Latest news with #SFPA
Borneo Post
7 days ago
- Borneo Post
Sarawak association calls for greater action on rising child sex abuse cases
Prof Dr Kamal Kenny MIRI (July 18): The Sarawak Family Planning Association (SFPA) has expressed deep concern over the alarming hike in child sexual abuse cases, stressing that far more must be done to address what it calls a serious national problem. SFPA member Prof Dr Kamal Kenny, a consultant and social psychologist, said the biggest challenge in protecting babies and children from sexual violence is the reluctance of Malaysian society to speak openly about such abuse. 'Cases of incest, child sexual abuse, and exploitation are undoubtedly on the rise—a concern also shared by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM),' he told The Borneo Post when contacted. Dr Kamal highlighted that last year, PDRM raised concerns about a stark increase in incest cases in one of the states in Peninsular Malaysia. However, he warned that the official reported cases might not reflect the true extent of the problem at the grassroots level. 'This is because the matter is very sensitive, and many people choose to sweep it under the carpet,' he added. His comments came in response to two recent headline-making cases reported on July 16. In one, a man was accused of impregnating his 12-year-old daughter, while in the other case, a three-month-old baby was reported sexually abused and a video of the act was circulated online. Dr Kamal said while non-governmental organisations (NGOs) like SFPA have strived to create awareness by reaching out to different communities, these efforts have often been met with limited support from various parties due to the sensitive nature of the topic. 'While there are laws and penalties in Malaysia, the issue itself is often regarded as a taboo subject and many choose to not 'shake the hornet's nest' due to social and cultural values.' Regarding support for victims, Dr Kamal emphasised the need for ongoing trauma counselling, adding that involving the family in therapy is crucial to help them build long-term coping mechanisms. 'SFPA has always believed that a concerted effort by various agencies is essential in helping victims navigate the trauma they experience, and that a proper support system must be firmly in place,' he said. He highlighted that awareness programmes are vital in breaking the silence and stigma surrounding sexual violence. These initiatives, he noted, should be carried out across all segments of society—urban and rural alike—as the psychological impact on victims remains equally severe, regardless of geographical location. Dr Kamal also stated that SFPA remains committed to engaging with the Ministry of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Ministry of Education, and parent-teacher associations to encourage the rollout of awareness programmes aimed at reaching as many people as possible. At the national level, he stressed that child sexual abuse must be addressed in Parliament. He urged for the immediate implementation of institutionalised programmes in schools to raise awareness among children, helping them understand that such acts are criminal, and must be firmly resisted and reported. child abuse Dr Kamal Kenny Sarawak Family Planning Association
Borneo Post
7 days ago
- Borneo Post
Call for greater action on rising child sex abuse cases
Prof Dr Kamal Kenny MIRI (July 18): The Sarawak Family Planning Association (SFPA) has expressed deep concern over the alarming hike in child sexual abuse cases, stressing that far more must be done to address what it calls a serious national problem. SFPA member Prof Dr Kamal Kenny, a consultant and social psychologist, said the biggest challenge in protecting babies and children from sexual violence is the reluctance of Malaysian society to speak openly about such abuse. 'Cases of incest, child sexual abuse, and exploitation are undoubtedly on the rise—a concern also shared by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM),' he told The Borneo Post when contacted. Dr Kamal highlighted that last year, PDRM raised concerns about a stark increase in incest cases in one of the states in Peninsular Malaysia. However, he warned that the official reported cases might not reflect the true extent of the problem at the grassroots level. 'This is because the matter is very sensitive, and many people choose to sweep it under the carpet,' he added. His comments came in response to two recent headline-making cases reported on July 16. In one, a man was accused of impregnating his 12-year-old daughter, while in the other case, a three-month-old baby was reported sexually abused and a video of the act was circulated online. Dr Kamal said while non-governmental organisations (NGOs) like SFPA have strived to create awareness by reaching out to different communities, these efforts have often been met with limited support from various parties due to the sensitive nature of the topic. 'While there are laws and penalties in Malaysia, the issue itself is often regarded as a taboo subject and many choose to not 'shake the hornet's nest' due to social and cultural values.' Regarding support for victims, Dr Kamal emphasised the need for ongoing trauma counselling, adding that involving the family in therapy is crucial to help them build long-term coping mechanisms. 'SFPA has always believed that a concerted effort by various agencies is essential in helping victims navigate the trauma they experience, and that a proper support system must be firmly in place,' he said. He highlighted that awareness programmes are vital in breaking the silence and stigma surrounding sexual violence. These initiatives, he noted, should be carried out across all segments of society—urban and rural alike—as the psychological impact on victims remains equally severe, regardless of geographical location. Dr Kamal also stated that SFPA remains committed to engaging with the Ministry of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Ministry of Education, and parent-teacher associations to encourage the rollout of awareness programmes aimed at reaching as many people as possible. At the national level, he stressed that child sexual abuse must be addressed in Parliament. He urged for the immediate implementation of institutionalised programmes in schools to raise awareness among children, helping them understand that such acts are criminal, and must be firmly resisted and reported. child abuse Dr Kamal Kenny Sarawak Family Planning Association
