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Looking for Intern Opportunities in Your Home Country

Posted on July 19, 2012 by Pingo Blog Editor| Comments Off

Working towards your education has been the practice of people throughout the ages. Masters and educators have passed on their abilities to students through education, be it through text or practices.

Many of the most astute practices require internships, which are basically hands on practice of the job. And what better way to gain the best education than to practice that which you propose to practice. Internships come in many forms and many practices, from medicine to public speaking.

Well known throughout the world, the fact that “practice makes perfect” is perhaps the most prominent application attention-grabber, so getting some documented practice under your belt, regardless of where you are can make the difference in your ability to turn your future into success. We hope you’ll enjoy this article on looking for intern opportunities in your home country.

Free work for skill?

You might think that you’re working for free, but really you’re working for an education. This practice is found throughout many practices, especially in apprentices in the Middle Ages wherein blacksmiths would pass their knowledge on to another. So, if you’re worried about where you can gain education through practice, it is always about where you gather it from.

For those who plan to practice, understanding the situations and environment they will be confronted with is always the most useful. Education about or within a foreign environment doesn’t necessarily mean that you will have the tools you’ll need to face your own future.

For those who have been educated in another country, and yet have the choice to further their skills through apprenticeships in their own home country, nothing could be more beneficial. Education is mastered through practice, especially when it can be related to and through what is already familiar. You wouldn’t work with metal if you had worked with wood all your life, would you? The best practice is to work with what you are already familiar with and have seen before.

For this, opportunities to practice internship in your home country are an astoundingly great opportunity that any practitioner should take advantage of. Not only would you be able to reside in with those that are familiar to you and your culture, but you can also spread your education to and through those you meet in your practices. This is an opportunity to spread and share your abilities with those that may not possess the information you already have.

In addition, you can also stay in contact with your family, which can often be difficult when in a foreign country. But, remaining in contact with educators and familiars alike is often difficult, especially when those sources can be spread throughout the world. International calling services provide some of the best opportunities to remain in contact with those that make a difference in the world of education.

Internships in your home country

Keep in mind that you are always working to better yourself and your education. Through your practice, you are able to do a great many favors, especially when in an environment that can’t always “afford” the services. The interesting thing about apprenticeship is that it gives and receives at an extraordinary rate, giving where it is most necessary while receiving the education that is necessary to succeed in your education.

But, understanding that education never ends at the end of a single school year is the first lesson taught to every student. For many students, education will inevitably remove them from practice and bring them back to the school room. Internships are primarily practiced in the later years of education, especially the junior years and usually end in the final year of the seniors. This means that an inevitable return to school and being away from home is always at the end of the road.

Returning to your new home from your old home is always difficult, especially when you’ve begun to practice with what you have become so familiar with. To overcome this, staying in contact is often the most effective practice to not only making a difference to your home country but comforting your own spirits and hope as well.

The great thing about education is that it isn’t just for you to gather and hold on to for the rest of your life. It is knowledge that you gather and share with those that you meet and are also eager to learn. Internships can take us anywhere in the world, but the one constant effect is that someone is always teaching and someone is always learning. Practice what you want to learn and share it with those that benefit the most from you efforts, wherever that may be.

* Check local government and your university for internship restrictions and seek a certified counselor to help you find an internship in  your home country. Use this article only as a starting point guide to your journey to finding an internship back home.

**Photograph “Daegu Welcomes Interns” by Morning Calm News under Creative Commons Attribution

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The Advantages of Native Mobile Apps

Posted on July 18, 2012 by Pingo Blog Editor| Comments Off

Mobile phone apps are software developed for mobile devices that do specific tasks like playing music, games, and calendars, among others. There are two basic types of mobile phone apps: native applications and web applications. According to the Global Intelligence Alliance (GIA), native mobile phone apps are those designed to operate on a device’s operating system and firmware. Native apps also need to be modified for different devices. Web-based mobile phone apps, on the other hand, are those that need to be downloaded from the Web each time they are operated. These can only be used in web-capable mobile gadgets.

In recent years, due to rapid developments in HTML5 technologies, the difference between the web-based and native mobile phone apps is constantly decreasing.

