A Russian diplomat has quit his job in protest at the “bloody, witless” war “unleashed by Putin against Ukraine”.
Boris Bondarev, whose LinkedIn says he worked at the Russian mission to the UN in Geneva, told the BBC he knew his decision to speak out may mean the Kremlin now considers him a traitor.
Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
The NMC is considering accepting employer English language references as part of a proposed overhaul of requirements for overseas applicants.
At a meeting on 26 May, the Council will consider approving a consultation on proposed changes to the NMC’s English language requirements, with a view to implementing any resulting changes from October this year.
It plans to consult on three specific changes – the scores it accepts for language tests, whether it can accept evidence of non-registered practice in English supported by an employer reference or other evidence, and whether it can accept non-nursing or midwifery postgraduate qualifications taught and examined in English.
It also plans to consult on whether the English language requirements should be the same for internationally trained nurses, nursing associates and midwives.
The NMC currently accepts three types of English language evidence – recent achievement of the required score in accepted English language tests; completion of a pre-registration nurse, midwife or nursing associate programme that was taught and examined in English, and included clinical interaction in English; and recent practice for one year in a majority English-speaking nation.
However, it said over the last year it has received ‘a considerable amount of critical stakeholder feedback’ to its approach in a listening event with stakeholders in November, a Public Voice Forum in March, and formed an external advisory group to help inform potential changes.
Feedback included that the minimum standard to be achieved in the English language tests is ‘too high’ and that there is a ‘lack of supervised support, or lack of time to access support, to help prepare for English language tests,’ the NMC said.
Other feedback included that, ‘as there is a workforce crisis in health and social care, we should reduce our required test standards and accept alternative evidence,’ said the NMC.
The regulator said that while staffing shortages are ‘important context,’ they are ‘not a determinative factor,’ and ‘it is essentially the requirements set give assurance that applicants have the knowledge of English necessary for safe and effective practice in the UK.’
There has also been ‘an increase in successful appeals by applicants,’ it added.
The NMC summarized: ‘We think there is more we can do to be flexible in the types of evidence we accept, which would still allow us to have confidence that everyone on our register has the necessary knowledge of English.’
The nursing and midwifery regulator last reviewed its requirements in 2019 and accepts ‘there may be a case for change’, proposing to launch an eight-week public consultation in June, with final proposals made to Council in September, in order to implement any changes from October.
‘Whilst we want to ensure the register is accessible, all those on the register must demonstrate they have the necessary knowledge of English to be capable of safe and effective practice,’ the NMC said.
‘We must manage two competing risks. One is that we require evidence that is disproportionately difficult and therefore prevents qualified applicants from joining the register, thus exacerbating the shortage of professionals. The other is that we set our requirements too low and risk allowing applicants onto the register who are not capable of safe and effective practice.’
Gail Adams, Head of Professional Services at Unison, said the union ‘welcomes the NMC review,’ and that ‘it’s long overdue and has not maintained pace with demand.’
She said Unison has seen ‘a significant increase’ in cases being referred to its specialist unit for representation following the rejection of their NMC applications to join the register on the English language requirement. The fact all have been upheld, she said, ‘demonstrates the assessment is not working and is possibly wasting unnecessary time, energy and registrants’ money.
‘We are committed to working with the NMC on this issue, but cannot stress too strongly the urgent need for action.’
The proposal to accept evidence of non-registered practice in English supported by either a reference from the relevant employer or other evidence ‘marks the biggest area of change in terms of current requirements,’ the NMC said, and ‘would provide assistant registrars with further information to consider and could reduce the number of appeals.’
Matthew McClelland, executive director of strategy and insight for the NMC, said: ‘Of all health and care professionals, nurses, midwives and nursing associates spend the most time with patients and people who use services. Effective communication is essential to delivering the safe, effective and kind care that people have a right to expect.
‘We’re grateful to everyone who’s already shared their initial views, which have helped shape the options we’re proposing to consult on. We look forward to hearing more from the public, employers and our professionals to make sure our processes are fair and reliable for everyone.’
Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
A health worker has been arrested on suspicion of poisoning an infant who died at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
West Midlands Police said the 27-year-old woman was arrested last Thursday, hours after the death, on suspicion of administering poison with intent to endanger life.
The suspect, reported by The Sun to be a nurse, has been suspended by the hospital and released by police pending further inquiries.
A police statement said: “We’ve arrested a 27-year-old woman in connection with the death of an infant.
“The child sadly passed away on Thursday at the hospital.
“The woman was arrested on Thursday evening at a property in the West Midlands area on suspicion of administering poison with intent to endanger life.
“She has been released while the investigation continues and the results of forensic tests are examined.
“The family of the child are being supported by specially-trained officers.”
A spokesperson for Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust said: “Following the death of an infant at our Paediatric Intensive Care Unit at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, we have asked West Midlands Police to examine what has happened, in line with our own safeguarding policy.
“The staff member involved has been suspended by the trust after following the national process on the sudden unexpected death of a child.
