ABSTRACT
Propaganda has gradually made people widely believe that the Earth's population is growing uncontrollably, threatening the planet’s resources, ecosystems, and overall sustainability. But this believe remains a simplistic approach of the complexities of population dynamics, resource distribution, and environmental impacts. While it is true that global population has been increasing, as a result of technological advancement and healthcare improvement, the real concern is not the sheer number of people, but rather how resources are consumed and distributed. Overpopulation fears often ignore the role of unequal resource allocation, wasteful consumption patterns, and the environmental degradation driven by industrial and agricultural practices that are not inherently tied to population size. All this are the immediate causes of poverty, unemployment, and massive rural migration. Moreover, demographic trends indicate that many regions, particularly in developed countries, are experiencing declining birth rates and aging populations, which could lead to a population stabilization or even a decline in the coming decades. The myth of overpopulation also overlooks the potential in manpower for technological innovation, sustainable agricultural practices, and shifts in global economic systems that could allow for more equitable resource distribution. Thus, addressing environmental issues and sustainability requires a shift in focus from population numbers to more nuanced solutions that tackle inequality, redefinition of north-south cooperation, consumption patterns, and environmental stewardship and responsibility. My interest in this topic is to create awareness among the youth and married couples, even policymakers about the danger associated with some of the, so called, modern behaviour related to sex, the use of contraceptive, the right to abortion etc… I am very happy this paper is being published roughly a year from “Infinite Dignity”, a declaration released by Pope Fran

ABSTRACT
This study investigates the potential of clay as a sustainable resist material in textile dyeing, addressing environmental concerns associated with conventional resist agents such as wax, starch, and cassava paste. Rooted in West African textile traditions, where clay and mud-based techniques have historically served both cultural and ecological purposes, the study seeks to reposition clay as a viable material for contemporary resist-dyeing practices. The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of clay as a natural resist, its environmental implications, and its capacity to prevent dye penetration. A studio-based experimental methodology was employed, involving the application of clay mixed with an adhesive medium onto cotton fabric using marbling, stamping, and screen-printing techniques. The prepared fabrics were subsequently dyed using vat dyes to assess the resist quality and pattern outcomes. Findings from the study revealed that clay produced clear and well-defined resist patterns and effectively limited dye penetration. Observations further suggested a potential reduction in chemical dependency relative to conventional resist materials, though this warrants further controlled investigation. These results indicate that clay is a practical and environmentally promising alternative for resist dyeing. The study concludes that the integration of clay as a resist agent offers both ecological and creative advantages in textile production. It therefore recommends the incorporation of clay resist techniques into textile education and professional practice as a strategy for advancing sustainable textile design.

ABSTRACT
This paper examines the contributions of ancient African trade practices and perspectives for an effectual African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Trade was a very important economic activity in ancient Africa, freely practiced, within short and long-distances, dependent on the actors and items involved. It was essentially through the direct exchange of goods and services for others (barter system). As time went by, other mediums of exchange: cowrie shells, golds dust, beads and others were introduced. The desire to engage in it, instigated many African communities to develop one industrial technology or the other, like blacksmithing, iron bending, carving, weaving and others, producing what they sold or exchanged for other goods and or items. Trading in these, helped connect African societies, despite challenges (fear, insecurity and transportation constraints) faced. It can therefore be contended that practices such as diversification, lowered barriers and others, that characterised ancient African trade, could enhance the most cherished African integration, unity and prosperity that the African Union seeks. This may further help improve trade relations amongst states within the continent through the AfCFTA, especially by diversifying the production of goods and exterminating all tariff and non-tariff barriers in Africa. Encouraging diversification with “made in Africa” products, would attract more trade opportunities within and beyond the continent. In constructing the paper, primary and secondary data were used, interpreted qualitatively and presented logically.

