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Mercer County to present 3 ways to safely vote in NJ for upcoming Primary, General Elections

Mercer County Board of Elections will have a presentation at the County Library in Lawrence on May 21 to educate the public about the three ways to vote in N.J. for the upcoming Primary and General Elections, and to demonstrate  the safeguards that are  in place to protect county elections.

They will also  provide a demonstration of the Dominion Voting Machines.

With a Presidential Election year underway, Mercer County Clerk Paula Sollami Covello, Superintendent of Elections Walker M. Worthy, Jr., and Board of Elections Chair Jill Moyer invite constituents to a comprehensive presentation aimed at educating the community on the various voting methods available in New Jersey and the ballot design changes for the upcoming Primary Election. The event will feature a live demonstration of the Dominion Voting Machines, which will be utilized during Election Day. The event will be held at the Lawrence Branch of Mercer County Library System on May 21st at 6pm.

“We are dedicated to fostering an informed electorate,” stated County Clerk Sollami Covello. “This presentation serves as an invaluable opportunity for constituents to familiarize themselves with the voting methods available to them, as well as the new ballot design for the Primary Election.”  “They will also gain hands-on experience with the Dominion Voting Machines,” added Superintendent Worthy. Chairwoman Moyer added, “Many people are still not aware that early voting is a great way to cast your vote and to avoid lines at the polls. We will explain how convenient it is as well.”

For more information on this event contact the Mercer County Clerk’s Office at 609-989-6820. For more Election related information, visit the Clerk’s election page, or New Jersey Department of State – Division of Elections – NJ Voter Information Portal, call the County Clerk’s Election Office at 609-989-6495. For polling location questions, or to become a poll worker, you may contact the Mercer County Board of Elections Office at 609-989-6522 or visit their website at Board of Elections

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Mercer County Exec Benson announces ‘Mercer Path Forward’ initiative

MERCER COUNTY — Mercer County is proud to announce a new initiative, Mercer Path Forward. This initiative underscores Mercer County Exec. Dan Benson’s dedication to supporting the well-being of county residents who were previously incarcerated.

Recognizing the importance of providing opportunities for its residents to thrive, Mercer County has taken a proactive step by collaborating with The Glory Firm and Morph Mentoring to provide expungement services and workforce development assistance to residents impacted by the justice system.

“Our Path Forward program will reduce barriers for individuals in search of employment, public assistance, education, housing, parental rights, and voting,” said County Executive Benson. “These are members of our community who have completed their sentences, and deserve the opportunity to rebuild their lives.”

The Glory Firm, a minority and woman-owned law firm, brings expertise and a commitment to justice to this partnership. Led by Managing Partner Valisha Desir, Esq., an esteemed alumna of The College of New Jersey, the Glory Firm is well-equipped to provide compassionate and effective legal support to Mercer County residents seeking to have their record expunged.

“Mercer Path Forward exemplifies Mercer County’s dedication to fostering a supportive community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Both Mercer County and The Glory Firm are enthusiastic about the opportunity to serve county residents and assist them in moving forward,” said Valisha Desir, Esq.

Morph mentoring’s curriculum is meticulously designed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge sought by employers in today’s competitive job market. Courses cover a wide range of topics from basic computer literacy to advanced job readiness skills.

“Through the Mercer Path Forward program, Morph mentoring embodies a fusion of compassion and mission-driven purpose. We are dedicated to transforming lives by offering a second chance at success through holistic career development, fostering professionalism, and creating pathways to prosperity,” said Dr. Chelsey Brunson.

Mercer Path Forward exemplifies Mercer County’s dedication to fostering a supportive community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Mercer County is enthusiastic about the opportunity to serve county residents and assist them in moving forward.

Path Forward services are free to the public. You must apply to be accepted. Mercer County representatives will be on site to assist interested residents at three public events.

Application and Participant Screening on:

  • Tuesday, April 16, 2024 from 1pm to 7pm at the Mercer County Connection located at 957 Highway 33, Hamilton, NJ 08690 (Hamilton Square Shopping Center)
  • Monday, June 10, 2024 from 1pm to 7pm at the Mercer County Community College 102 N. Broad Street, Trenton, NJ 08608 (James Kerney Campus, 2nd Fl.)
  • Monday, June 17, 2024 from 1pm to 7pm at the Mercer County Office Park at 1440 Parkside Ave., Ewing, NJ 08638 (Kitchen Teaching Room)

For inquiries, email to mercerpathforward@mercercounty.org.