“We are supporting the infant’s family at this distressing time and ask that privacy is respected during this process.”
Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
Council Leader Simon Tagg has appointed a new Cabinet at tonight’s Annual Council meeting and has also set out his priorities for the next four-year term.
These include delivering the multi-million pound Town Deals and Future High Street Fund regeneration projects in Newcastle and Kidsgrove, pursuing legal action against the operator of Walleys Quarry and delivering on the key aims of the Council’s Sustainable Environment Strategy.
Cllr. Tagg said: “Following four years of improvement at the Council under my previous administration, we have a solid base from which to start. I intend to carry on that work and deliver on our promises to the electorate.
Simon Tagg said: “As we embark on the new four-year term of the Council, following our success at the election, I would like to congratulate our new councillors on their election victories and pay tribute to those who were unsuccessful in being re-elected. I wish them well for the future.
“The people of Newcastle and Kidsgrove and our villages and rural areas have entrusted us with the stewardship of the Council for the next four years with a clear majority and victory in the popular vote across the borough.
“Following four years of improvement at the Council under my previous administration, we have a solid base from which to start. I intend to carry on that work and deliver on our promises to the electorate.
“I have tonight announced a strong team for Cabinet positions to help me to deliver on our agenda.”
The make-up of the Council following the election is: Conservatives 25 seats: Labour 19 seats. This is the first clear Conservative majority at a local election in Newcastle-under-Lyme since the 1970s.
Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
The United States Wednesday gave its full support for Sweden and Finland’s bids to join NATO, promising to stand by them if threatened by Russia and pressing Turkey to not block their membership.
Hours after the two Nordic countries formally submitted their applications to enter the Atlantic alliance, President Joe Biden welcomed the move and said he would work with other NATO members and with the US Congress to ensure the process moved quickly.
“I warmly welcome and strongly support the historic applications,” Biden said, calling the two countries “long-time, stalwart partners.”
“While their applications for NATO membership are being considered, the United States will work with Finland and Sweden to remain vigilant against any threats to our shared security, and to deter and confront aggression or the threat of aggression,” he said in a statement.
Biden made the comments a day before welcoming Finnish President Sauli Niinisto and Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson to the White House for meetings that will likely underscore the geopolitical shift of their decision to join NATO in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
US officials pledged to work with them to overcome key issues on their way to membership, including the need for some security guarantees before they are accepted into the alliance and Turkey’s opposition to their joining.
Turkey, which like all NATO members has the right to veto a nation’s candidacy, has raised objections, and ambassadors’ meeting in Brussels failed Wednesday to reach consensus on starting formal membership negotiations.
Turkey has accused the two countries, especially Sweden, of giving safe haven to members of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which is designated as a terror group by Ankara and its Western allies.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu in New York Wednesday as the NATO question loomed.
They met “to reaffirm their strong cooperation as partners and NATO allies,” the State Department said in a statement, not mentioning the controversy over Sweden and Finland.
– White House ‘confident’ –
But White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said the Biden administration was “confident” that Turkey’s concerns can be addressed and the two countries will join the alliance.
“We feel very good about where this will track to,” he said.
Meanwhile, Swedish Defense Minister Peter Hultqvist met Wednesday at the Pentagon with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin where they discussed joining NATO and interim security cooperation.
“The secretary made it very clear that we have a comfort level with their military, going back many years,” said spokesman John Kirby, noting the Pentagon’s willingness “to have a discussion with them about security and capability needs that they might have to help assure them and to deter Russia, should that be necessary.”
“We need to remember these are not two militaries that are strangers to us. We know them very well. We operate with them, we exercise with them,” Kirby said.
“So being able to provide some security assurances will not be a giant leap for us at all.”
Asked about the issue of Turkey — also an important US defense partner — Kirby said they were “still working with Turkey to clarify” the specifics of its opposition to Sweden and Finland entering NATO.
Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
Boris Johnson has in interview slammed out-of-office culture across Whitehall
The PM has said full workplaces will be ‘more productive’ and ‘more energetic’
It comes as he says 50 ‘illegal entrants’ will be sent to Rwanda in fortnight
Working from home doesn’t work, Boris Johnson declares today as he calls for a return to the office.
In an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail, the Prime Minister says full workplaces will lift productivity and revive town and city centres.
Taking a swipe at the out-of-office culture that has taken hold across Whitehall, he adds: ‘My experience of working from home is you spend an awful lot of time making another cup of coffee and then, you know, getting up, walking very slowly to the fridge, hacking off a small piece of cheese, then walking very slowly back to your laptop and then forgetting what it was you’re doing.’
He claims staff are ‘more productive, more energetic, more full of ideas’ when surrounded by colleagues. He says: ‘I believe in the workplace environment.
‘And I think that will help to drive up productivity, it will get our city centres moving in the weekdays and it will be good for mass transit. And a lot of businesses that have been having a tough time will benefit from that.’
In the wide-ranging interview, the Prime Minister also vows to change the law if ‘Leftie lawyers’ obstruct plans to send Channel migrants to Rwanda.