However, in the end, native applications will prevail.

Here are some reasons why:

* Native mobile phone apps provide higher click through rate (CTR) among ad-serving publishers. A survey conducted among publishers that offer both native and web mobile apps revealed that publishers saw more than 100 percent higher volume usage and engagement on native phone apps than web apps.

* Native mobile phone apps are the preferred interface for heavier applications that usually run on a gadget’s internal memory, and those that use pay-per-download schemes. Games, for example, work best using native phone apps because of heavy graphic usage without the need to access resources through a browser.

* Native mobile phone apps are by far more secure because they do not need to connect to the Web or a network like web applications do.

* Mobile phones that power the applications will always be more powerful than the networks they run on. Giant mobile phone developers like Nokia, Samsung, and Apple are constantly introducing more and more powerful gadgets that suit native mobile phone apps more. To this day, the development of new and faster mobile devices still outpaces that of high speed networks.

* Another advantage of native mobile apps is that they drastically reduce the communication time between the server and the mobile device. Users can just create an app, such as a stock portfolio, in their phones and just update the stock prices daily. No more need to download and entire portfolio every day.

* Since native mobile apps reside in mobile devices already, users can launch them directly, without having to connect to the web. Native applications are made to operate independently of the web, or can even immobilize web functionality without ruining user experience. This is a great convenience especially if users live in a great metropolitan city like New York, where network congestion is very common.

* Native mobile phone apps promote brand loyalty. People who use a mobile application will usually rely on that application, trust it, and follow-through with updates and other developments.

* For native apps running on more powerful mobile devices, user experience is deeper, richer and more engaging than mobile apps. Native mobile phone apps running on a device that has higher screen resolution, greater memory, and easier navigation can provide users with a more interactive experience.

* This is only an informative intro guide to native mobile apps. Please reference authority mobile app publications for the latest trends before making your own purchasing decisions.

**Photograph “Library Mobile App” by DavidKing under Creative Commons Attribution

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Ways to Keep Your Mobile Phone Identity Safe

Posted on July 17, 2012 by Pingo Blog Editor| Comments Off

The electronic universe has become a widely traversed place, full of people from every part of the world. For those who are new to this type of environment, it’s often incomprehensible to believe what is truly capable with such technology. Often, with the simplest or most irrelevant of data, one person can easily become the next.

In a world of identity theft, computers and related hardware have become the tools of thieves throughout the world, infiltrating the lives of anybody who dares to wander the world-wide-web unprotected and unprepared.

But, as technology persists in protecting the users, awareness becomes the most ideal protection tool, allowing people to protect themselves and their lives from being violated by an intruder who is intent on stealing your identity, even through something as simple as a phone call.

Online software security

Always keep track of any applications you sign up through smartphones, online sites, and social media. Now, it is also important to understand that even if you sign up on a secure network, many of the apps can infiltrate your phone account by simply knowing your phone number.

For this reason, it is also important to understand that by answering an “unknown” number that requests for your name, you put your identity in jeopardy. If someone contacts you, requesting information of any kind even if it’s just your name, understand that if they have your phone number, they should know who you are.

Instead of answering the phone by speaking your name, ask who is speaking. This is especially important if you don’t recognize the number. The better choice is to let any unrecognized number go to voicemail, then calling back at a later time to put your personal information in a more strategic position. Though the call may be international, keep in mind that a smartphone tracks a large quantity of information on it (hence the name “smart phone”). Calling long distance and internationally through prepaid services doesn’t mean that the information on your phone isn’t readily available, so be careful what you’ve stored on this open network.

This is especially effective when job hunting, a situation in which you can better prepare exactly what you want to say when you need to say it. Don’t let yourself get caught off-guard by someone that may just be looking for an open door to infiltrate.

