"SHINE" - A quarterly Magazine by the Mugoiri Old Girls Association

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MOGA NEWS | HOOKED TO BOOKS | CAREER | MENTORSHIP | PARENTING | WORDSMITH | FLAIR & STYLE | SPIRITUAL NOURISHMENT

Covid- 19 Pandemic HELPING CHILDREN COPE WITH STRESS AND

ANXIETY

MOGA NEWS The Writing of a

Constitution

ISSUE No: 1 August 2020

Innovation in Technology WHAT IS THE LATEST

NEWS?

How I started my Online Business

Finance Act 2020

How SMEs can comply with amendments

Alumni Spotlight

MEET ANN MWANGI

4

tips to help you explore a career in Tech!

Mad about Hair EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT WIGS!

A Quartely MAGAZINE by the Mugoiri Old Girls Association

MOGA

ABOUT MOGA

ASSOCIATION

Copyright @2020 by MOGA All Rights Reserved Published by Mugoiri Old Girls Association.

This Magazine or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the Publisher.

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OUR MOTTO:

Executive CommitTee

VACANT

Victoria Kamau Chairperson

Esther Karanja Treasurer

year of exit 1996

Margaret Nyutho year of exit Vice-chairperson 1975

Terry Warui year of exit Outgoing Secretary 2005

Ann Wahito year of exit Assistant secretary 1990

Mrs. Susan Mundia

Principal-OLC Mugoiri Girls High Sch Committee Member

Dr. Ruth Mugo year of exit 1982 Committee Member

Ann Mary Githu year of exit Committee Member 1998

Charity Ndaburu year of exit Committee Member 1995

Purity Gitonga year of exit 2004 Committee Member

Rachael Steve year of exit Committee Member 2004

year of exit 2005

year of exit Assistant Treasurer

HOW CAN I BECOME A REGISTERED MEMBER OF THE ASSOCIATION?

Become a member of MOGA today and join the team of amazing alumni in our journey to GO BACK & GIVE BACK to our alma mater!

an annual membership fee of Kshs 300. Once you register, you will only pay the annual fee in subsequent years. This money goes towards meeting the administrative costs of the association including the annual general meeting (AGM).

1. WHY REGISTER AS A MEMBER? 1. To associate with other alumni of like mind and with common objectives 2. To foster a sense of community and purpose 3. Provides an opportunity to give back in a formal, authenticated and organized manner 4. Creates continuity in engagement 5. Provides networking opportunities among members 6. Ensures validity of the association through formal membership 7. Unity of strength

HOW TO REGISTER IN 4 EASY STEPS! Step 1: Visit our facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Mugoirioldgirlsassociation/ Step 2: Click on the provided form (pinned post) to register as a member.

Step 3: Complete and submit the form.

Step 4: Make your payment via Paybill: 400222, Account No. 320714#yourname

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO REGISTER? It will cost Kshs 800 to register as a member. This consists of an initial registration fee of Kshs 500 and

WELCOME TO MOGA!

*You will receive a confirmation message from Cooperative Bank. Please do not forget to put the hashtag before entering your name!

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Table of Contents

EDITORIAL TEAM ·Rachael Steve –Editor ·Victoria Kamau – Content Editor

1 2 3 4 5 6

·Philip Nyamu – Design & Layout

Editor's Note : Rachael Steve

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The Chairperson's Desk A Word from The Principal Hooked to Books Flair & Style MOGA News a. Website Basics b. Mentorship c. Bursary Fund d. Constitution Review

12 Tech Mania 13 Alumni Spotlight 15 Family Matters 17 Mad about Hair 18 Financial Times 19 Word Smith 20 Career Compass 21 Women in business 23 Parenting Corner 25 Friends are Friends Forever 27 Spiritual Nourishment 28 Mpishi Nyumbani 29 Alumni Dinner Moments

Photo by: Dan of Snap Box Kenya COVER MODELS: From left Salome Kamande, Emily Mungai & Esther Mburu Year 1997 CONTRIBUTORS ·Sarah Mwangi Okoti ·Naomi Wangari Wambui ·Ann Wahito ·Wanjiru Kiniti ·Irene Ngure ·Caroline Muthambiri ·Ann Mwangi ·Rachel Nduta ·Hellen Wangui ·Frashier Muiruri ·Christine Waiyego ·Nancy Njehia ·Evelyn Ogendo ·Eunice Kariithi ·Rev. Florence Kimani “Shine”

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EDITOR’S NOTE:

Rachael

IS EVERY WRITING A WRITE UP? Writing has been an exciting journey since I knew how…

I can write about anything, anytime, anywhere, any place and also about anyone or anything that can cause humans to derive ingeniousness. Any purposeful writing should have a lifetime impact as a resolution or create a challenge that will make us think wider. For one to be an outstanding writer you must have a fervid drive, coupled with ardent discipline and desire to read more and to write more. Most of the famous writers in history are believed to be great thinkers. Actually, if you can think, you can write. Maya Angelou said for you to write "You have to get to a very quiet place inside yourself, and that doesn't mean that you can't have noise outside ".

Every form of writing has a reflection that makes you learn from experiences. To many, writing is more of a therapeutic process. We have people who are able to capture every aspect of events that happens through their day to day lives in their journals. Do we call that writing or just a write up? Just to mention, writing is a mode of communication to yourself or to others with the intention of invigorating enchantment or action. Writing for ourselves can be a personal affair that helps us to think, learn and understand, though one may choose to share with others. When we write for others it is usually for evaluation or publication for a wider readership. To grasp more on writing, look out for our next edition.

I wish to acknowledge the contributors of this Magazine all drawn from various alumni groups by applauding their expertise in different spheres. I also wish to commend the old girls who agreed to be featured in our first ever copy. Bravo for shinning your light!

Doesn't it feel good to present to you the first ever edition of Mugoiri Old Girls Association (MOGA) Alumni magazine. As you flip through the next pages of the magazine, you will be able to read a variety of articles cross cutting all aspects of life while embracing a rich culture and diversity. It will not only be an encounter to a moment of vast knowledge, but a great investment of your time to peruse the contents this magazine has to offer.

There is so much to read, so much to ponder on and so much more to grasp, for we are truly after all, still a work in progress. I really do hope you have an amazing time poring over all the pages.

It's time to read

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THE CHAIRPERSON’S DESK MOGA: A city on a hill that cannot be hidden Victoria Kamau | 1996 Matthew 5: 14 13You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its savor, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. 14You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.