He says that he is ready to ‘dig in for the fight’ against those seeking to block ‘the will of the people’.
Mr Johnson reveals that the first 50 ‘illegal entrants into this country’ have already been served notice that they will be sent to Rwanda within a fortnight.
But Government sources say they are braced for a blizzard of legal claims under human rights laws.
Asked whether he might respond with a review of the European Convention on Human Rights, Mr Johnson replies: ‘We’ll look at everything. Nothing is off the table.’
In other developments:
Unions threatened strike action over plans to axe 91,000 civil servants;
The PM warned EU leaders he was ‘not bluffing’ over moves to tear up the Northern Ireland Protocol;
He predicted Britain could avoid a recession, despite gloomy economic data;
A consultation was launched on increasing the number of children who can be cared for by a minder, in a bid to cut costs;
Ministers agreed to delay a ban on supermarket promotions of unhealthy food;
Mr Johnson warned Vladimir Putin to ‘find a way out’ of the war in Ukraine;
He hinted he is considering a drive to persuade over-50s to return to the workplace.
Ministers are locked in a struggle with Civil Service unions over the working from home culture in Whitehall.
Tens of thousands of officials are required to attend the workplace for only two or three days a week, and unions are resisting a full return.
Cabinet Secretary Simon Case is expected to launch a major push on the issue in the coming weeks, amid concerns that failure to return to the office will damage long-term productivity.
Ministers have blamed large-scale working from home for the huge backlogs built up at the Passport Office and DVLA.
The PM says flexible working has a role to play but will damage productivity and creativity if allowed to become the norm.
He says he is ‘not antediluvian about technology…things like Zoom and Teams can increase productivity, rather than just be an excuse for people to stay at home.’
But he adds: ‘We need to get back into the habit of getting into the office. There will be lots of people who disagree with me, but I believe people are more productive, more energetic, more full of ideas, when they are surrounded by other people.’
Members of the FDA union, which represents senior civil servants, this week said work was ‘no longer a place’ and urged ministers to drop ‘indiscriminate demands… for civil servants to return to office-based working’.
Jacob Rees-Mogg yesterday warned the calls from unions could lead to employers ‘offshoring’ their staff.
The Brexit opportunities minister told LBC Radio: ‘It’s a very privileged thing to say – for people in manufacturing, work is a place, for people cleaning work is a place, for security work is a place, for millions of people across this country work is a place.
‘The idea that civil servants should swan off abroad to do their job is slightly giving the game away, that this isn’t about efficiency, this is about lifestyle.
‘Unless of course the FDA means that they’d like us to go for offshoring, but I’d be very surprised if a Left-wing trade union thought the answer to problems was sourcing cheaper labour overseas.’
The PM’s plan to send potentially thousands of Channel migrants to Rwanda is designed to smash the business model of people-smuggling gangs by breaking the link between boarding a dinghy in France and achieving a new life in Britain.
The plan has provoked howls of protest from the Left. Legal claims against the initiative have been lodged at the High Court before removals have even begun.
But the Prime Minister says he is determined to drive the plan forward
Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
Anambra State Association Finland (ASA Finland) and ASA Europe held the first “ASA Europe Convention” in Helsinki, Finland.
The Anambra State Association Finland (ASA Finland) held its annual convention between Aug 10th – Aug 12th 2018, in Helsinki, Finland. The two-day event was a celebration of Anambra culture and heritage, and it was attended by over 200 people from all over Europe. The event featured a business conference, a cultural carnival, and the launch of the ASA Finland 2018 brochure.
The convention was opened by the chairman of ASA Finland, Engr Anthony-Claret Onwutalobi. In his welcome address, Engr Onwutalobi thanked the guests for attending the convention and expressed his hope that the event would be a success. He also spoke about the importance of unity and cooperation among Nigerians living in Finland.
The business conference was an opportunity for Anambra people from all over Europe to network and discuss ways to promote business and investment in Anambra State. The cultural carnival was a showcase of Anambra culture, and it featured traditional Igbo dances, music, and food. The ASA Finland 2018 brochure was a comprehensive guide to Anambra State, and it included information on business, tourism, and education.
The convention featured a number of speakers, including the president of the Anambra State Association Europe Chapter, Chief Onuorah. Chief Onuorah spoke about the challenges facing Anambraians living in Europe and the importance of working together to overcome these challenges.
The convention also featured a number of cultural performances, including a traditional Igbo dance performance and a Nigerian music performance. The performances were well-received by the audience and helped to create a sense of community among the attendees.
The convention concluded with a vote of thanks by the chairman of ASA Finland, Engr Anthony-Claret Onwutalobi. Engr. Onwutalobi thanked the guests for attending the convention and expressed his hope that the event would be a success. He also spoke about the importance of unity and cooperation among Nigerians living in Finland.
The ASA Europe Convention is an important event for Nigerians living in Europe. It provides an opportunity for Nigerians to come together and celebrate their culture and heritage. The convention also provides an opportunity for Nigerians to network with each other and to learn about the challenges and opportunities facing Nigerians living in Europe.