Another point is that you should never trust the ability of computer technology, especially because information travels faster than word-of-mouth. What you say, text, and who you contact are all tracked through your phone number and can be collected by electronic thieves. Don’t give out the following over the phone at any time:

• Your phone number
• Your social security number
• Your INS number
• Your credit card number
• Your driver’s license number
• Your bank account or routing numbers
• Your mother’s maiden name

All these things can be used to access any or all of your personal information. Once they have some of your information, it is that much easier to access the rest of it. As more information becomes readily available online, it becomes easier for people to find other people. At the same time, understand that more people also make more targets. While it always seems that it will happen to someone else, keep in mind that you ARE someone else to everyone else.

Secure your hardware

First things first, always keep your credentials confidential, especially when concerning smartphones. Don’t store any information that you don’t want other people to see on your phone. Schedules are commonly kept, and are generally okay, especially if they are public information. But, don’t become too intimate about your stored information, such as exactly who you are contacting (full name, relation, exact location). Use your smart phone apps as reminders, not complete files of information that can be stolen or used against you.

Even your computer is an access point for you smartphone. Be careful with whom you contact online, especially through social outlets such as Facebook, which offer an “open-book” to your personal info. Though it may seem tempting, never post or publish your phone number through an online site. If someone requests it, give it to them in person.

If that isn’t an online option, be sure that you utilize secure options through electronic transfers. The secure connection, confirmed as “https” rather than just “http” is your safest choice. Never make a transaction or personalized connection without being sure that you’ve contacted securely.

The online world is a growing culture, full of many people with many different intentions. There’s always the need for protection, especially when you can never be sure who may simply want to “check” out who’s been checking them out. Secure yourself and secure your online connections by securing what your smartphone knows about you.

* Use this only as an informational starting guide. Please seek additional advice from a reliable data protection provider or research consumer reports to attorney general offices for additional mobile phone data protection advice.

**Photograph “Phone Call” by Corydalus under Creative Commons Attribution

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Teaching Children About Culture For Parents

Posted on July 15, 2012 by Pingo Blog Editor| Comments Off

When people immigrate, they often leave more than just the familiar environment of their homeland. They may travel to new continents, new states, and new places with very different cultures, languages, accents, and traditions of every kind.

Though this is a chance to find what you seek, it also presents the challenge of maintaining the very culture and traditions your family holds dear. So, it’s up to you as a parent and keeper of your family’s history to pass on what you know and your heritage to the children as they move on into the future.

The first thing to do is consider maintaining specific religious practices, habits, and values. These will vary with environment, and many times access or the available opportunity to practice these will change. It is always best to find an area or location where you’ll be able to access these opportunities. We hope you enjoy this article about teaching children about culture for parents to keep there heritage.

Decide what you want to teach

When you first immigrate, you will want to decide what cultural aspects to pass on to your children. What is it that you want your children to not only remember of their heritage but to want to pass on to their own children?

Cultural and family traditions- what is it that you want to pass on to your children? What can you pass on? Are there differences in a new location that would inhibit these practices or traditions? Are there certain adaptations you want to make in your beliefs and practices to merge with a community?

Share with your community. The trick to maintaining cultural practices is to share it with others. New environments will introduce you to new people and traditions. Of course, it will also introduce other people to your new traditions. Because curiosity is a powerful learning device, it is always advantageous to share with anyone eager to learn. Involve neighbors and others within your community to share in some of your traditions and share your culture with everyone.

Culture through family

While culture is composed of many daily practices and rituals, it is also extremely important to pass on the history of the family and the specific traditions that a family has. Culture can cover a large spectrum, from adapting to a certain environment, manners, and language to the specific nature within a family group.

Family heirlooms: It is important to know the history of things which are passed down within the family. But, this history incorporates more than a short story, but also validates the meaning and what it represents. Don’t just pass it on as a gift, but place it in the perspective as something that has depth in your culture and must continue on down the family line.

Tell it like it ought to be: When it comes to folklore, sayings, stories, humor, study how they’re told and incorporate the native language spoken. Though it is valuable to learn new languages in new locations, practicing that which is familiar in a familiar essence maintains the feel of heritage instead of being copied down in mere words. This embeds the cultural values and history by preserving them in the very soil that gives them value.

