Rosalind Wiseman's Blog

Empowering People with Disabilities in Underdeveloped Nations

Imagine facing the daily challenges of living with a disability in an environment far from accommodating. This is the reality for millions of individuals in underdeveloped nations. While disability affects around 15% of the global population, 80% reside in developing countries. These statistics, provided by the World Health Organization, shed light on the pressing issue of unequal access and opportunities for people with disabilities.

The Urgent Need for Change

According to the United Nations’ Disability and Development Report (p. 100), the conditions in underdeveloped nations significantly limit the career choices of individuals with disabilities, often leading to a lifetime of poverty. Moreover, the report reveals that having a disability in a developing nation can increase living expenses by approximately 14%. These stark realities paint a grim picture of the challenges faced by disabled individuals.

The Role of Inaccessible Environments

Inaccessible environments, marked by a lack of ramps and essential assistive technology, further exacerbate the struggles of disabled individuals. Many developing countries struggle to adapt their educational systems to cater to the needs of these children, leading to discrimination and neglect. This lack of understanding and support is a major contributor to the stigmatization of persons with disabilities.

Treating People with Dignity

It is of paramount importance to treat people with disabilities with the dignity and respect they deserve. Often, individuals with disabilities face physical and societal barriers, including discrimination and stereotypes. The journey towards empowerment begins with recognizing every individual’s inherent worth and capabilities, regardless of their abilities.

A Vision for the Future

By 2030, our collective goal should be to ensure that all children, regardless of gender, race, conflict, or disability, have equal access to education. While this is a noble aspiration, it is clear that more developed and well-equipped countries are better positioned to achieve this goal. The higher healthcare and living expenses in underdeveloped nations create additional challenges, especially without robust social assistance and welfare systems.

To address these injustices, we must take concrete steps:

Spreading Awareness: Raise awareness about the challenges faced by people with disabilities in underdeveloped nations through social media campaigns, community events, and storytelling.Treating with Dignity: Promote respect and dignity for people with disabilities by challenging stereotypes and advocating for equal rights and opportunities.Improving Accessibility: Advocate for improved accessibility in public spaces and the provision of essential assistive technology.Supporting Education: Encourage the development of inclusive education systems that cater to the needs of disabled children.Donating: Consider donating to organizations working to make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities in underdeveloped nations.

It’s time to unite and work towards a world where disability is not a barrier to education and opportunity. By taking these actions, we can impact the lives of those who require assistance and create a more inclusive future for all.

#spreadawarness #disabilities #undevelopedcountries 

Sources:

5 Facts About Living with a Disability in the Developing World
National Disability Rights Call To Action
Disability stigma in developing countries – GOV.UK
Poverty and disability in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review – PMC
Disability and Health Disability Barriers | CDC
Embracing Disability in Bolivia – The Borgen Project

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Unlocking Social Dynamics: The Key to Success through SEL

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), is a set of skills that helps students develop their own identity, foster positive relationships, and overcome social challenges. One of the core components is Navigating Social Dynamics. 

In educational settings, students are often faced with complex webs of relationships. SEL provides them with the tools to navigate these dynamics, which can be challenging but also rewarding.

For example, SEL can help students:

Join and participate in peer groups. SEL teaches students how to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, and build trust. This can help them feel more included and accepted in their social groups.Embrace their individuality. SEL helps students understand that their unique qualities are valuable. This can help them feel confident and secure in their own skin, even when they are surrounded by people who are different from them.Create a more inclusive community. SEL teaches students about the importance of diversity and inclusion. This can help them be more understanding and accepting of others, creating a more positive and supportive environment.

In addition to these benefits, SEL can also help students develop the following skills:

Active listeningEmpathyEffective communicationProblem-solvingNegotiationCompromise

These skills are essential for success in school and in life. They can help students build strong relationships, overcome challenges, and achieve their goals.