Here are some of the highlights of the event:
The business conference was opened by the President of ASA Europe, Chief Christian Onuorah. He welcomed the delegates to the conference and spoke about the importance of promoting business and investment in Anambra State.
The cultural carnival was a colourful and lively event. It featured traditional Igbo dances, music, and food. The guests were entertained by the son of the late Igbo high-life music maestro “Oliver de Coque” and the masquerade dance, which is a symbolic cultural identity of Ndi Anambra.
The ASA Finland 2018 brochure was launched by Chief Christian Onuorah and the Chairman of ASA Finland, Engr Claret-Anthony Onwutalobi. The brochure is a comprehensive guide to Anambra State, and it includes information on business, tourism, and education.
The ASA Europe Convention was a great success, and it was a wonderful opportunity for Anambra people from all over Europe to come together and celebrate their culture and heritage. The event was also a great opportunity to promote business and investment in Anambra State.
Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
Helsinki, Finland – A group of immigrants in Finland, including Anthony-Claret Onwutalobi, met with National Coalition Party leader Kalle Jokinen yesterday to discuss the challenges they face in integrating into Finnish society.
The group, which was made up of immigrants from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, spoke about the difficulties they faced in finding jobs, learning Finnish, and accessing healthcare. They also expressed concerns about the rise of anti-immigrant sentiment in Finland.
Jokinen, who is the Minister of Justice, listened to the group’s concerns and pledged to work to address them. He said that the government is committed to creating a more inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
The meeting was part of a larger effort by immigrants in Finland to advocate for their rights and to build a more welcoming society. The group plans to continue meeting with government officials and to raise awareness of the challenges faced by immigrants.
In a statement, the group said, “We are committed to working with the government to create a more inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We believe that Finland is a great country, and we want to be a part of its future.”
The group’s meeting with Jokinen is a positive step forward in the fight for immigrant rights in Finland. It is important that the government listens to the concerns of immigrants and takes steps to address them. By working together, we can create a more inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
About Anthony-Claret Onwutalobi
Anthony-Claret Onwutalobi is a Nigerian-Finnish immigrant who has been living in Finland for over 10 years. He is a graduate of the University of Helsinki and works as a software engineer. He is also a community leader and advocate for immigrant rights.
Onwutalobi is passionate about creating a more inclusive society in Finland. He believes that everyone, regardless of their background, should have the opportunity to succeed. He is committed to working with the government and other stakeholders to make Finland a more welcoming place for immigrants.
Challenges Faced by Immigrants in Finland
Immigrants in Finland face a number of challenges, including:
Finding jobs: Immigrants often face discrimination in the job market. They may be less likely to be hired for jobs, and they may be paid less than native-born Finns.
Learning Finnish: Learning Finnish is essential for immigrants who want to integrate into Finnish society. However, learning Finnish can be difficult and time-consuming.
Accessing healthcare: Immigrants may have difficulty accessing healthcare in Finland. They may not be able to afford healthcare, and they may not be able to find healthcare providers who speak their language.
Rising anti-immigrant sentiment: There is a growing anti-immigrant sentiment in Finland. This sentiment can make it difficult for immigrants to feel welcome in Finland.
Government Efforts to Address the Challenges Faced by Immigrants
The Finnish government is aware of the challenges faced by immigrants. The government has a number of programs in place to help immigrants integrate into Finnish society. These programs include:
Language training: The Finnish government offers free language training to immigrants. This training can help immigrants learn Finnish and improve their job prospects.
Job placement: The Finnish government offers job placement services to immigrants. These services can help immigrants find jobs and get started in their careers.
Healthcare: The Finnish government provides healthcare to all residents, regardless of their immigration status. This healthcare is free at the point of use.
Anti-discrimination: The Finnish government has laws in place to protect immigrants from discrimination. These laws make it illegal to discriminate against immigrants in the workplace, in housing, and in other areas of life.
The Future of Immigrant Integration in Finland
The future of immigrant integration in Finland is uncertain. The government is committed to creating a more inclusive society, but there is a growing anti-immigrant sentiment in the country. It is important that the government continues to work to address the challenges faced by immigrants and to create a more welcoming society for everyone.
Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
NEW DELHI: India has now begun final contract negotiations with Russia for the Rs 39,000 crore (over $5.5 billion) acquisition of five advanced S-400 Triumf air defence missile systems, which can detect, track and destroy hostile strategic bombers, stealth fighters, spy planes, missiles and drones at a range of up to 400 km and altitude of 30 km.
India wants to conclude the major deal in the 2018-19 financial year, with the first S-400 surface-to-air (SAM) missile system, with its associated battle-management system of command post and launchers, acquisition and engagement radars, and all-terrain transporter-erector-launcher vehicles, slated for delivery two years after the contract is inked.
“All the five S-400 systems, which can even take on medium-range ballistic missiles, apart from cruise missiles, will be delivered in 54 months. The force-multiplier will change the dynamics of air defence in the region,” a defence ministry source said.