Mercer County strives to enhance community services and resources, creating an environment where every individual can thrive. Through collaborative efforts and a dedication to serving its diverse population, Mercer County is working to be an example for the entire State.

These services are made possible through funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

For additional information, please reach out to Theo Siggelakis at TSiggelakis@Mercercounty.org

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Applications now open for Mercer County Student Internship Program

MERCER COUNTY — Applications are now open for the 2024 Mercer County Student Internship Program.

High school and college students who live, or attend school, in Mercer County may apply to a wide range of full-time and part-time internship positions. Internship opportunities are available over the summer from June through Labor Day, with a limited number of spots also available over the Winter Break and Spring Break periods.

“I’m excited for the Mercer County Student Internship Program to return this year,” said County Executive Dan Benson. “These positions offer us an opportunity to engage our next generation of leaders in the important work of county government. We all benefit from the energy and enthusiasm that they bring to the work.”

Students in the program will have the opportunity to serve the public by assisting the core day-to-day work of a department or division within the Mercer County government, while acquiring valuable experience for their future careers. Participants will also benefit from a series of activities planned by the Office of Personnel, curated to teach valuable skills, enhance workforce preparedness, and provide information about career paths in public service.

Interested students can visit the Mercer County website to apply, find information on the program, and read details on available positions.

College students will be paid $17/hour and high school students will earn $15.14/hour. All applicants must be at least 15 years of age. Students seeking to earn credits for their college or university have the option of working without pay.

The application deadline for Summer Student Internships is May 3

For additional information, please reach out to Theo Siggelakis at TSiggelakis@Mercercounty.org

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Mercer County announces Tennis Hall of Fame Class of 2024 Awards Dinner

MERCER COUNTY — The Mercer County Park Commission is proud to announce the Mercer County Tennis Hall of Fame Class of 2024. This year’s honorees have made extraordinary achievements in the field of tennis and expanded the popularity of the sport.

The Class of 2024 includes Jim Cryan, Co-Director of the Cryan Memorial Tennis Tournament; Mike Ehrenberg, longtime Director of the G. Nelson Green Memorial Tournament; Ginny Mason, a founding member and continuous supporter of National Junior Tennis and Learning of Trenton (NJTL); Glenn Michibata, a Wimbledon Doubles Semifinalist and Princeton Tennis Program Teaching Professional; and Betty Sander Thompson, who is receiving a posthumous honor and had received a USTA Umpire Emeritus Award for 32 years of service.

The Hall of Fame dinner will be held on Friday, June 14 at 6 p.m. at the Boathouse at Mercer Lake in Mercer County Park, West Windsor.

“I’m pleased to announce this year’s Mercer County Tennis Hall of Fame honorees,” said County Executive Dan Benson.

“Mercer County produces incredible talent in every field imaginable and I’m always thrilled for an opportunity to highlight the leaders in our community. Thanks to the work of the Mercer County Park Commission, the Mercer County Tennis Center isn’t just a place where people can play the sport, it is a center for the tennis community in our region.”

Marc Vecchiolla, Director of the Mercer County Tennis Center, has been the Hall of Fame Chair for 12 years. Throughout his tenure, he has found each year’s honorees to be incredibly inspirational.

“Their shared love of tennis has made each inductee monumentally influential to thousands within Mercer County and beyond,” said Mr. Vecchiolla. “The Park Commission is proud to recognize the indelible contributions the inductees have made to our tennis community.”

The Mercer County Tennis Hall of Fame was initiated in 1992 by the Mercer County Tennis Council to recognize people with ties to the County who have made outstanding contributions to the sport. Since the dissolution of the Tennis Council, the Mercer County Park Commission has overseen the nominating committee, voting process and dinner committee. The Hall of Fame honors individuals for their involvement in competition, education, officiating, recreation, media, industry, or in the advancement of tennis.

Induction ceremonies are held every four years, with the honorees selected by 50 leaders in the area’s tennis community. Criteria for induction stipulate that “the record of achievement must be balanced by a reputation that can be admired and respected. Membership is intended to represent a highly selective group.”

