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Funmi Ogundare, The Lagoon Schools in Lekki, Lagos, recently marked a significant milestone by celebrating the incredible commitment of its teaching and non-teaching staff with 10 and 20 years of service. This event coincided with World Teacher’s Day, shining a light on the selfless contributions that these individuals have made to the growth and success of the school. Under the theme “Passion Meets Purpose,” the celebration honored staff members for their dedication in key areas such as responsibility, punctuality, innovative teaching strategies, student learning impact, work ethics, and emotional intelligence in the classroom. Recipients were presented with plaques, certificates, and cash prizes as tokens of appreciation for their hard work.

In an exclusive interview with THISDAY, the school’s director, Noemi Garcia, emphasized the vital role teachers play not only in academics but also as influential role models for their students. She discussed the challenges teachers face, including managing bullying, and expressed her deep gratitude for their unwavering commitment. Garcia challenged the notion that teachers’ rewards only exist in the afterlife by sharing touching stories of former students who returned to express their appreciation. “I remember a moment when a former student, now studying engineering, brought a bottle of wine and a thank-you card for her Further-Maths teacher, acknowledging the support she received during her secondary school years,” Garcia recounted. She stressed that the rewards for teachers can be realized both here on earth and in heaven, highlighting how cherished the simple words “thank you” are from students and parents alike. Garcia encouraged passionate teachers to remain dedicated to their calling, assuring them that their efforts will be recognized both now and in the future.

Mrs. Uju Ozoigbo, the Vice Principal of Administration, who has committed 20 years to the school, described her experience as nothing short of extraordinary. She noted the family-like environment and the spiritual and professional support she has received throughout her tenure. Ozoigbo pointed out that rewards for teachers extend beyond financial compensation; they also come from the sincere gratitude expressed by former students. “It’s incredibly fulfilling to see students you’ve impacted come back to say thank you. That’s a tremendous reward,” she said, offering her congratulations to teachers around the globe for their dedication and encouraging them to keep excelling in their profession.

Another dedicated educator, Mrs. Eucharia Odamena, who has also served for 20 years, reflected on her rewarding journey, despite not initially planning to become a teacher after studying Physics at the University of Benin. “So far, it has been good,” she shared, noting that her time at Lagoon Schools has fostered both spiritual and personal growth. Odamena urged her colleagues to adopt an open-minded and patient approach in instilling knowledge and morals in their students. “Strive to impact knowledge and virtues such as tolerance and patience in the children,” she advised.

Also, Ms. Anuoluwapo Efunkunle from the Human Resources department reflected on her 10-year journey at the school. She spoke about her rapid and fulfilling career advancement, having started as an administrative staff member and now guiding students in Guidance and Counseling. “It’s been fulfilling and eye-opening, giving me the chance to grow,” Efunkunle remarked. With a background in human resources, she looks forward to further developing her career in the coming years.

As the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China approaches, we spoke with members of Chinese communities across Canada to learn how they are celebrating this significant milestone while expressing their hopes for prosperity and stability in their ancestral homeland.

In Charlottetown, the capital of Prince Edward Island, we caught up with representatives from the Chinese Cultural Federation and the Chinese Business Association. On September 29, they hosted a vibrant celebration in front of City Hall to coincide with the 75th anniversary of New China and the Mid-Autumn Festival. Mayor Philip Brown participated in the festivities, joining local Chinese children in raising the five-star red flag. He shared holiday greetings with the community and acknowledged their valuable contributions to the city. The celebration included an “Art of the Seasons” exhibition, where local artists and children collaborated to create artworks that beautifully illustrated the harmony between culture and nature.