India’s final commercial negotiations with Russia after extensive field trials come at a time when China has already begun to get deliveries of six S-400 batteries – designated ‘SA-21 Growler’ by NATO – under a $3 billion deal inked in 2014.
There were, however, reports that some auxiliary components of the S-400 systems being shipped to China from Russia were damaged in a storm last week. Russia, which has deployed the S-400 in Crimea for airspace protection along the Ukraine border, is also set to sell the air defence systems to Turkey and Saudi Arabia.
India can deploy the highly-mobile S-400 system to protect a city during war, or even use it to neutralise Pakistan’s short-range Nasr (Hatf-IX) nuclear missiles. Pakistan often recklessly brandishes its Nasr missiles as a battlefield counter to India’s ‘Cold Start’ strategy of swift, high-intensity conventional attacks into enemy territory.
Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
“The confidence of the people is worth more than money” – Carter G.Woodson
Having lived in Finland long enough, I can boldly say that I have seen it all but I do not know it all! When leaving the shore of Africa, my dream was to come to Europe to find a greener pasture.Your question to me today should be: “Have you found the greener pasture yet?” My answer is coming shortly at the end of my write-up. Many young and brilliant Africans coming to Finland to study are usually very ambitious in the beginning until the waves of reality hits them and shatters their dreams to pieces, sadly. Not long after they arrived before you start seeing them conforming to what the atmosphere disctates to them: they begin to lose hope; and forget who they used to be – Men & Women of Valour. They become settled and satisfied with their present situation of “Never bothering to rise; Hiding in the cloud of denigration but portraying a false image to the people back home that all is well.” My people have lost strength, motivation, vision and mission at last! The confidence of my people has been taken away from them.
Just to quickly say, I am not a writer nor poet. I enjoy writing in my journal and I do love reading & blogging every now and then. Therefore, bear with me.
Recently, I read a book titled: “Mis-Education of the Negroes” by Carter G.Woodson [Originally released in 1933]. Although Carter referred to African-Americans in his book, I have found some of his references applicable to the situation of Africans(especially African students) living in Finland. I shall be using some of his quotes as sub-topics of what I intend to write about; all from my personal experience.
“Philosophers have long conceded, however, that every man has two educators: ‘that which is given to him’, and ‘that which he gives himself’.”
I remember the year I decided to come to Finland, everything happened so fast from the moment I heard the good news of passing the entrance exam, the moment I shared the news with my family & friends till the moment I got my residence permit to live in Finland. I believed some of my friends even envied me a little because they counted me so very lucky to be traveling abroad. Generally, people in my community regard traveling abroad to be the beginning of a new song in any young person’s life. Although only about 20% of those I told about my departure to Finland knew exactly where the country was and that Nokia was from the country; many people believed that I was going to a better place than my home country. I counted it a great privilege and opportunity that I must quickly make use of. My biggest dream was to work in Nokia as a software engineer immediately after my graduation, start helping people back home from my salaries and begin something big to create employment for people back home.
Everyone has got a dream, whether it is vague or realistic. In fact, he who has no dream at all, also has a dream because intending not to have a dream is a dream on its own. I remember discussing with my friends about our big ambitions; Our bright & promising future. We all had awesome dreams! I have dreamed of building an empire and owning huge multinational businesses while I was in Africa. I had dreamed of helping people and solving top issues facing my people with my knowledge and resources up till the point I boarded the plane flying to Helsinki, Finland.
So, what happened to my dreams? What happened to our dreams? What happened to your dreams? What happened to our confidence?
I have met several well-educated African men and ladies in Finland whose dreams have been shattered and whose confidence have been blown into the thin air. A lot of our brothers and sisters are into hot jobs like cleaning, postman-ship, logistics, and all kinds of hard labors. It is sad to say but it seems it does not matter what you studied, your end-point is ‘some shitty job!’ How did this happen? You follow me.
Finland is a great country of about 5.3million people. The government is good and very much interested in protecting & providing for her citizens. The atmosphere is beautiful in summer and the security is almost 100%. Finland was like a paradise to many people when they first came here. The crime rate is very low especially if you live in small towns; and Finland is the best place to raise a child. Studying in Finland has been tuition-free for many years and a lot of people have benefited from its wonderful free-education scheme. In my opinion, Finland is one of the few places in the world where you can earn the best education but the worries for an international student in Finland begins when a question of “what is next after graduation?” hits him in the face! Will anyone ever give you a job? Is any company ever going to give you an internship talk less of a permanent job? Will some company call you for an interview?
There are a thousand question that need answers right now but maybe I have no accurate answers. Those answers may satisfy the questions of why there are not many Africans contributing hugely to their society in Finland. We have a lot of hard-working Africans who are only struggling to stay happy through each day because they are not living their fulfilled lives.
