Syrian Refugee Assistance Project Development

Syrian Refugee Assistance Project Development Development Project: Assistance for Syrian Refugees Abstract Syria is a country that has been ravaged by war. The residents have lost their livelihood and many people have fled due to the unfortunate state of the country. For prosperity or some mere sense of peacefulness to return, significant changes must occur. By establishing a central development plan, USAID and other participants can aid returning citizens in regaining a life surrounded by peaceful conditions. As part of this plan, resettlement and compensation must occur. Equally important, retraining, economic integration, and transportation assistance will be needed. Without these vital steps, an area that has experienced the devastation caused by civil war will continue to be a land that not only creates strife for its residents, but globally.   Keywords:   Syria, Civil War, Central Development Plan Introduction Sun Tzu said, â€Å"The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.† This process is not reflected through civil wars that have ravaged different countries around the world. With interior battles and people fighting their own neighbors, a lot of devastation has occurred. For Syrians, the illustration of war is all too real. The desolation that has occurred has a result of interior battling will require a lot of development and rehabilitation. These processes will only be successful if peaceful treaties can be reached to stop the battles that have led to such tragedy. The changes that must occur are vast and will have to encompass the entire country’s population. Through these changes, a central plan is needed to address resettlement and compensation, as well as retraining, economic integration, and transportation assistance.   Background During the brutal Syrian civil war (2011-present), greater than 300,000 people have been killed and 1.5 million wounded to date, leading to a refugee crisis which has been without parallel, as those who survived that conflict have increasingly sought to flee from that besieged nation and begin their lives elsewhere. This has prompted a refugee crisis which has been unprecedented in world history, and one which has placed considerable stress upon ‘host’ nations, especially in Europe, to take in those displaced by this war. However, in recent months, this seven year-long conflict has received ample international attention of a sort which has stressed the likelihood that the war may be soon coming to an end. As announced by Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, and endorsed Steffan de Mistyra, United Nations ‘Special Envoy’ to Syria, the conflict – which witnessed the inclusion not just of Assad’s forces and the ‘rebels,’ but the Islamic State, U.S., Israel, and Russia, as well – may have been â€Å"won† by Assad, especially following â€Å"critical military gains made by government forces† throughout 2017 (Al-Doumy, 2017, p. 1). In particular, as of September 2017, after the Syrian capital of Aleppo was captured by Assad’s government regime, ad only the â€Å"Idlib province† was still under the control of the opposition, meaning that such control – and a final ‘victory’ for the Syrian state – may be close at hand (Al-Doumy, p. 1). Current ‘facts on the ground,’ though they are dour, represent a critical point of controversy among international aid agencies. In particular, the United Nations has reported that despite â€Å"reduced violence† in Syria throughout 2017, the warring parties in that nation have continued to perpetrate â€Å"unthinkable crimes† against the Syrian civilian population, including – per the UN report – the Syrian government’s use of â€Å"chemical weapons† against civilians (UN, 2017, p. 1). A report by the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees (2017), has mounted strident criticism against the Syrian state, particularly for its use of â€Å"sarin [gas]† as part of an aerial bombardment in northern Hama and southern Idlib, in April 2017, which led to the deaths of over eighty civilians (UNHCR, 2017, p. 1). This campaign –notable for the brutal tactics employed by the Assad government – specif ically targeted â€Å"medical facilities† in this ‘rebel’-held area, leading to a â€Å"severe weakening† in these areas’ ability to provide assistance to the victims, a point which the report stressed led to a â€Å"consequent increase† in the number of civilian casualties this unconscionable government attack caused (UNHCR, p. 1). The United Nations report also criticized the Assad regime for using â€Å"weaponized chlorine,† in Hamah and Damascus, which when combined with the use of sarin, represent multiple and flagrant violations of both â€Å"international humanitarian law and the Convention on Chemical Weapons,† which was signed by Syria in 2013 (UNHCR, 2017, p. 1). That said, the Assad government is not the only group to blame in this ongoing disaster. The report also points to â€Å"international coalition airstrikes,† as by the United States and Israel, to repel Islamic State (ISIL) forces from this country, which have led to an â€Å"increasingly alarming number of [civilian] casualties,† and internally displaced hundreds of thousands of Syrians (UNHCR, p. 1). The U.S., in particular, is criticized for its failure to â€Å"take all feasible precautions to protect civilians† in its incursion (p. 1). The prolonged and brutal nature of this conflict, when combined with the recency of such war crimes, have resulted in the United Nations seeking a â€Å"political solution† which would result in an end to â€Å"grave violations of human rights and the laws of war† (p. 1). However, it appears that the international community – especially among the nations of Europe, which have taken in an unprecedented number of Syrian refugees – is now taking reports of the pending ‘end’ of the Syrian conflict at face value. In Germany, which took in more than a