Maintaining contact with your culture: One of the most intervening cultural hindrances is distance. The distance from place to place builds barriers which can be difficult to overcome, which is where amenities such as international calling services can overcome any distance across the world. Whether you’re talking with grandparents, relatives, or just staying in touch with some old friends, you can reach a friendly voice at the touch of a button to continue teaching children about culture learning.

Building a bridge between generations

There will always be differences between parents and the children they raise in a new cultural environment. Bridging the difference is an ongoing process which must be practiced every day and can never be ignored, lest it be forgotten.
Through our children, we are able to truly live forever. Our traditions, culture, and memories carry on into the future, maintaining all the very depths of knowledge that we all accumulate and passing it on to the next generation. From there, it will be up to our children to do the same. And that is the most important thing we can teach them, not that they must just learn habits and traditions, but that they too must one day teach their children and others about where they came from and who they are.

* Use this article on teaching children about culture only as an informational only guide. Please seek professional authority resources to help find relevant training guides about your specific cultural background.

**Photograph “Teach Your Children” by Oobwoodman under Creative Commons Attribution

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Best Practices For International Job Interview Questions

Posted on July 13, 2012 by Pingo Blog Editor| Comments Off

When applying for an international job, how should you go about it? The best practices for an international job interview questions actually require the same detailed research and planning as you would do when applying for a normal interview for a job back home. Anyone from India or the world expecting to take part in an interview of this type needs to thoroughly consider a number of things before the Int. job interview actually happens.

The first thing that any interviewee needs to understand is that the interviewer has already looked at their resumes and their technical skills and has been impressed to a certain extent. Being chosen for the International phone interview means that the interviewer is already considering the interviewee for the position and the outcome will be determined by how well this person does in the Int. job interview process, and how adeptly they apply the best international job interview practices.

Preparation is vital

Preparing for the interview is essential and extremely important. The first of the international job interview best practices is to take time to research the company that is doing the hiring. Conducting proper research will allow you to understand the employer better and also build a strategy about how you are going to answer the questions. As you find out what the company stands for and what working for them would involve, think of possible International job interview questions they might ask, and be sure to gather all the information necessary beforehand that you will need to answer any questions they might ask. This way you will already have the answers at your fingertips when you are actually on the phone for the interview. Also remember to keep your answers as short and straight to the point as possible.

Background noise can make a big difference

In any international call, both parties should be able to understand each other. A second one of the important international job interview best practices is to make sure that your surroundings are quiet at the time that you are expecting the call. Receiving the call at a place that is quiet will allow the interviewer to hear all your answers and make it easier for them to understand you even if you have an accent.

Be sure to have a reliable phone service like Pingo that backs every call with 100% call quality guarantee to ensure you have a clear line to call your interviewer with VS attempting to be cheap with a free but really low quality VoIP service.  So that you avoid dropped phone calls or lousy call quality to not hear your great job interview answers.

Focus is another very important part of the international job interview best practices. It requires that one be attentive and listen to every question that is being asked. After listening carefully to the question, then focus on answering as clearly and concisely as possible.

In any interview, one hopes to portray characteristics that he believes sets him apart from the rest of the applicants. It is no different when it comes to international job interview best practices. When participating in an international interview, answer in such a way as to state clearly what you will be bringing to the company and how the company is going to benefit by hiring you over another individual. This is where the person from India being interviewed gets to state their strong points.

Make a first impression that’s worth a second look

Since the interviewer is not able to look at your facial expression during a phone interview as they would in a normal interview, international job interview best practices state that one should always be enthusiastic as he speaks. Speaking enthusiastically about the company that you are being interviewed by, about the industry that they work in, as well as about the position that you have applied for, leaves one at a better position as the interviewer is also motivated to listen.

Lastly, international job interview best practices require that one be able to create a lasting impression. How one answers the questions will show whether they are professional and well prepared for the interview or not and this is what can make one stand out from the rest.

* Use this only as an informational guide and please seek professional advice from a certified International job placement recruiting coach.