The problems faced by African graduates in Finland may be said to be defined by:
1. The pre-configuration of the person’s mind through ‘the education’ that this society has given him, which defines a confinement and limitations for him. I mean the notion that no matter how much you struggle; no matter how brilliant you might be; no matter how good you are professionally, there is a limitation to how much you can shine in all ramifications. Education is good but it becomes like a ‘a waste’ if it makes no difference in your life at the end of the day. Naturally, you expect a reward after a hard work but sorry, this is not true in most cases in Finland. The degree(s) you earned in Finland may beautify your CV but there is over 90% assurance that it may end up being so irrelevant if you will remain here in Finland for a very long time.
2. The individual himself and the role of the African community in this matter. Show me a successful African living here in Finland and I will show you that he had undergone the process of unlearning what this society has taught him(i.e he can never rise beyond a pre-defined status) and educating himself so well that his knowledge has set him completely free from the mental slavery to become a pace-setter.
In this writing, I shall be reviewing only the second part: “The individual himself and the role of the African community in this matter.”
Of course, I believe that every man has a definition of what ‘success’ means to himself. One man may be so satisfied with one way of life while another may prefer an entirely different one. The same goes for jobs and livelihood in Finland.
Although Africa is a very large continent with 54 countries; and thousands of tribes and ethnic groups, one can still find some similarities in cultures across nations in Africa. To a large extent, a lot of these tribes have defined, as part of their definition of success, a certain standard of lifestyle that every hard working person is expected to live up to. Materialism is part of the definition of success for typical Africans. Therefore, if anyone travels abroad, so much is expected of him as his people are looking up to him to be their savior someday. If this Traveler shows no sign of success after a couple of years, his people may begin to see him as a failure. A failure in all ways; Failure to the people who once believed in him. No one wants to be tagged ‘a failure’ that is why we all struggle to rise and shine. This is one of the reasons a lot of Africans living in Finland are very hard working, no matter what kind of work they may be doing.
A person does not necessarily need to work in his field of study before he becomes successful in life. One person may prefer to do cleaning as a profession while the other may prefer to work in an office; We are not created with the same nature afterall. My questions at this point are very simple:
– For how long are you going to remain in this (hectic) job? – Have you gained / Will you gain any reasonable promotion in this profession of yours? – Will your skills be relevant elsewhere outside Finland? – What will be left of you after 5 years in this job? – Are you planning to live forever and die here in Finland or you’re here in Finland to ‘make it’ then, return home at old age? – If you were asked to leave Finland today, what skills can you boast of? What kind of you expertise do you have to contribute to the growth of your people/ nation? – Are you planning to return home to go and be fighting over the scanty available jobs with those you left at home instead of you returning to create jobs for them? Does it sound well to you to be looking up to those who respect you so much and who are rather looking up to you? – What has the XX (many) years you’ve lived in Finland done to your life? Have you grown to be better or worse? What can you say about your achievements? Have you achieved anything at all, all these years? – What differences can you identify in every year after year of your life here in Finland? Has it been worth it after all`? – What beneficial connections have you made during your stay in Finland? – If Finland will ask you to leave the country today, what will be left of you? What do you have to call ‘strength’ or knowledge that can take you places, if you were to find yourself back in your home country now? What impact can you make?
These questions and many more questions on my mind are what I’ll love you to ponder upon to be an eye-opener for you. Think about these things because time flies!
“When you control a man’s thinking you do not have to worry about his actions. You do not have to tell him not to stand here or go yonder. He will find his proper place and will stay in it. You do not need to send him to the back door. he will go without being told. in fact, if there’s no back door, he will cut one for his special benefit. His education makes it necessary.”
On many ocassions, I have been involved in argunments with fellow Africans living here in Finland. Let’s assume most of us agree that the system here in Finland has somehow defined how far you can go as a black man or woman. Let’s assume that majority of us agree that there is a silent discrimination against us because of our skin color. Let’s assume that it has become a norm to see 9/10 brilliant Africans in Finland cleaning and doing all the hard labours (Do not tell me about exceptions where only 5% of us all are doing professional jobs). Let’s assume that some of us have learned and mastered the Finnish language very well then, we realised the issue with unemployment of a black (immigrant) professional had nothing to do with his inability to speak the language; he had been marginalised to always go for the dirty jobs and brain-washed never to aspire to become great! Do you know how many brilliant Africans have two or more Bsc / Master’s degrees in Finland? Do you know how many African doctors and phD holders are laboring hard and struggling for the crumps and leftover hard jobs, here in Finland? Do you know how many of our people are feeling trapped here in Finland after living here for many years?
THE TRUTH is: You, the black man as an individual, have given yourself up to be trampled upon; you have lost your self worth; you have lost your self-respect! You’ve become as paralysed as the system wanted you to be. You’ve let frustrations take the place of your right mindedness. You’ve let pain eat you up so you cannot think of any other solution any more; You are so scared to go back home, thinking ‘Life cannot be better than this present one I’m living here in Finland.’ You are even scared of moving elsewhere because you’re afraid you’ve become fatigue and have got no proper skills to compete for professional jobs in your field of expertise.
Oh are you asking me what you can do about this? Are you going to argue with me and conclude that ‘no matter whatever you do here in Finland, and no matter however you do it, you can never live a better life that you dreamed of before you came to Finland?’ Oh, I see another person screaming: ‘The taxation here in Finland is frustrating enough for you not to dream big!’