SEL is a valuable tool that can help students navigate social dynamics and thrive in educational settings. By developing the skills and knowledge that SEL provides, students can forge meaningful connections, embrace their uniqueness, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Here are some additional thoughts on the positives of social navigation through SEL:

SEL can help students develop a strong sense of self-awareness and self-esteem. This can lead to greater confidence and resilience in social situations.SEL can help students learn to manage their emotions in a healthy way. This can help them avoid overreacting or engaging in negative behaviors when they are feeling stressed or upset.SEL can help students develop empathy and compassion for others. This can lead to more positive and productive interactions with peers and adults.SEL can help students learn how to resolve conflicts peacefully and respectfully. This can help them avoid getting into trouble and build stronger relationships with others.




APPLY for LEAD Change! Fellowship

If you are ready to take your teaching to the next level and empower your students to thrive in a complex social landscape, join LEAD CHANGE SEL Fellowship. By becoming a part of our community of educators, you’ll gain invaluable insights, tools, and strategies that will equip you to guide your students through the intricate realm of social dynamics.

Imagine the impact of infusing your teaching with the power of Social-Emotional Learning. By honing your own skills in navigating social dynamics, you’ll be better prepared to lead your students towards building positive relationships, embracing their uniqueness, and confidently overcoming social challenges. As an educator, you hold the key to unlocking your students’ potential to excel not only academically but also socially and emotionally. Join our SEL Fellowship and become a catalyst for transformation in your school climate and culture!

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The Social and Emotional Learning Toolbox

As educators, we often believe that our influence is limited to the walls of our classrooms or offices. However, our impact goes beyond imparting knowledge and academic skills; it extends to nurturing the social and emotional well-being of our students. Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) provides a powerful framework that equips individuals with the necessary tools to navigate the complexities of life. These tools, which we figuratively pass onto our students, serve as the very foundation for their future, enabling them to lead happy, healthy and holistic lives. We at Cultures of Dignity believe that SEL encompasses five quintessential core elements: Dignity, Navigating Social Dynamics, Emotional Awareness, Self-Regulation, and Reasonable Expectations. 

At the heart of SEL lies the recognition of the worth of every individual, and treating them with dignity. Reinforcing standards of dignity by embracing empathy and positive student-staff interactions, valuing diverse experiences, perspectives and backgrounds, fosters an inclusive and supportive atmosphere that promotes better learning, growth and social belonging.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) centers on acknowledging the value of each person and treating them with dignity.

Schools serve as dynamic communities, often serving as the first non-parental social environment for many students and playing a pivotal role in fostering healthy social development. Navigating social dynamics becomes critically important, as educators often work directly with anywhere between 20 and 200 students daily, dedicating themselves to each student’s growth. Recognizing the complexities of Faculty-Student relationships, Student-Student Relationships, Caregiver-Student relationships while promoting positive peer interactions empowers students to confront and navigate social challenges, to prevent intimidation and forge meaningful connections. 

Emotional Awareness enables students to recognize, understand and manage their emotions. In an education setting, where students face various emotional challenges, understanding themselves enables better emotional expression and communication. This skill cultivates informed decision-making and healthy relationships with peers and educators. 

Developing self regulation skills allows students to manage their feelings and behaviors, enhancing personal well-being and positive social interactions. Equipped with coping mechanisms, and stress management strategies students can approach academic and personal challenges with resilience and composure.  

In the pursuit of growth and achievement, setting reasonable expectations is essential. Encouraging a balanced approach to success fosters a healthy growth mindset, preventing stress, anxiety, and diminished self-worth. By teaching students to set boundaries and embrace self-worth, SEL empowers them to thrive at their own pace and reach greater heights.

APPLY for LEAD Change! Fellowship

Social and Emotional Learning is about discovering and refining the tools gained as you continue to grow. Integrating SEL into education can create inclusive, empathetic and supportive environments that nurture students’ holistic development and growth. With these essential tools, students can thrive academically, emotionally and socially, leading to a brighter and more promising future. 

If you are inspired and ready to lead positive change within your school culture, we invite you to consider our SEL fellowship. Our SEL fellowship, LEAD CHANGE!, is a comprehensive program that equips you with the necessary resources and learning opportunities to effect meaningful change. Through this fellowship, you will gain valuable insights, and practical ways to enhance the SEL tools in your toolbox to effectively implement SEL in your school. 