15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.…

Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you deeply and sincerely for helping us build a community of sisterhood focused on making a lasting impact in our generation. Thank you for all the breakthroughs you have gifted us right from the very beginning. My prayer for us is that you will: Unite our hearts, minds and spirits towards a common purpose Help us to be our sisters' keepers in times of need and times of plenty Inculcate in us hearts filled with mercy and a giving hand for all those in need Teach us to be tolerant of one another and to forgive those who may wrong us Ingrain in us a culture of integrity and help us live by positive values Cast out the spirit of pride or envy and replace it with a spirit of modesty and humility Enable us to celebrate each other's successes and to guide one another to the right paths Fill our coffers and stores that we may never lack Overwhelm us with infinite abundance in all areas of our lives Encase us in your arms that are filled with endless love and shield us from all harm Inspire us with dreams, new ideas and revelations to grow our vision Establish and consecrate our plans; ensure all our efforts are not in vain Bless us with visionary, committed and selfless leaders now and forever more Build our association to greater heights that we may truly be the salt of the earth, a light unto the world & A CITY ON A HILL THAT CANNOT BE HIDDEN! Amen!

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A WORD FROM THE PRINCIPAL with MOGA through their mentorship, bursary, and development programs.

This means that the future of a less fortunate girl in our school is secured.

Our Home Science students are now enjoying their practical lessons after receiving 8 cookers from MOGA to commemorate the 80th Anniversary.

In life, perfection is not attainable but if we chase it, we can do our best to come as close to catching it as is possible! That is what I aim to accomplish at Mugoiri Girls.

This is my 7th posting, and my 4th school to head. I was recently transferred from Naivasha Girls and was thrilled to join the Mugoiri fraternity.

My vision is to restore this great school back to its former glory as one of the leading institutions nationally! This includes academic excellence, performance in co-curricular activities, and most importantly in instilling values in our girls that strongly correspond to our faith. I pray that as I steer this great institution, I will positively impact my colleagues, students, and the entire Mugoiri community.

Despite having worked in my new station for two and a half months, just before the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, I have grown passionate about the school and students and, in the process, learned to appreciate that there is something charismatic about people who understand that all change starts with them.

I am specif ically keen on the mentorship program which I believe will most certainly instill confidence in the young girls which will in turn always help them win life medals in the future.

Interacting with role models who excelled in the same institution, (with fewer, inferior facilities in comparison) and have become successful in life, will inspire the young girls a great deal. MOGA will not only motivate but also challenge them to exploit their full potential.

For a woman, image is everything. I, therefore, look forward to putting in place a few feminine touchups in collaboration with MOGA to give our school a lady-like look. I promise to do MOGA proud by bringing that change. A change that I desire so deeply and intensely, that as they say, the universe will conspire to gift Mugoiri Girls!

My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and do so with some passion, some compassion some humor, and some style – Maya Angelou Mrs. Susan Mundia |Principal, OLC Mugoiri Girls High School

The visit by MOGA (Mugoiri Old Girls Association) officials to welcome me to the school is still fresh and memorable in my mind.

Among other topics discussed, they shared their passion to rekindle the excellent performance witnessed in their years. I have a dream to work

Members of MOGA Executive Committee welcome the new Principal of the school Mrs. Susan Mundia.

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BOOK REVIEW

procedure. An evaluation of her spending habits brings home the realisation that her means and her lifestyle are not a match and she makes the painful decision to go on a “spending diet”. This spending diet includes a plan to prioritise her debts and to liquidate her designer bags and BMW. A conversation with a client, who, as her story progresses, becomes Zuri's boyfriend, challenges her relationship with money. Tsola Preware is charming and successful and knows how to make money work for him. He guides Zuri to think about her money goals and how to attain them, while her friend Lara at cocktail meet-up, drills into her the importance of a budget and savings. At the WIMBIZ conference that her boss sends her to attend, Zuri is enthralled by the successful women making presentations and through networking at the event she gets herself a mentor, and a money coach who Tsola introduces her to.

SMART MONEY WOMAN: An African girl's journey to financial Freedom

by Arese Ugwu

S

et in Lagos, Nigeria, The Smart Money Woman is the story of Zuri, a young real estate professional who finds herself in a financial bind, caused by unsound choices. Her desires for the finer things in life find her in deep debt that seems insurmountable. It is with the help of girlfriends, a money coach, a mentor, and a suitor that she charts her path to redemption.

Towards the end of the book, as Zuri is making headway out of her financial conundrum, some of her girlfriends are facing money challenges of their own. These eventually pan out through the spirit of sisterhood and hard lessons. Zuri also learns to leverage her skills at work so that she earns more money.

At the end of each chapter the book has lessons and tips and exercises on money management for the reader which are valuable and easy to implement. The author in this regard ensures that the book is about being smart with money.

The book, written in prose, definitely resonates with the present day African woman who is independent and who wants to take charge of her money.

Review by: Sarah Mwangi-Okoti | 1994 | Fashion Designer & Entrepreneur

The book starts when Zuri discovers that she is broke. The money in her bank account in the middle of the month does not suffice to pay her

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FLAIR & STYLE

FASHION DESIGNER

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Shimmer in style in this sophiscated and classy look.

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Exude that vibrant personality in this cute and sassy short dress.

Make a fashion forward statement at your special event wearing this offshoulder captivating creation.

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MOGA NEWS WEBSITE BASICS

Website 101: Basic ideas on how to start your website

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ebsites serve a home-base for your business, social or personal brand. They are created to inform, engage and reach new audiences that we could typically not reach using other channels. It is imperative that a website creates and delivers a strong presentation and leaves an impression to encourage return visitors and continued engagement.

Today, before we engage a business or individual, our first instinct is to search their names online or look up the organization.

Most of us have done our fair share of checking in with Mr. Google. We can take control of the information generated about us online or our businesses by building clean and crisp websites with freely available tools.

Website ideas: Personal Website – This is a website whose focus is selling 'You'. The website highlights

your unique strengths, past experiences, volunteer work etc. It's like having your own personal online resume with capacity to capture the audience in more engaging fun ways that are not restricted by a one-page resume or a LinkedIn profile. You can include photos, work samples, testimonials. Most importantly, it should start with an elevator pitch that is short and sweet to engage within the first 30 seconds.

Business Website- Every business needs to be online. Business that were already online in 2020 found it easier to pivot and continually engage their customers and provide alternative options to make purchases and move forward when Covid-19 hit.

Personal Blogs – Sometime we have stories to share, initiatives to push, social causes to pursue.

Blogs provide an avenue to venture out and share your message. With the right niche and audience, one can also monetize blogs to earn passive income and freelance our skills.

