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Visit to Qinshan Village- The Low Carbon future village
Visit to Qinshan Village- The Low Carbon future village
By: Augustine Wereuche Praise
Qingshan Village is located in the northeast of Huanghu Town, Yuhang District, in Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province China. Qingshan Village covers an area of 45.6 km2. The village has three medium-sized reservoirs, with approximately 80% of the land area covered by forests. This village has become a popular destination due to its ongoing environmental protection activities and lifestyle improvement policies. It is one of China’s Low Carbon Village pilot programs. Our visit to this awesome village during the summer was both exciting and special.

Upon arrival in the village, we were greeted by a guide, who welcomed us with a smile and took us to the guest reception area. The guide then provide us with a concise overview of the village’s main features, the ongoing activities and the villagers’ intended outcomes. From the information provided by the guide, we got to understand that the village was a pilot project initiated by Zhejiang Province with the idea of achieving a net zero carbon city. The village had previously experienced a significant environmental challenge which impacted the primary source of community water supply. This pollution was caused by the use of fertilizers and pesticides by the local farmers. From 2014 to 2023, the village underwent significant development. Initially, there was a strong emphasis on water and environmental protection. This was followed by the creation of an art and design village. The third stage was characterized by significant government intervention. The government provided funding for the renovation of the village infrastructure and the construction of the public spaces. As a result of these development, the living standard of the village has greatly improved.

Additionally, the village has begun to attract tourists and young people from China and abroad.
After the brief introduction, we left the room to visit the Art and Design Library. This material library was a project executed by Chris, a German designer, in collaboration with two other people. The objective of the design team was to foster cultural creativity among the villagers. The library showcased a variety of arts and crafts created using locally sourced materials. The library serves as a platform for integrating indigenous arts and craftsmanship with modern design styles. This activity helps preserve local crafts skills while fostering anenvironment of learning for villagers on how to apply their local craftsmanship with contemporary arts.

Additionally, the library has been observed to attract a diverse range of visitors and design companies to the village. It is a place where you can explore weaving culture, tie- die techniques, and coloring methods, which helps to preserve local craft skills and enhance the livelihood of the villagers.
The design library and other ongoing projects have become a source of interest for young people, while also helping to reduce the rate of constant influx of young people to the city. The library’s collection includes both modern and contemporary art, which helps to ensure the preservation of local artistic traditions.
Following the visit to the library we proceeded to the conflict resolution area. This is where the villagers could sit together to resolve any conflicts or disagreements regarding the maintenance of the village. It is also used as a forum to discuss potential improvements to the village. It helps creates an atmosphere where everyone opinion could be heard; all disputes are said to be settled here. This providesvillagers with a platform actively engage in their community, ensuring they feel valued and protected from external influences.
The next destination was the Qingshan Nature School, which is led by Principal Jill Quan. The school provides education on environmental protection to young people. It also offers a free nature summer camp for children every year, which enabled children to learn about the nature and how important it is to ensure the environment is protected.

Later, we took a short hike to go see the river, The river was the primary source of water for the villagers. It has been under various treatments. The objective is to enhance the water quality of the river, which was previously severely polluted.

The contamination is the result of the use of artificial fertilizers and pesticides. Upon arrival, everywhere looked so neat and well organized. The river area has been decorated with artistic paintings and protected with some walls. Some technology effect was also added to the river area. Visitors can scan a QR code and then get a short-animated story of the village history. I found this to be really cool and interesting. There were also some warning signals if one moved too close to the river.
After our visit to the river, we later went back to a place where we were served some native food. We were presented with various kind of dishes. Each did have a unique taste; it truly represented the native culture of the villagers. Afterwards we had a little arts and craft section where we were taught the art of hand fan making using bamboo sticks. The teacher taught us how to carefully arrange the bamboo stick and how to craft them to form a design. It was truly a distinctive experience.

In conclusion my visit to this unique village was not only educative but exciting. I discovered a lot about China than I ever knew, I was particularly impressed by the remarkable transformation of a village into a modern and nature friendly area.


The blend of technology and nature in the village was striking, and the commitment to this project was admirable. The village to me was a city well organized and yet in sync with nature.
*Augustine Wereuche Praise is Student with ID: 9230222004
News
Zulum Inaugurates 48-Classroom High Islamic College in Gubio
Zulum Inaugurates 48-Classroom High Islamic College in Gubio
… Commissions 3 projects executed by Gubio LGA
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, on Tuesday, officially opened a newly constructed 48-classroom High Islamic College in Gubio Local Government Area of northern Borno.

The state-of-the-art institution is designed to offer a hybrid curriculum that integrates western education with traditional sangaya (Qur’anic) educational system.