Euronews
24-06-2025
- Business
- Euronews
The EU-Mauritania fisheries deal explained
Fishing is a cornerstone of Mauritania's economy and daily life, accounting for about 10% of the country's GDP, and providing work for roughly 300,000 people - either directly or indirectly. For many Mauritanians, fish is the main source of protein, making the sector crucial for both livelihoods and food security. The Sustainable Fishery Partnership Agreement (SFPA) between the European Union and Mauritania, renewed in 2021 for six years, sets the terms for European vessels operating in Mauritanian waters. The deal is designed to address overfishing and protect marine resources, while also supporting Mauritania's economy. The EU's Ambassador to Mauritania, Joaquin Tasso Vilallonga, spoke to 'Ocean' at the new IMROP research centre in Nouakchott, funded by the EU. He described fishing as 'a very important sector of the Mauritanian economy,' highlighting its role as a major employer and key source of nutrition. He stressed that the partnership's main goal is to ensure Mauritania's rich fish stocks are managed sustainably: 'That means, firstly, it continues to provide food and nutrition for the country; secondly, it allows Mauritania to export a resource and earn income; and finally, it respects the ability of these fish stocks to reproduce and be maintained, guaranteeing sustainable use and respect for the marine environment'. Key points of the agreement include: Science-based quotas: EU vessels are only allowed to catch surplus stocks, as determined by joint scientific assessments. If scientists advise that a species is at risk, fishing for that species is halted. Financial contributions: The EU pays Mauritania €57.5 million annually, with an additional €3.3 million earmarked for supporting local fishing communities, research, and infrastructure. Food security: Part of the catch — specifically, 2% of pelagic fish — is allocated for local food security and distributed in the local communities, helping to ensure Mauritanians have access to affordable protein. Transparency measures: The agreement requires all foreign fishing contracts to be made public, aiming to ensure fairness, and to combat illegal fishing. The EU-Mauritania SFPA is seen as an effort to balance economic interests with environmental protection. By tying access to scientific advice, and investing in local infrastructure, the agreement aims to ensure that both Mauritania's fishing industry and its marine ecosystems remain healthy for generations to come.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
San Francisco families outraged to learn $3.8M in donations meant to build playgrounds were allegedly misused
The San Francisco Parks Alliance (SFPA) — a nonprofit foundation established to 'create, sustain and advocate for parks' — has abruptly shuttered amid a media and legal firestorm over alleged mismanagement involving at least $3.8 million in donations. That leaves donors like Nicola Miner — whose Baker Street Foundation donated $3 million to the SFPA several years ago — 'speechless.' She gave the SFPA that money to support construction of two neighborhood playgrounds. Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) 'I wanted a park here, that was what our money was for,' Miner told CBS News. But the parks never materialized. Instead, she learned that the SFPA — an arm's-length fundraising partner of San Francisco's Recreation and Parks Department — funneled nearly $2 million of her foundation's donation to cover general operating expenses. 'The money was not for general operating expenses. And so I just feel a real sense of betrayal,' Minser said. 'The fact that they took money away from families, I'm speechless.' The San Francisco Standard reports that top employees at the SFPA got bonuses despite a 'massive deficit', and the nonprofit spent more on 'swanky galas' and fundraising events than it made. 'You would never, in a million years, give a bonus under these circumstances,' Joan Harrington, a nonprofit ethics expert at Santa Clara University, said. Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says — and that 'anyone' can do it In the wake of the allegations, San Francisco's mayor froze the organization's funding in May, and City Attorney David Chiu launched an integrity review into the nonprofit. Subsequently, The San Francisco Standard reported that the SFPA was abruptly 'winding down,' leaving donors and partners empty-handed. Just days afterward, the San Francisco Government Audit and Oversight Committee subpoenaed the organization's former CEOs and its board treasurer after they failed to show up at a committee hearing. Some donors may be left wondering how they could be let down by such a prominent and politically connected organization. It's a reminder that a prominent name is no guarantee of continued success or appropriate management — and the prudent approach to committing funds is to perform thorough due diligence. To help with this process, the Stanford Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society (Stanford PACS) has published 'The Stanford PACS Guide to Effective Philanthropy,' with questions that donors should try to answer before making a commitment. For example: Does the nonprofit comply with tax regulations? Are its donations earmarked for a specific purpose (like a playground)? Are the donations restricted