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MOGA NEWS WEBSITE BASICS

Interested in getting started, some free options 1. Free website domain: - To get started you will need your online presence hosted by a reliable

platform. Test run your site before making the decision if being online is something you can sustain. a. WordPress-. WordPress is widely used and there are plenty of eBooks, blogs, online tutorials devoted to helping WordPress users. Its time consuming but cost effective in the long run. Your free website will have yourname.wordpress.com b. Wix – A good alternatives to WordPress. Very intuitive and user friendly. Your free website will

your usernamewix.com/mysamplesite c. Weebly- Weebly like Wix is very intuitive and user friendly. Your free website will have yourusername.weebly.com 2. Other free tools to review depending on your type of website: a. MailChimp - The most powerful way to keep readers engaged and excited about your work is

by asking your online visitors for email addresses and creating email newsletters. b. Canva - Whether you're looking to create an eBook, infographic, business card, or email

header, Canva has a template to simplify your process. c. Ispring – eLearning authoring can be a great way to attract visitors and engagement.

This are just a few ways to get started. As you grow, paid robust options become available to help you achieve your goals. Always keeping learning by engaging Mr. Google.

Irene Ngure | 1995| Member – Constitution Review Committee IT Business Analyst. Florida, USA Irene is also part of the team currently developing the MOGA Website

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MOGA NEWS MENTORSHIP Impact and Importance of Mentorship

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entoring is important, not only because of knowledge and skills students can learn from mentors, but also because mentoring provides professional socialization and personal support to facilitate success in school and beyond.

Mentorship in a layman's language is passing knowledge gained through learning and experience to others in order to empower them and propel them to greater heights. Mentoring can make an enormous impact on people's lives

and career path. Mentors must decide to take on this responsibility for the right and genuine reasons. A good mentor is someone who is motivated and energized, cares about developing others and is willing to commit their time and resources. This therefore shows the importance of mentorship in both study and working life.

As MOGA, we came up with the idea to start a mentorship program to enable the students become all rounded people. So far, we have conducted a needs assessment session to evaluate the requirements of the students and two mentorship sessions which were held in 2019. The first session for 2020, scheduled for 15th March 2020 was cancelled due to the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the sessions shall resume once things normalize.

IMPACT & IMPORTANCE OF MENTORSHIP “A mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself” Oprah Winfrey

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MOGA NEWS MENTORSHIP

·

The legacy of mentorship lives on through those you mentor, though seeing those you care for fail and steer sideways is part of the process.

We share lessons, insights and wisdom. We pass knowledge down freely giving to others what was given to us which is the key to success. Personal success is emphasized but participating in the success of others is key to having a truly thriving community.

In regard to this, the mentor – mentee relationship need to be genuine, organic and have a two way direction of communication.

Benefits of being a mentee include but are not limited to the following: · Gain practical advice, encouragement and support. · Learn from the experience of others · Increase ones social and academic confidence · Become more empowered to make decisions · Develop your communication, study and personal skills · Develop strategies for dealing with both personal and academic issues · Identify goals and establish a sense of direction

Gain valuable insight into the next stage of your university/college career Making new friends across the globe

·

On the other hand, becoming a mentor enables you to: · Positively impact the lives of mentees · Reinforce your own individual skills, knowledge and grasp of your subject matter · Build confidence and enhances your presentation skills · Enhance your CV and experience in voluntary work · Network with other likeminded mentors thus growing your social circle · Provides fulfillment and satisfaction of helping others and contributing to their betterment .

We look forward to schools reopening in 2021 so that we can continue with the mentorship sessions. If you would wish to volunteer to be a mentor, please email us on mugoirioldgirls@gmail.com and the join the amazing team of alumni mentors!

Naomi Wangari Wambui | 2004 | Mechanical Technician, KenGen Member – Mentorship Sub-Committee

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MOGA NEWS

BURSARY FUND UPDATE

A Life-line to needy students

T

here was this big pot of tea. It was served with delectable pancakes and sweet bananas. The refreshing breeze came in through the window, ruffling a paper here and a painting there, giving the room a nice homely feel.

The bursary committee was quietly at work, a whole morning of sifting through papers upon papers, reading the sad stories out aloud, discussing the unfortunate cases and compiling the report. One by one, the desperate narrations were scrutinized, weaving one long narrative of hopelessness. A narrative of girls who are in need of quality education but whose family backgrounds will just not allow them to study without the distractions that having fee balances in school brings with it.

It has been a long walk that began last year when the bursary committee started a funds-drive to raise money for girls genuinely unable to pay school fees. This culminated into a very successful charity dinner held in October 2019, during which close to Ksh 2 million was raised. We now needed to distribute all this money by paying fees for the needy cases in the first term of the year 2020, the year that was not to be, story for another day, as a result of the Corona pandemic. And so on a beautiful Tuesday morning, Purity Gitonga, the bursary committee chair, went to the school and picked a yellow file from Miss Mugo, the deputy

head in charge of administration.

Out of the 80 bursary forms that were issued to the students in February 2020 as the girls went on their mid-term break, we got back 55 of them, and this is what we analyzed. These applications were also coevaluated by the school committee which was set up by the Principal, since the teachers have more information on how needy each case is.

There were a few areas of improvement that we noted to be applied during the next scholarship round. For starters, we plan on requesting the students to attach their latest result slip as this will help the committee to confirm their grades and their academic strength.

We will serialize the forms while issuing them out for ease of tracking. There will also be a provision for the current fee balance as guided by the bursar's office.

We will also need to note who has benefited from other bursaries or scholarships e.g. CDF bursary, Wings to fly etc as this will play a part in the decision as well. These are all good learning points for us, bearing in mind this was our very first application process. We look forward to awarding the bursaries to the most deserving cases once schools reopen in 2021.

Let us continue lighting each other's candles, as was ingrained in us all many years ago. Long Live MOGA! Ann Wahito| 1991 | PhD Student Applied Linguistics | Assistant Secretary – MOGA

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MOGA NEWS CONSTITUTIONAL REVIEW PROCESS The Writing of a Constitution

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hat is a Constitution? A constitution is a document that guides a state, nation and or in our case an organization as ours which is a registered Society. The Constitution provides or acts as our reference point on how the Society is to be run and it presents rules and regulations for the operations of the Society. In order for the Registrar of Societies to recognize our Society under the law we must have a Constitution.

Mugoiri Old Girl's Association (MOGA) is registered and recognized legally as such by the Registrar of Societies in Kenya. As the Association's Constitution is foundational and central for the transactions of the organization it was mutually agreed by both current office bearers and the membership that there was a need to review the Constitution to match best practice. It is important to take special note of our pioneers who paved the way for the Association by registering it in 1994. We forever remain indebted to them.

The Committee that volunteered to review the Constitution was a dynamic team that constituted of ladies from different backgrounds; we had professionals from the ICT, legal, community work and procurement fields just to mention a few. The team worked tirelessly and met numerous numbers of time to go through the provisions of the Constitution independently seeking to understand the significance of each.

