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Covid- 19 Pandemic HELPING CHILDREN COPE WITH STRESS AND ANXIETY

MOGA NEWS

ISSUE No: 1 August 2020

Innovation in Technology WHAT IS THE LATEST NEWS?

How I started my Online Business

Alumni Spotlight:

Meet Ann Mwangi

Finance Act 2020

How SMEs can comply with amendments

Mad about Hair!

Everything you need to know about wigs

4 tips to helpyou explore a career in TECH

ABOUT MOGA

Copyright @2020 by MOGA

All Rights Reserved Published by Mugoiri Old Girls Association. This Magazineorparts thereof, may not bereproduced inany formwithoutpermission in writing from the Publisher.

Executive Committee

OUR MOTTO:

Victoria Kamau Chairperson year of exit 1996 Margaret Nyutho Vice-chairperson year of exit 1975

Esther Karanja Treasurer year of exit 2005 VACANT

year of exit Assistant Treasurer

Terry Warui year of exit Outgoing Secretary 2005 Ann Wahito Assistant secretary year of exit 1990 Principal-OLC Mugoiri Girls High Sch Committee Member Mrs. Susan Mundia

Dr. Ruth Mugo year of exit Committee Member 1982

Ann Mary Githu Committee Member year of exit 1998 Charity Ndaburu Committee Member year of exit 1995

Purity Gitonga Committee Member year of exit 2004

Rachael Steve Committee Member year of exit 2004

HOW CAN I BECOME A REGISTERED MEMBER OF THE ASSOCIATION?

Becomea memberof MOGAtodayand join the teamofamazing alumni inour journeyto GO BACK & GIVE BACKtoouralma mater!

1. WHY REGISTER AS A MEMBER?

1. Toassociatewithotheralumni of like mind and withcommonobjectives 2. To fosterasenseofcommunityand purpose 3. Providesanopportunitytogive back inaformal, authenticated and organized manner 4. Createscontinuity inengagement 5. Provides networking opportunitiesamong members 6. Ensuresvalidityoftheassociationthrough formal membership 7. Unityofstrength

HOW MUCH DOES IT COSTTO REGISTER?

Itwill cost Kshs 800 to registerasa member. This consistsofan initial registration feeof Kshs 500 and anannual membership feeof Kshs 300. Onceyou register, youwill onlypaytheannual fee insubsequent years. This moneygoes towards meeting the administrativecostsoftheassociation including the annual general meeting (AGM).

HOWTO REGISTER IN 4 EASY STEPS!

Step 1: Visitourfacebookpage: https://www.facebook.com/Mugoirioldgirlsassociation/ Step 2: Clickon theprovided form (pinned post) to registerasa member. Step 3: Completeand submitthe form. Step 4: Makeyourpaymentvia Paybill: 400222, Account No. 320714#yourname

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

EDITOR’S NOTE: Rachael

IS EVERYWRITING AWRITE 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

THE CHAIRPERSON’S DESK MOGA: Acityona hill thatcannot be hidden

Victoria Kamau | 1996

Dear Heavenly Father,

Matthew 5: 14 I thankyoudeeplyand sincerelyfor helping us build acommunity 13You are the salt of the ofsisterhood focused on making a lasting impact inour earth. But if the salt loses generation. Thankyou forall the breakthroughsyou havegifted us its savor, how can it be rightfrom thevery beginning. Myprayerforus is thatyouwill: - made salty again? It is no Unite our hearts, minds and spirits towards a common purpose longer good for anything, Help us to be our sisters' keepers in times of need and except to be thrown out and times of plenty trampled by men. 14You are Inculcate in us hearts filled with mercy and a giving hand the light of the world. A city for all those in need on a hill cannot be hidden. Teach us to be tolerant of one another and to forgive 15Neither do people light a those who may wrong us lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.… Cast out the spirit of pride or envy and replace it with a spirit of modesty and humility Ingrain in us a culture of integrity and help us live by positive values 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 HILLTHAT CANNOT BE HIDDEN! Amen!

MOGA NEWS MENTORSHIP

Impact and Importance of Mentorship

Mentoring is important, not only because of knowledge and skills students can learn from mentors, but also because mentoring provides professional socializationand personal support tofacilitatesuccessinschool and beyond.

Mentorship in a layman's language is passing knowledge gained through learning and experiencetoothersinordertoempowerthem and propel themtogreaterheights. Mentoring canmakeanenormousimpactonpeople'slives and careerpath. Mentorsmustdecidetotakeon this responsibility for the right and genuine reasons. A good mentor is someone who is motivated and energized, cares about developing othersand iswilling tocommittheir 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. Thefirstsessionfor2020, scheduled for15 th March2020 wascancelled duetotheonsetofthe Covid-19 pandemic. However, the sessions shall resumeoncethingsnormalize.

