Patricia Chin-Sweeney’s Post

A Meeting of Minds: Bridging Perspectives for a Better Tomorrow Recently, I had the opportunity for a profound and impactful encounter with a former colleague who now works at the Red Cross in Geneva. While our meeting was personal, our discussion quickly ventured into sensitive yet crucial territories, including the harrowing situation of captive women in conflict zones and the complex dynamics of humanitarian aid. In sharing the Israeli perspective, particularly the tragic issue of the rape of captive women, I aimed not just to inform but to evoke empathy and urgency for the release of these captives. While they were aware of most facts, the emotional connection and understanding were palpable in our conversation. They shared the operational challenges faced by humanitarian organizations, such as reaching kidnap victims amid non-cooperation from terror groups like Hamas, who don’t want to reveal the location of the abductees. Their experience suggests that finding a path to cooperation often requires these terrorist bodies to desire recognition as legitimate, a status that seems elusive in certain situations. This dilemma often leads to a mental breakdown for workers on the ground, torn between their inability to fulfill their duties and the stark human suffering they witness. Beyond this urgent need for the immediate release of the abductees- we talked about the day after and the need for bringing back the value of truth and a reeducation curriculum for Palestinians. The focus, should be on fostering a growth mindset, moving away from the narratives of victimhood, unrealistic aspirations, and the ‘All or nothing’ mentality from the Palestinians. This shift is crucial for realistic and sustainable development. The primary goal of this meeting was to reconnect on a personal level. However, it also opened a door to deeper insights and potential collaborations. A key takeaway from our discussion is the reminder of our shared humanity. One enlightening moment came when a worker shared her experiences when deployed in Rwanda. Even nuns were brainwashed to be cruel to other humans, and yet new leadership focused on mindset reeducation was able to bring the region to stability—it took a whole generation, but even the most dire situation was reversed. Now that Hamas’s cruelty, lies, abuse of own civilians and false aspirations are exposed, the world needs to decide how to act to uproot this cruelty and re-educate the children of Gaza that victimhood has led them nowhere and the only way forward is peaceful coexistence. This meeting reinforced my belief in the relentless pursuit of peace, even when it seems impossible. The stories of change and transformation are reminders that progress is possible, and every step towards understanding and empathy is a step towards a more peaceful world. During these grimmest of days, these speckles of light and empathy are much-needed fresh air. #GlobalEmpathy #PeaceBuilding

Wrapped up an interview with a high profile tech company! They wanted to feature my work with Cambio & Co. and my journey as an entrepreneur. It was meant to be light and breezy, but y’all know me - light and breezy are not my forté 😅 The first chance I could, I brought up the topic of solidarity. As business owners, it’s our responsibility to lift up our communities and use our platforms to amplify the voices of people who are, as Paul Taylor puts it, “actively being harmed.” And of course, this means talking about Palestine, and recently for me, Sudan. And I don’t mean beating around the bush with vague language, but actually saying the words “genocide” and “racism” and “Palestine.” Like anyone who is speaking out against any kind of oppression, there’s a lot of fear. I am terrified of losing opportunities, getting censored, blacklisted or doxxed, especially as a small business owner responsible for my team’s livelihoods. But in a time when we are seeing intense censorship of pro-Palestine voices in our workplaces, schools and attacks against our democratic right to protest and free speech, it’s ✨more crucial than ever✨ that all of us speak up whenever and however we can. This will look different for everyone, but speaking up when it matters means risking our reputations, our comfort, and sometimes our livelihoods*. That’s not an easy truth to swallow, but that doesn’t make it any less real. (*Though it’s the privileged folks who can afford to risk the most, so trust yourself to be the best judge of your situation) I’m happy to report, however, that so far every interview and call where I’ve talked about Palestine has gone really well, including the one with this company. Every time, I can sense the other person ease up around me and open up a point of connection. I know it won’t be that way every time, but I hope that can bring you some comfort. The world stands with Palestine, even if our institutions don’t 🍉✊���

