POVERTY ERADICATION AND HUNGER REDUCTION Dr. Virgy Onyene ([email  protected] com) Dr. Pat Mbah ([email  protected] com) Al–Mahroof Ashiru ([email  protected] ca) Shola Johnson ([email  protected] com) Abstract Sub Sahara Africa has the highest proportion of people living in poverty with nearly half of its population below the international poverty level of $1 a day. This means that, some 300 million people face the daily struggle of surviving on less than that income †¦ Between 1990 – 1999.The number of poverty in the region increased by ? and over 6 million per year. If current trend continues, Africa will be the only region where a number of poor people in 2015 will be higher than in 1990. It will account for nearly ? of the poor in developing world, up from less than a fifth in 1990†¦ (United Nations MDG report 2006). Although this United Nations account of poverty is for the entire Africa countries, Nigeria happened to be one of the countries that the UN Millennium Declaration 2000 rated as having income poverty and hunger affecting more than half of our population.This study took its framework from inclusive leadership as the art of influencing people in terms of income and resource distribution through a subsumed democratization process. This process will not be complete without education as a tool for human capital development. The purpose of this study therefore is to assess the extent to which people oriented Transformative Leadership and Education would be used to address poverty issues as a Millennium Development Goal (MDG) one and its expressed dynamics.An unstructured questionnaire was used to address eight identified dynamics of poverty in Nigeria which include extreme poverty and hunger; household income and standard of living; access to basic education and quality of participation; child right to education; basic health a wareness and protection of ecological values. A 25 – item questionnaire titled Inclusive Leadership in Education for Poverty Alleviation Questionnaire (ILEPAQ) was used to generate non – parametric data around the around the identifiable poverty variables.Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used with graphical illustrations of relevant data. Based on the findings of the study, projections and recommendations were made for relevant authorities, institutions, agencies and persons concerned. The research findings will help to identify critical actors and change agents for down streaming programme and innovations of government and private agencies to the grassroot for actual action based poverty alleviation. IntroductionThe picture painted by the United Nations Development Report in 2002 about a compassionate society goes a long way to illustrate factors responsible for people’s inability to achieve goals for human emancipation. He posited that the glob al society is not a very compassionate society, though we are quite fond of describing ourselves as one world, one planet, one humanity, and one global society. The blunt reality is that we are at least two worlds, two planets, two humanities, two global societies – one embarrassingly rich and the other desperately poor, and the distance between these two worlds are widening, not narrowing.We cannot really call it a compassionate society when the richest one – fifth of the world consumes 80 per cent of the natural resources of this planet and commands an income 78 times higher than the poorest one – fifth of the world. Also, it cannot be really called a compassionate society when there is so much wasted food on the table of the world’s rich at a time when 800 million people go hungry every night and 160 million children are severely malnourished and when billion adults grope around in the darkness of illiteracy, and when 1. billion people survive in absol ute poverty on less than one dollar a day. (Mahbub ul-Haq in Mhanaz Afkhami 2002). It is certainly not a compassionate society when 134 million children in South Asia alone work for over 16 hours a day in inhuman conditions for a wage of only eight cents a day and when they lose their very childhoods to feed the greed for higher profits by their indifferent employers, several of them the most powerful multinationals of our world.It is certainly not a compassionate society when over one half of humanity – the women of this world – are economically marginalized and politically ignored, when $11 trillion contribution to household activities is simply forgotten in national income accounts and when they command 50 per cent of the vote but are less than 15 per cent of the parliaments of the world. (Mahbu ul Haq 2002).A global compact was reached in March 1995 in the World Social Summit in Copenhagen that the developing nations will devote 20 per cent of their existing nation al budgets and the donors will earmark 20 per cent of their existing aid budgets to five human priority concerns, namely, universal basic education, primary health care for all, safe drinking water for all, adequate nutrition for severely malnourished children, and family planning services for all willing couples. This was the famous 20:20 compact which requires no new resources but a shift in priorities of existing budgets.Such a compact will remove the worst human deprivation within a decade. The increasing challenges in the area of information explosion, economic reforms, micro – economic development, ICT renovation, unemployment, moral laxity, religious bigotry, the Nigerian nation is consistently