half-million Syrian refugees, its interior ministry has begun to discuss (and vote upon) proposals to begin â€Å"forcibly repatriating Syrian refugees once their asylum status lapses,† as early as June 2018 (Traub, 2017, p. 1). Given the relatively â€Å"muted† international response to the scathing UNHCR report (2017), is apparent that international authorities (especially nations which have taken in Syrian refugees), are willing to overlook the crimes and abuses of the Assad regime, and ultimately, to â€Å"accept,† while heinous, â€Å"the devil they know† (Al-Doumy, 2017, p. 1). In Germany and other nations which have been hard-hit by the Syrian Refugee Crisis, especially as has manifest in â€Å"political pressure,† while the UNHCR guidelines which stipulate the changes required for â€Å"safe return† and repatriation may â€Å"not occur for a generation,† these nations are increasingly looking to treat the â€Å"end of hostilities† as sufficient standard upon which to justify mass repatriation (Traub, p. 1). Given the ongoing military presence of the United States in this nation, America’s responsibility to this region may be great. In advance of mass repatriation of Syrian refugees, especially from Europe, it is necessary to craft a development proposal upon which such American assistance to ‘returning’ Syrian civilians may be formed. Such goals, however, must be in ‘alignment’ with the goals of the U.S. State Department, as well as with the current White House, and will be implemented by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), an relief organization which is typically tasked with disaster relief efforts. In essence, any plan taken by the United States must be sufficient in scope to prevent further humanitarian disaster in Syria, but is likely to not carry military mandate, nor will it be conducted for a period of longer than two years, given the low ‘appetite’ of the American people to engage in prolonged relief efforts. However, as has been considered, there is an eminent need for the implementation of this program; The United States has played a pivotal role in this conflict, and while it has not perpetrated the same flagrant human rights abuses as the Assad government, it is critical for the U.S. – through USAID – to adhere to two core ‘tenets’ of its international aid mission, in Syria, by (1) Providing â€Å"life-saving humanitarian assistance to save lives and alleviate suffering,† and (2) Accelerating a â€Å"rapid [and] and durable recovery by supporting livelihoods, markets and the provision of basic services† (USAID, 2017, p. 1). To this end, the following section will present a core ‘treatment’ of a future project, to be implemented in Syria, as contingent upon a likely German decision (anticipated for June 2018) to mandate the repatriation of their 600,000 Syrian refugees. The following section will present the core aspects of this development plan. Central Development Plan The central purpose of this development plan is to provide assistance to Syrians who will return to Syria after the crisis, likely as soon as June 2018, when Germany is anticipated to repatriate hundreds of thousands of Syrians to this nation, contingent upon the anticipated end to eight years of hostilities. The core vector for such development will be dedicated rehabilitation centers, which will be established in conjunction with (and under the protection of) the U.S. military base in northern Syria (Davison, 2017. In addition, such aid presence will also be established within (or close to) centers of population, where repatriated refugees will likely return. The following sections will consider the goals which will be sought at these rehabilitation centers, which will primarily focus upon providing post-return assistance to the hundreds of thousands of Syrians who are anticipated to be repatriated. The intended methodology which will be employed at these rehabilitation centers is of a curative nature, by which individuals who have been repatriated to Syria will be better-prepared to reengage in their lives in a safe and productive manner, following their return. Guidelines established by relief agencies UNHCR and USAID will be used to inform this development plan Sub-Purpose 1: Resettlement and Compensation A primary goal which must be achieved is of resettlement. Though resettlement plans are often undertaken in conjunction with refugee assistance (as in a ‘third party’ country which provides asylum), the UNHCR stipulations regarding such resettlement in the context of repatriation are relevant to this consideration. In particular, one UNHCR report (2016) argues that such measures are often established under a ‘banner’ of international solidarity, through which ‘destination’ countries are party to negotiations through which the â€Å"parameters† of resettlement programs are established, as through â€Å"multi-year agreements,† the likelihood of which will be improved through establishing long-term aid relationships with such nations (UNHCR, 2016, p. 197). Though these rehabilitation centers will be tasked with the resettlement of repatriated Syrian refugees, it will nonetheless be necessary for the U.S. to establish an aid relationsh ip with Syria, through which such resettlement may be facilitated, both through the establishment of ‘short-term’ housing – as in ‘disaster’ trailers – but negotiations with that government, which will likely wish to improve its international reputation through aid to repatriates, will form the basis for the resettlement of repatriated Syrians throughout this nation. Under the USAID guidelines for resettlement (2017a), further considerations which must inform this policy are addressed. USAID policy in this regard pertains particularly to â€Å"compulsory displacement and resettlement,† a signifier which ably represents the hundreds of thousands of Syrians who have been displaced by that country’s civil war (USAID, 2017a, p. 2). As contextualized to the