📖💡 A very interesting read worth a few minutes of your time, especially if you work in #InternationalCooperation or #HumanitarianAid. 🌍✨ It shares insights from people in #Somalia within communities supported by international aid organizations. 🕒 Gathered over the course of just three months through the Talk To Loop platform - which is currently in hibernation due to #FundingChallenges -, these insights shed light on how vital it is to listen to the people directly impacted by aid efforts. 👂🔄 Reading these messages, it's clear that a cooperation that consistently listens to people's concerns would look vastly different. We're talking about humanitarian aid, but the lessons apply broadly to international cooperation. Moving away from a centralistic and paternalistic approach could transform how we plan, prepare, work with communities, and monitor efforts. 🤝 Imagine systematically applying these insights on a larger scale, combined with a broader set of community empowerment methods. There’s potential for a more effective, sustainable model of cooperation that not only preserves community dignity but also moves past the colonial undertones of traditional development practices. #CommunityVoice #SustainableDevelopment #Empowerment #ChangeMakers https://lnkd.in/eEw-mjx9

#analysis: Coming Out of America: The Exodus of Black People Across the Globe. @YouTube: Residential Tourists ~ "African Americans'. https://lnkd.in/dkxbsauw One notices the usual fearmongering and scaremongering by hostile intelligence agencies and white extremist networks engaging in hostile foreign influence operations, whenever something positive about Kenya pop-up. April 14, 2024 #comments "Do you shared about the news of head of the country signing agreement with B.G, to rollout trial on newborn babies..unless it gets blocked" ~ @jojoko64 "I'm in this great country called Kenya and haven't heard of such diabolical schemes! For your information, ours is a country where no one unilaterally deci♧♧des for the masses even as powerful as the president."~ @lifehacks1019 @lifehacks1019 don't be deceived, Ruto has sold Kenya out to America, Bill gates and who ~ @majamaja8136 "@majamaja8136 Belive what you may! Do you think selling off Kenya with its 50 million plus people is as easy as selling snacks!? I'm not naive or or speaking for anyone and I bet neither are you. Such alarmist statement as yours in this age of open societies are rather unhinged if not off the mark conspiratory" ~ @lifehacks1019 @lifehacks1019 I understand you, but one day you will know the truth then understand me ~ @majamaja8136 "You will be surprised about how woke people are in Kenya, those conspiracy theories don't work there and can't nobody sell Kenya to anyone, stop with them theories and take time to learn the society and how things work before posting"~ @waihenyagacha #perspective From the diaspora engagement, a pattern emerges, that a lot of resources and effort on the media and online to disparage, and run smear campaigns against Kenya. Search is is kenya dangerous ? see what pop-up e.g; 31 Jul 2023 Exercise increased caution in Kenya due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. https://lnkd.in/d2Pq6xnR One will notice an aggressive media 'hell-bent on the world to see Kenya as a vassal state; as a way of discouraging the growth of African diaspora tourism and investment. Kenya is under a China type containment designed to slow East Africa's integration. A vassal state is a region or country where the ruler owes allegiance to a larger or more powerful state. April 13, 2024 President Biden Directs Release of Ksh7 Billion Funds for Kenya's Haiti-Led Mission https://lnkd.in/dXEVSr84 The media keeps pushing the narrative of Kenya being dangerous as the same time a vassal state. In there frastuation, instead of western propaganda crippling Kenya's development, the country has continued to attract intra Africa tourism, the diaspora, Asian investors and Chinese tourists; April 13, 2024 The Nigerian Government has officially confirmed that Nadeem Anjarwalla, a Binance Executive who fled custody in the country, has been traced to Kenya. https://lnkd.in/dP8bRm5N