**Photograph “George” by Abbiemead under Creative Commons Attribution

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How To Backup Text Messages on iPhone, Android or Blackberry Mobile Phones

Posted on July 11, 2012 by Pingo Blog Editor| Comments Off

Mobile phones have become a necessity for many people across the globe. This is mainly because the advent of mobile phones has revolutionized the way people communicate with each other. Mobile phones enable us to keep in touch with our family, friends and business associates. Besides serving as a communication tool, they are used to send and receive text messages, listen to music, browse the internet and even play mobile games. Text messages are the preferred method of communication as they are short, simple and easy to read right away. Mobile phone users use text messages to say hello, exchange useful information and to stay connected with friends. Text messages are proactively delivered to mobile phones and can be stored for future reference. This post will walk you through how to keep all your data safe to learn how to backup text messages you’ve sent.

Backing up of text messages

Unfortunately, many mobile phone users either lose or break their mobile phones which result in loss of valuable data and information. However the user has the option of backing up text messages and all this valuable data onto his or her computer if anything goes wrong.

How to backup text messages on an iPhone

Generally, iPhones have a limitation to the number of text messages that can be stored. In case the number of text messages exceeds the limit, then there arises a need for deleting the messages to create room for new messages. However if the messages are quite important, then the backing up of your iPhone text messages is extremely important. This is how it can be done.

Step 1- Connect your iPhone to the computer with the help of a USB cable.
Step 2- Launch and open iTunes. Now choose your phone model from the list on the left-hand side. Now right click on your phone and select ‘Back up’ to back up all the iPhone’s text messages and other valuable data to your computer.
Step 3- Wait for a few seconds or several minutes till the back up process is complete. Now disconnect your iPhone.

How to backup text messages on an Android phone

If you possess an Android phone and you text often, then there are chances of accidentally losing important messages. However Android phones have third party applications that enable you to back up your text messages. Android text message back up is made easy with a simple free Android tool called Mobilego Android manager. Let us see how this tool works.

Step 1- Initially you have to download and install Android contact manager on your computer.
Step 2- Once the installation is over, launch it and connect your Android phone to the computer.
Step 3- Mobilego Android manager will detect your device. Click on the ‘SMS tab’. Now select the text messages and click the “save as” button and save the messages on your computer in .txt format.

How to backup text messages on a Blackberry

Step 1- Install Blackberry desktop software on your computer.
Step 2- With the help of a data cable, connect your mobile with the USB port on your computer.
Step 3- Launch the Blackberry desktop software and when the icon in the window changes to ‘sync’ or ‘sync all’, click ‘back up now’.
Step 4- Scroll down the list until you locate ‘SMS messages’. Now click on the check box next to the ‘SMS messages’.
Step 5- Now enter the name of the back up file by clicking the text box next to the ‘file name’.
Step 6- Click ‘back up’ to initiate the back up process. Now your text messages are safely stored onto your computer.

Conclusion

Losing important data and text messages from your mobile phone can no longer be a nightmare if your keep your data backed up safely. Please use this information as a basic guide on how to backup your text messages for iPhones, Android or Blackberry mobile phones.  Contact your mobile phone provider for additional backup help support.

**Photograph “SMS Parlament” by Saul Gordillo

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Royalty Across the World

Posted on June 15, 2012 by Pingo Blog Editor| Comments Off

Throughout the world, there are various types of governments and constitutions that represent our homelands. Some have presidents, some have parliaments, and some rely on the representation of the people through the senate. However, royal monarchies have been around since the dawn of time, represented by the titles of their kings and queens who reign over the lands.

In a world where democracy and republics have become the popular style of governing, the image of the monarchy has fallen into the background, replaced by democratically governed bodies. And while these governments continue to work for the people, there is still a place in the public eye for the royalty that exists in the present day.

So first you may consider asking yourself if it is important to celebrate royalty. Why should we celebrate another country’s royal holidays? Perhaps you’re in a new country where the celebration is popularly celebrated. Shops close down and crowds gather to watch parades and enjoy festivals.

While there are those native to their own lands who feel strongly about supporting their royalty and what they represent to the people of the culture, it is also important to consider that royalty has an attraction for people throughout the world. The image of a queen or king can attract those that aren’t native to a nation, and these celebrations find their way into the world news, bringing the world a little closer together.