efforts undertaken in any nation where USAID is present, especially those where there is a severe need for ‘refugee’ housing, this document stipulates that is critical to ensure that resettlement goals will â€Å"avoid, minimize, and mitigate† risks of â€Å"impoverishment of affected legitimate landholders,† (USAID, p. 2). The devastation wrought by the Syrian Civil War, especially in urban areas and former centers of population where most refugees originated, has been vast. As a result, this rehabilitation policy will be undertaken with the assumption that most of those whom it serves have suffered either â€Å"total physical displacement,† as through complete loss of land, shelter, or â€Å"other assets,† or â€Å"partial†¦displacement,† as when ‘landholders’ retain their land and assets, but have been removed from the use of such resources due to circumstances out of their control (USAID, p. 3). Given the extraordinary number of repatriated Syrians likely to move through the rehabilitation center, it will be necessary to employ a policy which emphasizes resettlement, in tandem with those by policy by which rote â€Å"compensation† is provided, and to pair such compensation – as to â€Å"improve livelihoods and living standards† – with robust development assistance in the context of a robust resettlement plan (USAID, 2017a, p. 6). As the majority of repatriated Syrians moving through this facility will require permanent resettlement, it will be necessary to produce a resettlement action plan (RAP), per the USAID guidelines for refugees. Because former centers of Syrian population have witnessed such extraordinary destruction, such a plan will be predicated upon the construction of a dedicated resettlement site, which for purposes of convenience, will be located in rural communities near the rehabilitation center. The RAP to be implemented will serve to ensure the following: (1) All â€Å"affected legitimate landholders† – that is, those Syrians who have been forcibly repatriated, yet whose homes are likely still in ruins – are resettled in a manner which serves to protect the â€Å"social and cultural identity† as well as â€Å"cohesion† of their communities (USAID, 2017a, p. 11). In addition, it will also be necessary to provide (2) Receiving communities, those rural areas (which have emerged relatively ‘unscathed’ from the Civil War) with opportunities for â€Å"informed and meaningful engagement† in order to â€Å"avoid, minimize, or mitigate† potential disputes which may arise† (USAID, 2017a, p. 11). Finally, (3) this RAP must be predicated upon all repatriated Syrians having access to a body of â€Å"affordable, accessible, and independent† grievance procedures, to be employed in the event that resettlement disputes arise (p. 11). In addition, the â€Å"fair calculation† of compensation measures must also be incorporated into an effective RAP (USAID, 2017a, p. 14). These would include compensation provided to those who have been displaced (and in this instance, repatriated), in order to facilitate their livelihood, as a factor of the following measures: Individual compensation would be based upon the value of lost (1) Land, as well as â€Å"naturally-occurring resources associated with the land,† (2) Structures on land, such as houses, (3) Legal or professional costs, as well as (4) Loss of earnings, and (5) Intangible losses, as those which hold a particular â€Å"cultural or spiritual value† (USAID, 2017a, p. 14). Moreover, such compensation would also be provided to Syrians so repatriated in order to offset the cost of â€Å"moving and finding alternative housing,† provided that such new housing is not provided as part of resettlement (p. 14). Sub-Purpose 1: Indicators and Outcomes. The establishment of a robust program of housing and resettlement represents the core of this rehabilitation program. As the majority of repatriated Syrians entering this program are likely to have had their homes destroyed during this prolonged period of Civil War, it will be necessary to mount a major course of economic assistance to each individual, to meet their eminent need for shelter. As a result, this rehabilitation center will establish a robust and comprehensive auditing process, in order to address key indicators among these repatriated Syrians, including their need for shelter, but also reflecting the key losses which these individuals suffered. Though all repatriated individuals will be provided with ‘temporary’ shelter – as in an ‘in-country’ facility with disaster accommodations – they will be resettled into (predominantly rural, and local) communities near the shelter in as expedient a manner as possible. Their losses will be compensated in accordance with demonstrable need, meaning that key outcomes pertain to the ability of all individuals who come through this rehabilitation facility to find resettlement in accordance with the RAP, with respect to their expedient delivery to ‘receiving communities.’ Finally, any legal and economic grievances which arise will be settled by authorities at the rehabilitation facility. Sub-Purpose 2: Retraining and Economic Integration Though resettlement and compensation arrangements provided to this vast population of repatriated Syrians will comprise the majority of the rehabilitative ‘burden’ undertaken by this center, it will also seek to aid this population with their employment and reintegration into the Syrian economy. However, the likelihood of such aid policies being effective is somewhat ‘muddied,’ by the serious economic shock that has been wrought by the Syrian Civil War. As presented by Crisp (1996), regarding the UNHCR’s repatriation operations in Mozambique in the 1990s, many individuals so repatriated will express â€Å"apprehension over socio-economic conditions† in their areas of return, a sentiment which â€Å"underlined the need for [establishing] emergency infrastructures† in places of â€Å"actual returnee settlement† (Crisp, 1996, p. 