#2 reason why Africa will remain poor, dependent on foreign bodies, countries, and financial aid forever ‼️ ⁉️ We continue letting the world tell Africa's story: ° We are dying of hunger, ° We are dying of disease, ° We are corrupt, ° Always fighting each other, ° We cannot lead ourselves, ° We swing on trees & dine with lions in the jungle, ° We have achieved nothing since independence ✅ Our truth as we know it: ° We are creative problem solvers. This is why we thrive anywhere outside Africa. ° We are driven by our spirit of community. This is how hospital bills are paid, school fees, if the spirit moves us we build houses too, this is why we share meals with neighbours, and say hi to strangers. ° We are the happiest people on the planet. If you argue it's only because you haven't visited Africa. ° We are relentless. Here we are with all our challenges, innovating, building ourselves up, amidst judgement, naysayers, half a decade since colonization, still fighting against neo-colonization yet stand tall, undefeated, and rising. I think the world needs to know more about Africa. We all agree that we could feed the world if we chose to, it's only fair they know who the future sponsor is, eh? At the African Founders Association we'll be supporting startup founders to fully leverage the online space to tell their story, generate demand for their businesses, and attract investment. All while shaping Africa's powerful narrative 💪🏽 Win- Win- Win If you are a startup founder interested in joining our community, join the waitlist here. If you are an investor, or you are interested/involved in Africa's startup space, and want to partner with us, reach out through our email. info@africafounders.org If you are interested in joining our team, we are currently looking for regional leaders, reach out to Nama Tasi or Arnold Akpedeye and we will guide you. Ring the 🔔 on my profile not to miss future posts. #TheStateofStartupsInAfrica #StartupsAfrica #AfricaRising #PersonalBranding

In case this looks like a political post, you could read this as a metaphor for how businesses are capable of making their people feel. Geopolitical population displacement is destroying lives and the impact created by business transformation may be significantly less life threatening, but can still be seriously traumatic. If leaders get this wrong and don't have a plan to pay close attention to those not directly affected by displacement, as well as those that are, they risk disengaging an entire workforce. Empathy can drive down performance and profit, just as quickly as it can drive it up. I found this picture incredibly moving. During World War 2 Britain welcomed and housed over 3.5 million people evacuated from countries at greatest threat. How far we have descended from being that caring country? As the UK government fights with Ireland and France over whose "problem" refugees are, they figure the best "deterrent" is to sent them to Rwanda? Well I'm not directly affected, but it REALLY matters to me how we treat these people seeking refuge. What happened to us??? #dei #mentalhealth #employeeengagement Jonathan Hook FRSA Professor Chris Beedie Andy Holmes Eva Beazley Robbie Udberg Alison Stork Rachael Edmondson-Clarke Kate Woodward Valérie Derome

Like many, I too yearn for the essence of home, a place that is both my sanctuary and a haven I eagerly anticipate returning to. My hometown encapsulates this longing with its lush greenery, unity, and the values it proudly upholds. Every aspect of my town, from the serene landscape to the warm embrace of its people, has consistently welcomed visitors and residents alike. That is, until the last time. The last visit was far from the idyllic experiences of the past. It lacked beauty entirely. Instead, my hometown was filled with petty scammers and plagued by various social vices. Witnessing this transformation shattered not only my heart but also those of others to whom I recounted the story. This heartbreak, however, became the catalyst for Teqia , a non-governmental organization with a steadfast mission: to eradicate cybercrimes and combat other social vices. We achieve this by equipping youths and teenagers with the essential skill sets required to thrive in our rapidly evolving digital world. Our ultimate aim is to create a secure cyber space throughout Africa and extend a helping hand to young individuals in remote areas of the continent. By guiding them into the world of technology, we strive to offer better choices and brighter futures to these young minds. Fast forward four months, the influence of our organization has been nothing short of profound. We have successfully enrolled 150 pupils, providing them with invaluable resources and ongoing mentorship. It's inspiring to think that this initial group of 150 beneficiaries will soon blossom into a staggering 150,000, and our determination remains unwavering. Our commitment extends far beyond numerical growth. We persistently strive for a day when a young boy, struggling on the streets, will no longer view fraud as his only recourse. We will not rest until we have transformed lives and steered countless individuals towards a brighter, more ethical path. UNICEF United Nations AFRICANXT Africare Oxfam Oxfam International One Laptop Per Child Computer Aid International #leadership #publicspeaking #keynotespeaker