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Breaking Down SEL Strategic Implementation

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is an approach that fosters supportive and inclusive learning environments in schools, nurturing academic growth and empowering students with essential life skills. It’s been proven to contribute to cultivating a high-functioning, thriving school culture, making it a sought-after strategy among educators.

The journey of sustainable SEL implementation starts with you.

APPLY for LEAD Change!

Implementing SEL is rigorous and comes with its own challenges, but its benefits are undeniable.  The journey of sustainable SEL implementation starts with you. It begins with your self-awareness, recognizing and acknowledging your emotions, strengths, and areas for growth. Self-awareness lays the foundation for cultivating empathy and compassion towards your students and colleagues. By prioritizing your well-being and personal development, you create a positive and supportive learning environment, unlocking the potential for growth and success for both you and your students. A SEL empowers educators to be the guiding light at the end of the tunnel, leading the way to a brighter future. 

Explore this informative video highlighting the seven crucial reasons for strategic SEL implementation. Discover how it creates high-functioning and sustainable SEL systems, fostering positive changes in school culture and climate.

If you are inspired and ready to lead positive change within your school culture, we invite you to consider our SEL fellowship. Our SEL fellowship, LEAD CHANGE!, is a comprehensive program that equips you with the necessary resources and learning opportunities to effect meaningful change. Through this fellowship, you will gain valuable insights, practical tools and collaborative support to implement SEL effectively in your school. 

Applying social-emotional learning practices within your school’s pedagogy can transform teaching and empower your students with invaluable skills that will benefit them throughout their lives. Let’s work together to create a future where every student thrives emotionally, academically, and socially!

APPLY for LEAD Change!

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Tech Talk

Tech Talk

In today’s digital age, bridging the gap between generations and engaging in meaningful conversations about technology can be challenging. As trusted adults, we often find ourselves fixating on the negatives associated with technology and social media when discussing them with young people. However, by shifting our approach and exploring both the positive and negative aspects of technology, we can empower students to make informed decisions about their tech usage. In this blog post, we will introduce an interactive activity that fosters open dialogue and encourages students to reflect on the impact of technology in their lives.

The Activity:

To kickstart the conversation, we recommend creating a handout tailored to the specific age group you’re working with. Whether it’s a blank sheet of paper with columns for pros and cons or a heart-shaped template, provide a space for students to express their thoughts visually or in writing. Inside the heart or under the pros heading, encourage them to jot down the technologies and social media platforms they use and what they appreciate about them. Similarly, on the outside of the heart or under the cons heading, ask them to note any aspects they find challenging or dislike.

Dignity: is a given

Respect: is earned

Promoting Peer Interaction:

To further enrich the activity, encourage students to pair up and share a few items they listed with their partners. Participating actively in this process can demonstrate your engagement with technology and social media, fostering a genuine discussion rather than a potential lecture. Acknowledging the positives and negatives of technology as a group allows students to recognize that their peers share similar sentiments, creating a sense of validation and promoting empathy.

Debriefing as a Bigger Group:

Once everyone has had the opportunity to create and discuss their lists, gather the students as a larger group for a debriefing session. Here are some thought-provoking questions you can ask to stimulate meaningful conversation:

How does technology enhance your life, and how do you think it benefits others while upholding their dignity?How does technology and social media make your life more challenging, and do you think this extends to others and affects their dignity?How have your opinions about technology and social media usage changed over the past year, and how has this influenced your understanding of dignity in the digital world?

By openly addressing these questions, we honor the dignity of each student’s experiences and promote empathy and understanding among their peers. It is crucial to emphasize that technology impacts individuals differently, and by acknowledging and respecting this diversity, we create an inclusive environment that upholds the dignity of all students.

Building Trust and Opening Pathways:

Engaging in a conversation that validates students’ feelings and experiences with technology is an opportunity to build trust and establish a foundation for future discussions. By level-setting the conversation and creating a space that honors their dignity, we foster an environment where everyone’s thoughts and emotions are valued. Through these open dialogues, we guide students in developing healthy tech habits and critical thinking skills that empower them and ensure they navigate the digital world with dignity.