8). However, this report includes little precise information regarding how such ‘infrastructuresâ₠¬â„¢ were to be established. To this end, it is likely that the establishment of some ‘economic infrastructure’ to benefit the vast number of repatriated Syrians anticipated to use this resettlement service would require outsized assistance to Syria, which might result in considerable political antipathy for this plan, by U.S. citizens likely to view such measures as far greater than ‘aid,’ or as falling under the direct responsibility of the Syrian government. An alternative plan by which the economic ‘integration’ of these individuals may be effectuated is through coordinating efforts with the Syrian government, as modeled after measures implemented in other nations. As presented by Beusse (2009), for the European Commission, effective repatriation programs often include â€Å"loan programs,† through which returnees are aided in their achieving meaningful â€Å"livelihood, self-employment opportunities,† and opportunities for â€Å"entrepreneurial development,† and can often be mounted in conjunction with direct educational support (Beusse, 2009, p. 44). Such education is often also primarily economic in nature, and can include support in â€Å"financial literacy, financial planning and management, savings†¦remittance schemes,† as well as in regard to investment opportunity and business counseling, under a broader â€Å"mentoring† framework (Beusse, p. 44). These same methods are emphas ized under the USAID model, which denotes critical methods of â€Å"knowledge and skills training† to be provided to repatriates, to include (1) Short-term technical training, (2) Long-term academic education (or assistance in obtaining such education), (3) Entrepreneurial training, to include â€Å"peer learning,† and (4) Assistance in accessing to â€Å"distance learning,† from which marketable skills can be gained (USAID, 2010, p. 8). Retraining is often unnecessary for populations who are being repatriated, as many members of this Syrian population may present with marketable skills and job histories, and merely lack for employment. To this end, in conjunction with local Syrian businesses – and with its government – this rehabilitation center will also attempt to â€Å"[assist] with job placement† for qualified job candidates, as well as assist with providing â€Å"seed money† to help repatriated Syrians to start businesses (USAID, 2005, p. 17). Sub-Purpose 2: Indicators and Outcomes. Leading indicators of the success of this program will depend on the qualifications of each applicant. In particular, it will be necessary to conduct interviews and audits of the individuals who enter the rehabilitation center, in order to determine their level of skill, and the degree to which they might appreciate inclusion into the locally-provided educational and training programs. In the event that such individuals have a high level of skill, they will be ‘routed’ to Syrian job placement programs, or will be provided with direct grants to aid in their establishment of an independent business. Key outcomes upon which the success of this program will be predicated include the level of interest by the repatriated individuals in these education programs, especially those which concern issues of skills development. Such interest will be used to inform the establishment of educational programs in the rehabilitation center (as to ensure the efficient use of resources), but if there is a low level of interest, this might be interpreted as a failure of the center to ‘craft’ tenable options for all those engaged with this program, and an audit of policies and training deliverables will be implemented, to ensure that such lack of interest is not based on poor ‘fit.’ Sub-Purpose 3: Transportation Assistance In conjunction with the second sub-purpose, it will also be highly beneficial to the wellbeing of these repatriated individuals to provide them with transportation assistance grants, in order to reach their final ‘resettlement’ destination, or to facilitate their ‘re-entry’ into Syrian society, especially if they have achieved employment but cannot reach their new place of employment. In conjunction with other aid project guidelines, this policy will be provided alongside a range of other ‘grant’ programs, to include the resettlement and economic integration plans, but will be provided in a ‘direct’ manner, as alongside â€Å"food†¦health assistance,† and other key requirements (UNHCR, 2016a, p. 15). Transportation aid will also be provided if any repatriated individual at the rehabilitation center requires access to intensive healthcare of a sort (such as surgical or long-term inpatient medical care) which cannot be pro vided ‘on-site.’ Sub-Purpose 3:Indicators and Outcomes.   Such assistance will be provided in the form of ‘block’ grants to be disbursed on a monthly basis, which will be based upon need and ‘tacked’ to both the price of transportation and availability thereof. Following an estimation of key indicators of transportation cost, such payments will be provided to each qualified repatriated individual based on their day-to-day need. PURPOSE SUMMARY There is no question that this development and ‘rehabilitation’-focused project will require a considerable sum of money, both from American authorities, and from Syria itself. However, as this work has considered, Syria now occupies a ‘precarious’ place within the global sphere, as reflective of its government’s reprehensible actions during the Civil War. Though the Assad government was willing to mount terrible attacks against its civilian population, Syria’s ‘re-gaining’ of international reputation – if it is not to include a war crimes tribunal – may well result from their actions, moving forward, with respect to their own people. As Germany and other nations have shown themselves likely to forcibly repatriate their huge populations of Syrian refugees, and the U.S. (and