confronted with the realities of accountability through self/peer/community periodic reviews. There is also the need to generate data about her ever – growing population income levels, lifestyle and quality of life skills available to her populace.The Federal Government i s constitutionally permitted to design, review and entrench programmes on basic needs (food, shelter and amenities), health, finance, education, demographic data base/plan implementation, oil, federal character, youth, women and children. NEEDS is a laudable economic development programme. However at state and local council levels, key actors had been government (state and council) through political leaders who were not completely attuned to the strategic goals of NEEDS.Thus NGOs, CBO and CSO were completely not in control, so the common man and woman at the grassroots or domestic sphere was inadvertently neglected. This is so replicated along the levels and tiers of government and counter socio – economic development. Through her institutions, parastatals and agencies, MDG – driven policies ought to be implemented to achieve national needs and at the same time meet global challenges. No society succeeds without a larger percentage of her citizenry who form the basic f abric called communities.Nigeria has 774 local council areas with replicate offices to drive down national programmes. (Onyene and Ashiru 2008). The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) embody the aspiration for human betterment, expressed in a limited set of numerical and time – bound targets. They include halving income poverty and hunger; achieving universal basic education and gender equality; reducing under – 5 mortality by two – thirds and maternal mortality by three – quarters; reversing the spread of HIV/AIDS; and halving the proportion of people without access to safe water.These targets are to be achieved by 2015, from their level in 1990. In Nigeria, the situation is disheartening as the nation is ranked as one of the 25 poorest nations on earth. This situation where about 38 million of Nigerians are extremely poor becomes pathetic and embarrassing considering the abundant supply of human and material resources that Nigerian is endowed with. Pov erty continues to manifest itself in different forms depending on nature and extent of human deprivation. Adeyemi (2001) contended that poverty in Nigeria permeates all socio – economic indicators of progress.In abid to eradicate poverty, a lot of laudable programmes such Youth Empowerment Scheme, Rural Infrastructure Development Scheme, Social and Welfare Service Scheme and Natural Resource Development and Conservation Scheme were launched. These programmes need to be backed with education and inclusive leadership in order to sustain poverty eradication. Promoting respect for democracy, the rule of law, diversity and solidarity can contribute to the elimination of institutionalized inequalities and is therefore critical to successful social integration.Countries that provide opportunities for all people to voice their grievances peacefully and allow them to participate in the political process and influence policy formulation, implementation and monitoring are less likely to experience internal conflict. Some contend that the true meaning of democracy is the ability of a person to stand in the middle of a town square and express his or her opinions without fear of punishment or reprisal. This takes democracy beyond the institutional definition to include tolerance and acceptance at individual and group level.It also underscores that democracy cannot be imposed by an outside source. Where democratic institutions are not permitted to flourish, and where there are no outlets for peaceful dissent, specific groups become marginalized, social disintegration is rife, and there is a greater chance for political upheaval. Democratic, transparent and accountable governance is indispensable in achieving social development. There are now more democratic countries and a greater degree of political participation than ever before.The 1980s witnessed what has been called the â€Å"third wave† of democratization. In 1980, 54 countries with a total of 46 per cent of the global population had some or all of the elements of representative democracy. By 2000, these figures had risen to 68 per cent of the world’s population in 121 countries. However, there is some skepticism about the consolidation of newly planted roots of democracy in some regions; the momentum gained during the 199os appears to be slowing and in some places may be receding (United Nations Development Programme, 2002).Democratic political participation consists of more than voting in elections. The idea of â€Å"one person one vote† is often undermined by unequal access to resources and political power. Thus, there is a danger of decreased motivation to participate, demonstrated by low voter turnouts, unequal capacities to influence policy outcomes. Formal political equality does not necessarily create increased capacities to participate in political processes or influence their outcomes, and the transition to democracy does not in itself guarantee the protectio n or promotion of human rights.Civil, cultural, social economic and political rights as well as inclusive leadership are essential for maintaining a democratic society. These human rights are mutually reinforcing and must include freedom of association, assembly, expression and participation for all