Tickets for the Hall of Fame dinner are $100 per person. For more information or to receive an electronic invitation, please contact Marc Vecchiolla at mvecchiolla@mercercounty.org or by phone at (609) 448-2088.

For additional information, please reach out to Theo Siggelakis at TSiggelakis@Mercercounty.org.

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County Exec. Benson releases 100-day accomplishments since his office election

MERCER COUNTY — It has been 100 days since Mercer County Executive Dan Benson was sworn into office on Jan. 1,  2024.

“When we took office, the county faced considerable challenges. The 2022 county audit wasn’t complete, several key financial statements needed corrections, and a key county bond was near its expiration. In our first 100 days, we have put Mercer County on stable footing. We have an experienced team that has restored competence and professionalism to Mercer County government,” said County Executive Benson.

Benson immediately hired a qualified and experienced staff, led by Christopher Marion as County Administrator, Sharon Shinkle Gardner as Chief of Staff, Taraun Tice McKnight and Ana Montero as Deputy Administrators, and Nick Trasente as Chief Financial Officer. In the first 50 days, this team reorganized Mercer County government, making the following changes:

  • County Administrator Marion will oversee Buildings & Grounds, Corrections, Trenton-Mercer Airport, the Mercer County Library System, and the Joint Insurance Fund
  • Deputy Administrator Tice McKnight will oversee Human Services, Mercer County Office of Training and Employment Services (One-Stop Career Center), Housing, and Veterans Affairs
  • Deputy Administrator Montero will oversee a new joint department of Public Health and Safety, including the Office of Emergency Management and Emergency Communications

“While working to fix the county’s finances, we have also laid the foundation for the work ahead. We’ve improved accessibility, fostered greater collaboration with our municipalities, increased transparency to public contracting, modernized our County Code, and ensured our administration is both diverse and transparent,” said County Executive Benson.

Highlights of the Benson Administration’s first 100 days in office include:

  • Completed the long overdue 2022 Mercer County Audit
  • Shared updates on IRS penalties incurred from the last administration with the Board of Commissioners
  • Drafted initial revisions to the Mercer County Code, the first set of revisions in over ten years
  • Completed an April 4th bond note sale rolling over the $150+ million sale from the last administration, at a lower interest rate, while maintaining our bond rating
  • Worked with our new CFO and financial consultants to recreate and identify missing or incorrect County financial documents
  • Obtained a $70,000 grant to install hearing induction loops to assist the deaf and hard-of-hearing at select county facilities
  • Launched a new round of zero-interest loans for local small businesses
  • Provided funding to help Hamilton Township buy and preserve Kuser Woods
  • Completed a comprehensive After Action Review of Mercer County’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Appointed a diverse group of Mercer residents to numerous Boards and Commissions

Benson added, “There’s a lot of work still ahead, but we are committed to making sure Mercer County government works for everyone. We will do whatever it takes to make that pledge a reality.”

  • Hiring a new Office of Emergency Management Director
  • Establishing a Division of Tourism & Travel in Economic Development
  • Creating a Mercer County Office of LGBTQIA+ Services within Human Services
  • Breaking ground on the Trenton-Mercer Airport Firehouse (Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting facility)
  • Preparing the 2024 Mercer County Budget for adoption
  • Auditing Mercer County Information Technology Systems
  • Installing Wi-Fi at Trenton-Mercer Airport
  • Completing an audit of Mercer County Parks System.
  • Conducting a Corrections Facility Assessment
  • Hosting Bi-Annual Legislative Delegation meetings to discuss Mercer County’s priorities

“I am excited for the future of Mercer County and for our next 100 days and beyond,” said County Executive Benson. “Collaboration, transparency, and professionalism are cornerstones of our administration, and we are dedicated to keeping our community informed about our continued progress.”

For additional information, please reach out to Theo Siggelakis at TSiggelakis@Mercercounty.org.

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Donald Trump wanted Ivanka to replace him on ‘The Apprentice’

When Donald Trump left his seat in the boardroom as the star of his long-running NBC reality series “The Apprentice” in 2015, in order to run for president of the United States, he had a clear successor in mind.