other nations) are likely to remain in Syria in a military capacity for years to come, it follows that the rehabilitation of these repatriates wou ld follow a ‘tandem’ model effectuated by USAID and Syrian government collaboration. Such ‘collaboration’ will primarily be monetary in nature, and include the sharing of the considerable costs of resettlement, job placement, re-training, and grants for aid and transportation provided to this vast ‘returning’ population. However, in the event that this plan leads to the revitalization of Syria, these two nations will have taken a strong step toward reducing the long-term impact of Syria’s past crimes against its people. Even if there is no true ‘reckoning’ for the horrific crimes which the Assad regime perpetrated against its people, it may come ‘together,’ with USAID, to provide returning citizens a better life. ANNEX A: CHART OF RECENT HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE (Source: USAID 12.08.17) ANNEX: B REFFERENCE MAP OF SYRIA, TURKEY AND NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES (SOURCE: USAID MAP OF SYRIA AND NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES FACTSHEET #5 2017) (SOURCE: USAID MAP OF SYRIA AND NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES FACTSHEET #5 2017) ANNEX C: REFERENCE MAP OF SYRIAN REFUGEES (2014) (SOURCE: UNHCR 08.29.14 ANNEX D: WORLD DATA BANK SYRIAS GDP (SOURCE: DATA WORLD BANK 12.17.17) ANNEX E: EMPLOYMENT INDICATORS GRAPH (SOURCE: WORLD DATA BANK ASPECTS OF EMPLOYMENT INDICATORS) ANNEX F: LOGICAL FRAMEWORK CHART Works Cited Al-Doumy, S. (2017). Syria’s civil war is over and Assad has won, says the UN. The Week. Retrieved December 13, 2017 from http://www.theweek.co.uk/syrian-civil-war/88268/syria-s-civil-war-is-over-and-assad-has-won-says-the-un Beusse, M. (2009). Repatriation policies and practices. European Commission. Retrieved December 13, 2017 from https://ec.europa.eu/migrant-integration/index.cfm?action=media.download&uuid=299ECC14-A0B0-774C-D3A44B5898CECD11 Crisp, J. (1996). Evaluation of UNHCRs Repatriation Operation to Mozambique. UNHCR. Retrieved December 13, 2017 from http://www.unhcr.org/en-us/research/evalreports/3ae6bcf90/evaluation-unhcrs-repatriation-operation-mozambique.html Davison, J. (2017). Exclusive: U.S. forces to stay in Syria for decades, say militia allies. Reuters. Retrieved December 13, 2017 from https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-usa-exclusive/exclusive-u-s-forces-to-stay-in-syria-for-decades-say-militia-allies-idUSKCN1AX1RI Global Migration Data Analysis Center (2016). Migration, asylum and refugees in Germany. Retrieved December 13, 2017 from https://www.iom.int/sites/default/files/country/docs/Germany/Germany-Data-Briefing-1Jan2016.pdf Traub, J. (2017). Germany Is Preparing to Send Refugees Back to Syria. Foreign Policy. Retrieved December 13, 2017 from http://foreignpolicy.com/2017/12/06/germany-is-preparing-to-send-refugees-back-to-syria/ United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR, 2017). UN Commission of Inquiry on Syria. Retrieved December 13, 2017 from http://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=22030&LangID=E (2016). Solutions for Refugees. Retrieved December 13, 2017 from http://www.unhcr.org/50a4c17f9.pdf (2016a). Yemen situation regional refugee and migrant response plan. Retrieved December 13, 2017 from http://www.unhcr.org/561cf4239.pdf UN News Center (2017). Syria: UN probe documents use of chemical weapons and other crimes against civilians. Retrieved December 13, 2017 from http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=57468#.WjFquUqnGUk United States Agency for International Development (USAID, 2017). Working in Crises and Conflict. Retrieved December 13, 2017 from https://www.usaid.gov/what-we-do/working-crises-and-conflict (2017a) Guidelines on Compulsory Displacement and Resettlement in USAID Programming. Retrieved December 13, 2017 from http://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PBAAE440.pdf (2010). Participant Training for Capacity Development. Retrieved December 13, 2017 from https://trainethelp.usaid.gov/Documents/rawmedia_repository/ads253january2010.pdf (2005). The rehabilitation of victims of trafficking in group residential facilities in foreign countries. Retrieved December 13, 2017 from http://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/Pnadk471.pdf

A Learning Experience

Each individual in the general society has their own respective life course and experiences based upon the decisions they choose whenever faced a certain circumstance or an encounter with another human person. Each person react differently on these experiences as part of the individuality complex of the human nature.However, similar on all occasion, each individual can learn an important lesson from each of these encounter or circumstance which is essential to their personal development. If a person is willing enough and is open towards the nature of the experience, he or she can effective be enlighten from the moral significance of the event. Thus, through the actual experience of each person that he or she learns to develop and improve into a better human person.On regards to this aspect, the author of this paper has also experience a certain circumstance from where he learned a valuable lesson that he still holds until the present. From this experience, the author of this paper ha s seen the value of time on which it only gives a single opportunity for an individual to succeed in a scenario for a moment.As the proverbs of wise always say, time is precious with worth as of gold. In the fiber of time, every second counts continuously passing by then never coming back thus, it is important to give importance for each moment of it. Given this in an actual circumstance made the author of this paper realize the important value of each moment thus, learning never to waste another second of it.During the period of