The greatest desire of the team was to match the Constitution with the great dream and vision of the association and to produce a masterpiece Constitution that other Associations would benchmark with us.

One of the greatest lessons that I have taken away from being a member of this Committee is the commitment that these wonderful sisters have demonstrated to this cause. I have seen my alumni sisters give of their time (including those in the diaspora factoring in the time difference) and ideas selflessly, even in the time of the pandemic when face to face meetings were discouraged the team was quick to acclimate to meeting online.

The Constitution Review process was thoroughly engaging and the new changes proposed would never have been achieved were it not for zeal and commitment of the membership for a better Association.

Long live OLC! Long live MOGA! Wanjiru Kiniti| 1995 | Chair – Constitution Review Committee Wanjiru is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, a law lecturer at Mount Kenya University, a PhD Student and the Senior Partner at Kiniti & Co Advocates

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TECH MANIA Innovation in Technology:

What is the latest news?

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he word, Technology is defined as “The application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry” and Innovation is defined as “A new method, idea or product”. In the Oxford Dictionary. These two words combined, have been the buzz phrase in recent times. The words leave us imagining endless possibilities of the digital era but also on the other hand not quite clear what all of it entails.

K. Schwab founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum coined the term fourth industrial revolution that describes a world where individuals move between digital domains and offline reality with the use of connected technology to enable and manage their lives. This is the state we are in now where advancement of technology is creating new realities brought about by new innovations.

But what does this mean for Africa in 2020 and beyond? and can we experience it practically? Let's look at this recent example. In July 2020, Loon, a network of balloons traveling on the edge of space providing connectivity to people in unserved and underserved communities around the world, was launched in Radad Kenya. This launch was in

partnership with Telkom Kenya. By the time of testing and launch of the service in the region, internet users did not realize that they were connecting through a balloon.

Africa in general continues to benefit immensely when technological innovations are used as a catalyst for change especially if integrated with a holistic approach. These kinds of technological innovations that aim to solve a problem while providing a seamless inclusion into everyday lives have bigger impact.

Innovation whether in Technology or other areas stem from a problem solving mindsets and thinking beyond set borders. It has to be said though that Innovation cannot be forced. Instead, creating a culture where Innovation thrives by placing emphasises on continuous curiosity, rewarding out

of the box thinkers should be the approach and mindset that individuals as well as organizations ought to place their focus on.

In conclusion, Lipsey et al: in Economic transformations: general purpose technologies and long term economic growth book, notes that technological innovation contributes to higher levels of economic output and can deliver new goods and services that change human lives and capabilities.

Caroline Muthambiri | 1997 | Corporate Operations Engineer, Google, Switzerland | Page: www.muthambiri.xyz | Member – Constitution Review Committee

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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

MEET ANN MWANGI Ann, Welcome to the Alumni Spotlight segment and thank you for being brave enough to be the first alumni featured in the magazine. You are a true trailblazer. So Bravo! The spotlight is now on you…please tell us more about who you are.

My name is Ann Mwangi, an alumni of Mugoiri Girls High School or Mugz as we would sometimes call it, class of 2009. I was born and raised in Central Kenya, Nyeri County to be precise. I am a firstborn in family of four. Growing up, was and still is my favorite part of my life to date.

What was it like growing up in Nyeri?

Quite interesting! Back then, there was no digital entertainment. However, that's not to say we did not have fun times. As a matter of fact, we spent hours of our childhood playing both practical and make belief games that I believe have shaped our lives to date. The only instance I remember sitting to watch TV, was during wrestling between 7pm and 8pm. It was quite nerve wrecking as we had to cross our fingers and pray that our black and white TV doesn't go off before the programme was over. Back then, children were allowed to be children with no electronic gadgets to distract us. Life is so different now with the advent of technology.

Tell more about your early education all the way to the point of joining Mugoiri Girls As was the case for many families in our area, education was the most important thing in our lives.

My parents instilled in me a love and discipline for education that still guides me to date. I was excellent in my school work and I topped my class for several years except for a few times.

Eventually I was a candidate and it was time to choose secondary schools. Being in Nyeri, all my choices were confined to schools within the District at the time.

Fortunately, my dad who had always been a businessman in Muranga; having been born and breed there, had some sound advice for me. He reckoned that since everyone was applying to the best schools in Nyeri, I could as well apply to the best schools in a different District. That is how I found myself in Mugoiri where my life was altered in the best ways possible.

How was life in Mugoiri?

In 2006 when my admission letter came it was a bitter sweet moment for me. I was the only one from my primary school to be admitted outside Nyeri and in some way I felt lonely. However, that changed as soon as I joined form 1. I experience some initial culture shock as the student population was so diverse in so

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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT many ways especially in terms of our backgrounds. We were all so different yet leveled by the school we attended.

I was excited to find that the school had various sporting activities most of which I had only read in books. I had always been athletic but Mugoiri brought out more talent in me than I could ever imagine! I participated in almost all types of sports mostly just for fun. Among them were football, handball, basketball, badminton, lawn and table tennis, volleyball just to mention but a few. I was a balanced student in curricular as well as extracurricular activities.

What key lessons did you learn over the four years?

My years in Mugoiri saw me transition from a girl to lady. My education was no longer about impressing my parents or anyone else. It became my personal responsibility. I knew for sure my l i f e d e p e n d e d o n i t . My aspirations grew so big as I had been exposed to many possibilities and as we used to say back then… the sky was the limit.

I knew for sure the future held so much for me if only I could work hard enough.

When I did my form four I got a C+ which in my measure then wasn't good enough. I crossed my figures waiting for the ministry to announce the University cut off points. To my disappointment, I

didn't make the cut. However I didn't give up and I was determined to continue my education. Mugoiri had instilled a strong spirit of resilience in me!

How was life after Mugoiri?

Life after Mugoiri was a whole new chapter that nobody explicitly taught me about. Transitioning into the real world was no easy feat!

Knowing very well my parents couldn't afford to pay my tuition without some sort of sponsorship, I went ahead and started applying for scholarships.

I was lucky enough to get one at Makerere University in Uganda.

70% of my tuition fee would be catered for and I presented this to my parents. Sadly, they were sure they couldn't afford to meet the remaining 30% given that my siblings were also in high school and needed their support. My dream of pursuing University education thus came to an end at this point.

However, I did not let this set back deter me and I decided to forge on with life. My first job was as an UT (Untrained Teacher) which I performed with a lot of zeal and focus. Later on, I was lucky enough to get an opportunity as a Sales Assistant at Total Kenya Limited. Through hard work, integrity and God's favour, I have risen through the ranks and am grateful to God. The character, discipline and lessons I learnt at Mugoiri have continued to shape me into the lady. As a result, I

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have grown in so many dimensions of my life.