I know you want to argue that life is not as difficult as I’m stressing it. You want to argue that you’re definitely not under any obligation to send money to anyone back home because they also have their lives to live, after all, they don’t know how much you’re hustling here in Finland. Oh, I heard another guy telling me it’s better to stay here and live a quiet life with some beautiful babe you find from the club & marry. Her parent won’t be asking you for any bride prize and no relative will be coming to you for any assistance.
Hmmmmm…….Let me say: ‘Maybe you’re correct to say that you definitely have no obligation to help anyone with their problems because you’ve got enough already.’ The truth, again is that this country has incapaciatated you so much that you’ve become ‘different’ with your uncle Finland ideology. You’ve forgotten your background and how many people helped contribute to your development before you traveled abroad right from your life as a baby through primary school, through the University days until you traveled! We are naturally, a community-people! We are naturally helpers and givers.
Yes, you have a new ideology now. That ideology has killed your Manhood and confidence. That ideology has made you so selfish now. That ideology has made you have no more dreams; it has killed your spirit completely! You’ve lost something really important and I wonder when & how you’ll find it back.
You must seek knowledge and understanding so that you can live an exemplary life for your kids & generations to come? What does life mean to you? Don’t you need a more professional job? Don’t you need an increase in salary? Won’t you give something back to your community? Won’t you stop being selfish?
“History shows that it does not matter who is in power or what revolutionary forces take over the government, those who have not learned to do for themselves and have to depend solely on others never obtain any more rights or privileges in the end than they had in the beginning.”
This simply means that he who complains will never stop complaining until he takes action to correct what is wrong in his life. If you’re waiting for the new government before you add meaning to your life, I’m sorry it’s almost too late because no government official will come to your apartment to recommend you for a job position. The reason I am talking about this point is because I have heard some fellas lately, hoping that “…maybe someday, Finland will have a better government which cares more for immigrants and provide jobs for them… coz Finland is not there yet as compared to many other countries in Europe which are well experienced in Immigration matters.” Look here my brother! It’s better to make a 2-year plan for yourself rather than waiting for the government to make the plans for you.
If you are the kind of person that has never added any value to your life since years past apart from learning to hold brooms and mopping sticks, my advice is that you wake up right now and start educating yourself. PUT YOUR BRAIN TO WORK! Nothing stops you from gaining knowledge that you’ll use later on when you move on in life. Generally, Finland is a good place to hide and ignore your urge to dream at all! If you enjoy living here in Finland then, make a plan to convince yourself that you aren’t going to spend more than certain x number of years here. Achieve all you planned to achieve; Save all you planned to save up then move on! Where should you move to? I don’t have the answer but maybe you want to move to somewhere you can practice your professional skills, live a happy life and be capable of calling yourself a MAN rather than a boy that you’ve remained for many years.
“No man knows what he can do until he tries.”
Not everyone will be an Entrepreneur but everyone can make a significant decision that is powerful enough to turn their lives around for the better! You never know until you try. Cause yourself the pain of thinking about your life and make plan for the next couple of years. Do not stay comfortable in this False lifestyle. Make a decision to step up and become capable of lifting others up instead of telling the same old story of: “I realy have nothing to send to you at the moment…”, over and over again. Of course, I understand there are some selfish friends and family members who have turned you to an euro-ATM but what I am saying is that you need to talk to yourself to step up beyond where you are at the moment. No one will do the thinking for you unless you help yourself.
“As another has well said, to handicap a student by teaching him that his black face is a curse and that his struggle to change his condition is hopeless is the worst sort of lynching..”
For those of us who are already parents in Finland, it is important for us to realise how much work lies in our hands. Hasn’t your child yet asked you a question such as: “Dad, what did you study at the University?” “Dad why are you a cleaner and not a doctor as you studied in the University?” etc
I do not know how many of you reading this piece was here in Finland when this case happened:Student calls our University on Racism I have nothing much to say in this section rather than to comment that:”…I’m strongly hoping that our pasture will be greener than the word, ‘green’ itself.”
Again, do not misunderstand my points. I am a very optimistic person and I believe that Finland has a lot of opportunities for foreigners which we can explore. I am thankful for all that the system has provided for us all, and I have never been an ingrate for once. I also must mention that I do not despise any job here in Finland, having understood the challenges that we face here. I, myself have done all kinds of hot jobs; and I did them joyfully….but I wasn’t satisfied with that kind of life! My writing is just to open the eyes of my people so that we can reason together and step up!
Someone had mentioned to me once that he was moving back to his home country after living here in Finland for many years without any significant success in his life. Believe it or not, he moved back home, got a good job that brings him to Finland and other parts of Europe every six months, and he is more than happy now. That is a good example of someone who had a good plan and knew what he wanted for himself. I have also seen an elderly man who returned home after he clocked 55years of age. He is living happily now back home because while he was working here all those years, he had invested his money in several projects which are now bringing him good income these days. He can still visit Finland whenever he wants because he has Finnish citizenship.