Meanwhile, in Ontario, the Canadian Chinese Association organized an outdoor cultural performance in Toronto on the same day. Local performing arts groups showcased a dazzling display of dance, opera, music, and traditional performances that captivated attendees. The organizers also treated guests to complimentary barbecue food, adding to the festive atmosphere. Later that evening, the Greater Toronto Chinese Community Center, along with other organizations, hosted a celebratory dinner featuring traditional Chinese dishes. Guests watched a video highlighting significant achievements of New China, and the program included poetry readings, martial arts demonstrations, and dance performances that celebrated Chinese culture. Local arts groups even created spontaneous “flash mob” videos at iconic Toronto landmarks, showcasing their homage to their homeland through song and dance.

In Montreal, key Chinese community organizations came together on September 28 at Zhongshan Park in Chinatown for a flag-raising ceremony. There, the flags of Canada, China, and Quebec proudly waved together in this historic setting. Community members celebrated with song and dance, followed by an impressive evening banquet, where over 500 attendees raised their glasses in honor of New China’s milestone.

In Vancouver, members of the Chinese community gathered for a dinner organized by the Chinese Benevolent Association and other prominent groups to commemorate both the 75th anniversary of New China and the 54th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and China. They also organized community bonding activities to usher in National Day celebrations for their homeland.

Chinese communities in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and the Northwest Territories also joined forces in Calgary, known as the “oil city,” for the “Beauty of the Boundless Lands” cultural gala. This high-energy event attracted over a thousand participants, including government officials, community groups, and local citizens. Attendees were treated to a variety of performances, from singing and dancing to martial arts, Peking opera, and poetry recitals, culminating in a memorable evening of celebration.

These events highlight the rich cultural tapestry and deep connections between Canada and China, fostering understanding and cooperation while honoring their heritage.

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In an interview with industry experts, it’s been revealed that investments in water conservancy projects in China have surpassed 800 billion yuan in the first eight months of this year, reflecting a remarkable upward trend. According to reports from the Ministry of Water Resources, there has been an impressive 18.7% increase in new water projects initiated this year compared to the same period last year.

As of October 8, the total investment in water conservancy construction has reached 801.94 billion yuan, which represents a year-over-year increase of 10.7%. Several major water infrastructure projects are being expedited, with 37 significant water projects launched during this period, including the construction of the Guoxian water hub on the Yellow River and the full operation of the Pearl River Delta water resource allocation project. Additionally, other important initiatives, such as the Heihe Huangzangsi water hub and the Dongtaizi Reservoir in Inner Mongolia, are also making progress.

Furthermore, the water conservancy sector is creating a wealth of job opportunities. In the first eight months alone, 42,000 water projects were implemented, reflecting a 14.1% increase from the previous year, with 28,000 of those projects newly initiated, showcasing an 18.7% growth. By the end of August, these water projects had generated job opportunities for nearly 2.1 million individuals, marking a 6.9% increase year-over-year, with 1.7 million of these positions going to rural workers—a notable rise of 10.4%.

There are also significant efforts underway to enhance agricultural water supply and develop irrigation areas. By the end of August, around 93 billion yuan had been invested in rural water supply projects, with 17,700 rural supply initiatives launched and plans for high-quality water supply development being implemented across all provinces. Additionally, support for irrigation projects has exceeded 1,300, with central funding surpassing 100 billion yuan. So far this year, more than 60 billion yuan has been allocated to irrigation development projects.

On the evening of October 6th, the cultural center theater in Urumqi buzzed with excitement as it hosted the artistic gala “Glorious Mission,” marking the 70th anniversary of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps. Among the audience was He Lifeng, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China and Vice Premier of the State Council, joining a diverse crowd for a night of celebration.

The gala kicked off with a stirring symphonic choir piece entitled “Children of the Corps Look to the Party.” The event was structured into three thematic chapters: “Hard Work and Entrepreneurship,” “Exploration and Progress,” and “Striving in the New Era.” Each segment showcased the remarkable achievements of the Corps, particularly since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party, emphasizing comprehensive reforms and high-quality economic and social development under the strong leadership of the Central Committee, with Xi Jinping at the helm. The audience, including He Lifeng and other members of the central delegation, responded with enthusiastic applause throughout the night, culminating in a heartfelt rendition of “Sing for the Motherland.”