 

“I said, ‘The best person to hire would be Ivanka Trump,’” Donald Trump says.

 

“I didn’t press it. But I felt Ivanka would have been by far the best person you could hire.”

 

Trump shares this revelation in a new book about his years as a reality star, “Apprentice in Wonderland: How Donald Trump and Mark Burnett Took America Through the Looking Glass,” written by Variety co-editor-in-chief Ramin Setoodeh.

 

The book peels back the curtain on how Trump’s decade playing an all-knowing mogul on TV shaped his image as a politician, ultimately catapulting him to the White House.

 

“Apprentice in Wonderland” is based on unprecedented access and hours of interviews with Trump after he left the White House in January 2021— as well as his original boardroom advisers George Ross and Carolyn Kepcher, NBC executives and dozens of former contestants. Setoodeh is the author of the 2019 best-selling book “Ladies Who Punch: The Explosive Inside Story of ‘The View.’”

 

When “The Apprentice” premiered in January 2004, it became an overnight sensation, reaching more than 20 million viewers an episode in its first season. More importantly, the series, created by Mark Burnett,turned Trump into a beloved national figure. On TV, Trump was a savvy businessman, who judged contestants seeking his approval in a competitive job search and dismissed those who didn’t measure up with his ubiquitous catchphrase, “You’re fired!”

Eventually, the show added more star power in the form of contestants in “The Celebrity Apprentice,” which had everyone from Joan Rivers to Piers Morgan competing for Trump’s approval in tasks for charity. Trump starred in 14 seasons of “The Apprentice” and its spinoff before exiting reality TV, and he was also credited as the series’ executive producer.

“NBC didn’t like it, because it became like a family thing,” Trump says in the book about his proposal to have Ivanka replace him. “But I said, ‘There’s nobody you’re going to hire that will come even close to Ivanka.’ They said, ‘Huh…’ And then they came back with Arnold Schwarzenegger.”

 

Schwarzenegger replaced Trump as host of “The New Celebrity Apprentice,” which premiered in January 2017, before Trump’s inauguration, and was canceled after one season due to lackluster ratings.

As part of Trump’s pitch for an Ivanka version of “The Apprentice,” Eric and Don Trump Jr. would have joined their sister on TV as boardroom advisers. The trio had been a regular presence on the show for years, appearing by their father’s side in later seasons to help him evaluate the contestants.

“It was going to be the three of us,” Eric Trump says in the book. “There were talks for a little while about it.”

In the end, this continuation of “The Apprentice” led by Ivanka didn’t come together, since NBC cut ties with Donald Trump when he ran for president and immediately made derogatory comments about Mexican immigrants in July 2015.

Instead, Trump’s grown-up children joined him on the campaign trail. “I think it’s pretty hard to say we’re going to run with reality TV in a time when you’re talking about ending nuclear proliferation around the world,” Eric says in the book. “I’m not sure the two could have worked in tandem.”

“Apprentice in Wonderland” will be published on June 18 by HarperCollins.

 

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— Variety (EXCLUSIVE) 

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Environmental documentary ‘Wild Coast Warriors,’ about a legal battle against Shell in South Africa, picked up by Limonero

Limonero Films has picked up world rights to distribute environmental documentary, “Wild Coast Warriors,” which launches at Mipdoc.

 

The film aims to raise awareness of the plight of small coastal communities on South Africa’s Wild Coast, who are standing up to the oil and gas industry.

 

It follows a David vs. Goliath court-case against Shell, which halted oil and gas exploration, winning protection for the community, the ocean and the local culture.

 

“Wild Coast Warriors” is directed by Nick Chevallier and Leigh Wood, who also edits the film. It is produced by Chevallier for Contemporary Film Productions. The cinematographer is Warren Smart, who was part of the camera crew on Oscar winner “My Octopus Teacher.”

 

Pippa Ehrlich, director of “My Octopus Teacher,” said “Wild Coast Warriors” was “a critical story about the power of community advocacy, and a warning to big corporations that there is strength in the voices of vulnerable people who are connected to and dependent on their land.”

 

She said the film was “an empowering case-study showing how South Africa’s constitution protects its people.” She added: “It is exquisitely shot and paints a beautiful portrait of the people working to defend their communities and the land they love.”