Conclusion:

As educators, it is our responsibility to initiate conversations about technology that honors the dignity of our students. By encouraging them to explore the positives and negatives of technology and social media, we equip them with the tools to make informed choices while upholding their dignity and that of others. Remember, fostering trust, empathy, and understanding is key to nurturing a generation of tech-savvy individuals who can thrive in a rapidly evolving world while preserving the dignity of themselves and others. So let’s embrace meaningful conversations and empower our students to become responsible digital citizens who navigate the digital world with dignity.

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Box Breathing

Navy SEAL Box Breathing

Many studies on mindfulness and meditation are about how concentrating on our breath can help alleviate stress and anxiety, we know this and teachers have added mindfulness practices into their schools and classrooms. While there are a lot of great reasons for mindfulness to be integrated into the school day, it can become a concept that feels overdone or a word that feels watered down.

At Cultures of Dignity we consider words or phrases that have value, but because adults use them too often, young people start to take them less seriously or stop listening when they hear them.

If you find that your students get increasingly frustrated with the idea of mindfulness, try to reframe it.

If you have never tried mindfulness in the classroom, start simple. Box breathing is a technique used by Navy SEALs and other high-stress professions. Explaining a real-world connection to this type of breathing helps young people understand the practical application of what you ask them to do. So often they don’t see the connection between what they learn in school and how it applies “in the real world”. Geometry might be an easier sell if new drivers think of it in terms of parallel parking!

Letting your students know that Navy SEALs and other military or high-stress jobs use this type of breathing may help with buy-in. And we all know, with young people, buy-in is half the battle.

Box breathing is simple to remember and can be done without anyone knowing you are doing it. You simply breathe in for a four count, hold for a four count, breathe out for a four count, and hold for a four count. Do that as often as you need to start feeling some relief from your stress. Teaching this technique in class can be quick. It is an easy concept to teach and integrate into the day. If you start to feel resistance or see eyerolls don’t make it a whole class activity. Once you have taught it, the kids that need it will use it. You may start to see some of them subtly doing it before an assessment or before lunch or any time things could feel overwhelming. Research has shown that mindfulness is valuable for all of us. That doesn’t mean all of us will appreciate or do it, but again, the people who need it will use it.

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Social and Emotional Strategic Implementation

Why Strategic Implementation?

As a school administrator, you understand the importance of social and emotional learning (SEL) in creating a positive school culture and promoting academic success for your students. That’s why the Cultures of Dignity SEL Strategic Planning Guide for the 2023-2024 academic year is an essential resource for you.

The Cultures of Dignity Strategic Implementation Guide provides school administrators and teachers with an explicit breakdown of how to achieve a high-quality SEL program on their campuses. This school-wide systemic approach integrates SEL into all aspects of instruction and promotes equitable outcomes for all students.

The guide is broken down into four sections: Investigate, Design, Create, and Evaluate. Each section provides tools and resources to help school administrators and SEL leaders develop and implement a high-quality SEL program on their campuses.

Investigate

The Investigate section includes a pre-assessment to help school administrators understand where their campus could use improvements and where their campus holds strengths toward implementing a high-quality school-wide approach to SEL. This section also includes tools to help SEL leaders research and explore preferred SEL curricula, identify problems that need to be addressed, and create common campus culture goals.

Why Implement SEL Strategically?

SEL implementation should be done as thoughtfully as a new literacy program. It’s important to ensure that the school’s goals and objectives are achieved effectively and efficiently. It involves the systematic and organized implementation of plans, policies, and programs designed to improve the school’s overall functioning.

Strategic implementation is an essential component of effective school leadership and management. It can help schools achieve their mission and vision by aligning resources, programs, and policies with their goals and objectives.

 

Design

The Design section includes tools to help school administrators and SEL leaders develop a campus culture team, roles and responsibilities, and a thriving campus SEL model. This section also includes tools to help SEL leaders develop a plan of action for the implementation of lessons and lesson topics.

Create

The Create section provides a schoolwide outline and rollout structure based on the developmental implementation design. This section provides a strategic implementation outline that can easily be filled in and tailored based on campus needs.

