| Mediation can work - Mbeki
Johannesburg - President Thabo Mbeki said he was confident that new mediation could resolve Zimbabwe's political crisis, but warned that neither the government nor opposition should attach conditions to the talks. Mbeki, named last week by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to promote dialogue between President Robert Mugabe and the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), told the SABC that Western calls for tougher moves on Zimbabwe were misplaced. "As a region we are quite convinced that the only way to solve the problem is the direction we have taken," Mbeki said in an interview broadcast on Saturday. The United States has said that African nations "fell short" in putting pressure on Mugabe at a summit in Tanzania last week, which saw SADC call for an end to sanctions on Mugabe's government and a new political dialogue.
Mozambique: Country Prepares for Negotiation of EPAs
The Mozambican government is preparing its position for negotiations with the European Union, scheduled to begin in May, on the controversial Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs). On Thursday, a seminar on the subject was held, bringing together officials of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, members of the business community and representatives of civil society. .
Resort blaze closes island
The resort's director of finance, Shiri Raj Singh, said the fire caused them to transfer all guests and staff from the island until repairs can be made. He said the generators were imported and the estimated cost of damage was about $2million. Mr Singh said it would take about a month to receive replacement generators. He said the resort would continue to record losses because it would remain closed to tourists. An emergency board meeting was expected to be held last night to discuss the situation and future of the resort's staff. "The fire took place in the night and we were not able to do anything so the resort went without power for one night," he said. "This morning, about 250 guests were transferred to nearby resorts and hotels in the Mamanuca and the mainland.
Students helping students mediate
As school officials find new ways to instill responsibility and character development in their students, sometimes they turn to students themselves for support. At Bridgewater-Raritan High School, freshman are recruited and trained in a program of peer mediation conflict resolution, Principal James Riccobono said. "It's very successful," he said. "Usually, we get more kids wanting to be trained than we have spaces." About 80 freshman a year are trained, he said. When two students get in a shouting match or are known to be in conflict, for instance, Riccobono said each is referred to mediation with their peers to work things out. The meeting are accompanied by teachers who also are trained in the program. "Many students are willing to resolve their issues with each other this way," Riccobono said.
Tenancy Support Worker
We are looking for an enthusiastic individual with excellent interpersonal and organisational skills to provide tenancy related support to vulnerable people in the RCT area. Applicants should have an understanding of the issues around homelessness and empathy for the client group.The successful applicant will ideally have experience of providing support to a challenging client group. The ability to prioritise and manage a caseload is crucial as are good administration, negotiation and record keeping skills. Access to a car and a full driving licence are essential. The post is subject to a Criminal Records Bureau enhanced disclosure.As well as a competitive salary, we offer a generous pension scheme, up to 30 days annual leave (+8 Bank Holidays). In addition to this our full attendance scheme makes a further 5 days possible.
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