Notable attendees included Ma Xingrui, a member of the Political Bureau and Secretary of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region Party Committee, Miao Hua, a member of the Central Military Commission and Director of the Political Work Department, along with other prominent figures from the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps and the central delegation.

The central delegation arrived in Urumqi by plane on the afternoon of October 6th to participate in the festivities, consisting of 24 members representing various central and national agencies.

Frankie Archer, a folk singer renowned for her innovative approach to traditional ballads, is transforming the genre with an exciting electronic twist. Influenced by artists such as Björk, Hannah Peel, Rosalía, and James Blake, Archer fuses her Northumbrian accent with synths and electronic elements, crafting atmospheric arrangements. One of her standout features is her use of distortion effects on the violin, most notably in her recent single “Lovely Joan,” where it strikingly resembles an electric guitar.

Although Archer comes from a non-musical family, her love for folk music blossomed at an early age. Looking back on her childhood, she reflects, “It was a very uncool thing for a 12-year-old to be into.” After years of performing with local bands, she launched her solo career with the debut single “Over the Border” in 2022, which is based on a centuries-old Northumbrian Smallpipe tune. Her first EP, “Never So Red,” co-produced with the acclaimed folk musician Jim Moray, was released last autumn and features timeless ballads like “Oxford City,” a tale of jealousy and poison, and “Lucy Wan,” which narrates the tragic actions of a brother against his pregnant sister. Archer’s live performance on “Later… With Jools Holland,” alongside the Last Dinner Party, further elevated her profile, and she is set to support them again next month.

In her upcoming EP, “Pressure and Persuasion,” scheduled for release on October 4, Archer delves into themes of women’s historical struggles, with the intention of amplifying their voices. Her reinterpretations of classic ballads such as “Elsie Marley” and “Barbara Allen” tackle societal pressures—pointing out the balance of being perceived as chatty yet not overly opinionated, or sexy but not promiscuous. The tension is heightened through glitchy vocals and electronic manipulation. The music video for “Barbara Allen” showcases Archer’s artistic vision with striking imagery, including melting eyes and twisting arms, intertwining past and present to create a compelling visual narrative.

On October 6, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York unveiled her proposal to make the expanded Premium Tax Credit (PTC) a permanent fixture. This initiative is designed to extend the temporary coverage increases that were put in place during the pandemic. Gillibrand stressed the need for swift action on this legislation within the current congressional session, cautioning that, without it, average monthly premium costs for New Yorkers could rise by as much as $120.

The Premium Tax Credit, a key element of the Affordable Care Act that launched in 2010, provides qualifying low-income families with subsidies for commercial insurance through tax refunds. The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 broadened the PTC’s coverage and alleviated some of the premium burdens for current beneficiaries. Following that, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 prolonged these enhancements for an additional three years, but those provisions are set to expire at the end of 2025.

Gillibrand’s Health Care Affordability Act aims to make this three-year extension a permanent solution, ensuring that families in need continue to receive support. She pointed out that approximately 200,000 financially struggling families in New York benefit from this program, with the national total reaching 20 million. If these extensions are allowed to lapse, New Yorkers could see an average annual increase of $1,440 in premium costs, which breaks down to $120 each month—a substantial burden for many low-income households.

As the current congressional session is scheduled to wrap up by the year’s end, any pending legislation will fall by the wayside and would need to be reintroduced in the new session. With expected changes in Congress, the proposal’s fate hangs in the balance, particularly since health care affordability is a critical issue for both parties. Gillibrand is advocating for a Senate vote in the two months left in the session, indicating that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, her fellow New Yorker, is likely to back the initiative. However, she expressed concern that if Democrats lose their Senate majority in the upcoming elections, it remains uncertain whether the new leadership would make this vote a priority.