Under the constitution, Queen Elizabeth II of England has been a reigning figure over the United Kingdom for over half a century. The recent Jubilation Day was celebrated to commemorate the enduring reign of the Queen over more than just the nation of England. Sovereign nations throughout the world fall under the reign of Queen Elizabeth. Australia, Jamaica, Grenada, and Belize are just a few to list. In all, the Queen is head of sixteen sovereign states and is the head of the fifty-four member Commonwealth of Nations.

The recent call for celebration in England commemorated the standing sixty year reign, currently regarded as a Diamond Jubilation, which is the second longest reigning period in the history of the British Monarchy. Needless to say, it was a grand reason for celebration.

However, that is not the only holiday dedicated to the Queen. Australia celebrates the Queen’s birthday on the second Monday of June, commemorating a yearly celebration to honor the leading figure of their governing body. This national holiday is separate from the celebrations that take place in England, and are associated with festivities and entertainment.

Across the land and sea, Japan also dedicates its own day to honor their Emperor. Currently, Emperor Akihito’s birthday marks the celebration on December 23, but the royal holiday actually changes with each new emperor. Known as Tenno no Tanjobi, the celebration always changes to reflect the current emperor’s birthday and has so for the past 2000 years.

With a current government very similar to that of the British Monarchy, Japan’s emperor represents the image of the people and plays little role in the political governing of the nation. But on December 23rd, the festivities take off with public appearances and speeches offered by the emperor, accompanied by banners and flags to commemorate the legacy of the nation, not just the emperor.

There are also countries that celebrate what helped design and create their nation. Norway’s royal family recently celebrated their National Constitution Day on May 17th, which has been one of their biggest celebration events since 1814.

Everybody dresses in the best spring clothing because the spring-time atmosphere results in many outdoor festivities. Children enjoy hotdogs and ice cream while adults stick to cured meats and sausages. Breakfast parties are thrown prior to the parades and following festivities.

Though not considered royalty, even the Presidents of the United States have their own particular celebration to commemorate the services that the office of presidency provides for the people by the people. Other democracies and republics throughout the world also celebrate their own political figures, and though not dubbed the titles of kings and queens, the Office of the President is certainly something to celebrate too.

Regardless of where you are in the world, the celebration of royalty is largely popular, even amongst non-natives. Much like the popularity of the Queen of England’s Jubilee celebration, there were those that wanted to be there but couldn’t because they were traveling. For these reasons, international calling services allow you to stay in touch with your homeland celebrations, regardless of where you are. You’ll have the opportunity to stay in touch with your fellow natives so that you can always take a moment to celebrate your country’s royalty.

**Photograph “64509199 – Prince Harry and Lady Louise Windsor” by Loren Bentes under Creative Commons Attribution

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Republic Celebration Day – Ghana

Posted on June 8, 2012 by Pingo Blog Editor| Comments Off

Many countries throughout the world celebrate their great accomplishments of freedom and change. And why not celebrate such an important thing? Freedom is never free and should be graced with praise by those that have such a great opportunity in life.

To really understand where this freedom comes from, it is important to understand what a republic is. This government is founded on the principles in which decisions and laws are established based on the will of a significant portion of the people. In other words, the people have the power to do what they believe is necessary to maintain freedom and become a thriving nation.

For the inhabitants of Ghana, July 1 is the Republic Celebration Day, although this year, it will also be celebrated on July 2 as well. In order to commemorate the anniversary of 1960, when Ghana declared itself a Republic within the Commonwealth of Great Britain, this day has been designated specifically to Ghana, while many other countries also have their own specific Republic Celebration Days to commemorate their success for freedom.

Celebration:

While the majority of celebrative activities involves the rewarding of excellence, dedication, and the hard, selfless work of the citizens for their contributions towards the advancement of the republic nation, there are also the simple reflections that honor those that have dedicated their lives and efforts to strengthening the Republic of Ghana.

But the celebration doesn’t stop with the bolstering of flags, wreath decorating, and dinner parties. There are many more ways and opportunities in which the people can not only celebrate and honor their republic, but also ensure that the practice is passed on to the next generation.

