IHRC ceremony recognises achievement in learning, sport and service to the community

Manali, Himachal Pradesh (India) — 11 August 2025. During a school ceremony coordinated by International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) volunteers, around 40 pupils were recognised for outstanding results in academics and sport. Local community members assisting people in need also received acknowledgements, underscoring the event’s strong community spirit.

Partnership between the school and IHRC volunteers

The initiative was organised by Kishan Lal, IHRC volunteer, with the support of H.E. Bishop Dr Samsher Khan, IHRC Peace Ambassador & High Commissioner (MNVC SMM IHRC), and a team of volunteers. Pupils received medals and trophies for sustained effort and fair play, while contributors engaged in poverty-alleviation activities were publicly thanked and commended.

“Recognising children for their effort in the classroom and on the playing field builds confidence and strengthens social bonds. We thank the school, parents and volunteers whose quiet service truly changes the lives of families in need” said H.E. Bishop Dr Samsher Khan during the ceremony.

Organisers expressed appreciation to Prof. h.c. Rafał Marcin Wasik, IHRC Secretary-General, Peacemaker, for strategic guidance, and to Dawid Szabłowski, Head of IHRC Press Department, for media support and documentation.

Why it matters

• Education and sport foster equal opportunity, resilience and social skills among young people.
• Public recognition strengthens motivation, work ethic and a culture of fair competition.
• Volunteering and local partnerships help deliver targeted support to the most vulnerable families.

Event highlights

• ~40 pupils were honoured for achievement in study and sport.
• Community helpers received acknowledgements for supporting people in difficult circumstances.
• The ceremony took place on school grounds, with teachers, parents and the IHRC team in attendance.
• Continued collaboration between the school, community and civil society organisations was emphasised.

Next steps

The IHRC volunteer team in the region announced further education- and sport-focused activities, alongside community service projects aimed at equalising opportunities, developing talent and social inclusion. Local partners — schools, municipalities, NGOs and business — are invited to co-organise future initiatives.

Author:
H.E Bishop Dr. Samsher Khan
IHRC Peace Ambassador High Commissioner
MNVC SMM IHRC & IHRC Press Journalist 

The post 🏅 Honouring Young Talent in Manali first appeared on ihrc.news.

A Model Initiative Promoting Community Health, Hygiene and Sustainable Practices in Nigeria

Ifo Market, Ogun State, Nigeria | 9 July 2025

Responding to the Call for Action

In a compelling demonstration of grassroots mobilisation, the Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) of the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) – Ogun State Chapter has launched a dynamic environmental sensitization campaign at Ifo Market, Ogun Central. This initiative directly responds to the renewed appeal issued by H.E. Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah, Head of Diplomatic Mission of IHRC in Nigeria, who, during the June Alike Community Empowerment event, called upon all volunteers across Nigeria to intensify efforts within the IHRC Community Service Initiative. Ogun State SMM has fully embraced this mandate, reinforcing IHRC’s commitment to community empowerment and sustainable development.

Mobilising Volunteers for Sustainable Impact

On Wednesday, 9 July 2025, under the leadership of Comrade Kazeem Lukman, IHRC-SMM Ogun State Coordinator, an experienced team of volunteers—including Comrade Janet Onu, Comrade Elizabeth Loto, Dr. Imasuen Mike, Jimoh Kamoru, and Alh. Ganiyu Amao—conducted a comprehensive sanitation and environmental awareness programme at Ifo Market. Their objectives were twofold:

• To improve public hygiene through active market sanitation,
• And to educate and empower traders by raising awareness of best environmental practices.

“We are not just cleaning spaces; we are enlightening minds. This sensitization was about building healthier, more informed communities—starting right from the grassroots.” emphasised Comrade Lukman.

Knowledge, Policy, and Community Engagement

The campaign placed a strong focus on the environmental policies of the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA) and the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA), particularly regarding waste disposal, public hygiene, and sustainable practices. Market leaders and traders engaged enthusiastically in interactive sessions, actively participating in knowledge-sharing activities and welcoming the distribution of educational materials.

IHRC’s efforts were met with great interest:
Many traders expressed astonishment at the breadth of information received, resulting in lively discussions and a surge of questions. Market executives praised the initiative and formally expressed willingness to collaborate with IHRC on future outreach programmes.

Addressing Structural Gaps and Urgent Needs

While the campaign achieved significant progress in raising awareness, it also exposed critical infrastructural deficits—notably, the lack of proper waste disposal systems and limited access to potable water within the market. IHRC therefore urgently recommends:

• Immediate governmental intervention to provide clean water sources, waste bins, and essential sanitation logistics in public markets,
• Integration of these improvements into local and state-level policy frameworks to ensure long-term, sustainable hygiene.

Building on Momentum: Next Steps for Community Health

This sensitization campaign served as a strategic prelude to the scheduled environmental sanitation exercise in Ogun State on 10 July 2025, functioning as a vital seminar to bridge knowledge and practice gaps among key market stakeholders.

The volunteers extended their heartfelt appreciation to Comrade Elijah Vitus Echendu, National Coordinator of IHRC-SMM Nigeria, whose visionary leadership and continued mentorship provide crucial guidance to local chapters across the nation.

IHRC’s Global Mission Reflected Locally

This initiative is a clear testament to the IHRC’s global vision—delivering tangible, positive change within communities and strengthening the capacity of citizens to live with dignity, health, and peace.
The Ifo Market sensitization campaign will remain a benchmark for effective volunteerism and informed community service in Nigeria.

Reported by:
Fidelis Onakpoma
Head of Media and Strategic Communications IHRC Nigeria

The post IHRC’s Grassroots Impact: Ogun Market Sensitization Ignites Environmental Awakening first appeared on ihrc.news.