IMPACT & IMPORTANCE OF MENTORSHIP

“A mentor is someone whoallowsyou to see the hope inside yourself” OprahWinfrey

MOGA NEWS MENTORSHIP

The legacyofmentorship lives on through those you mentor, thoughseeing thoseyoucareforfail and steersidewaysispartoftheprocess. We share lessons, insights and wisdom. We pass knowledgedownfreelygiving tootherswhatwas given to us which is the key to success. Personal success is emphasized but participating in the success ofothers is key to having a truly thriving community. Inregard to this, the mentor – mentee relationship need to begenuine, organicand haveatwowaydirectionofcommunication. Benefitsof being a mentee include butare not limited to the following: · Gainpractical advice, encouragement and support. · Learn from theexperienceofothers · Increaseonessocial and academic confidence · Become moreempowered to make decisions · Developyourcommunication, studyand personal skills · Developstrategies fordealing with both personal and academic issues · Identifygoalsand establishasenseof direction Gainvaluable insight into the next stageofyouruniversity/collegecareer

Making newfriendsacross theglobe On theother hand, becoming a mentor enablesyou to: - · Positively impactthe livesof mentees · Reinforceyourown individual skills, knowledgeand graspofyoursubject matter · Build confidenceand enhancesyour presentationskills · Enhanceyour CVand experience in voluntarywork · Networkwithother likeminded mentors thusgrowing yoursocial circle · Provides fulfillmentand satisfactionof helping othersand contributing to their betterment .

We lookforward to schools reopening in 2021 so thatwecancontinuewith the mentorship sessions. Ifyouwould wish tovolunteerto bea mentor, pleaseemail uson mugoirioldgirls@gmail.com and the join the amazing teamofalumni mentors!

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

TECH MANIA

Innovation in Technology:

What is the latest news?

The word, Technology is defined as “The application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry” and Innovationisdefined as“Anew method, idea or product”. In the Oxford Dictionary. Thesetwowords combined, have been the buzz phrase in recent times. The words leave us imagining endless possibilities of thedigital era butalso on theother hand notquiteclearwhatall ofitentails.

K. Schwab founder and executive chairman ofthe World Economic Forum coined the term fourth industrial revolution that describes a world where individuals move between digital domains and offlinerealitywiththeuseofconnected technology toenableand managetheirlives. Thisisthestatewe 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 canweexperienceitpractically? Let's look at this recent example. In July 2020, Loon, a networkofballoons traveling on the edge ofspace 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 throughaballoon.

Africa in general continues to benefit immensely whentechnological innovationsareused asacatalyst for change especially if integrated with a holistic approach. These kinds oftechnological 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 froma 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 oughttoplacetheirfocuson.

In conclusion, Lipsey et al: in Economic transformations: general purpose technologies and long term economic growth book, notes that technological innovationcontributestohigherlevels ofeconomic output and can deliver new goods and servicesthatchangehumanlivesand capabilities.

Caroline Muthambiri | 1997 | Corporate Operations Engineer, Google, Switzerland |

Page: www.muthambiri.xyz | Member –

Constitution Review Committee

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

MEETANN MWANGI Ann, WelcometotheAlumni Spotlightsegment and thankyouforbeing braveenoughtobethe firstalumni featured inthemagazine. Youarea true trailblazer. So Bravo! The spotlight is now onyou…pleasetell usmoreaboutwhoyouare.

MynameisAnnMwangi, analumni ofMugoiri Girls HighSchool orMugzaswewould sometimescall it, classof2009. I wasbornand raised inCentral Kenya, Nyeri Countytobeprecise. I amafirstborninfamily offour. Growing up, wasand still ismyfavoritepart ofmylifetodate.

Whatwasitlikegrowing upinNyeri?

Quite interesting! Back then, there was no digital entertainment. However, that'snottosaywedid not havefuntimes. Asamatteroffact, wespenthoursof our childhood playing both practical and make beliefgames that I believe have shaped our lives to date. TheonlyinstanceI remembersitting towatch TV, wasduring wrestling between 7pmand 8pm. It was quite nerve wrecking as we had to cross our fingersand praythatourblackand whiteTVdoesn'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 nowwiththeadventoftechnology.