Gillibrand underscored that affordable health care is a pressing issue across the nation, affecting everyone’s quality of life. Joining her at the announcement, Mark Hannay, executive director of the advocacy group Metro New York Health Care for All, highlighted that many of those benefiting from the expanded tax credits are Republicans, advocating for the notion that this should be a bipartisan issue rather than a political tool.

Recent measures designed to bolster protections against gambling-related risks have been highlighted in a report by Gambling Insider.

Helma Lodders, Chair of VNLOK, shared her insights on these developments, stating, “Our members have taken proactive steps to implement additional legal safeguards for players. This includes introducing the Advertising Code for Online Gambling and enforcing stricter gaming limits for young adults. VNLOK supports regulations that have effectively maintained a safe and responsible online gambling market in the Netherlands.”

However, Lodders also voiced her apprehensions regarding the potential pitfalls of overregulation. She remarked, “With the introduction of various legal amendments, the government runs the risk of undermining the coherence of existing legislation and regulations. Some of these measures impose higher barriers to participation in online gambling, which could ironically make illegal gambling sites more appealing.”

She went on to stress the importance of balance, stating, “Even well-meaning initiatives can lead to unintended consequences. It’s essential to find a careful equilibrium between stringent regulations and preventing an increase in illegal market activities stemming from overregulation.”

As autumn arrives in early October, the Nanshan mountains of Liyang, Jiangsu, become adorned with chestnut trees heavy with fuzzy “spiky balls,” heralding an abundant harvest that promises to grace tables throughout the region. Local initiatives aimed at promoting forest foods—chestnuts being a standout—have successfully transformed these vast woodlands into what many are calling a “green granary.” Meanwhile, in Lianyungang, reputed as the “Seaweed Capital of China,” processed seaweed is exported worldwide daily. The seaweed industry park located in Zhewang Town produces an impressive six billion sheets each year, generating revenues of around 2 billion yuan and providing approximately 2,000 jobs, thereby showcasing the area as a true maritime “farmland.” With Jiangsu facing a challenge of less than an acre of arable land per person, this region is pioneering a reimagination of traditional food sources. By adopting a more expansive view of food supply, it aims to leverage local resources in creative ways, broadening food options and enhancing both national food security and citizens’ culinary choices.

The statement “Food is the foundation of governance” encapsulates the critical issue of food security, which remains vital for national stability and well-being. Cultivating a diverse food supply system is paramount for ensuring food safety and nurturing a resilient agricultural sector. Recently, a State Council meeting outlined initiatives to promote this broad approach to food, underlining the importance of “strengthening the supply foundations for food and key agricultural products” as well as “expanding direct and indirect food sources while boosting food quality and safety.”

The report from the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China emphasized the significance of this broader perspective, particularly in developing facility agriculture to foster a diversified food supply system. China has enjoyed stable grain output exceeding 1.3 trillion jin for multiple years, with per capita grain availability exceeding 490 kilograms—well above the internationally recognized safety benchmark of 400 kilograms. In 2023, meat production reached a staggering 97.48 million tons, dairy output stood at 42.81 million tons, and poultry egg production hit 35.63 million tons, reflecting rising consumer demand for proteins such as meat, eggs, and dairy products. As consumer preferences shift towards high-quality proteins, the demand for feed grains has also surged, highlighting changing dietary habits and the call for a more diverse food supply.

Adopting a broader food perspective is essential for responding to evolving consumer expectations—from the basic need for sustenance to a heightened focus on healthy eating. This strategy encourages moving past traditional staple crops to include a wider range of foods such as meats, dairy, fruits, vegetables, and fungi. Beyond conventional farmland, China boasts a wealth of resources in forests, grasslands, and aquatic systems, offering opportunities to diversify agricultural production and introduce a variety of food sources. This multi-faceted approach not only aims to satisfy the growing dietary needs of the population but also reinforces the foundation of food security.