youth of subject of this experience, he was used to moments of having second opportunity wherein if one chance is wasted then another is given.This is a certain privilege that the author of this paper has always enjoyed through all of his experiences particularly in his educational institution. Teachers and educational facilitators have always given this boy a privilege (or a handicap) due to various personal reasons such as family background, excellent man ipulation through words, social influence and others.It is as if the fate of opportunity landed upon the hands of this boy enabling him to manipulate time and chances for his own personal success. However, this has taught him a negative lesson on which he become used to this privilege. Indeed, the errors of his ways has struck back unexpectedly leading to a disastrous ending.A critical examination important for his overall educational performance has come and as always, this boy never paid much attention to it regardless of the time constraint it has for the preparation period. He regarded this task at its specific period to be insignificant because of his expectation for special exemption.However, beyond his knowledge, the administrator for the examination came from another institution on which he has not control over thus, negating his privileges. He was forced to have the tasks at its given period with any preparation at all.This disastrous encounter has reflected its influence u pon the result affecting the course of his educational potential forcing him to step a level down. From this encounter he has learned that time indeed does not honor special privileges, social influence and others. It views the public as equal under its power and control giving each individual a specific opportunity for each moment.However, the wheel of time has given the boy another opportunity in the form of a lesson, which was deeply engraved in his mind. From that moment, he has realized his mistake and give time the value it deserve through never wasting another moment of it.He focused his interest to what it important particularly his education and was able to succeed in his own course of life. From his experience, he has learned a valuable lesson, which he strongly holds in his track towards the future. Because of this change, he was able to succeed and share this lesson through the narration of this story to move others to give value to their own time and opportunity.

Chinese culture Essay

1. Executive Summary Business today is becoming more universal and it is common to travel around the world for business dealings. In order to clinch a business deal with parties of other countries, it is essential to do some research about the country first. This will provide critical information about their business tradition, etiquette issues and other factors that will allow easier acceptance of Singaporean business persons. China being the largest populated country of 1. 3 billion, with an area of 9,600,000 square kilometers, has a long history, unique culture and a wide variety of distinctive customs and traditions. She has been attracting foreigners to invest as there are plentiful resources and labour market, which are crucial in business dealings. Besides the factors that are mentioned above, other factors play essential roles as well. Guanxi and Mianzi are the foremost factors that Chinese businessmen take into account. Other factors include preparation for Chinese business meetings, knowledge of the Chinese Lijie, such as non-verbal communication and social relationships. Also, the Chinese banquet consisting table etiquette together with drinking and toasting. There will also be gift-giving, such as what should be considered to give and what should be avoided. Last but not least, different ways to negotiate with the Chinese for the best solution should be taken into consideration. In conclusion, having the knowledge of the Chinese etiquette will better help one to succeed in clinching more business dealings. At the same time, it also helps one to understand the culture and customs of Chinese. Therefore, this will not only do one good for business purposes, but also encourages common understanding amongst countries. 2. Introduction The People’s Republic of China, has a largest population of 1. 3 billion and a GDP of US$2393 billion. Thus, it has been eyed by many business executives due to its big market share and a large pool of labour which provides many business opportunities. In order to carry out business transactions efficiently with the Chinese, it is important for us to know what the prohibitions, customs and taboos are in China. By understanding these, we will be more prepared to conduct business with the Chinese. 2. 1 Meeting the Chinese. To begin with, the Chinese are very particular about first impressions. They prefer to be introduced formally to people as they are reluctant to strike up conversations with people they are unfamiliar with. A proper handshake will be most appropriate upon introduction. If one is being introduced to a group, remember to shake everyone’s hands. Also, stand up throughout, when being introduced or when presenting self. Begin introductions with his/her name, followed by the company’s name and specify the country that he/she is from. 2. 2 Business Cards. It is polite to use two hands to hold both corners when presenting business card and to position it so that it is legible to the recipient. Try to have one side of the card being translated and print the Chinese letters using gold ink as this is an auspicious colour. It will be respectful to spend a few seconds reading the card upon receiving it and helps in remembering one’s name. It is demeaning to put it directly into your pocket without glancing. If it is a sit-down meeting, place the card on the table so that one can look at it. 2. 