citizens, including women, minorities, indigenous peoples and other disadvantaged groups. Respecting and upholding human rights is crucial not only for the wellbeing of individuals, but also for the active engagement of citizens and the wellbeing of society.If democracy is to flourish, it is not enough to enshrine these freedoms in legislation; they must be backed up and protected by policies, political will and inclusive leadership to ensure that all people have the opportunity to participate actively in the processes that affect their everyday lives. Inclusive Leadership Inclusive leaders are invested in building alliances across cultures, and they use their â€Å"toolkits†Ã¢â‚¬ “the behaviors, customs, and values associated with the multiple identities including class, race, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, geography, etc. –to do so.Inclusive leaders who understand their own areas of privilege and marginalization are best able to ensure that others from different backgrounds are treated equitably. Their awareness of self and others can foster work environments that provide opportunities for diverse interpretations and opinions to receive visibility. Inclusive leadership is particularly important in relationships between faculty members, both within and across disciplines. The first step toward becoming an inclusive leader is developing awareness of these biases, understanding their origin, and learning to correct them.Inclusive leaders are aware of, and take steps to minimize, their own and other's biases when making decisions related to faculty recruitment, particularly when that recruitment has potential to diversify the faculty . Inclusive leaders can use the same skills to enhance departmental policies and faculty development opportunities that benefit all faculty members. By fostering visible alliances across the broader faculty, these leaders may also assist faculty recruitment by demonstrating evidence of an institutional commitment to creating an inclusive environment.Multicultural Work in the Classroom. Inclusive leadership has particular significance in the classroom, where the seeds for inclusiveness as well as recruitment and retention of future scientists are planted. By demonstrating inclusive leadership to undergraduate students who are just entering the educational pipeline, faculty can enhance the learning experience for all students and stimulate those who have been historically underrepresented in the disciplines to consider advancing in the sciences.Instructors can exercise inclusive leadership in the classroom by intentionally including multiculturalism in the curriculum. The curriculum s hould include evidence of how people from a range of cultures have contributed to scientific fields (such as how indigenous African cultures applied mathematics, a history of discovery often ignored or attributed to others). This practice benefits students with race and gender privilege, who will have more comprehensive educational experiences when their coursework includes these examples.It is also beneficial to marginalized students in the same classroom, who see that their culture matters and that faculty recognize its importance. Statement of the Problem Participation is central to the development process and is essential for sustainability. Although often overlooked in the past, marginalization has emerged as a critical element in the re–evaluation of poverty reduction strategies. Nonetheless, many policy prescriptions are still designed without adequate analysis of how they might affect the poor.The most vulnerable groups in society, including the poor, remain outside t he sphere of political activity and influence, excluded from the formulation, implementation and monitoring of the very policies developed to address their plight. As a result, poverty reduction programmes may suffer from an urban bias, despite the fact that three quarters of the world’s poor live in rural areas (International Fund for Agricultural Development, 2004). In some countries, stakeholders have successfully advocated for an increase in the share of public resources allocated to social development.However, even in countries in which poverty programmes have been developed through widespread consultations, the priorities identified are not necessarily linked to budget mechanisms, and the final programmes may fail to target the poorest. The present situation requires inclusive leadership in education if the MDG one is to be achieved. There is need to know the extent to which political participation can be used as a means of achieving social empowerment.Thus, the analysi s of trends in transformative leadership in poverty eradication and hunger reduction would provide a basis for making conscious effort to reach the grassroot. Purpose of the Study The purpose of this study is to assess the extent to which people oriented Transformative Leadership and Education would be used to address poverty issues as a Millennium Development Goal (MDG) one and its expressed dynamics. Research Questions 1. Would inclusive leadership as offered by education programme facilitate poverty reduction through improved standard of living? 2.To what extent would inclusive leadership ensure access to basic education? 3. Would inclusive leadership enhance quality participation in governance starting with family, school structure and controls? 4. Would inclusive leadership help in the propagation of child right? 