The Ministry Of Foreign Affairs History Essay

The Ministry Of Foreign Affairs History Essay The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the principal agency through which the state conducts its relations with the outside world. In many countries, this important position is held by the Minister of Foreign Affairs who is considered as one of the most senior members of government, because to conduct the foreign policy of a state is, in effect, to have a determining voice in the development of the state. Diplomacy is the means by which the foreign policy of a state is delivered and for this reason the diplomat has to work hand in hand with the foreign minister towards the implementation of national policy. Alternatively, foreign policy is an ancillary to domestic policy and serves its need. The organisation of the diplomacy of a state is divided into two major parts. As a Government Department it operates through a Head Office in the capital city in charge of the basic responsibility of the conduct of foreign affairs. It is linked to a network of Missions in cities abroad and together, the Ministry and the Missions overseas are responsible for the promotion of the countrys interests abroad. Maltese diplomatic history began on the attainment of independence from the British on 21st September 1964. Prior to this date it cannot be said that Malta had a foreign policy of its own. As in almost all other areas of government, policies originated and were exercised by the colonial power and hence, the elected Maltese Government had absolutely no say, much less conceived or controlled the relations of the Island with other countries. However, this situation was not unknown to the Maltese people as such was the prevailing situation even between 1530 and 1798, since the Sovereign Military and Hospitaller Order of St John considered Malta as its Principality after obtaining the islands as a fief from Emperor Charles V. The Order maintained a structure of Ambassadors who were resident in the capital cities of various European states including the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, the Kingdom of Bavaria, France, the capital of the Holy Roman Empire, and the Holy See whilst a number of European States also had their Ambassadors in Malta. These gentlemen, were in effect the equivalent of the modern Charges d Affaires and were generally called Ministers.  [1]  The administration of the Islands being completely in the hands of the Order, the Grandmaster of the day had the privilege of bestowing certain offices to the Maltese which were however rarely of an executive nature.  [2]   During the transition period between 1798 to 1800 from the departure of the Sovereign Military and Hospitaller Order of St Johns from to the end of the French occupation and the arrival of the British in Malta, there was no significant change in the participation or control of the Maltese on Maltas internal or far less foreign policy. During the British rule that extended from 1802 to 1964, the Maltese Public Service was no more than vehicle(s) by which British policy in Malta could be successfully implemented  [3]  and there were only three fields in which the Maltese government could have relations with other foreign countries: immigration, financial aid and commerce and Maltese external relations were handled exclusively by the British Governor acting on the instructions of the Colonial Office in London. As a consequence there could not be any Maltese ambassadors or consuls accredited to foreign countries. However, even before internal self-government became effective, in 1929 the British Government had agreed to the establishment of a representative Maltese Office in Australia and later in London, under the direction of a Commissioner rather than High Commissioner, on the understanding that neither post would be considered a diplomatic office. The Maltese Civil Service had over the 160 years of British Colonial rule acquired experience on the administration of domestic affairs of the island namely finance, public works, health and education  [4]  . In the period between 1958 until 1964 the higher civil service prepared the economic and administrative foundations upon which Maltese sovereignty was based.  [5]  On the 21 September 1964, for the first time in their history, the Maltese people gained the possibility of formulating and conducting their own foreign policy. Thus Maltese diplomatic history started in 1964 when Malta, as a sovereign state, became a member of the United Nations. Chapter One The Nationalist Party strove to implement a foreign policy based on three pillars as outlined in their 1962 Electoral Program and namely Maltas place within the Western bloc with a particular emphasis on the Mediterranean and the Commonwealth, the offer of services to the causes of the United Nations and that opportunities offered by the Common Market would be exploited.  [6]   On 29th September, 1964 Malta applied for membership of the United Nations and by Resolution 196 (1964) become the 114th Member State in the United Nations on 1st December 1964  [7]  in the Western European and Others Group. The first statement of Malta to the General Assembly, made by Prime Minister Dr George Borg Olivier concentrated on presenting its (Maltas) role as a bridge between Africa and Europe and analysed the implications of this matter for Malta, establishing Maltas unique role in the Mediterranean  [8]  . In this regards, it can be stated that from this very first contribution, the Maltese Government took and continued to take an active role in the proceedings of the United Nations, both in the General Assembly  [9]  and especially so when elected to the Security Council in 1983 1984. Notwithstanding Maltas status as a micro-state, its perseverance in the international fora was not to be underestimated as can be seen by the number of stands taken at the United Nations  [10]  with regards to disarmament, aid towards developing countries and peaceful settlement of disputes. But perhaps the most important issue put forward by Malta was its proposal to the United Nations on 17th August 1967, concerning the concept of the Common Heritage of Mankind to the international seabed and ocean floor and subsoil thereof, which eventually resulted in the International Law of the Sea.  [11]   The main objectives of the Maltese government initially were security, economic independence and political stability. For this reason even before the achievement of Independence, the Maltese government felt the need to create a distinct unit that would be responsible solely for Maltas Commonwealth and other international relations. This was not an easy task due to no infrastructure and the lack of trained personnel within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs  [12]  , more so in dealings in the diplomatic field. Bilateral relations were established immediately on Independence with Australia, France, Italy, the United Kingdom and the United States of America and various countries sought to have their embassies accredited on the Island. Between 1964 and 1971 Malta forged diplomatic relations with countries across the globe  [13]  and its foreign policy firmly embedded it in the western hemisphere as a matter of course  [14]  . Chapter Two In June 1963, the Maltese Government issued an internal call for applications for the recruitment from within the Civil Service, of Officers willing and competent to participate in the representation of Malta abroad.  [15]  The aim was to create a small, compact, highly efficient corps of diplomats who could represent and promote effectively Maltas political and commercial interests abroad. A total of eighty Officers whose grade varied from Under-Secretary to Executive Officer applied. Immediately on Independence, the Nationalist Administration took the first steps towards the creation of a Foreign Service and hence the establishment of a new Ministry falling under the responsibility of the Prime Minister  [16]  with responsibility for Commonwealth and Foreign Relations was created. Fredrick Amato Gauci, who was a graduate civil servant having previously served as Director of Emigration, Labour and Social Service and who had also been decorated for his service as Major in the RMA during World War II  [17]  . He was appointed Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs and entrusted with the task of putting into place the structure necessary for operations. In order to gain first-hand experience on the structure of a Foreign Ministry, Amato Gauci, was sent to London to study the operational system of the British Foreign Ministry. Mr Amato Gauci concentrated on building the structure of the new Ministry on two binaries and his top priority was the identification of the necessary human resources to put the newly created service in a position to implement the administrations policy. The organisation of the Head Office was divided into three sectors and consisted primarily of three distinct Divisions, namely the Political, Administration and Protocol and Missions abroad.  [18]  His second and equally important task was the identification of adequate premises located in a central and prestigious position which could accommodate visits by foreign dignitaries and also Maltese officers working in the Ministry. Adequate premises in a central position but in the proximity of the Office of the Prime Minister at Auberge d Aragon needed to be identified and the choice ultimately fell on St Georges Chancery, a prestigious location in Palace Square at the centre of Valletta. With much of the necessary groundwork accomplished, the formal establishment of the External Affairs Service of the Government of Malta was done through a call for applications for Envoy  [19]  . Amongst the qualities required were, experience in executive or administrative capacity in business or Government service, knowledge of languages and experience gained in travel and work abroad. The grade of Envoy was on the par of the Commonwealth and Foreign Affairs Secretary. A total of seventeen applications were received but the only candidate considered to possess all requisites was Mr Philip Pullicino MBE, who had made a successful career in the United Kingdom Overseas Civil Service. Ambassadors were appointed not merely for their political allegiance but in certain posts depending on their competence.  [20]   The call for the recruitment of the Officers in the Grades of Counsellor, First Secretary and Second Secretary was published in March 1965.  [21]  Individuals who satisfied any of the following basic requirements could answer the said call for applications: possession of a degree in law, science, arts, commerce, economics or accountancy; Officers of the executive or administrative grades with five years service; or Regular or ex-Regular officers of the Armed Forces of Malta. Age limits were set. All Candidates had to have attained their 26th birthday on application however candidates appointed to the grade of Counsellor could not be above fifty years of age, a First Secretary could not be above forty-five years of age whilst a Second Secretary could not be above thirty-five years of age. A fundamental requirement in the call for applications was that successful candidates would be required to sign an undertaking to serve abroad at any time and also that they would be required to undergo courses of training in Malta and abroad. A total of 53 applications were received however only 6 candidates were successful in the selection process with the appointment of two Counsellors, two appointments as First Secretary (the third candidate having declined the appointment) and no appointment as Second Secretary as the only successful candidate subsequently declined the offer of this post. The successful candidates were nominated to follow courses in diplomatic studies at prestigious educational institutions and specifically the Carnegie Endowment Institute in New York, Oxford University and the Universita degli Studi, Rome. Further training in the form of attachment to British Embassies was also envisaged.  [22]   When compared to Officers in the General Service, the grade of Counsellor was comparable to that of Assistant Secretary, ( £1,110-50-  £1,250)  [23]  , the grade of First Secretary to Administrative Officer ( £860-40- £1060) whilst a Second Secretary was comparable to a Higher Executive Officer ( £705-30- £810). The subsequent recruitment effected in 1966  [24]  was only for posts of First Secretary and Second Secretary and for the first time was open to female candidates, who would however receive three-fourths of salary rates in Malta  [25]  but would be entitled to receive the same allowances as their male counterparts whilst serving abroad. Applicants could not be over 50 years of age whilst the minimum age requirement was not amended and kept at 26 years, as in the first call of the previous year. The need to widen the areas of expertise of applicants was felt and applicants with executive, administrative or journalistic experience were also invited to apply. Whilst twenty seven applications were received, only one first Secretary and four Second Secretaries, including the first female diplomat in the Maltese External Service were appointed  [26]  . Further recruitment exercises which were carried out in 1967  [27]  and 1968  [28]  for both First Secretaries and Seco nd Secretaries resulted in the appointment of only six Second Secretaries from a total of eighteen applicants, whilst in 1968 when the call for applications was restricted only to the recruitment in the grade of Second Secretary, three Second Secretaries were appointed from a total of twelve applicants. While all these organisational activities were going on at home, adequate premises in the various capitals were being selected to house the Chanceries and official Residences. In most instances the properties were leased; however official premises were eventually purchased in New York and Washington in 1968  [29]  and Brussels and Libya in 1969.  [30]   With the Maltese Diplomatic Corps still in its infancy, the diplomats posted overseas faced difficulties in conditions of employment. These difficulties regarded post classification allowances, rent or adequate lodging for officers below the rank of Ambassador and especially the provision of medical treatment abroad for the individual officers and the members of their families accompanying them on their posting overseas. The Pay and Allowance Regulations  [31]  , which became effective 1st October 1966, and which were supplementary to Estacode  [32]  and the Administrative Instructions  [33]  formed the basis for the calculation of allowances which Officers in the External Service were entitled to during their posting overseas. Amongst the conditions stipulated one could find the rates of various allowance depending on the grade and country of posting of the Officer in respect of Expatriation, Wife and Child, Entertainment, Domestic Service, Medical Insurance and Rent. Ho wever Medical expenses proved to be a bone of contention for many officers when faced with exorbitant medical cost not covered by the Medical Insurance. This situation was solved when Mr Amato Gaucis successor, Mr Joseph Rossignaud obtained approval from the Ministry of Finance for reimbursement of ninety per cent of medical and dental costs incurred by officers serving overseas.  [34]   During the headship of Mr Amato Gauci, the Ministry, for the first time compiled the Administrative Instructions.  [35]  The Instructions constituted a compendium of operating instructions to be consulted by Diplomatic Staff on a range of subjects ranging from diplomatic practise, administrative and financial procedure. These Instructions are still available today and remain actual as regards the diplomatic and consular practice. Over the years, various attempts were made to update these Instructions so that they could effectively help diplomatic officers to respond to the ever-increasing exigencies of modern diplomatic and consular functions. The administrative and financial procedures employed at the Ministry continue to be those established by the Public Service Management Code and the Financial Regulations, in force throughout the whole public administration as updated from time to time. In a matter of a few years the Ministry of Commonwealth and Foreign Affairs had established its identity as a leader in the implementation of policy and on the change in administration in the 1970s, notwithstanding its relatively small staff complement, was an active actor in the Maltese political arena. Chapter Three The Labour Party (MLP) won the general elections in June 1971 and immediately strove to execute the far reaching changes which had been advocated on while in opposition. Dom Mintoff as Prime Minister, who like his predecessor assumed the responsibility of the Foreign Ministry, had a new, wider vision of Maltas place in the world.  [36]  The main aspects of the Labour Governments foreign policy, even in its second and third terms, were influenced by Maltas domestic policy whereby the islands strategic position were exploited into attracting investment and trade activity, securing financial aid  [37]  and creating economic activity. Furthermore, the creation of a Mediterranean awareness in the spirit of cooperation for peace and progress leading to the withdrawal of foreign fleets  [38]  from the Mediterranean and the vision of a neutral Malta  [39]  was advocated. A further move by the Labour administration to break with the past was the proclamation of the Republic of Malta on 13 December 1974.  [40]   In the United Nations, Malta started to disassociate itself from the Western European ad Other Group and sought closer links with the Group of 77 and the Non-Aligned Movement through membership in both groups. Mintoffs intransigency on the conviction for a demilitarized Mediterranean free from superpower influence  [41]  momentarily disrupted the 1975 Helsinki Conference on European Security and Cooperation. The Maltese Government had hoped to have four security guarantors, two from either bank of the Mediterranean, however the only Protocol for financial, economic and technical assistance was agreed to with Italy in 1980. This Protocol implicitly roped back Malta into the western hemisphere. Major changes were taking place in the Ministry, where a changing of the guard at the Headship had taken place with the appointment of Mr J. Rossignaud, a senior civil servant, to the post of Secretary. Due to the increase in personnel  [42]  , the need to identify appropriate premises became a priority. Palazzo Parisio which contains architectural style and rich features necessary to do credit to the Ministry of Foreign was chosen  [43]  and the move took place in October 1973. The Recruitment into the External Affairs Service was discontinued due to the lack of response  [44]  and in concurrence with the Governments policy to achieve greater flexibility in the Public Service by curtailing the variegation of grades. The Foreign Service Grades were subsequently absorbed into the General Service as of 1 February 1974.  [45]  Under this reorganisation, former Foreign Service officers were still liable to serve abroad according to the exigencies of the Service whilst General Service officers in the grades ranging from Clerk I to Head I, were required to undertake to serve the Ministry as and where required for a pre-determined period. As a consequence, a call for applications for Posting to Overseas Missions was issued on 17 August 1976, thereby completing the implementation of this re-organisation.  [46]  The recruitment of Diplomatic Officers at a later date supplemented the arrival of new blood in the Ministry. The prominence given to foreign policy-making by the Labour administration was further enhanced when, during the third legislation, the Prime Minister chose to appoint Dr Alex Sciberras Trigona as Foreign Minister.  [47]   The policies adopted between 1971 and 1987 were a radical recasting of the security cum economic arrangements that been moulded in Maltas colonial history.  [48]  Diplomacy, as a government activity then refers to not only a particular policy instrument but also the whole process of policymaking and implementation. Further Maltese representations were established in European capitals  [49]  in an effort to actuate the foreign policies of the day thereby obtaining valuable assistance for the actuation of domestic policies whilst also accentuating Maltas importance on the international scene. The extent of the islands diplomatic presence extended to the Gulf (Riyadh), Maghreb (Algiers), East Asia (Pyongyang), Middle East (Baghdad) and Eastern Europe (Moscow). During this same period, notwithstanding limited human and economic resources as recruitment into civil service had been temporarily interrupted, and also inadequate telecommunication infrastructure, the Foreign Ministry was instrumental in hosting a continuous stream of high-level foreign delegations with the conclusion of a substantial number of bilateral agreements resulting in beneficial assistance to Malta. No Secretary in place in 1987 Chapter Four The chief thrust of the foreign policy of the new Nationalist government on its return to power in May 1987 was a realignment with Europe  [50]  and the attainment of full membership of the then European Community.  [51]  The neutrality clause however, threatened to prove an obstacle in view of the Communitys objective of fuller integration even on a political level, as signalled in the Single European Act.  [52]  Nonetheless, when the Commission of the European Union issued its Opinion or Avis on Maltas application  [53]  and an Update Report in 1999  [54]  , it did suggest that a constitutional amendment might be necessary to clear the legal difficulties that neutrality might constitute, where Malta was to be admitted as a full member. The new administration also adopted a shift in voting patterns in the United Nations and detachment from NAM and the Group of 77. Dr Vincent (Censu) Tabone, assumed responsibility for the Foreign Ministry and endeavoured to undertake a complete re-organisation of the Ministry and its policies. The application for membership in the EU necessitated the establishment of the EU Directorate within the MFA  [55]  in 1990, which was entrusted with the task of reviewing the compatibility or otherwise of Maltese legislation with European law  [56]  and keeping government organisations informed of developments within the EU by offering advice and assistance. This necessitated the recruitment of professional officers (namely economists and lawyers) under the directorship of Dr Joe Borg.  [57]   Reform of the public service to transform the bureaucracy, improve governance and accountability was a priority for the Maltese Government and following the publication of the PSRC Report  [58]  , and specifically that Public Service responds efficiently to the changing needs for effective government  [59]   and the Operations Review of the structures and administrative facilities of government, major restructuring of the public service was initiated. The classification structure of the Public Service, which in 1990 had some 100 different salary scales, was replaced by a more simplified structure of just 20 scales and newly established professions and occupational groups gained status. A main objective of the Public Service Reform was the reorganisation of departments service-wide to avoid duplication of work and the Foreign Ministry, like all other governmental departments, underwent a major reform in its organisational set-up with the establishment of a Legal Affairs Sectio n, Protocol Section and the re-introduction of a Library  [60]  . The Passport Office which had since 1964 formed an integral part of the Foreign Ministry  [61]  was transferred to the MHASD in 1992. Further human resources were necessary in the light of the opening of strategically selected new missions in Beijing, Cairo, Tunis, Athens and Madrid.  [62]  But for foreign policy to be implemented efficiently and cost-effectively necessitated the re-establishing of an ad hoc diplomatic corps  [63]  , whereby the Ministry would have the service of a professional and specialised body of officials,  [64]  who will be required to fill all vacancies in overseas posts at the various grades from First Secretary to Ambassadorial level.  [65]  In 1992 approval was finally forthcoming from the PSC for recruitment of First Secretaries into the diplomatic service through public examination  

Hydroelectric Power :: essays research papers

Hydroelectric Power   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  One of the earliest ways to harness power is to use the powerful flow of water. On September 30th, 1882, in Appleton, Wisconsin, the first ever dam was built. Since then, over 2,044 billion-kilowatt hours have been produced each day, worldwide. This source of energy is being used more and more days, because it is so dependable. But, how does it actually work and produce electricity? First of all, dams are located in a position where water moves swiftly and quickly. This is very important. When the water enters the dam, it goes through a series of giant pipes. At this point, the water hit the paddles of the turbine, causing it to spin. From there, the water goes to the end of the dam, and continues its regular flow in the river. To find out where the electricity comes from, we must go back to the turbines. As the turbines spin, a long, thick stick that protrudes out the side is connected to a generator filled with magnets. This is where all the electrons are produced. Lastly, the power is then flows through power lines and reaches