Tell moreaboutyourearlyeducationall theway tothepointofjoining 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 thatstill guides me to date. I wasexcellent in my school work and I topped my class for several yearsexceptforafewtimes. EventuallyI wasacandidateand itwastimetochoose secondaryschools. Being inNyeri, all mychoiceswere 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 thatsinceeveryonewasapplying tothebest schools in Nyeri, I could as well apply to the best schools in a different District. That is how I found myselfinMugoiri wheremylifewasaltered inthebest wayspossible.

HowwaslifeinMugoiri?

In2006 whenmyadmissionlettercameitwasabitter sweet moment for me. I was the only one from my primary school to be admitted outside Nyeri and in somewayI feltlonely. However, thatchanged assoon as I joined form 1. I experience some initial culture shock as the student population was so diverse in so

FAMILY MATTERS

COVID-19 Pandemic: Helping Children Cope with stress and anxiety

Astheworld grappleswiththenewdrasticchangesand challengesbroughtduetothe Covid-19 pandemic, our children have to equally adjust to the perceived “new normal” forcontinuitywiththeirdailylives.

When the schools closed following the government directives in the education sector, nobodywasprepared fortheperiod ittookforthegovernmenttolifttheban on cessations and lockdown. Equally, parents were not prepared to have their childrenconfined totheirhomesforanentireyear. Moreimportantly, childrenhave found itdifficultto understand and copewith thedirective forschool closure until nextyear. Thesearedifficulttimesforall indeed.

Educationisarightforeverychild inKenyaand assuch, wehaveseenthegovernment takedrasticmeasuresinensuring 100% transitionfromprimaryschoolstosecondary schools. Learning institutionoffersourchildrenaplacefornotonlyforlearning basicskillsand gaining knowledgebut also provides a place for social interaction that is fundamental in bringing up a wholesome being. The Covid-19 guidelinesthathaveseentheintroductionofvirtual learning inlinewithavoiding contactand keeping social distance. Though'learning fromhome' isabsolutelynecessaryinkeeping inlinewiththeguidelines, ithasalsodeprived childrena lot.

Thesebluntstandardsthatchildrenareslowlyadapting tocould lead tomanystruggling withstressand anxiety. Thishas alsobeenseeninparentstrying tobalanceworking fromhomeand watching overtheirchildren. Aseveryonecraftsways ofmaneuvering withchangesand challengesthathavecomewithCOVID-19, thechildrenshould notbeleftbehind.

Let'sevaluatepossiblecausesofstressand anxiety inChildrenduring suchacrisis

Change in environment

Inthiseraofrising technologyand demand for studying onlineorkeeping atparwiththesocial world, childrenhavebecomeexposed tomobile phones, computers and laptops where most preferspending mostoftheirtime. Thejoythat comeswithlearning intheschool environment isslowlydwindling aschildrentrytocopewith thestressand challenges presented to them in ofgoing thedigital way.

Frustrated hopes

Every child was looking to joining the next class withcandidatesexpecting to join the nextphase of life. The changes that have come with the rescheduling of the school Calendar in Kenya may havegreatlyaffected childrenwho had high hopesoftransitioning tothenextlevel.

FAMILY MATTERS

Grief

The children are consuming a lot of news that comes with the spread ofthe COVID-19 and the deathsitcontinuestocause. Othershavelostclose family members, relatives, and friends with the pandemic.

Family instability

The COVID-19 pandemic has rendered many people jobless thus affecting the flow ofincome. Many families are trying to adjust to meet the needs ofeach member with many uncertainties. Children getstressed when theysee their parents who lost jobs/businesses struggle to meet their basic needs. Othersare infearoflosing theirjobs thus mayunknowinglypass on the stress to their children

Social Disconnects

Children are today more tech-savvy and thus preferspending theirwholetimeonthe internet or watching television/movies. With the Pandemic guidelines, parents are not able to encourage their children to go out and play or meetnewfriends. Social distancing and “learning from home” are necessarymeasurestofightCOVID-19. However, if children are completely barred from co-curricular activities, this may have far-fetching effects in running theirdaytodayactivities. Social playhelps childrentobeincontrol overtheiremotions.

Asaparent, one has to lookoutforthe following stress symptomsintheirchild.

Behavioral symptoms

· Clinginessorcrying fornoreason. · Aggression · Restlessness · Mood swings · Recurring fears · Regression

Physical symptoms

· Headaches · Stomachupsets · Reduced orincreased appetite · Bedwetting · Lossofsleeporhaving nightmares · Withdrawal

Sometimes, it may be difficult to distinguish these symptoms from any other illness. However, you can eliminatethese bydoing awellbeing checkwithyour children daily. Giving them an opportunity to give yourfeedbackcanhelpinidentifying, differentiating, and correlating these symptoms to Covid-19 related stressorotherreasons.