5. Would inclusive leadership enhance health awareness among the citizens? 6. Would inclusive leadership help in the protection of ecological values? Methodology The s tudy employed a descriptive survey research design. The population of the study consisted of youths of Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State.The sample was made up of 120 youths. Inclusive Leadership in Education for Poverty Alleviation Questionnaire (ILEPAQ) was designed to collect data. Information was also obtained through interview. All the 120 questionnaires administered were returned, thus representing a 100% response rate. The data collected were analyzed using were analyzed using simple percentages. Research Question One: Would inclusive leadership as offered by education programme facilitate poverty reduction through improved standard of living Table 1: Inclusive leadership as offered by education programme and poverty S/N Sub-variables tested Agreed Disagreed Undecided | |Inclusive leadership enhance 73 35 12 | |the Provision of information (60. 8%) (29. 2%) (10%) | |by people in Areas of self | |sustainability. |People’s involvement in 54 60 6 | |leadership creates (45%) (50%) (5%) | |employment opportunities | |for the people | |Inclusive leadership 86 31 3 |Encourages entrepreneurship (71. 7%) (25. 8%) (2. 5%) | |Among youths | |Inclusive leadership 92 22 6 | |in education promotes (76. 7%) (18. %) (5%) | |acquisition of basic | |Survival skills. | From the above table it was observed that 73 (60. 8%) of the responds agreed that inclusive leadership enhance the provision of information by people in areas of self sustainability, 35 (29. 2%) disagreed and only 12(10%) were neutral. 4 (45%) of the respondents believed that people’s involvement in leadership creates employment opportunities for the people, 60 (50%) disagreed and 6 (5%) have no stand pertaining to the issue. 86 (71. 7%) of the respondents were of the opinion that inclusive leadership encourages entrepreneurship among youths, 31 (25. 8%) were not in tune with this opinion, while 3 (2. 5%) were positionless. 92 (76. 7%) agreed that inclusive leadership in edu cation promotes acquisition of basic survival skills, 22 (18. %) and 6 (5%) were neutral. Research Question Two: To what extent would inclusive leadership ensure access to basic education? Table 2: Utilizing inclusive leadership to ensure access to basic education. |S/N Sub-variables tested Agreed Disagreed Undecided | |1. Inclusive leadership 30 83 7 | |encourages enrollment (25%) (69. 2%) (9. %) | |expansion in schools. | |The more the number of people | |included in leadership roles the | |better the opportunities of 101 19 0 | |indentifying education of the (84. %) (15. 8%) (0%) | |people. | |Government provides more | |school only when they are 24 94 2 | |aware of the need for it and (20%) (78. 3%) (1. 7%) | |the areas affected. |Inclusive leadership enables | |the members of the community 39 79 2 | |to contribute to school plant (32. 5%) (65. 8%) (1. 7%) | |planning so that the schools | |are not sited in areas it will | |not be well utilized. | | | | The above table s hows that 30 (25%) were in tune with the fact that inclusive leadership encourages enrollment expansion in schools in response to the yearnings of the people, 83 (69. 2%) disagreed and 7 (9. 8%) had no position. 101 (84. 2%) were in conformity with the position that the more the number of people included in leadership roles the better the opportunities of identifying education needs of the people, and 19 (15. %) were not in agreement with fact. 24 (20%) of the respondents were of the opinion that government provides more school only when they are aware of the need for it and the areas affected, 94 (78. 3%) disagreed, while 2 (1. 7%) neither agreed nor disagreed. 39 (32. 5%) supported the fact that inclusive leadership enables the members of the community to contribute to school plant planning so that the schools are not sited in areas it will not be well utilized.Research Question Three: Would inclusive leadership enhance quality participation in governance starting with family lead ership, school structure and controls? Table 3: Inclusive leadership and participation in governance. |S/N Sub-variables tested Agreed Disagreed Undecided | |Involvement of masses in 54 63 3 | |governance affords them the (45%) (52. %) (2. 5%) | |Opportunity to address areas | |leaders can be of help | |When people are included 99 20 1 | |in decision making their (82. %) (16. 7%) (0. 8%) | |contributions enables the | |leaders to know their problem | |areas | |Leaders can empower the 75 41 4 | |masses to execute projects (62. 5%) (34. 2%) (3. %) | |initiated by them because | |they are more able to | |understand how to solve | |problems | |Involvement of the citizens 14 105 1 | |in governance enables (11. 7%) (87. 5%) (0. %) | |leaders to cover more | |grounds on their electoral | |promises | |Projects on social infrastructure 31 88 1 | |cannot be abandoned if there (25. 9%) (73. 3%) (0. 8%) | |more people involved in | |governance | | | The above table reveals that 54 (45%) of the respondents agreed that involvement of masses in governance affords them the opportunity to address areas leaders cannot be of help, 63 (52. 5%) disagreed, while 3 (2. %) of them did not take any stand. 99 (82. 5%) agreed that when people are included in decision making their contributions enables the leaders to know their problem areas, 20 (16. 7%) disagreed and 1 (0. 8%) were indecisive. 