That's very encouraging Ann and a true testament that we should not give up when hurdles come our way. God always opens up other opportunities.

Aside from your professional life, what else do you do?

I have been lucky enough to be a mum of two and a wife. Besides my work and family, I am also an Artist.

I have recorded Gospel music and I hope to lead my generation in raising up praise to God. Am also involved in charity work. I have a special place for cancer victims and their families. I recently lost my mum to cancer and I offer advice or help in whichever simple way I can.

We are sorry to hear about your mum and pray for complete healing for you and your family even as you offer to help others.

What is your parting shot?

My biggest lesson over the last decade has been that life is multidimensional. We have to try to balance our spiritual, mental, physical and any other aspect of life that matters to us as a person. In addition, we have to keep doing what we need to do and go on with life even when we can't see the need to because in the long run it counts.

Ann, it has been wonderful speaking to you. Thank you for taking time to share with us. We wish you all the very best in life.

14 THE "THE LIGHT LIGHT SHINES SHINES ON ON

FAMILY MATTERS COVID-19 Pandemic: Helping Children Cope with stress and anxiety As the world grapples with the new drastic changes and challenges brought due to the Covid-19 pandemic, our children have to equally adjust to the perceived “new normal” for continuity with their daily lives.

When the schools closed following the government directives in the education sector, nobody was prepared for the period it took for the government to lift the ban on cessations and lockdown. Equally, parents were not prepared to have their children confined to their homes for an entire year. More importantly, children have found it difficult to understand and cope with the directive for school closure until next year. These are difficult times for all indeed.

Education is a right for every child in Kenya and as such, we have seen the government take drastic measures in ensuring 100% transition from primary schools to secondary schools. Learning institution offers our children a place for not only for learning basic skills and gaining knowledge but also provides a place for social interaction that is fundamental in bringing up a wholesome being. The Covid-19 guidelines that have seen the introduction of virtual learning in line with avoiding contact and keeping social distance.

Though 'learning from home' is absolutely necessary in keeping in line with the guidelines, it has also deprived children a lot.

These blunt standards that children are slowly adapting to could lead to many struggling with stress and anxiety. This has also been seen in parents trying to balance working from home and watching over their children. As everyone crafts ways of maneuvering with changes and challenges that have come with COVID-19, the children should not be left behind.

Let's evaluate possible causes of stress and anxiety in Children during such a crisis · Change in environment In this era of rising technology and demand for studying online or keeping at par with the social world, children have become exposed to mobile phones, computers and laptops where most prefer spending most of their time. The joy that comes with learning in the school environment is slowly dwindling as children try to cope with the stress and challenges presented to them in of going the digital way. · Frustrated hopes Every child was looking to joining the next class with candidates expecting to join the next phase of life. The changes that have come with the rescheduling of the school Calendar in Kenya may have greatly affected children who had high hopes of transitioning to the next level.

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15 THE LIGHT SHINES ON

FAMILY MATTERS

As a parent, one has to look out for the following stress symptoms in their child.

Behavioral symptoms · Clinginess or crying for no reason. · Aggression · Restlessness · Mood swings · Recurring fears · Regression

· Grief The children are consuming a lot of news that comes with the spread of the COVID-19 and the deaths it continues to cause. Others have lost close family members, relatives, and friends with the pandemic.

Physical symptoms · Headaches · Stomach upsets · Reduced or increased appetite · Bedwetting · Loss of sleep or having nightmares · Withdrawal

· Family instability The COVID-19 pandemic has rendered many people jobless thus affecting the flow of income.

Many families are trying to adjust to meet the needs of each member with many uncertainties.

Children get stressed when they see their parents who lost jobs/businesses struggle to meet their basic needs. Others are in fear of losing their jobs thus may unknowingly pass on the stress to their children ·

Social Disconnects Children are today more tech-savvy and thus prefer spending their whole time on the internet or watching television/movies. With the Pandemic guidelines, parents are not able to encourage their children to go out and play or meet new friends.

Social distancing and “learning from home” are necessary measures to fight COVID-19. However, if children are completely barred from co-curricular activities, this may have far-fetching effects in running their day to day activities. Social play helps children to be in control over their emotions.

Sometimes, it may be difficult to distinguish these symptoms from any other illness. However, you can eliminate these by doing a wellbeing check with your children daily. Giving them an opportunity to give your feedback can help in identifying, differentiating, and correlating these symptoms to Covid-19 related stress or other reasons.

Here are 8 simple tips to help you to manage Covid19 stress and anxiety in your children 1. Deal with your stress first as a parent to avoid passing this on to them 2. Involve them to make a daily routine that will keep them busy and occupied 3. Explore indoor family fun time activities to keep everyone engaged 4. Nurture your children talents and expose them to new exciting programmes that will help them grow 5. Spend quality time with your children and use this free time to bond as a family 6. Talk and listen to them frequently to know how they are really doing 7. Guide them into having personal time for their own reflection 8. Where necessary, seek professional help e.g.

Counselling We are hopeful that schools will be reopening in January 2021 as directed by the Cabinet Secretary, Prof. Maghoha from the Ministry of Education. In the meantime, let's do our best to help our children cope with this season. It will soon pass!

Rachel Nduta | 1996 | Educationist

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MAD ABOUT HAIR Everything you needt to know about Wigs!

Did you know Wigs have been in vogue from way back when? Back from the ancient Egyptians who incidentally created wigs for practical reasons, ( i.e. As a shield from the sun), as well as to denote their social status, for centuries women of all walks have literally donned wigs.

Interestingly, in the 1990's wigs were a dirty word in the fashion industry. This has since changed with more women moving away from relaxers & weaves that are ever so notorious for causing damaged hair and receding hairlines.

The wig has stealthily worked its way out of the closet and into our conversations. It is no longer a dirty secret.

Wearing a wig has now become more about choice and convenience.

The way to wear your wig is to have fun, express yourself and just be unapologetic about it. Indeed, most celebrities are now open about wearing of wigs and this has helped popularise wigs that can be found in a variety of style and colours. The

likes of Adele, Beyonce and Katy Pery are known to have extensive wig wardrobes. Runway models have also been using wigs for many years.

Currently with the corona virus having taken root, wigs are fast becoming the norm since they are more convenient and up to a point, a necessity for women. They enable you to remain stylish while keeping safe at the same time.

The wig industry is now a multibillion dollar industry worldwide. There are endless choices when it comes to wigs. Whatever your style is just look and you will find. Styles that took several hours to achieve such as micro braids can now simply be popped on.

Question is, will you be the lady who has the variety and spice in her life, whereby owing to the lack of permanence wigs offer, during the week you can have a wig that suits your official look and as the weekend dawns, in a flash you have that elegant weekend appeal?