3Conversations. Most Chinese like to engage in conversations concerning topics which they have knowledge on, such as weather, geography, Chinese cuisine, Chinese scenery and landmarks. Topics related to politics should be avoided. Dismiss personal questions with a little humour if uncomfortable. The Chinese would often compliment the country of origin. However, accepting praise outright is not considered as good etiquette for them. Instead, one is expected to deflect compliments and pretend it is unworthy of receiving them. 2. 4 Greetings Surnames come first when addressing a Chinese. In business situations, one will seldom concern themselves with a Chinese person’s given name. It is advisable to get straight how one should address someone at the first meeting. For business purposes, it is traditionally acceptable to call a Chinese by the surname, together with a title such as Managing Director Toh. 2. 5On the telephone Although Chinese may make arrangements through the phone, most Chinese prefers face-to-face meetings. On the telephone, the standard greeting is the word â€Å"wei†, which means â€Å"hello† or â€Å"are you still there† in Mandarin. Chinese often do not furnish any identifying information upon answering the phone; hence it is good to verify that one has reached the organization he/she intended to dial. 3. GuanXi – Relationships Personal relationships play a vital part in the business world of Chinese. Chinese businessmen do not rush into discussions and negotiations, as they want to get familiar with their business partners before doing business. This is known as Guanxi, which means â€Å"relationships†. It is the network of relationships among various parties that cooperate together and support one another. Before doing business, Chinese will extend hospitality to demonstrate their respect for others and appreciation of the finer things in life so as to soften their visitors. There will be small talk during the first full day, where Chinese learns about his visitor and goals. The evening during the welcome banquet, they would learn more as foreign visitors will open up during casual talks. Also, the visitors may visit the residence of their acquaintances from other organizations and bring some gifts as it is important for building and creating Guanxi. Gifts like foreign cigarettes and quality wines are acceptable, which will be discussed more at the later part of the report. Trust is built during such situations and Chinese would then be more comfortable to work with them. Relationships are not only between companies but also personal levels. Establishing a sincere, supportive relationship based on mutual respect is a fundamental aspect of Chinese culture. In the world of business, possessing the right Guanxi is crucial for ensuring the minimization of difficulties and frustrations that are often encountered and it is also important to any successful business strategy in China. 4. Mian Zi – Face Face, also known as Mianzi, is a mark of personal pride and forms the basis of an individual’s reputation and social status. Having face means having a high status in the eyes of one’s peers, and is a mark of personal dignity. It is a prized commodity, which can be given, lost, taken away or earned. Face to a Chinese, holds more importance and encompasses a greater part of life. In order to establish all important interpersonal relationships, face must always be created and maintained at all times. Losing face may be caused by, for example, public insult, chastisement or contradicting someone in front of another, and also, by ourselves, such as losing temper or losing your own control in public. Furthermore, rescinding an order can also be constructed as losing face. This is why Chinese leaders would rather follow the policies even if there are events that prove them that it is irrelevant. Causing someone to lose face through public humiliation or inappropriate allocation of respect to individuals within the organization can seriously damage business discussions. On the other hand, praising someone in moderation before their colleagues is a form of ‘giving face’ and can earn respect, loyalty and aid negotiations. Nevertheless, face is so important that it is justification for spending money even if the Chinese is not very rich. Money that may be set aside for emergency use may be used for buying gifts or accessories instead because of face. 5. Lijie- Art of Politeness Being polite is a type of basic courtesy one should possess. In China, personal feelings and hint of criticism should not be dealt with publicly as it might cause public embarrassment and unpleasantness. A glass of tea that is automatically set out in front of arriving guests is how the Chinese allows the guest to feel comfortable and appear gracious. 5. 1 Surface harmony Surface harmony is an essential skill because the world of Chinese etiquette is very insensitive to unpleasant genuine feelings as it concerns matter of â€Å"face†. To the Chinese, things are done more for show than for substance; for example, manners are tools which they use to maintain pleasantness at all times, even when it is not entirely felt. Surface harmony is disturbed when one expresses his/her disagreement. Therefore, it is advised to remain quiet and â€Å"give face† as it might result in sabotage, subversion or revenge as the Chinese are well capable of such actions. 5. 2Intermediaries Intermediaries can be useful in communicating something unpleasant to the Chinese, and they help to ask questions, as preservation of face and surface harmony is considered highly important to Chinese. Intermediaries are highly useful in negotiations as they provide back channels for information that might prove too sensitive or risky. However, anger may be expressed directly for strategic purposes. 5. 