ABSTRACT
South Asia contains deeply interconnected histories, cultural routes, and shared traditions, yet its museums and public narratives often present heritage through rigid national frames shaped by colonial knowledge systems. This study adopts a qualitative, multi-method approach drawing on Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) and archival documentary research. It examines how the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation and its cultural arm, the SAARC Cultural Centre, have sought to create alternative regional imaginaries through sustained cultural programming. Using official records, activity archives (2015-2025), research grant calls, and institutional publications, the paper analyses Talk Series lectures, Cultural Trails seminars, research grants, festivals, artist camps, and literary initiatives. The paper argues that these programmes should not be read as evidence of completed regional integration, but as the gradual construction of institutional conditions for dialogue, recognition, and cross-border cultural exchange. Through the lenses of cultural diplomacy, decolonial theory, and Pratt’s concept of the contact zone, the manuscript shows how SAARC initiatives create spaces where shared heritage can be debated and reinterpreted beyond nationalist boundaries. Particular attention is given to SAARC’s recent museum-oriented research agenda, which reflects a broader shift from identifying shared heritage toward rethinking how that heritage is interpreted, curated, and communicated to the public. The paper concludes by proposing a practical framework for decolonised museum practice based on relational curation, inclusive participation, transnational collaboration, and digital connectivity. Despite political and financial constraints, SAARC’s cultural institutions remain significant as low-intensity but durable mechanisms of regional engagement in South Asia.

ABSTRACT
The aim of this study is to examine the transposition of scientific and technical concepts into the political sphere, particularly with regards to the management of political skids and missteps in the digital age. The Internet and cybernetics era has profoundly transformed political affairs; this network of barely fifty years old continues to challenge established powers. Even more remarkably, the pioneers of the Internet probably didn’t realize it in their laboratories: Internet has succeeded in disrupting the established order. This study will examine the dominant representations of political crises in their expressions and manifestations within cyberspace. At a time when public spaces are being redefined by digital mediation, it is essential to critically analyze the emergence of the new forms of discourse and communication that disrupt and overturn certain socio-political inertias.

ABSTRACT
Despite the growing involvement of grandparents in the care and religious upbringing of grandchildren in Matutu Station, Nyamira SDA Conference, their role in moral and spiritual formation remains largely unsupported and under-researched. Informed by this, the study endeavored to investigate church-based support systems for grandparents giving religious formation and care to grandchildren in Matutu Station. The study was guided by Westerhoff’s Faith Development Theory (FDT) to examine church-based support systems for grandparents caring for grandchildren in Matutu Station, Nyamira SDA Conference. Employing a descriptive research design, the study explored the challenges and barriers grandparents face in fulfilling this role. The target population consisted of 1,066 respondents, from which a sample size of 396 was determined using Glenn’s (1992) formula. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions, and analyzed using Likert scale techniques and verbatim thematic analysis. The study found that while some church initiatives offer limited support, 71.1% of respondents affirmed home visits by the Family Life Ministry and 68.1% reported that Sabbath School programs provide biblical instruction and spiritual nurture. Critical gaps exist, with 88.1% reporting no targeted pastoral counseling, 77.8% noting the absence of mentorship programs, 62.2% indicating no fellowship support groups, 76.3% reporting a lack of referral services, 94.8% citing no financial or material assistance, and 58.0% highlighting the absence of religious education materials for grandparents, underscoring the need for structured, intentional, and role-specific support mechanisms in Matutu Station.

ABSTRACT
Background: Long-distance commuting has become increasingly prevalent in urban environments and may negatively influence occupational balance and psychological well-being among employees. Objective: To explore the impact of frequent long-distance travel on occupational balance and psychological well-being among employees. Methodology: A cross-sectional observational survey was conducted among 50 employees aged 30–60 years who travelled ≥1 hour daily, 5 days per week. Participants were selected using purposive sampling. The Occupational Balance Questionnaire (OBQ-11) and WHO-5 Well-Being Index were administered. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation. Results: The mean travel duration was 107.70 ± 26.65 minutes. The mean OBQ-11 score was 19.86 ± 2.66, and the mean WHO-5 score was 16.70 ± 3.27. A moderate positive correlation was observed between OBQ-11 and WHO-5 scores (r = 0.539, p < 0.01). Travel duration demonstrated a moderate negative correlation with OBQ-11 scores (r = –0.408, p < 0.01) and a strong negative correlation with WHO-5 scores (r = –0.801, p <0.01). Conclusion: Increased commuting duration is significantly associated with reduced occupational balance and psychological well-being among employees.