Helen Wangui | 2005 Helen currently serves as a Beauty and Lifestyle Consultant running HQ Wigs and Hair Products, a leading concern in the Fashion and Lifestyle Sector that has over the years firmly established itself in offering bespoke solutions to discerning clientele. Should you wish to contact her you can reach her on email wigshq@gmail.com or you can visit her Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/hqwigsbiz/

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FINANCIAL TIMES

Vo l u n t a r y D i s c l o s u r e Programme

Finance Act 2020: How SMEs can comply with amendments Covid-19 pandemic presents a myriad of challenges and unprecedented times to businesses. In the wake of these challenges, businesses are still devising ways to survive the pandemic. It is likely that businesses have taken up cost cutting measures, some to an extent of terminating contracts with their tax consultants. It is therefore not surprising that most businesses especially MSMEs without dedicated tax resources have not kept abreast of changes proposed by the Finance Act, 2020 regarding taxes and will be caught up by KRA in the near future for non-compliance.

We h i g h l i g h t to yo u f e w amendments under the Finance Act 2020 assented into law by the President on 30 June 2020 that might affect your business; Minimum tax This is a fundamentally different tax concept that targets loss making entities. Effective 1 January 2020, your loss making

business will be required to file and pay minimum tax payable at the rate of 1% of the turnover in instalments to be due on the 20th day of the fourth, sixth, ninth and twelfth month of the year of income.

Digital services tax (DST) Effective 1 January 2021, all services provided through the digital market space will be subject to 1.5% tax of the gross transaction value. DST will be considered to be an advance tax and will be offset against taxes payable in a given year of income.

This is a “go-and-sin-no-more” provision. Effective 1 January 2021, KRA presents you an opportunity to disclose and pay your unpaid principal tax and a relief on accrued fines and penalties will be granted T h e A c t h a s introduced/affirmed other far reaching changes to the tax legislation in Kenya. Any business seeking more in-depth understanding on compliance can contact us for a one on one consultation.

Frashier Muiruri |2009| Team Leader at Upskill Business Solutions.

We offer 360 degrees business solutions; Accounting and b o o k ke e p i n g, B u s i n e s s A d v i s o r y, B u s i n e s s a n d Company registration, Tax advisory, audit services at affordable costs. Follow us on s o c i a l m e d i a ; L i n ke d In , facebook, Instagram @Upskill Business Solutions.

VAT (Deduction of input tax) Effective 30 June 2021, you will only claim input VAT if the corresponding output VAT has been declared by your suppliers.

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WORDSMITH

Home Away From Home Buried in a dense of linear forests, is a pinnacle of knowledge I once called home. At the tip of a lone hill, sits a solitary Gateigûrû.

The landing of the eastern winds of Mûrang'a. Winds with a touch of ice; so cold.

Yet for the girls, so gentle.

As its landscape tilts to descend, Behold; a vastness of a thriving village's livelihood. Cows' moos, cocks' crows and goats' bleats, blend well with human chatter in local dialect, and the trickling of the Mûriûriû river; like a melody.

The gracefulness catapults the learning environment,so that the noisiest is a pen slithering on paper.

Nights seem obsolete and empty, haunted by intermittent frogs' croaks; Frogs basking on the shores of their kingdom.

At that hour, pots of women of iron to be, are busy boiling in their classrooms, cooking to a broth the world shall appreciate.

O Nights were heavenly!

Mûgoiri the elegance of brown, matched with a hue of dilute brown; like a tribal inspiration of the Agîkûyû regalia, but dense with a deeper tint of brown.

I'm drowned in an ecstasy; so nostalgic, wishing to strikingly dress and shine again.

Though a habitat of diversity, The good old pillar, The Almighty, defines its foundation. A home for convergence of godliness and modernity. All well told in the uniqueness of its name; Our Lady of Consolata, where I first met the identity of my Faith.

My four years long voyage, docked with an ending so relatively familiar; with a bountiful sweet sweat's reap.

And so was the story of many others.

Like a mold, all left equally packed; with virtue and knowledge, to be the Light of the World!

Christine Waiyego Irungu | 2015 | Student of Bachelor of Science Industrial Chemistry at JKUAT, Juja

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CAREER COMPASS 4 tips to help you explore a career in Tech!

The beauty about a career in IT, is that there is demand in every market and what differentiates you from the n e x t c a n d i d a te i s n o t yo u r background or school but certifications and experience. While not everyone has the opportunity to pursue in a Stem related degree,

Career Compass

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career in Tech means being at the heart of l e a d i n g - e d g e technology. Tech professionals are software developers, Data analysts, Technology Sales Reps, Website developers, Social Media Marketers, Project Managers, Business Analysts, finance analysts among many others.

Each of these occupations continue to grow in demand and helps build companies way to the future.

Tech careers generally have job security globally, transferable skills to different industries and sometimes an easy transition from one role to another. In addition, the benefits of a tech career are appealing: - Remote work options, Side-hustle opportunities, Global demand including the ability to apply and negotiate work visas.

the right skills and knowledge to provide support or advice on the usage of a tool. Free and Paid Certifications options f r o m C l o u d co m p u t i n g solutions to CRM to Software Quality analysis are available and most exams can be done online from a testing center or the comfort of your home.

3.

Volunteer -The toughest part about starting a career in Tech is gaining experience. Just 6 months of experience gives an edge over the next person. If you are in between jobs and just out of college, identify a tech training center or IT department if they need a free or paid volunteer. Time spent there will pay off eventually.

Alternatively, freelance your new skills for fee to gain experience.

4.

A well-crafted resume- A shoddy resume or one size fits all will not cut it. For every job application, a new resume is needed with key words from the job description. In addition, you need to get creative. Most people know MS Excel, but not all people know pivot tables, Vlookup's etc. Take time to learn and state specific skill sets in your resume.

there are ways where anyone with interest can find a path to a career in Tech.

Here are 4 tips you can follow to explore this career path.

1. Identify the right path. –So many possible jobs are available in the tech field. Identifying the most common in your area, company you work for or ask around for the most commonly used software tools. Alternatively, ask people already working in IT, which is the best path to pursue.

Search online, read job descriptions, watch you tube video to understand areas of interest. A major in English for example is not tech related but can lead to writing great software requirements or technical writing.

2. Get Certified. - A career in Tech driven by knowledge of a particular software tool.

Getting certified proves to anyone globally that you have “Shine”

The demand of great Tech people is high in Kenya and abroad. Getting certified will take less than a year and not cut deep into your pockets.

Irene Ngure | 1995| IT Business Analyst. Florida, USA

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS

v Mistrust from clients as most prefer to

purchase from a physical location v Sometimes one accrues a lot of dead stock'

especially on clothing. In the online world, “trying before buying” is not possible. In as much as you try to compensate for this by allowing customers to review products by displaying photos and videos of products in action, some will still reject the items on delivery.