Hereare8 simpletipstohelpyoutomanageCovid19 stressand anxietyinyourchildren

1. Deal with your stress first as a parent to avoid passing thisontothem 2. Involve them to make a daily routine that will keepthembusyand occupied 3. Exploreindoorfamilyfuntimeactivitiestokeep everyoneengaged 4. Nurture your children talents and expose them tonewexciting programmesthatwill helpthem grow 5. Spend quality time with your children and use thisfreetimetobond asafamily 6. Talkand listen to them frequently to knowhow theyarereallydoing 7. Guide them into having personal time for their ownreflection 8. Where necessary, seek professional help e.g.

Counselling

Wearehopeful thatschoolswill bereopening inJanuary 2021 asdirected bytheCabinetSecretary, Prof. Maghoha from the Ministry ofEducation. In the meantime, let's doourbesttohelpourchildrencopewiththisseason. It will soonpass!

FINANCIAL TIMES

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 resourceshavenotkeptabreastof changes proposed bythe Finance Act, 2020 regarding taxes and will be caught up by KRA in the nearfuturefornon-compliance.

We highlight to you few amendments under the Finance Act2020 assented into lawbythe President on 30 June 2020 that mightaffectyourbusiness;

Minimumtax

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 instalmentstobedueonthe20th dayofthefourth, sixth, ninthand twelfth month of the year of income.

Digital servicestax(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 payableinagivenyearofincome.

VAT(Deductionofinputtax)

Effective 30 June 2021, you will only claim input VAT if the corresponding output VAT has beendeclared byyoursuppliers.

Voluntary Disclosure Programme

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 penaltieswill begranted 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.

FrashierMuiruri |2009| Team Leader at Upskill Business Solutions. We offer 360 degrees business solutions; Accounting and book keeping, Business Advisory, Business and Company registration, Tax advisory, audit services at affordable costs. Follow us on social media; LinkedIn, fa ceb o o k, In sta gra m @Upskill Business Solutions.

WORDSMITH

HomeAway 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!

ChristineWaiyego Irungu | 2015 | Studentof Bachelorof Science Industrial Chemistryat JKUAT, Juja

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

How I started m y O n l i n e Business

CA Y J A Y IMPORTS is an online s h o p d e a l i n g mainly in ladies and gents wear, k i t c h e n a n d h o u s e h o l d products. Drop shipping is our strategy which means that we do notstock items but rather order items based on market demand.

My greatest inspiration to start this business wasthedesiretomakethatextracoinwithout investing inshelfspaceand hugecapital. I was also inspired by the realization that in the current world, most people prefer hassle free shopping, where theyordergoods onlineand havethemdelivered attheirdoorstep. I started thebusinesswithafewimportsfrom ChinafromthelittlesavingsthatI had tucked away from my salary whilst I was in formal employment. I then marketed mostly to my friendsonWhatsAppand Facebook.

Online businesses have quite a number of challenges which require one to have a 'thick skin' soastosurvive. v Mistrust from clients as most prefer to purchasefromaphysical location v Sometimesoneaccruesalotofdead stock' especiallyonclothing. Intheonlineworld, “trying beforebuying” is not possible. In as much as you try to compensate for this byallowing customers to review products by displaying photosand videos of products in action, some will still reject the items on delivery.

v High levels of competition on social mediaplatforms 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 platformused forselling. Onehastooffervery uniqueproductsand giveverygood ratessoas toovertakethecompetitors.

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

On the other hand, online businesses gives onefreedomtopursueotherthingsasyoustill runthebusiness. Forinstancebeing amother oftwo, I am able to look after my babies as I still sell. One can do undertake a lot ofother activities such a studies, running a physical business, farming etc. Myonlinebusinesshas helped metoworkonmyterms, and tobemy ownboss. I havenosettimelinestomeet.

My advice to anyone seeking to start their businessisto: - - Do enough research on returns and the marketdemand - Considerselling themosttrending itemsin themarket - Behonestand trustworthy - Havegood customerservice - Takeadvantageofanyselling platform thatyou maycomeacross. - Identifyasuccessful marketing and advertising strategy. - Bea jackofall trades - Never letgoanyopportunityprovided you havesomeonewhocansupplythat particular item

Withall oftheabove, youwill beable to build agood clientele base throughcustomer referrals. I believeaman inspiration toyoung people, especiallyyoung mothers like myself whocan barelyafford to startcapital based business.

Myparting shotto thosewhowould like to venture intoentrepreneurship is to take the risk. What'sworse than nottrying anyway?

Nancy Njehia |Classof 2012| Owner – CAYJAY ImportsTel No. 0707079759