3 Social relationships Chinese manage their social relationships by an imaginary circle that surrounds them. Relatives, friends, neighbours, classmates and co-workers are within the circle. These people have relationships with one another and hence, bear some sort of obligation. Chinese tend to go all out for them, be it putting themselves at great inconvenience or even ethically questionable circumstances. The rest of the world, whom a Chinese treats like a stranger, remains outside of the circle to whom with no particular obligation. 5. 4 Non-verbal communication. Chinese have various non-verbal communications. Firstly, Chinese tends to have a shorter social distance compared to many western cultures, for example, a Chinese friend might stand a little close to you for comfort or breathing directly into your face when talking to you. Furthermore, if one steps backwards, his/her Chinese counterpart may advance accordingly. When dealing with a Chinese, particularly the older ones, one should not touch a member of the opposite sex you do not know extremely well as other types of physical contact can be misinterpreted. However, it is said to be perfectly acceptable for Chinese to be physical with members of the same sex. Traditionally, Chinese are seldom demonstrative with the opposite sex in public. Therefore, foreigners should keep in mind that they are well advised to avoid more passionate forms of contact besides holding hands with a companion. During a conversation, one should not slink down in chairs as they are deemed disrespectful. Furthermore, some Chinese will avoid meeting one’s eyes or smile. This is a sign of shyness or keeping feelings to themselves. Thus should not be confused with insincerity, unfriendliness or anger. Silence is a virtue for it represents reflection or a sign of politeness. Gestures such as â€Å"come here† by curling index finger upward, â€Å"okay† sign with thumb and forefinger forming a circle, and shrugging of shoulders showing â€Å"I don’t know† may not be understood by the Chinese. Nodding or shaking of head, thumbs-up and clapping of hands for applauding are universally accepted gestures. 5. 5 Ways to reject a Chinese Rejecting people or saying ‘no’ can result in losing face, therefore the Chinese devised a number of methods of refusing without saying ‘no’. Ways to reject are, saying to grant the wish would be â€Å"inconvenient† as it means there are political problems associated with fulfilling a request, or it is â€Å"under consideration† or â€Å"being discussed†. This generally means that something is unlikely to happen. Another way is to blame someone else for the roadblock by finding a scapegoat. Lastly, a Chinese may tell a lie such as inventing a story to get out of the uncomfortable position in which a person feels placed. 11. References and Acknowledgements 1. De Mente Boye. (2004). Chinese etiquette & ethics in business. Boston: McGraw-Hill. 2. Scott D. Seligman. (1999). Chinese Business Etiquette: a guide to protocol, manners, and culture in the People’s Republic of China. United States of America: A Time Warner Company 3. About. com: China Online (n. d. ). Retrieved on June 13, 2007. http://chineseculture. about. com/od/businessculture/Chinese_Business_Culture. htm 4. Communicaid global communication: doing business in China. (n. d. ). Retrieved on June 13, 2007. http://www. communicaid. com/chinese-business-culture. asp 5. Chinese Culture. (n. d. ). Retrieved on June 13, 2007. http://www. chinese-culture. net/html/chinese_business_culture. html 6. Kwintessential- Language and culture specialists (n. d. ). Retrieved on June 13, 2007. http://www. kwintessential. co. uk/cultural-services/articles/china-business-culture. html 7. China’s GDP grows 10. 7% in 2006. (January 25, 2007). ChinaDaily. com. cn. Retrieved on June 25, 2007. from http://www. chinadaily. com. cn/china/2007-01/25/content_792311_2. htm 8. Economy – Economic Structure & Trends. (2006). Retrieved on June 20, 2007. http://china-europe-usa. com/level_4_data/eco/042_3. htm 9. China – Business etiquette, manners and cross cultural communication. (n. d. ). Retrieved on June 15, 2007. http://www. cyborlink. com/besite/china. htm 10. China – Business & Travel Etiquette. (n. d. ). Retrieved on June 15, 2007. http://www. crazycolour. com/os/china_02. shtml 11. Business Card Etiquette by Neil Payne. (n. d. ). Retrieved on June 15, 2007. http://www. sideroad. com/Business_Etiquette/business-card-etiquette. html.

Causes and Solution of Juvenile Delinquency in America Essay

â€Å"Nearly every year the FBI arrests more than 3300 young adults under the age of 18† (Khan).Juvenile delinquency can be caused by the influence gangs,bullying, and bad parenting. This topic caught my attention because there a lot of kids getting arrested each year for crimes committed and kids getting involved in gangs, also kids getting access to weapons,drugs, or getting bully by other people. However juvenile delinquency can be prevented by offering bullying prevention, violence prevention curriculums and mentoring programs. â€Å"If gangs are dealing drugs or selling stolen merchandise, gang members can become wealthy. When teens sees this behavior they want in on the money†. â€Å"Gang members who do drugs themselves and caused other†¦show more content†¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"Those with a population over 50000 are the greatest risk of gang activities and community members face heightened fear that they, their family, schools, or businesses will become victims of theft and /or violence.† Studies have shown that the influence of the gangs on juvenile violence is greater than the influence of other highly delinquent peers. Another school risk factor for gang membership is that juveniles feel unsafe at school. Gangs member can kill people for using drugs. Young people who kill or steal stuffs they do it to buy more drugs because they are addicted to it. Is difficult for juveniles to exit gangs. Juveniles get involved in gangs because they want to be like them and also they think gang members care for each others and that they are always there for them. 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