homes and businesses in the area. There are many advantages to using dams. Fist of all, we basically have an unlimited source of water. Also, these dams are sturdy and could last for years and years. In addition, dams don’t add any pollution, which nuclear and fossil fuels do, to the environment, which is now a major problem. Lastly, it’s a reliable source. Unlike wind power and solar power, we could use it day and night and we know it will be around the next day. There are a few disadvantages towards having a dam. First of all, they are very costly. Dams have a lot of expensive equipment. Also, a dam requires a lot of space to build and powerful water. Both of these requirements make finding a place to build a dam hard to find. Worst of all, when building a dam, you might have to evacuate people to do the actual building. There is an average of 80,000 people who need to be evacuated. All in all, I think that hydroelectric dams should be the world’s main source of power. Hydroelectric Power :: essays research papers Hydroelectric Power   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  One of the earliest ways to harness power is to use the powerful flow of water. On September 30th, 1882, in Appleton, Wisconsin, the first ever dam was built. Since then, over 2,044 billion-kilowatt hours have been produced each day, worldwide. This source of energy is being used more and more days, because it is so dependable. But, how does it actually work and produce electricity? First of all, dams are located in a position where water moves swiftly and quickly. This is very important. When the water enters the dam, it goes through a series of giant pipes. At this point, the water hit the paddles of the turbine, causing it to spin. From there, the water goes to the end of the dam, and continues its regular flow in the river. To find out where the electricity comes from, we must go back to the turbines. As the turbines spin, a long, thick stick that protrudes out the side is connected to a generator filled with magnets. This is where all the electrons are produced. Lastly, the power is then flows through power lines and reaches homes and businesses in the area. There are many advantages to using dams. Fist of all, we basically have an unlimited source of water. Also, these dams are sturdy and could last for years and years. In addition, dams don’t add any pollution, which nuclear and fossil fuels do, to the environment, which is now a major problem. Lastly, it’s a reliable source. Unlike wind power and solar power, we could use it day and night and we know it will be around the next day. There are a few disadvantages towards having a dam. First of all, they are very costly. Dams have a lot of expensive equipment. Also, a dam requires a lot of space to build and powerful water. Both of these requirements make finding a place to build a dam hard to find. Worst of all, when building a dam, you might have to evacuate people to do the actual building. There is an average of 80,000 people who need to be evacuated. All in all, I think that hydroelectric dams should be the world’s main source of power.

michael porter Essay -- essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  PORTER'S FIVE COMPETITIVE FORCESMethodology 4 Because the subject matter of strategic management is so inherently complex and because each one of us brings his own personal biases to the analysis, it was suggested early on that virtually all case material in the field be analyzed from the perspective of more than one methodology. Profit theory and industrial chains were selected as the first of a number of viable approaches to the analytical process. It would have been equally correct to select the Five Competitive Forces analysis refined by Michael Porter, one of the major figures in the field of strategic management. This methodology addresses the same issues but differs only in the language that they use to describe corporate behavior. The five forces are:  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The threat of new entrants into an industry or a market served by a specific company.  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The bargaining power of suppliers.  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The bargaining power of customers.  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Threat of substitute products or services.  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The intensity of the rivalry among existing firms. Each of these topics is treated separately in the discussion that follows. The threat of new entrants The ease with which firms can enter into a new market or industry is a critical variable in the strategic management process. In some industries the barriers to entry are minimal. In oth... michael porter Essay -- essays research papers   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  PORTER'S FIVE COMPETITIVE FORCESMethodology 4 Because the subject matter of strategic management is so inherently complex and because each one of us brings his own personal biases to the analysis, it was suggested early on that virtually all case material in the field be analyzed from the perspective of more than one methodology. Profit theory and industrial chains were selected as the first of a number of viable approaches to the analytical process. It would have been equally correct to select the Five Competitive Forces analysis refined by Michael Porter, one of the major figures in the field of strategic management. This methodology addresses the same issues but differs only in the language that they use to describe corporate behavior. The five forces are:  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The threat of new entrants into an industry or a market served by a specific company.  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The bargaining power of suppliers.  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The bargaining power of customers.  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Threat of substitute products or services.  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The intensity of the rivalry among existing firms. Each of these topics is treated separately in the discussion that follows. The threat of new entrants The ease with which firms can enter into a new market or industry is a critical variable in the strategic management process. In some industries the barriers to entry are minimal. In oth...