Evaluate

The Evaluate section includes tools to help school administrators develop a campus-based measurement plan to measure the accomplishment of SEL standards. This section also includes a post-assessment to help school administrators see how their campus has improved, where their campus holds strengths, and where they need more work toward implementing a high-quality school-wide approach to SEL.

The Cultures of Dignity SEL Strategic Planning Guide is an essential resource for school administrators and SEL leaders who want to develop and implement a high-quality SEL program on their campuses. By utilizing the tools and resources provided in this guide, school administrators can create a positive school culture and promote academic success for all students.

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Maintaining a Positive Digital Footprint

A digital footprint is the trail of data an internet user leaves behind while searching the internet. The websites visited, the posts, likes, and comments left by a user on social media, and the products bought are all recorded on each individual’s unique digital footprint. The types of devices and browsers used are also recorded, encompassing every single information about a certain individual online. Digital footprints are mostly divided into two main categories: Active and Passive Digital Footprints. 

Active Digital Footprints consist of users who intentionally share personal information about themselves on the internet. For example, if a user creates an account, goes through a registered profile or username on social media or any website, and creates posts or accepts cookies, their digital footprint is considered active. 

Passive Digital Footprints consist of an accumulated amount of information collected without users being aware of it. This mostly occurs when a user accepts website cookies, agrees with terms and conditions that collect private information such as IP addresses, and when social networking sites target users with specific content based on their social media activity. 

Maintaining a positive digital footprint is essential because it may affect a person’s online and offline reputation as well as their relationships; a social media post or vent can cause various misunderstandings, therefore, it’s best to calm yourself when you’re feeling strong emotions before posting anything. It may also have a long-lasting impact on someone’s future and affect employment and education opportunities (a great example of this is college admissions, according to a Kaplan survey, around 66% of American universities said that checking an applicant’s social media and digital footprint is a fair game while taking the process of admissions. It’s also important to remember: Everything on the internet stays on the internet forever. But… How do we learn to maintain a positive digital footprint? 

To start, you could search your name or username online, check what results about you come up, and make sure to take note of the negative results so that you can delete the unflattering content. Don’t overshare any sensitive or personal information about yourself (such as your phone number, employer, credit or debit card information, ID, passport, etc.) online. Finally, it’s important to always think before you post, as your posts and social media may have a positive or negative toll on your future. If working with younger students, you could use the THINK mnemonic by Melissa Pilakowski as a reference and to help them remember when posting: 

T: is it True?H: is it Helpful?I: is it Inspiring?N: is it Necessary?K: is it Kind?

With older students, an adult, such as a teacher or guardian, can approach them with information about how a negative digital footprint can haunt them while acknowledging the benefits of social media. Giving students a balanced view can help them navigate their digital footprint successfully with more thought and consciousness. 

Stay safe! 

Written by Isabella L., Student Ambassador







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Affirming Diversity

The earthy-toned fall foliage is finally here, and while for many, this indicates the approach of the holiday festivities, for most high school seniors, this time period implies navigating the hectic world of college admissions. Whether it is prestige, location, or campus size the driving factor of a student’s college list, it is undeniable that this period marks a journey of self-reflection for many, as seniors ponder on the daunting yet exciting question: “Where do I want to spend the next four years?”

The recent Supreme court case on affirmative action might have drastic implications on this matter. This November, the United States Supreme Court revisited the question of race-conscious admissions through two cases involving Harvard College and the University of North Carolina. The anti-affirmative action organization Students for Fair Admissions sued Harvard College in 2014, claiming that the college’s admissions process discriminates against Asian American applicants. Two lower courts ruled the lawsuit in favor of Harvard a few years later.

Now, the question of affirmative action has resurfaced before the Supreme Court, which will have to decide whether this policy violates the Fourteenth Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause, which protects citizens from discrimination under the law or through government action based on race, gender, or ethnicity. Experts believe that because a conservative majority makes up the court, decades of precedent allowing schools to consider race as a factor in the admissions process will most likely be overturned. If this is the case, the movement for inclusion and diversity in American colleges will face drastic drawbacks.