75 (62. 5%) supported the fact that leaders can empower the masses to execute projects initiated by them because they are more able to understand how to solve problems, 41 (34. 2%) disagreed and 4 (3. 3%) did not decide. 14 (11. 7%) agreed that involvement of citizens in governance enables leaders to cover more grounds on their electoral promises, a whooping 105 (87. 5%) disagreed and only 1 (0. 8%) were of no opinion. 31 (25. %) agreed that projects on social infrastructure cannot be abandoned if there are more people involved in governance, 88 (73. 3%) disagreed and only 1(0. 8%) neither agreed nor disagreed. Research Question four: Would inclusive leadership help in the propagation of child right? Table 4: inclusive leadership and propagation of child right. |S/N Sub-variables Agreed Disagreed Undecided | |Government will initiate 68 48 14 | |children immunization (58. 7%) (40. 0%) (3. %) | |if they are well informed | |by the people | |Strong partnership and 67 38 15 | |committed leadership (55. 8%) (31. 7%) (12. 5%) | |are needed to ensure | |children’s right. | |Promoting respect for 52 62 6 | |democracy can enhance (43. 3%) (51. 7%) (5. 0%) | |the right of children to | |be educated. | | |Birth right vouchers 64 47 9 | |should be given every (53. 3%) (39. 2%) (7. 5%) | |new born child that | |guarantees their education. | The table presents that 68(58. 7%) of the respondents agreed that government will initiate children immunization if they are well informed by the people, 48 (40. 0%) disagreed and 14 (3. 3%) Research Question Five: Would inclusive leadership enhance health awareness among the citizens?Table 5: Inclusive leadership and health awareness programmes for poverty reduction. |S/N Sub-variables tested Agreed Disagreed Undecided | |(D) (U) | | | |The leaders do not have monopoly 57 61 2 | |of information on health. (47. 5%) (50. 8%) (1. %) | | | |Inclusive leadership in education 98 22 – | |will entrench proper health (81. 7%) (18. 3%) (0%) | |programmes and facilitates their | |implementation. | | | |Inclusive leadership education 49 69 2 | |ensures that all the people have (40. 8%) (57. 5%) (1. %) | |access to basic health amenities. | | | |Involvement of masses in governance 77 35 8 | |affords the people to contribute their (64. 2%) (29. 2%) (8. 6%) | |ideas on health matters. | | | From the above table it was observed 57 (47. %) of the respondents agreed that the leaders do not have monopoly of information on health, 61 (50. 8%) disagreed and 2 (1. 7%) took no stand. 98 (81. 7%) agreed that in clusive leadership in education will entrench proper health programmes and facilitates their implementation, while 22 (18. 3%) disagreed. 49 (40. 8%) were in tune with the fact inclusive leadership in education ensures that all the people have access to basic health amenities, 69 (57. 5%) disagreed and 2 (1. 7%) were indifferent. 77 (64. 2%) supports the position that involvement of masses in governance affords the people to contribute their ideas on health matters, 35 (29. 2%) disagreed and 8 (8. 8%) had no decision on this matter. |S/N Sub-variables tested Agreed Disagreed Undecided | |(A) (D) (U) | |1. Masses can be destructive if they 58 53 9 | |don’t have the understanding of (48. 3%) (44. 2%) (7. 5%) | |government plans. | |2.There is high level of cooperation 46 71 3 | |with government while executing (38. 3%) (59. 2%) (2. 5%) | |project provided the people are well | |informed. | |3. People protects public properties if 55 64 1 | |they are given sense of belonging at (45. 8%) (53. 3%) (0. 8%) | |the planning stage. | |4.People will voluntarily protect ecological 84 35 1 | |Value if they are given proper orientation (70%) (29. 2%) (0. 8%) | | | Research Question Six: Would inclusive leadership help in the protection of ecological values? Table 6: Inclusive leadership and protection of ecological values Discussion The study shows that inclusive leadership as offered by education programmes facilitate poverty reduction.From table one; the four items are scored high showing that people involvement in leadership would not only promote the acquisition of basic survival skills (76. 7%), it will also create employment opportunities and make people self sustainable. It is therefore necessary that education programmes should include inclusive leadership as a tool – kit for re-orientating the people. These findings can contribute to the important role of inclusive leadership as a dynamic process. Kotter 2001 has argued that because of the impor tant attached to inclusive leadership government should enhance the provision of basic amenities, embark on proper information dissemination and enhancement of basic survival skills.Conclusion The findings of the study also revealed that the youths under study prefer to be given the opportunity to participate in governance and that the absence of sense of belonging will often jeopardize the implementation of most of the programmes embarked on by the government. The level of conformity to participation is seen in their willingness to contribute to decision making. References Adeyemi, A. B (2001). Relevance of Technology To Poverty Alleviation in Nigeria. In T. A. G. Oladimeji, O. T. Ibenene, O. M. Adesope, and M. A. Ogunyemi (Eds) Technology education and Poverty Alleviation in Nigeria (pp. 105 – 107). Lagos: Fembis International.Anna, Kofi (2004). A Fair Globalization: Implementing the Millennium Declaration. 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