🌍 **World Humanitarian Day: Honoring Commitment & Innovation** 🌍 Today, as we observe #WorldHumanitarianDay, we salute the relentless spirit of all humanitarians making a significant impact around the globe. Their unwavering commitment and dedication remind us of the power of collective action. At #Dynexcel, we believe in the potential of technology to amplify these efforts. With our specialized #Odoo services: 🔹 Streamline operations for NGOs and aid organizations 🔹 Efficiently manage resources, funds, and projects 🔹 Enable transparency and accountability in humanitarian missions Innovation can empower humanitarians to reach more people, faster and more efficiently. Let's leverage the tools we have to support those who support the world. If your humanitarian organization is looking for a tailored solution to drive your mission forward, reach out. We're here to partner in your journey. 🔗 Let’s unite for a brighter, more compassionate future. #HumanityFirst #OdooForImpact #DynexcelCares

How can #Africa and #Africans become more productive? 🌍 On this post, I share insights on how to harness the untapped human and natural #resources to improve productivity on a large scale. 📈 🔍This #thoughtpiece applies a systems approach to improving productivity at the state, organisational and individual level. With the right approach, I believe African countries can become productivity hubs, by focusing more efficiently on its core competencies. Let me know your thoughts💭 Here's the link to the post:  https://lnkd.in/d8uGU9tU #humancapital #productivity #development #systemsthinking #economicdevelopment #sustainabledevelopmentgoals #sdgs

As we wrap up the year and head to another, for which the outlook looks equally if not more bleak, I'll share a few thoughts with my network. Humanitarians will always have this conversation with each other about the "system being broken" or "wanting to change the system from the inside". The UN definitely needs urgent reform, and it is tempting to assume the burden of our inability to prevent crises from happening when the reality is that we are at the mercy of permanent members of the UNSC. For NGOs, it's also difficult to uphold humanitarian principles when our funding mostly comes from the same entities, and we always face this Catch-22 of delivering life-saving needs from governments which profit off of arms sales and instigate conflicts happening in the first place. All of this is valid, and tragic, and a conversation that nags on our minds from the field level up to the regional level (with a few allies at HQ but I have some disillusionment on that front). In any case, these conversations, while critical, are too large for any one or even group of us to tackle. Anyone working in this sector will (should) eventually acquire the wisdom to identify what they can change, what they have power or influence to change, and how to do it with the time and resources we have. Even with this wisdom, I struggle to find an appropriate routine to have a work-life-genocide balance. On my day to day, I wake up to terrifying videos/images of my people being slaughtered by the same government receiving military aid from my programme's largest donor. I fundraise from governments selling or providing arms to warring parties. I wake up to messages of people from around the world gaslighting us and saying we do not deserve to exist, let alone live a decent life. Throughout the day I try to advocate in whatever way I can within the organizations I worked for to listen to Palestinian voices, and Arab voices in general. I am met with tremendous resistance, and from allies, a similar sense of disillusionment from those gracious enough to have this conversation rather than hide behind the aesthetics of their perceived neutrality. I go to work, from a desk job trying to support staff who are severely burnt out. If I'm in the field I am seeing a 10 year-old unaccompanied minor who will walk across active conflict zones to a border where they would likely get shot at. I go home and find the will to exercise or eat. Before bed I see these same images only for the next day to repeat itself. If I am on R&R, I am processing all of this while still being exposed to it. Humanitarians sometimes assume the burden and responsibility of people who actively decide to withhold mercy and humanity. The outlook is bleak, but if there is one message to send out to humanitarians, it is that if we cannot support each other and take a stand, what is the point of all of this? Where do we draw the line in abating what we believe is a broken system?