How I started my Online Business

C

A Y J A Y I M P O RT S is an online shop dealing mainly in ladies and gents wear, kitchen and h o u s e h o l d p ro d u c t s. D ro p shipping is our strateg y which means that we do not stock items but rather order items based on market demand.

My greatest inspiration to start this business was the desire to make that extra coin without investing in shelf space and huge capital. I was also inspired by the realization that in the current world, most people prefer hassle free shopping, where they order goods online and have them delivered at their door step.

I started the business with a few imports from China from the little savings that I had tucked away from my salary whilst I was in formal employment. I then marketed mostly to my friends on WhatsApp and Facebook.

High levels of competition on social media platforms Most sellers have now turned into selling and marketing their products online, therefore there is extensive competition on the social media which is the most popular platform used for selling. One has to offer very unique products and give very good rates so as to overtake the competitors. v

Online businesses have quite a number of challenges which require one to have a 'thick skin' so as to survive.

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS On the other hand, online businesses gives one freedom to pursue other things as you still run the business. For instance being a mother of two, I am able to look after my babies as I still sell. One can do undertake a lot of other activities such a studies, running a physical business, farming etc. My online business has helped me to work on my terms, and to be my own boss. I have no set timelines to meet.

My advice to anyone seeking to start their business is to: - Do enough research on returns and the market demand - Consider selling the most trending items in the market - Be honest and trustworthy - Have good customer service - Take advantage of any selling platform

that you may come across.

- Identify a successful marketing and advertising strategy.

- Be a jack of all trades - Never let go any opportunity provided you

have someone who can supply that particular item With all of the above, you will be able to build a good clientele base through customer referrals. I believe am an inspiration to young people, especially young mothers like myself who can barely afford to start capital based business.

My parting shot to those who would like to venture into entrepreneurship is to take the risk. What's worse than not trying anyway?

Nancy Njehia |Class of 2012| Owner – CAYJAY Imports Tel No. 0707079759

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PARENTING CORNER How to help your Teens solve personal problems What is the definition of a problem? From the dictionary; 'It is a matter or situation regarded as unwelcome/harmful that needs to be dealt with and overcome. 'Most teens perceive life challenges as “problems” where they feel they have limited control, or can't solve the problem by themselves but require somebody else to solve it.

Life is full of issues that need personal interventions before seeking professional guidance, depending on the stage one is in life. When growing up as a toddler, one has few worries to deal with. However, adolescence and the advertent of teenage hood bring along unique challenges that come with their own share of stress which should not be taken lightly because if it remains 'unresolved', becomes the only thing that matters then for the teen or if resolved well, then makes life interesting and worthwhile for them.

What is my point? Every stage of life attracts different issues and concerns, some need immediate intervention, while others need time. There is no stage in life that lacks challenges that can be direct or indirect. It is therefore very important to arm your teens with life skills to assist them in solving personal challenges especially those that can easily cause embarrassment.

Here are some ways to help your teen solve some of the challenges they may be having 1. Identify the Problem

At times, it's not easy to pinpoint a problem they are facing but from the look of things something somewhere is wrong and it needs a solution. The beginning of successfully solving a problem is by identifying the exact issue without which could be fueling other problems in the background. Therefore, it's very important to sit down with your teen and help them analyse what could be troubling them.

What's the challenge? What makes them feel the way the way they do? It is easier to deal with a known problem than an unknown, guessed or suspected problem. This will give you the ability as a parent to employ relevant interventions that work directly in addressing the issue.

2. Understand What Can't Be Controlled

In every prevailing situation, there are aspects you will not have control over. Usually this has to do with how other people are behave. Always remind your teen that they cannot control other people but can exercise control over themselves. Help them identify the things that are within their circle of influence and control and to ignore those that they cannot change.

3. Do something about it

There are certain things that a teen can do by themselves but that can be frustrating when there is no progress. To feel positive about a personal problem, help your teen focus on a goal that will help them to address it and the steps they need to take to achieve that goal. Support them through it to the end and be their biggest cheerleaders.

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PARENTING CORNER 4. Access progress

Once you have helped your teen to identify the problem and the solution, help them assess if the strategy worked or not. If it did, well done, if it did not, get to know by what percentage, identify areas for improvement and purpose to keep improving.

Being able to solve personal problems, is the primary route to solving other personal issues in life that may need more people involved. By equipping your teens solve their own problems early enough, you will have helped them to have higher chances of positive outcomes in life when they encounter other bigger challenges.

Evelyn Ogendo | 1995 |Teen and Adolescent Counseling Psychologist

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FRIENDSHIP Friends Are Friends Forever The perfect dance of friendship Eunice Njeri Kariithi and Jane Wambui Mbugua Jane and I have been the best of friends for 48 years now and counting! We are now both retired and serving the church and community at different capacities.

which has allowed us to build a deep understanding and a long lasting connection.

Our friendship has stood the test of periods of separation right from our early years. I left Mugoiri in 1974 and joined Kenya High in 1975 for my A levels whilst Jane proceeded to a Teacher's Training College. For a short while, we lost contact somewhere along the way as we both co n t i n u e d w i t h o u r studies. We had no way of communicating as this was before the advent of mobile phones but the good thing is that when we finally reconnected, it was as if we had just seen each other the previous day. There were other short periods of parting depending on what was happening in our lives at the time but they never affected our friendship.

I first met Jane at Mugoiri Girls where as budding young girls, we learnt to navigate the trenches of life together. Whilst I had joined the school in 1971, Jane came in a year later in 1972. We By the grace of God when happened to come Eunice (L) and Jane (R) on 22nd March 2018 we both got married, we from the same area in ended up living in the Mathioya constituency. My home area was same area. This enabled us to walk closely with Kagumoini and whereas Jane came from each in our young marriages, to bring up our Kamacharia which was just across the ridge. children together and truly be our sister's keeper.

This formed the first connecting factor of our We built a strong foundation of trust and sincere friendship and made it much easier to forge support for one another which has only grown in forward. We also had a similar upbringing of leaps and bounds over the years. I recall how sturdy Godly values and good character. To earlier on in my marriage, I lost my child. I don't make it all better, we both loved to have fun and even know how Jane heard about it but she was joke around whilst at the same time remaining right there to console me during that trying focused on our studies. This sparked off a great period. To this day, she is the first person I call friendship that eventually has extended to our when I am looking for a solution. For example, the families as well over the years. We have other day I needed to find my mum a helper and it continued to have the unique ability to adjust to was Jane I called first. True to form, she sorted me each other regardless of the circumstances out.