Zulum had introduced an integrated policy framework which aims to provide students with a holistic education, grounding them in both religious principles and contemporary academic knowledge.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Zulum emphasised that the college is structured to ensure its graduates are not only deeply rooted in Islamic scholarship but are also fully equipped and qualified to pursue higher education in conventional institutions.
“Our focus has been on revitalising the system by preserving its rich tradition of Islamic scholarship while introducing modern subjects and vocational skills. We recognise the historic role of sangaya education in shaping moral values, discipline, and learning within our communities, while also equipping learners with essential skills in literacy, numeracy, science, technology, foundational English, and vocational training to enable them to function effectively and competitively in today’s society.”

“Through institutions operating under the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS) approved curriculum, sangaya learners are now receiving a balanced education that integrates Islamic Studies with modern knowledge. These reforms have created clear pathways for graduates to obtain O-Level equivalent certification and, where they so desire, progress to higher institutions of learning to further develop their potential.”
The facility, in addition to the 48 classrooms, also features administrative blocks and a library. It is expected to serve hundreds of students from Gubio and surrounding communities, reducing the need for children to travel far from home for quality integrated education.

Zulum also commissioned the Gubio II Junior Day Secondary School, executed by Borno State Government. During a tour of the facilities, the Commissioner for Education, Engr Lawan Abba Wakilbe, explained that classrooms are intended to provide safe and inclusive learning spaces, with a particular focus on improving access for adolescent girls.
… Commissions 3 projects executed by Gubio LGA
Meanwhile, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has commissioned three projects executed by the Chairman of Gubio Local Government Area, Mali Bulama Mali Gubio.
The projects include Gubio Oil Mills, Zulum Ultramodern Clinic, and Mustapha Gubio Shopping Complex.
The occasions were attended by the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Elkanemi; Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno; and Members of the House of Representatives, Usman Zanah and Engr Bukar Talba.
Other dignitaries include the Speaker Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan, commissioners, special advisers and other senior government officials.
Zulum Inaugurates 48-Classroom High Islamic College in Gubio
News
Yobe: Prioritize security, Buni tells newly appointed Chairman of Yusufari
Yobe: Prioritize security, Buni tells newly appointed Chairman of Yusufari
By: Yahaya Wakili
Governor Mai Mala Buni CON of Yobe State has charged the newly appointed chairman of the Yusufari local government area to consider security of lives and property as the priority of the administration.
Buni gave the warning today while swearing in Alhaji Adamu Jibrin as the chairman of the council following the death of Alhaji Bah Abba Aji some few days ago.
According to Buni, the death of the chairman has created a vacuum that must be filled for continuity in governance, and this justifies the appointment of Alhaji Adamu Jibrin as the new chairman of the Yusufari local government council.
He urged him to be a good team player for a result-oriented administration that would give members of the council and people of the local government area a sense of belonging.
Governor Buni also urged the new chairman to conduct government business transparently to promote accountability and probity as well as to channel government resources into areas of need that have a direct impact on the lives of the people.
He appealed to the people of the local government area to support the new chairman for a smooth and successful administration that would meet the needs of the people.
Yobe: Prioritize security, Buni tells newly appointed Chairman of Yusufari
News
Zulum Boosts Rural Health Incentives With Major Allowance Increase
Zulum Boosts Rural Health Incentives With Major Allowance Increase
By: Michael Mike
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum has approved a substantial increase in rural allowances for health workers as part of efforts to address the shortage of medical personnel in remote communities across the state.
The governor announced the decision after inspecting several government projects in the northern axis of Borno. The inspection covered Government Secondary School, Gubio; two general hospitals; and ongoing housing developments in Gubio and Magumeri Local Government Areas.

Under the new arrangement, medical doctors posted to rural areas under the State Hospital Management Board will receive a rural allowance equivalent to their full basic salary, representing a 100 per cent increase. Nurses and midwives serving in similar locations will receive a 40 per cent increase in their rural allowances. The policy takes effect from January 1.
Governor Zulum said the move was informed by persistent manpower gaps in public health facilities, particularly in rural communities.
“We are facing serious challenges with human resources for health. Many of our hospitals do not have enough doctors and nurses,” he said. “Our findings show that a good number of medical professionals prefer working with international organisations because the pay is better. We must respond to this reality.”
According to the governor, the improved welfare package is expected to make rural postings more attractive and encourage more qualified personnel to work in general hospitals at the local government level.
He expressed optimism that the incentive would significantly improve healthcare delivery in villages and underserved areas, adding that health workers willing to take up rural postings should report to the State Hospital Management Board.

During his visit to Government Secondary School, Gubio, the governor also directed the immediate provision of essential facilities for the school’s laboratories and library to improve teaching and learning.
The inspection tour was attended by the Senator representing Borno North, Mohammed Tahir Monguno; members of the House of Representatives, Usman Zannah and Engr. Bukar Talba; and several commissioners and senior government officials, including those in charge of information, works and housing, local government affairs, and water resources.
The allowance increase forms part of the Zulum administration’s broader strategy to strengthen public service delivery and improve living conditions in rural communities across Borno State.
Zulum Boosts Rural Health Incentives With Major Allowance Increase
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