A visit to Seri Kasih Orphanage Home Essay

The first week of the last school holidays was a memorable and meaningful moments for the members of the English Language  Society of SMK Kampung Laut.The society has organized a special trip to Seri Kasih Orphanage Home on May 31st the first day of school holidays at Kampung Delima,Batu 8, Pasir Putih.There were a total of 75 students involved of whom 40 of are male students of form four and five while 35 female students comprising mainly of form 3 and 4 students.There were 4 accompanying teachers,Sir Rosdi,teacheradvisor of SMK Kampung Laut English Language Society,Teacher Madihah,our senior science teacher,Puan Marini,our Bahasa Melayu teacher and finally Mr Kim Lian Hing,our Physical Education  teacher.We started our 45 minutes journey with two special chartered buses sponsored by Dato’ Hj Karim,the chairman of PIBG of SMK Kampung Laut.We reached the orphanage home about 9.15 a.m.  We were greeted by the matron,Puan Seri Hajjah Maimunah and her delegations.The cheerful and estatic feelings of the orphans really touched our hearts.Puan Seri started with a welcoming speech.All eyes were on her and many wiped their tears at the end of her speech when many tragic stories of the orphans were revealed. We could see that there were a strong unity among the 95 orphans and they were really superb on their manners and etiquettes.We just loved the ways they behaved and lived within their circles.Sir Rosdi reciprocated with a short but very meaningful speech and then presented the cheque of RM1000 donated by the students of SMK Kampung Laut. The  morning activities started with a gotong royong project viz cleaning-up of surau and the main hall. The students were made up of 15 groups of 5 students each while some senior orphans were also lending their hands.Then the outdoor programme followed with telematches held for the female students while the male had a friendly volleyball matches. We had a short break at around 11.30a.m and later served with a light  refreshment.  The next programmae started when all the students and the orphans were requested to assemble at Seri Kasih main hall for the talentime show.We were entertained by the hidden talents of the orphans particularly on the group singing of nashid and coral speaking. Some of our students also joined the talent show by presenting some classical and  malay traditional songs aided by 3 plus one music. Then we had our lunch and dzohor prayer at around 1.30 p.m.We were served with very sumptuous and appetizing ikan bakar and beryani rice. Our next programme started at around 2.30 p.m with one hour tuition sessions where our form 4 and 5 students willingly broke up into small groups assisting the form 3 orphans mainly on Mathematics and English subjects. Then our own form 3 students were together with form 1 and 2 orphans discussing on some school works and  assignments.It was indeed a short but very helpful sessions.Most of the orphans were very hardworking and dedicated students.Some of them topped the classes and had flying colours results.  Our last programme was photograpy and souvenirs sessions.We brought beautiful souvenirs and presented to each and every orphans.   They were beaming with joy and many had agreed to treat our senior students as adopted brothers and sisters.Besides we also presented large hampers which consisted of chocolates,biscuits, nuts and fresh fruits.The matron,Puan Seri Hajjah Maimunah  presented her closing speech and invited all of us to come back next year for another great programmes.We left Seri Kasih Orphanage Home at about 4 p.m.Many of us had cherished the good memories and glad that we had performed our social responsibility with the residents of Seri Kasih Orphanage Home.We would certainly love to come back next year with many great programmes in hand.