Advancing this broader food perspective will help optimize and elevate the agricultural industry’s structure. On one front, there must be an increase in investments aimed at innovating agricultural technologies to enhance production efficiency and quality. This includes promoting superior crop varieties, cutting-edge cultivation methods, and modern agricultural practices to improve land productivity and resource utilization. Simultaneously, it’s important to pursue the development of specialty, ecological, and leisure agriculture in order to integrate the primary, secondary, and tertiary industries. Regions can capitalize on their unique resource advantages to create locally distinctive agricultural products that meet market demands—examples include Gannan navel oranges, Wuchang rice, and Yangcheng Lake hairy crabs—which enrich diets and bolster food supply capabilities.

Implementing this broader food perspective also necessitates efficient resource utilization and sustainable development. Given the increasing pressure on environmental resources, this perspective promotes effective resource management while ensuring food security. By exploring maritime, forest, and grassland resources, we can alleviate the burden on arable land. Promoting environmentally friendly agricultural practices will help reduce pollution stemming from agricultural activities. Encouraging the adoption of green production techniques, minimizing reliance on fertilizers and pesticides, and optimizing the recovery of agricultural waste will facilitate a transition towards a greener, low-carbon agricultural future. Additionally, robust technological support is essential for modernizing agricultural production, achieving breakthroughs in core technologies, and maximizing food supply potential. This transformation should be accompanied by a solid food safety monitoring system to guarantee that food—from farm to table—meets the highest safety standards.

Realizing this broader food perspective hinges on collective engagement and commitment from all sectors of society. Ensuring food security is a complex challenge that demands comprehensive participation and support. Governments have a critical role to play in providing guidance, enhancing policy frameworks, and investing in agricultural technology, infrastructure, and environmental safeguards. There is a pressing need to foster new agricultural business models and activate market forces to better meet diverse consumer needs. Finally, encouraging consumers to adopt healthy eating habits—with an emphasis on food diversity and nutritional balance while promoting a culture of food thriftiness—will significantly contribute to the advancement of ecological agriculture and sustainable development.

Recent reports indicate that Prince Harry, who stepped back from royal duties and relocated to the U.S. four years ago, is contemplating leaving his American life behind to return to the UK in hopes of mending his relationship with his father. Sources suggest that he has been reaching out to former advisors back in the UK and sending messages of reconciliation to old friends via WhatsApp. These friends are reportedly supportive of his initiative, informally dubbed “Operation Bring Harry Back from the Cold.” Some have even suggested that he reconnect with his former private secretary, Fiona, to spearhead efforts for his return.

Media reports highlight that Harry is actively seeking guidance from trusted individuals, with at least one advisor described as “old-school,” known for their loyalty and discretion. A friend has proposed a potential strategy for him: if Harry returns to the UK quietly, avoids publicity, and engages in everyday activities, he might be able to win back public support. This same friend has also suggested ways for Harry to reintegrate into British society, even recommending that he might take on “very low-profile royal duties.” It seems Harry is open to exploring a range of suggestions as he navigates this complex situation.

After a series of high-profile interviews, documentaries, and the release of his memoir detailing his experiences within the royal family, Harry is preparing to publish a paperback edition of “Spare” this October. He has chosen not to update the content or engage in promotional efforts, which could be interpreted as a sign of his desire for reconciliation. However, the question remains whether his past actions have caused irreparable damage to his relationships.

In another development, there are indications that King Charles may be willing to heal the rift with Harry, even engaging in discussions about forgiveness with religious leaders. Conversely, Harry’s relationship with his brother William is reportedly at an all-time low, as demonstrated by their recent attendance at their uncle’s memorial service where they maintained their distance and did not interact.

Additionally, Harry and Meghan have recently parted ways with their American PR consultant, Christine Weil Schirmer, who joined their team in 2020 but quietly left at the end of last year. Over the past three years, it has been reported that ten staff members have sought to leave the duo’s team. An insider disclosed, “Harry is distancing himself from Hollywood PR experts and is instead looking for advice from old friends and acquaintances. He clearly understands that ‘I need to do something different because what I’m doing isn’t working,’ so he’s rethinking his approach.”