or unrestricted? How does the organization track and report restricted donations? Restricted donations have conditions on how those funds are to be used, while unrestricted donations can be used for anything related to the nonprofit's mission. Stanford PACS also publishes the Philanthropist Resource Directory, which can be a helpful resource early in the due diligence journey. Several third-party websites are also available to help with this process. For example, GuideStar aggregates information about U.S. nonprofits registered as 501(c)(3) organizations and categorizes them based on the amount of information they self-report. It also publishes IRS Form 990 tax returns, which are filed by 'tax-exempt organizations, nonexempt charitable trusts and section 527 political organizations.' GiveWell researches and recommends charities working in global health and poverty alleviation 'that save or improve lives the most per dollar,' while Charity Navigator rates more than 225,000 nonprofits based on their 'cost-effectiveness and overall health of a charity's programs, including measures of stability, efficiency and sustainability.' The Stanford PACS guide also suggests looking at which organizations have received grants from respected foundations such as the [Gates Foundation] ) or Ford Foundation — both of which have searchable grants databases — and talking to people who've contributed to the organization or worked with it. Donors can also consider a Donor Advised Fund (DAF), an account that allows donors to give to charity, receive an immediate tax deduction and recommend grants from the fund over time. Donating a large amount of money to a charity is a big commitment — and even supposedly reputable organizations can run into trouble. So time spent on due diligence is time well spent. Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now This tiny hot Costco item has skyrocketed 74% in price in under 2 years — but now the retail giant is restricting purchases. Here's how to buy the coveted asset in bulk Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
CBS News
19-05-2025
- Business
- CBS News
San Francisco donors, families outraged as money meant for playgrounds allegedly misused
A prominent nonprofit tasked with improving the city's parks and open spaces is under fire after being accused of mismanaging millions of dollars intended for playground construction, including at Crane Cove Park in the Dogpatch neighborhood, where local families have waited years for promised play areas. The San Francisco Parks Alliance (SFPA), a nonprofit that works with city agencies and donors to fund public space projects, is accused of diverting donations meant for specific projects to cover general operating expenses. One of the largest donors, the Baker Street Foundation, contributed $3 million to the organization to build two playgrounds at Crane Cove Park — one for toddlers and another for older children. But years later, neither playground has materialized. "The money that we donated was supposed to go to a [playground] here and a [playground] over there for the children in the neighborhood," said Baker Street Foundation board member Nicola Miner, standing on the empty lot where the playgrounds were meant to be built. Miner said she learned only recently that $1.9 million of the donated funds had reportedly been spent on general expenditures. "I wanted a park here, that was what our money was for. The money was not for general operating expenses. And so, I just feel a real sense of betrayal," she said. For Miner, the greatest loss is felt by local families who had counted on the playgrounds for their children. "The fact that they took money away from families, I'm speechless. I actually can't even believe somebody would do that," she added. Nearby residents share her frustration. RJ Andrews, who lives just two blocks from Crane Cove Park, said his family has been waiting since plans were first announced over six years ago. "When [Crane Cove Park] broke ground, we were so excited. Even more excited to learn that there's going to be a playground coming. And that was a long time ago. That was six, seven years ago when the first plans came out. And that pad has been sitting empty since the park opened in 2020. And since 2020, we've grown a family," Andrews said. His son, Atlas, just celebrated his fourth birthday at the park on Sunday. Andrews and his wife are now expecting their second child in a few weeks. "We have a lot of great, new parks [in this area]," he said. "None of them have playgrounds. So to go to a playground, we actually have to take a bit of a trek." The Parks Alliance had previously announced that the two playgrounds, along with a new dog park, would open in June. However, with much of the funding gone, construction has not begun. "Disappointment," Andrews said simply. The San Francisco Chronicle recently reported that SFPA used at least $3.8 million that had been earmarked for specific public projects to instead cover its own operating costs. The organization's former CEO and CFO have since departed. In a public statement, the new CEO, Robert Ogilvie, acknowledged the missteps. "SFPA is working hard to correct the errors of the past and begin a new era of transparency and fiscal accountability with our Community Partners and with the City and County of San Francisco," Ogilvie stated. "We are looking broadly at options to stabilize the San Francisco Parks Alliance." But that response isn't enough for Miner. "I haven't heard them apologize at all," she said. Miner is now calling for a criminal investigation and said the public deserves a clear accounting of where the money went. "I don't think there's going to be [a playground] here for a while," she added. She has already filed a complaint with the California Attorney General and said she plans to file one with the San Francisco City Attorney as well. Whether a criminal investigation will be launched remains unclear.