 

The film is supported by Greenpeace Africa, Natural Justice and Oxfam Intl.

 

Chevallier’s credits include “Blood Lions.” His clients have included BBC, Discovery Channel, National Geographic, Animal Planet and South African broadcasters.

 

Twenty years ago, Chevallier produced a documentary called “The Wild Coast….a Fragile Paradise” in which he explored the natural beauty and rich natural resource base of the Wild Coast.

 

Mipdoc runs April 6-7 in Cannes, ahead of the MipTV market and conference.

 

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— Variety (EXCLUSIVE) 

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How Ukraine recreates Soledar Salt Mine, let players compete for prizes, plus donate to restore school hit by Russian missile

—  The Soledar Salt Mine in eastern Ukraine shut down in early 2022 amidst the Russian invasion.  The Ukrainian government recreated it in Minecraft to raise funds to restore a school hit during the war.

 

Justin Ling / Wired:

 

— On Feb. 24, 2022, Stepan Bandrivskyi woke up before dawn and got ready for a special day: his birthday.

 

It wouldn’t be a particularly happy one. Hours earlier, a couple dozen miles away, Russian tanks had rolled across the borders of his native Ukraine. The full-scale invasion had begun.

 

Like so many other Ukrainians, Bandrivskyi didn’t know what to do. So he went to work, to the Soledar Salt Mine, a cavernous state-run operation in Eastern Ukraine. Kyiv says it is the biggest such mine in Europe. His manager told him to go home: The mine was closed. It hasn’t resumed operations since.

Bandrivskyi fled the region not long after, as Russian forces advanced. After nearly a year of fighting, during which the mines were turned into bunkers, Russia seized and occupied the town of Soledar—although fierce fighting continues nearby. Over time, Bandrivskyi came to the painful realization that he may never see the salt mine, and its eerie and isolated beauty, ever again.

 

Last year, Bandrivskyi received a phone call from a colleague. “He invited me to participate in a very interesting project,” he says.

 

The Ukrainian government wanted to completely map the mine “and translate it into a game environment,” he says. Bandrivskyi seized the opportunity. “I wanted to keep it in my memory, and I wanted other people to be able to kind of immerse themselves in this world as well,” he says.

With that, Minesalt was born.

THE IDEA FOR Minesalt comes from United24, the official crowdfunding arm of the Ukrainian government. For nearly two years, United24 has raised funds to rebuild apartment blocks and purchase de-mining equipment. Last year, United24 began shipping batches of salt to donors, through its “Soledarity” campaign—raising some $3 million to purchase reconnaissance drones.

 

But as the war drags into its third year, donor fatigue has set in. That has pushed United24 to come up with new and innovative ways of attracting the world’s attention—and support.

 

Minesalt, which launches last Thursday might be their most inspired effort yet.

 

A recreation of the mine in Minecraft.

 

“It is important for us to remember and talk about every Ukrainian city that is under temporary Russian occupation,” Yaroslava Gres, chief coordinator of United24, told WIRED in a statement. Last summer, when a team suggested bringing Soledar to life as a video game, it was a very easy idea to say yes to.

 

Built for the wildly popular sandbox game Minecraft, Minesaltchallenges players to race through the mine, collecting 140 hidden salt crystals as fast as possible. At the end of the run, a quiz tests players’ recollection of details from Soledar. But, like in the rest of Minecraft, Minesalt players can also opt to wander at their own pace.

 

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— Techmeme

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Leaders from 20 EU countries sign the Quantum Pact to recognize the importance of quantum tech for enhancement of  Europe’s scientific and industrial competitiveness

—  Thomas Skordas of the European Commission describes the Quantum Pact as the EU’s attempt to make Europe the ‘Quantum Valley’ of the world.

 

 

Vish Gain / Silicon Republic:

 

 

EU leaders have gathered today (22 March) to sign what they are calling a Quantum Pact that recognises the importance of advancing quantum computing technologies to enhance the bloc’s scientific and industrial competitiveness.

 

Quantum computing has been rapidly advancing with major breakthroughs taking place around the world. The emerging technology has potential to transform a range of sectors, including medicine, energy, communications, cybersecurity, space, defence, as well as climate and weather modelling.