Mexican American Approaches to Health Essay

Mexican American, or Latino, traditional views on health and healing practices are influenced by several other cultures that they have historically had some kind of contact with, such as the Spanish colonizers, indigenous Indian populations, and Western medical practitioners. This varied background accounts for their holistic healing methods and their belief that good health stems from internal balance, a clear conscience, and a strong spiritual relationship with God. The underlying theme in traditional Mexican American health is that there needs to be a balance between the body and Earth’s elements. Equilibrium of each element–fire, water, air, and land–leads to an overall healthy state. (Molina, 1994) Traditionalists tie this balance concept in with the idea that all health states are associated with either hot or cold, and one may be used to heal the other. A state of health is characterized by a warm, wet body, and any exposure to extreme conditions on either side of this scale leads to illness. It is important to point out that the generalizations assumed in this paper are based on very traditional Mexican American individuals and do not span the entire population within the US. In regards to healthcare, traditional Mexican Americans hold the belief that their healing methods are either superior to or the same as those practiced by Western providers, so they tend to rely primarily on home remedies and cultural healers before seeking out other forms of medicine. Furthermore, their healing approach is firmly rooted in their specific values. It is important to be aware of Latino cultural values in order to understand their views on healthcare, as the latter is based on the other. In general, there are three basic values that crucially exists within most Mexican American relationships—personalismo, respeto, and dignidad. (Molina, 1994) Personalismo is the trust and rapport that is established with others. Latin Americans respond better to warm, friendly interactions, and prefer personal relationships to professional ones. Therefore, the best ways to earn trust is for a provider to show interest in the patient’s personal life, exercise empathy, and avoid formal interactions. It is also important for a provider to show respeto (respect) by dressing according to their profession and addressing the patient with the formal greeting â€Å"usted†. This makes the patient feel as through they are taken seriously and cared for at the same time. A Latino patient tends to want a provider to embrace and exemplify their role as a professional; they simply prefer more intimate interactions. And although they appreciate empathy, they expect a blatant regard for their digidad (dignity); as with many individuals, Latinos place an emphasis on being treated as equals and human beings. Furthermore, Mexican Americans value family and thrive off their interdependent relationships with them. (Molina, 1994) In fact, most traditional Latinos rely more on their relatives for health advice than healthcare providers; as a result, it is common for a family member to accompany a patient to their visit with a provider. Mexican Americans’ cultural definition of health is outlined by the three major states that they believe are the causes for all illness and disease. Additionally, poor health is culturally associated with imbalances within the body’s natural states that lead to problems. According to traditional beliefs, poor health can be attributed to one or more of the following: (1) Psychological State, (2) Environment and Natural Causes, or (3) Supernatural beings. (Molina, 1994) The psychological state includes any mental state that may be disrupting one’s peace of mind, including worry, anger, envy, or stress, all of which can lead to the dangerous state of susto (â€Å"fright†), or soul loss. Natural causes fall under environmental elements, such as dust, pollution, or germs–all of the things that Western medicine believes to be the only causes of illness. Finally, supernatural beings include malevolent spirits, witchcraft, or â€Å"mal de ojo†, the bad eye, any of which can cause disease or illness. Because Mexican American views on health differ from those of mainstream US medicine, there are several â€Å"folk illnesses† that exist within the culture that have no diagnosis within Western medicine, and are, therefore, remedied by traditional methods. Many of these illnesses fall under the idea of their imbalance theory. For example, an imbalance or conflict within social relationships opens one’s spirit up to â€Å"mal de ojo†; symptoms include fever, headache, and sleeplessness. The traditional treatment for this is rubbing the entire body with egg yolk. Empacho is an illness characterized by stomach pains, and results from feeling psychological stress while eating. Ataque de nervios literally translates to â€Å"attack of the nerves† and is caused by extreme emotional stress brought on by a traumatic event. Those suffering from this illness often engage in fits of swearing and convulsions. The treatments are praying over the affected individual and rubbing alcohol over their face. Caida is an infant disease that occurs when the fontanelle is dislodged from the child’s skull, and can result in death. (Molina, 1994) In Western medicine, providers may equate this with Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), which even in the most skilled American facilities has no biological explanation. Since many of the illnesses recognized in the Mexican American culture are undiagnosed and not understood in Western medicine, a majority of this group employs home remedies or purchases medicines in a botanica, or a store that sells folk medicine and herbal treatments. (â€Å"Profiles of Health†, 1994) Although some recent studies have shown that many Latinos view cost as the number one barrier to healthcare in America, most traditionalists prefer to seek out the assistance of their cultural healers through a healing practice known as Curanderismo. (â€Å"Profiles of Health†, 1994) This practice is one of the most prominent healing practices in the Mexican American culture. It approaches health from a holistic point of view and encompasses physical, social, psychological, and spiritual healing. (Johnston, 2006) A Curandero is a revered, spiritual being that treats those suffering from biologically inexplicable illnesses and can have gifts in several areas, including massage, midwife, counselor, spinal adjustment (similar to a Chiropractor), or espiritualista–someone who channels help from spirits. (Molina, 1994) They specialize in a number of areas of medicine, such as naturopaths, herbalists, palm readers, or psychotherapists. Some research suggests that Curanderos arose out of a need for health care from poverty stricken communities that could not afford it. Traditionally, many sought out the help of Curanderos; however, according to recent studies, very few Mexican Americans utilize the services of a Curandero, and those who do use it as supplemental treatment to Western medicine. The main differences between Mexican American cultural healing methods and Western medicine are the varied definitions of similar illnesses, as well as the explanations for the causes of diseases. However, since most illnesses that are recognized in Latino culture also exist within the framework of American healthcare, then treatment can be applied uniformly. Therefore, the emphasis needs to be placed on cultural competence, which would incorporate a system for understanding other point of views of health. It is imperative for providers to develop both trust with and respect for their patients in order to treat them and to increase adherence to medical plans. Western medical providers must learn to listen to and understand the traditions of the Mexican American patient population so that they will be better equipped to serve them. Once this is accomplished within the American healthcare system, society will see health disparities begin to diminish.