To further analyze the potential implications of the court’s decision, it is important to delve on the origins of affirmative action, which dates back to the 1960s under President Lyndon B. Johnson’s administration. This policy intended to advocate for equal job opportunities for African Americans during the Civil Right movement. Throughout the years, affirmative action was broadened to protect women, Native Americans, Latins, Asian Americans, and other minority groups. It was also extended into the admission offices of higher education institutions across the country.

However, as the implementation of affirmative action grew, so did its opposition, as many cases against this policy grew using the argument of “reverse discrimination.” This side of the affirmative action debate believes that race-conscious admissions grant “special privileges” to non-white applicants and discourage them from performing to their maximum ability, as they know admissions officers are likely to settle for mediocre academic performances, which many argue is in turn, racist. Therefore, many opposers of affirmative action tend to believe that many students of color admitted to prestigious schools do not reach the necessary merit to be admitted.

”"...it is important to acknowledge the dignity and bravery of those taking a stance on this issue and more importantly, those who will be negatively impacted by it."

On the other hand, supporters of affirmative action argue that concerted efforts are required to ensure diversity and inclusion in institutions of higher education. It is the duty of policymakers to guarantee that students of all identities are welcomed in the grounds that will polish the next generation of leaders within the United States and around the globe. It is equally important to ensure that students receiving a higher education are being educated on the experiences of students from all backgrounds and cultures to promote a sense of open-mindedness, tolerance, and empathy in the formative years of the youth, in turn creating opportunities for dignity to lead major decisions anywhere and everywhere.

Despite what the outcome of the Supreme Court’s decision is, it is important to acknowledge the dignity and bravery of those taking a stance on this issue and more importantly, those who will be negatively impacted by it. From now on, we can solely hope that the Supreme Court justices are enlightened by their responsibility to advocate for a country where diversity is value and inclusion matters.

Written by Florence, Student Ambassador







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Tips for Avoiding Study Burnout

‘Study burnout’ is a concept used to define a state of physical and mental fatigue caused by stress or by feeling overwhelmed when students are not able to meet certain academic demands. According to researchers in the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, many cases of burnout result from students who procrastinate constantly, which leads to increased stress as unfinished assignments pile up. 

When ‘burnout’ progresses, the affected student significantly loses motivation and interest to continue studying. As well, this emotion leaves the student hopeless, less productive, effective, engaged, and decreases the brain’s ability to focus. Unfortunately, once you find yourself feeling burnt out, it is quite difficult to combat it. However, there are ways to prevent it: experts say that students must pay attention when feeling its symptoms so it can be stopped before it gets too far. 

 Symptoms include, but are not limited to:

Sudden decrease in academic performanceMental and physical exhaustionZero motivationHopelessnessInability to concentrateLack of interest in educational topics

To avoid getting a burnout, it is highly recommended and important to maintain a balance between school work and down time. Researchers at the University of the People recommend dedicating a specific amount of time to your hobbies, and it is even more recommended to spend time surrounded by nature since it is proven to regulate stress levels.

Second, spending time with your friends and family is key; it will contribute to your motivation for studying.

Third is to have a good sleep schedule. The amount of sleep you have will definitely affect your performance for that day. Sleeping is one of the few major ways to let your brain rest and recharge.

Finally, organize your time. Avoid procrastinating by dividing tasks throughout the week, or by making a calendar, since it will only lead to feeling stressed out. Look for techniques that will help you make the most of your time. The Pomodoro Technique is an amazing way to concentrate when busy, and it does allow you to have breaks in between to use your full potential and be as productive as you can. Get a to-do list and a timer. Set your timer for 25 minutes, and focus on a single task until the timer rings. When your session ends, mark off one pomodoro and record what you completed. Then enjoy a five-minute break. After four pomodoros, take a longer, more restorative 15-30 minute break. The following website is an amazing platform to follow this technique. Pomodoro Timer 

Most importantly, students should be able to recognize any of the symptoms mentioned above and ask for help to parents, family members, counselors and teachers to get professional help early to avoid a dead end.

Written by Gabriela B., Student Ambassador







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