 

“It will enable huge productivity gains, revitalise industry and open up new markets, applications and job opportunities,” said Thomas Skordas, deputy director-general responsible for communications networks, content and technology in the European Commission.

 

Skordas was filling in for EU commissioner Thierry Breton at the Shaping Europe’s Quantum Future conference held in Brussels, Belgium today. He describes the Quantum Pact as the EU’s attempt to make Europe the “Quantum Valley” of the world.

 

“Only by building on our strengths, by working together, by being ambitious, by targeting the whole spectrum of activities – research, industry, infrastructures, talent, external partnerships and more – can we transform Europe into the leading region globally for quantum excellence and innovation. Quantum will help us to challenge the boundaries of what is possible.”

 

The event featured keynotes, panel discussions and workshops on EU quantum strategy and was held at the Belgium Institute of Natural Sciences.

 

A declaration was first signed in December, setting the stage for cooperation, investment and innovation in quantum computing technologies in the EU and positioning it as a global leader in the space.

 

The pact today has been signed by 20 European countries: Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Spain, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden. Ireland has not signed the pact.

 

Last month, the EU and Canada announced intentions to boost their strategic digital partnership to address “new challenges in digital transformation” such as in the areas of AI, quantum science, semiconductors, public policy related to online platforms, secure international connectivity, cybersecurity and digital identity.

 

For quantum science, the regions intend to expand “mutually beneficial collaboration” to improve and accelerate research, development and innovation in the area, while also promoting jobs and the use of quantum tech in the broader economy.

 

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— Techmeme

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PACAW aims to transform the mindset of future African leaders

CUMBERLAND, Md. — The monumental problems impacting the young, neglected populations in the world’s poorest countries will, sooner or later, reach everybody’s borders, posits Dr. Sylvanus Ayeni, a retired neurosurgeon who is also the president and founder of Pan Africa Children Advocacy Watch (PACAW), a nonprofit organization headquartered in Maryland.

 

“We live in a very complex, unsettling and troubled world, which is shrinking — distance wise — faster than we can imagine,” Ayeni said.

 

 

Ayeni founded PACAW in 2007 in response to the devastating deficits in education, infrastructure and healthcare facing African nations, predominantly in Sub-Saharan Africa. PACAW’s primary mission is to nurture and develop a new generation of African leaders who will use the continent’s abundant natural resources to provide a much needed better life for the citizens. PACAW does this by providing access to quality education at public primary and secondary schools, and community development activities.

 

“The main purpose is to get Nigerian youths to think differently about who they are, their innate capabilities and ultimate responsibility to their nation,” Ayeni said. “Furthermore, to get them to develop a ‘Can Do’ mindset instead of constantly waiting for foreign aid from Europe, the United States, Canada and Asia. Also, to embrace the spirit of selflessness, incorruptibility and nation building.”

 

PACAW is currently seeking funding to build science laboratories in public high schools run by the state and local governments, an issue that is very close to Ayeni’s heart.

 

“Many of these schools, sadly, have been totally neglected by the leaders,” he added.

 

In the 2024 school year, which beings in September, PACAW, in collaboration with Olise Omolu Foundation (https://oliseomolu.com), will launch an annual multi-state high school essay competition in Nigeria for senior high school students. The goal of this project is to re-orient and guide Nigeria’s youths — the nation’s future — toward a mindset of selflessness, service, incorruptibility and ethical thinking. Support for this endeavor will be greatly appreciated.

 

“The world would be different — hopefully better — if we realize that there is only one human race, a well-established scientific fact which unfortunately has been ignored for decades,” Ayeni said.

 

To learn more about PACAW or to make a contribution, please visit https://www.pacaw.org.

 

About Sylvanus Ayeni

Sylvanus Ayeni was born and raised in Nigeria and graduated from the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Nigeria. As a neurosurgeon, he worked in the private sector, for the U.S. Navy and in academia. Now retired from medicine, he is the president and founder of PACAW. He is also the author of Rescue Thyself: Change In Sub-Saharan Africa Must Come From Within (Rowman & Littlefield Publishers), in which he offers a bold dialogue about the necessity of finding alternative pathways to solve the monumental problems facing the nations of Sub-Saharan Africa.