While the freedom of the people brings a great deal of inspiration to all, it is also important to take the time to give thanks to the Almighty. National Republic day isn’t only a day of celebration, but also dedicated as a national prayer day as well.

As a practice of any free nation, it is the practice of the republic to vocalize their National anthem and patriotic songs to commemorate their nation.

In addition to festive celebrations, it is also essential that the quest for knowledge and education continue in order to help freedom find prominence in our culture, wherever we may be. Freedom is incredibly inspiring, providing the opportunity to dream, think, and believe whatever we will.

Keep in mind that freedom starts at birth, and must be taught to succeeding generations that will inevitably follow your path. Youth must be empowered to take on the roles of leadership needed to ensure the continuation of freedom for the people.

One of the main tasks of the Republic Celebration is to educate the youth concerning the roles they must play in society. In the Ghana Republic, the youth are allowed to participate in many levels of political policy, activities, and processes, although they often remain on the periphery, much like an internship that provides education and prepares them for the roles they will play later on in life.

Education continuously involves students across the nation, incorporating the practice of inter-school essay competitions and the celebration of national republican pastimes and practices. Within the education system, these beliefs are passed onto students so that they can carry on and succeed their leaders in the years to come.

Afar, yet celebrating your culture

While there aren’t many international celebrations for the nation of Ghana, those who have migrated to other parts of the world will want to remember the source of greatness that made them who they are. International calling services allow you to stay in contact regardless of where you may be in the world.

In America, the practice of many nations is found throughout the culture. While not prominently practiced due to the overwhelming cultural conglomerations, the celebrating of national and cultural heritage remains a popular practice throughout the country within similar communities.

One of the best ways to integrate and celebrate your own culture is to find similarities with the surrounding philosophies. By educating and sharing outside of your community, you empower the practice of Freedom, ensuring that it will continue on throughout the future generations of many cultures.

Celebrating your heritage isn’t just about reflecting on your own nation and what it has accomplished, but includes the essentiality of sharing it with the world around you. Share your freedom, hopes, dreams, and culture with those around you. When you give the world new opportunities, you will truly understand what it means to celebrate Ghana’s Republic Day.

We happily serve many in staying connected with their family and friends in Ghana.  We at Pingo.com wish all the Ghanians a very happy Republic Day!

**Photograph “Ghana – The Black Stars” by Amanda Rykoff under Creative Commons Attribution

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Celebrating Democracy Day in Nigeria

Posted on May 31, 2012 by Pingo Blog Editor| 1 Comment

Throughout the vast number of nations around the world, many have fought for their political rights and beliefs. Over time, and through the efforts of the people, nations become what they have endeavored to achieve.

Nigeria’s democratic government

For the country of Nigeria, the struggle for freedom took many years of perseverance to achieve. As political powers constantly changed hands, it wasn’t until the return of democracy in Nigeria on May 29, 1999, that Democracy Day was established as a national holiday throughout the land.

Since then, democratic parties have elected their officials and made progressive efforts to create a free society in which people can share and express their ideas and speak freely about them. With this great step, freedom has reached the hearts of each individual, cultivating new ideas and ways of helping their nation and those around them.

A great day for freedom

For Nigeria, this celebration is much like Independence Day for the United States, Russia Day for the Russia, or Fiestas Patrias for Mexico. The people gather together to celebrate their freedom, like many other countries throughout the world.

The difference between many countries like the United States and Nigeria is that the celebration is not about independence from outside forces or other nations, but rather is the celebration of the achievement of freedom from those that oppressed from within the very country. The structure of the democratic parties allows for the people to choose the direction they want to move in, giving the power back to the people. And that is where the celebration starts.

Take a moment to celebrate your democracy

You can start by playing your part to help stimulate your economy. Ask yourself what things you can do to work with the surrounding community.

Many Nigerians support their churches, embracing one of the many democratic rights they have. Others take an active interest in the surrounding political communities. Here their words can influence others to become active in the direction of their nation. You can help create value in your community by raising awareness of democracy and how it benefits the people.