The point is: Whether you want to leave early or later, make sure you exit wisely and powerfully!Make sure you know what you are doing.
“When a white man sees persons of his own race tending downward to a level of disgrace he does not rest until he works out some plan to lift such unfortunates to higher ground but the negro forgets the delinquents of his race and goes his way to feather his own nest…”
Haven’t we seen enough of some of our brothers who go behind others’ back to manipulate their bosses to give them shifts instead of the ones who really deserved it? I have worked with a guy before who lied to my boss that I wasn’t well so that he could take my job and all the extra shifts. We are the ones killing one another. Our people here in Finland say: “…Mehn, this is Finland! You are on your own completely!” So, if anyone needs help, you turn your back to him because it is none of your business!? You have become so un-caring and the worst thing is that you do not even notice it. You charge your friends for every little favour you render them!? You don’t want to hang out with friends because you have now categorised yourself to belonging to the class of ‘white Africans.’ Seriously?
Suddenly, your guys have become too loud for you? Oh oh, now you prefer to hang out with ONLY Finns rather than your fellow Africans? I am not saying it is a bad thing to hang out with Finns but it becomes offensive if you are beginning to think that walking with ONLY Finns has somehow UPGRADED YOUR STATUS as a human being!!! You have a problem of inferiority complex and you must fix that asap.
I have also noticed some African guys who, all in the name of getting into some ladies’ pants, spoil other fellow Africans and other nations. They say: “….Oh, too bad you met that guy. He is from SOSOSO country and that is how people from the SOSOSO country behave. You must run away next time you come across people from SOSOSO countr(y)ies. WHAT A SHAME!!! So, you think painting yourself ‘Good’ and destroying the names of your fellow Africans will boost your status? You definitely have a serious problem. At this point, maybe it is a good time to talk to those men whose ‘*Kokoro‘ has no bus stop. Your stupidity is bringing a lot of shame to us all. Start thinking with your head, stop living recklessly and start planning your future, please.
Those of you who, after getting your professional job, become the ONLY stumbling block in that company, stopping the company from employing more/fellow Africans, Keep it up! A guy was chatting with me the other day. This guy works with an IT company in Helsinki. He was one of the few lucky & brilliant Africans who had a good job. He obviously didn’t know me well so he kinda pulled my moustache by telling me: “You know what? I am fortunate to be part of the recruitment team at my work place. Any time I see an African name I just don’t bother checking the CV because seriously, what more do our guys know apart from cleaning?? I am afraid they will come here and spoil this place for us the goood ones.” OMG, I finished that dude with all the lessons he had missed all his life. He became so arrogant that he had started to see himself as belonging to the ‘Higher class dining with the real Finns.’ Unfortunately, he himself was laid off after 18months. When shall we stop this attitude of destroying the names of others just because of the favours we are hoping for from some Finnish person?
The other day, I was at lunch with 3 Finnish guys. We were all seated around a table then, a fellow African walked into the restaurant. This African guy knew two of the Finnish guys so he came to say HI at our table. Can you believe he shook hand with the 3 Finns but ignoring me!? I was meeting him for the first time, for God’s sake! Even my Finnish friends were shocked at his action and we discussed it after he left. Oh boy! Are we to say that: “All Africans are equal but in Finland, some are more equal than the others?” That is so stupid, fellas.
We must stop stabbing ourselves on the back and start helping one another up. Those among us who are gifted entrepreneurs can employ some of our gurus as interns,if not on a full employment. We can discuss with fellow brothers about starting up a business here in Finland. We can make things happen together! Those who are gifted at teaching can help others out in learning new stuff or in preparing for certain certification exams. Those who have good enough jobs can recommend another brother for open job positions. Let us be relevant in the lives of one another.
I know an African guy here who has his own business. One day, I asked him why he doesn’t hire fellow Africans, and I was so amazed at his answer. He said something like:’if I hire an African, he may disrespect me, question my authority as a manager compared to their submissive attitude towards a white manager.’ What is wrong with us? Really?
A friend of mine who has trained to be a chef wanted to start her own African restaurant business. She told all her friends and started what I’ll call a test-business, to help her experiment how successful the business might be. To my amazement, fellow Africans refused to patronize her. Only Finns went to the restaurant to eat. WOW! From my findings, some fellow Africans assume that paying her to eat in her restaurant will make her richer than them. So, instead of going there to eat a 5euro dish, they’d rather go and pay 11euro at a Chinese restaurant. I still don’t get the stupidity and envy behind their actions. Why can’t we help our own people grow? Why is it that you’d rather make some stupid posts about fighting chickens on your walls than making a post about what a fellow African brother or sister is doing here in Finland?
Why will you prefer to go barb at a Finn’s shop who charges you 40e , than going to pay an African barber’s common 10euro for even better service?
“The differentness of races, moreover, is no evidence of superiority or of inferiority. This merely indicates that each race has certain gifts which the other do not possess”.
Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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