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FRIENDSHIP

Friends Are Friends Forever

The challenges we have experienced in life have bonded us more than the happy times. During happy times, one is always surrounded by many people. We have other friends in common, with whom we would eat and laugh with during the good times but in times of trouble, they were never there with us. The fact that we can cry together, bare our souls and troubles to one another with no shame has made our friendship weightier. A faithful friend is one in whom you are never ashamed to share your true self with.

Whenever we meet with Jane, we still reflect back on good times, particular our days in Mugoiri. We can laugh about our vitukos back then which makes us feel like we are back in school again. One of the memories we often laugh about is an incident that happened in form 4. I was a very social and outspoken girl which made me a well-known figure around school. Using this influence, I rallied about 12 girls to sneak out of the main gate to buy some bread at the kiosk just outside the gate. It was a brief “in and out” thing but unfortunately, we got caught! We were all suspended and I ended up missing my mock exams. It was devastating and I did not even know how to face my parents back at home. I had no choice but to do so.

When I was eventually allowed back into school, I earnestly focused on my studies and st ended up scoring a 1 Division.

Another memory we always talk about is when our then Principal Ms. Christine Nakhanu was transferred to another school. Despite the fact that she was a strict disciplinarian, we still loved her so much and no one wanted to see her go.

We decided to intervene on her transfer by blocking her from leaving the school compound. We lay on the bonnet of her vehicle yelling and crying hysterically until her transfer was revoked. Mugoiri remains to be a special place for us as the foundation of discipline that we acquired there has truly propped us up in

life. Wherever you go as an alumni, you cannot be shaken no matter what the circumstances are. We were trained to be felicitous, focused and resilient and even though we hated it at the time, these are acquired strengths and character traits that cannot be uprooted from us.

The bible in Romans 12: 9 – 12 reminds us of what a true friendship means.

9

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10Be devoted to one another in love.

Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

A good friendship can be likened to climbing up a ladder. There are times you pull each other up, other times you find yourselves standing on the same rack, whilst sometimes, one of you is higher than the other. No matter what position you find yourself in at any one time, the most important thing to remember is to be there for one another in a sincere, true manner. I can trust Jane 100%, cry on her shoulders, laugh with her, share my secrets and hold on to her as she is a pillar of fortitude in my life. Once you are secure in the presence of one another, you know that the other person can never betray you.

Has our friendship been without challenges?

Certainly not as we are indeed human beings devoid of perfection. However, believe it or not, Jane and I have never had a quarrel. We are able to accommodate each other despite forking towards divergent directions in life and having different levels & types of blessings, we have maintained our love for each as guided by 1 Corinthians chapter 13, never allowing vices like envy and pride to come between us. At every point in our lives, we have respected what each one of us was doing and influenced each other positively.

48 years later, we still dance to each other's tune without fearing that either one of us is going to miss a step in the waltz of friendship.

Eunice Kariithi| 1974 | Church Leader & Youth Mentor “Shine”

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SPIRITUAL NOURISHMENT

before marriage, they are trading in one of the most valuable things in life in exchange for shame.

Sex is Precious!

The Bible says in Matthew 7:6, "Don't cast your pearls before swine." It is possible to dishonor the truth by giving out it anyhow.

There are some truths that are too precious to be discussed in hostile or worldly setting. That's the way it is with our bodies, too.

Nobody should dispense his or her bodily affections haphazardly. You don't shake hands with all the people you nod to. You don't hug all the people you shake hands with.

You don't kiss all the people you hug. There is a pearl of great value, a pearl of emotional, spiritual and physical intimacy, which can only be placed in one co n t a i n e r w i t h o u t b e i n g dishonored and ruined, and that is the strong, permanent, velvetlined case of marriage.

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As a preacher for many years, I can f irmly conf irm that sex is a gift from God. Sex education has not been given preference over the years as not many men and women of God would boldly speak about it from the Altars or on other platforms outside the church. This is something that is mostly restricted for discussion among married couples or those that are preparing to get into marriage institutions. Sex education in Church has been more of a myth, contrary to the culture that put too much value on it. It is designed to happen between a man and a woman; Genesis 2:24 24; That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.. Sex has its advantages when conducted within the context of marriage and is the spiritual glue that strengthens a bond between a man and a woman. It's a celebration of life-long love. Many have misused sex, thus bringing shame and fear instead of joy and peace.

God smiles when he sees sex practised within the context of marriage. Thus, it is important to wait until the appointed time when God brings a right man to a woman or a right woman to a man. God weeps when he sees sex practised out of marriage, because it's a precious thing, more than diamond or gold which are rare to find. Mining of precious stones involves a process. The process is not easy but after being refined, the value of the precious stones is incomparable. Since we are precious in Gods sight, one should not cast out that which is valuable to the enemy. The moment one engages in sex

In God's eyes, we are a valuable, rare pearl. I would encourage singles to be patient and wait for the day that they will be joined together in Holy Matrimony to their rightful husband or wife.

They should not cast their pearls to the swine who will trample on it and destroy it. We were not created for shame but exploits.

Rev Florence Kimani| 1997

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MPISHI NYUMBANI CAKE RECIPE INGREDIENTS 250g sugar 250g margarine 400g self raising 5 eggs 240 ml milk 1 tablespoon vanilla essence

PROCEDURE Ÿ Whisk the sugar and margarine until

fluffy and cream in colour. Ÿ Add eggs one by one and whisk at low

speed. Ÿ Add essence and whisk. Ÿ Measure your flour and sieve it to avoid

big particles. Ÿ Divide flour into three batches and milk

in two batches. Ÿ Add flour and milk alternatively and

fold in. Ÿ Grease your baking container with

margarine and then dust with flour. Ÿ Add you cake butter on the greased

container. Ÿ Pre heat your oven at 180% Ÿ Place your cake butter in the oven and

bake 45- 60 min. Ÿ Test with a toothpick to know if the cake

is well baked before removing from the oven Harriet Kihiu | 2007 |High School Teacher & Professional Baker at Artsy Cakes Tel No. 0711 - 934244

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"Moments from the 1st Annual Alumni Charity Dinner held on 4th October 2019 at Elysian Resort, Kiambu Road”

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"Moments from the 1st Annual Alumni Charity Dinner held on 4th October 2019 at Elysian Resort, Kiambu Road”

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"Moments from the 1st Annual Alumni Charity Dinner held on 4th October 2019 at Elysian Resort, Kiambu Road”

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It is not how much we give but how much love we put into giving - Mother Theresa

MOGA ASSOCIATION

Mugoiri Old Girls Association (MOGA) P. O. Box 20 10201 Kahuro Muranga County Email: mugoirioldgirls@gmail.com Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Mugoirioldgirlsassociation/ Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/189338307814782/?ref=search Join us in "GOING BACK AND GIVING BACK!"