Case Study Report - Introduction to Marketing Essay

Case Study Report - Introduction to Marketing - Essay Example They are efficient in their own term of making the product efficiently, however they did not have any proper marketing knowledge to launch their product. Here we try to help them by considering different issues to evaluate the market. What types of customers are able and like to buy the urban shack product is discussed by consumer segmentation. Here we try to find the group of customers, who will be their target customer. Next we try to identify the business segmentation of Eco Shack. Irrespective of the individual customers, in terms of B2B business that can be approached also the findings in this sector. The branding and positioning of the product also discussed here. What strategies will maximise the customer attraction is the main motto here. In pricing approach, the company is likely to use the cost based approach. What are the basic advantages and disadvantages of this approach is also discussed here.... Some may needed a spare room for their business, or accommodate study or for the older parents or children. As the New Zealander also love to go summer vacation in different destinations like sea beach or mountain, most of them are situated in remote areas, where they need accommodations. A shack which is a type of small, often primitive shelter can use for these type of needs. As the environment is changing one should consider the environment factor while considering the accommodations. As it authorised by the Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EFCA) new building developers increased the usage of insulation rating requirements. Mr. Dough who holds a diploma degree from National Diploma in Architectural Technology (NDAT), and Mr. Paul, who is a qualified welder have come up with two Eco products – Eco shack and urban eco shack. Eco –Shacks are 2.4 to 3 meters wide and varying length from 3.6 meters long transportable building. This can be easily transported by an He rb truck or by Helicopter. It also maintains the NZS3604 standard. With a minimum50 years of life, it has several features like it built on timer framing, eco-ply cladding, wind turbine, battery storage, composting toilet, phone and data connection, long run colour, steel roofing and many other features. It will cost around NZ$35,000 to $40,000. The Urban Eco Shack is having some more features like wool carpet, Sensor light, smoke alarm. It sized about 3.6*2.4 meter floor area with 0.9*2.4 meter deck. The unit cost will be NZ$12,500. However this has been advertised on Trade &Exchange and in The New Zealand Herald, the owner is unable to find any response. In the following areas we try to find different market segmentation. Consumer segmentation Consumer segmentation

America should not adopt a nationalized healthcare system because Research Paper

America should not adopt a nationalized healthcare system because - Research Paper Example Another major imbalance if government takes up medical insurance is that healthy people who take care of themselves would be forced to pay for people who overeat, smoke and drink. The philosophy, attitudes and stakes on those in power may be the deciding factor, in determining who gets what, in the future. America spends more on health care than any other country in the world. About 50 million people in America are uninsured, so we should revamp the system, say the supporters for change of the existing system. They complain about the lack of quality in the provision of insurance today. Nevertheless, plans are being proposed to bring these 50 million under the insurance net, without giving a thought to the drop in quality that would come in (Sebelious, 2009). Meanwhile, a huge debate is going on about having a nationalized health insurance policy with the government sponsoring a single payer health insurance. Let us try to analyze how far â€Å"it will lower the cost of health care for our families, our businesses and our governments† (The Obama Plan. 2009). Let us have a look at both sides of the coin. The idea of change has rooted in because we keep spawning politicians who think that they could make everyone’s life better since they have taken from the more ambitious and given it out to the people who do not have it. The politicians do this because it is the best way of presenting this proposed system to the people of America (Q&A: US healthcare reform. 2009). Let me present the best of the arguments, by those in favor of changing the system, one of the sides of the coin, These arguments are based on one false fact that should be pointed out first. The burgeoning population figure of people, who lack insurance coverage, is misleading. It includes illegal immigrants, Americans who earn over $50,000, people who are eligible for Medicaid or S-chip and even people who may have been in between jobs. The figures of non-citizens are nearly 10 million and more