It is also important to take the time to remember those that have made great sacrifices in the pursuit of freedom. Soldiers, both past and present, have played an essential role in not only achieving, but also protecting the hopes and dreams of the people.

For those who have relocated to other countries, it is still important to take the time to remember your heritage and share your beliefs with a new community. In many countries, democracy has become a solid state of political stature and plays an essential part in governing bodies. Celebrating Democracy day doesn’t stop when you leave your homeland of Nigeria, it travels with you and should be shared with others around the world.

Patriotism to your homeland is always appreciated, regardless of where you have moved to or are maybe just visiting for a time. Though many people travel and settle in countries across oceans and continents, you can never forget who you are and where you came from. Staying in contact is one of the first steps to remembering those that share your culture and belief in freedom. International calling services provide the easiest access to friends and family, regardless of where you or they may be in the world. Through a prepaid international calling service, you can always keep in touch with your heritage and culture, wherever you may travel to in the world.

As the ascent democracy nears its 13 years of practice in Nigeria, there is great cause for celebration amongst those who appreciate the freedom and hope that their nation has given them. The opportunity to speak your mind and make a difference in what direction the country as a whole will move, whether it is internally economic or through associations with countries around the world. People, regardless of their relative locations should all take a moment to celebrate the freedom and strength to the people that democracy provides. And though we all have our own unique ways of celebrating, be it fireworks or making a difference in our communities, democracy is something we all can celebrate today.

**Photograph “Nigeria Flag Northumberland Avenue” by Dennoir under Creative Commons Attribution

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Celebrating Uganda Martyr’s Day in the U.S.

Posted on May 31, 2012 by Pingo Blog Editor| 2 Comments

Countries and cultures throughout the world celebrate dates, people, and ideas that have shaped the world they live in. For countries like Uganda, changes in culture have affected the nation and its inhabitants in many different ways.

Religiously, one of the most celebrated occasions in Uganda is their national Martyr’s Day. While it may seem like it would only affect the country, the people are the true carriers of culture and ideals. As people migrate and journey throughout the world, we find ourselves learning more about how places and people affect us wherever we are.

A sacrifice made

From 1885 to 1887, Charles Lwanga and his groups of companions were oppressed and condemned for their Roman Catholic religious stance. At the time, the current political struggle had found them to be a threat to their own stance, resulting in the deaths of a great many religious followers who would not renounce their faith.

Pope Paul VI later canonized their names amongst the martyrs, affirming the importance of their struggle and stance for their beliefs. Since then, June 3 has been a day dedicated to the memory of these martyrs who gave everything they had so that others might also believe. One of the largest martyr collectives in the world, this occasion sets Uganda’s celebration amongst the great historical notes. Since then, Uganda’s population has grown to over seventy-five percent Christian, most of who are of catholic belief.

A long journey home

Because of the powerful effect these martyrs had on the Ugandan religious heritage, many Ugandan natives undergo a pilgrimage back to their homeland from countries across the globe. From distant lands, these pilgrims navigate their way to the Namugongo Holy Shrine, which is where the 22 Catholic martyrs are remembered for their bravery and stand against tyrannical figures that struggled to oppress their beliefs. Throughout the nation, celebrations are held, but for most of the devout, the pilgrimage is of great importance.

While many native Ugandans will partake in the journey, not everyone is able to make the pilgrimage. Many Novenas are practiced in the days and moments leading up to the climactic celebration, and these can be practiced at participating dioceses. You may take the time to discuss your own localized celebration with your church, and also make efforts to contact fellow Ugandans to organize your own celebration.

For those that do make the journey, staying in contact during a pilgrimage is important for not only safety, but to enable those who could not make it to partake in the celebration. Those abroad can share the moments of celebration with friends and family throughout the world.

This June, we remember those who laid down their lives for what they believed was right. As a result, people throughout the world have the opportunity to practice their own religious beliefs without persecution. While making the pilgrimage is an important part of culture, it is not always a viable option for everyone. So, we do what we can to remember and celebrate the heritage of Uganda.

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**Photograph ”Uganda” by Hannah.Copeland under Creative Commons Attribution

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