Mojatu Nottingham Magazine Issue M015

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Editor’s Welcome

Contents

Welcome to the M14 edition of Nottingham Mojatu issue. Special thanks to all our readers and supporters for your support! The far we have come wouldn’t have been possible without your continued support.

Mojatu Foundation has unveiled a new End Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) logo symbolising the Foundation’s focus on ending FGM in a generation. FGM is illegal in the UK; it is also illegal to take a British national or permanent resident abroad for FGM or to help someone trying to do this. We are committed to work closely with individuals, communities, government bodies, local authorities and other campaigners to end this disturbing act against children and women’s rights. In this issue, we cover articles on FGM campaign work done by inspirational individuals. We are also recruiting women who are 18 years and above to be trained to become ‘Community Media Champions’ reporting on issues affecting their communities. See page 4-9 for more details.

The Ebola pandemic continues to be a major concern and we share articles on this disease and the passion individuals have to see the end of it. Don’t forget to check this on page 22-25. We have also launched a ‘Foodex’ page where Chef Thomas Musiiwa will be sharing more on food. Check out an article on benefits of Avocado and Foodex on page 32-35.

We also feature the Kenya Nottinghamshire Welfare Association which was formed to support Kenyans living in Nottinghamshire and to connect them with other communities and opportunities. See page 20-21. The Igbo community in Nottingham celebrated the New Yam festival in style this August. The event brought over 150 people from both Nottingham and outside. See page 1315. On page 42, we celebrate the success of graduates who’ve taken the challenge to pursue higher education.

Don’t forget “The habits of successful people” on page 26.

News & Sports African led - End FGM Movements 4-5 Where are Men? 7 Female Genital Mutilation and Mental Health 8 RIP Efua Dorkenoo OBE 9 Hyson Green Stand Up to Hate Crime 11

Valentine Nkoyo Managing Editor: Mojatu magazines Email: valentine@mojatu.com

Editorial

Community IGBO Union Photos 13 Why I am going to Sierra Leone to fight Ebola 22-23 Ebola Photos - Sorrow, Anguish and Joy 24-25 Faith & Spirituality Habits of successful people 26 Arts & Culture Finding Fela review 28 New Art Exchange Events 30-31 Health & Food 10 Proven Benefits of Avocado 32-33 Business & Finance 5 Ways To Invest In Your Education 36 Education & Career NTU Global Lounge 38 Graduate Profiles 42 End FGM Logo launched 44 Community Media Champion 45

Cover

New Mojatu end FGM Logo Mojatu Team Design

Mojatu Foundation Disclaimer The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publishers. Every effort has been made to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate but the publisher cannot take responsibility for errors, omissions, nor can we accept responsibility for the advertisements or editorial contributions.

Group Editor: Frank Kamau: frank@mojatu.com

Photos: Get the magazine: Olajuwon Williams | Maggie Ndungu Online @ www.mojatu.com/magazines

Managing Editor: Valentine: valentine@mojatu.com

Sales & Marketing: Goda: goda@mojatu.com Jah Abdoulie: jah@mojatu.com

Graphic Designers: Robert Borbely | Manisha Sutradhar Contributors: Valentine Nkoyo | Kris Gunnars | Michael Henry | Edwin Ubah | William Mureithi | Dr Phoebe Abe | Goda Kacileviciutë | Kathryn Stinson | Greg Ozokuwe | Cecily Mwaniki | Kate Millers | Pastor Gary IT: Zsolt Paroda | Denis Negreba

Accounts / Admin: Penny Cooper: penny@mojatu.com

Subscription @ £24 per year including postage subs@mojatu.com Address: Mojatu Foundation Publications 167 Alfreton Road, Nottingham, NG7 3JR

Community Engagement: Edwin Udah: eddy@mojatu.com T: 0115 845 7009 Kevin Price: kevin.price@mojatu.com M: 07516962992

Non Executive Directors: Facebook: mojatufoundation Delroy: delroy.brown@mojatu.com Twitter: @mojatu1 Dr. Tabani Ndlovu: tabani@mojatu.com

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News & Sports

African led - End FGM Movements Take Root

By Valentine Nkoyo

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) otherwise called Female Genital Cutting (FGC) is the removal or injury of the external female genitalia for non-medical purposes. It is an unnecessary and extremely harmful illegal practice that causes significant physical, mental and emotional harm. It affects up to 140 million women around the world, with 3 million girls in Africa at risk of undergoing it each year.

FGM is carried out for cultural, religious and social reasons within families and communities. It has no health benefits. Instead, it has many damaging health issues including negative interference with the natural functions of girls’ and women’s bodies.

It is prevalent in the Eastern, North-Eastern and Western parts of Africa, the Middle East and Asia. It is also practiced by some immigrant communities in UK and other Western countries. Alhough some parents are beginning to stop FGM as a family ritual for alternative rituals and rites of passage that are not physically abusive, and are instead empowering and affirming, some still adhere to the old FGM practices.

The continuing cases of FGM are made worse by lack of understanding by the public and the professionals such as nurses, doctors, police, judiciary and care professionals who are unable to identify FGM cases or act to either prevent it from happening or support the victims. It is also prevalent due to the strong links most migrants still have with their culture, especially where integration is difficult and broader opportunities are limited by conformity to own cultural demands.

The late co-ordinator of The Girl Generation: Together to End FGM Efua Dorkenoo OBE (see tribute on page 9) said: “Over the next ten years, more than 30 million girls are at risk of undergoing FGM. After decades of work, momentum for change is growing. Across the African continent and around the world, people are coming together to abandon this form of violence against women and girls.”

innovative approaches that help in the marketing and communications approaches to expand the understanding and coverage of FGM and spread information about its impact. This has culminated to the launch of Schemes such as The Girl Generation: Together to End FGM, which was launched October 2014 in London.

This Africa-led movement is the brainchild of the late Efua Dorkenoo (see tribute on page 9) who said: “Together we can end FGM in one generation. We can support campaigns to end FGM in some of the most affected countries in Africa. It will bring stories of change to a global audience and stimulate further activities and media campaigns while mobilising resources to help end FGM in one generation. It will start its work in Kenya, Burkina Faso and Nigeria will also help to extend measures to stamp out FGM in Africa and other continents for good”.

Among the Maasai people in Kenya, Tasaru Ntomonok Initiative (TNI) has also shown how African-led initiatives help fight FGM and early marriages. Citing the work TNI has been doing among the Maasai people in Kenya, the TNI Project Coordinator Agnes Pareyio, said: “TNI has been engaged in community awareness-raising and education against the practice using workshops and seminars for specific target groups such as community leaders, circumcisers, health workers, journalists, police, the youth, teachers, women’s groups and peer educators to inform them about the dangers of FGM”.

The End FGM campaign which has been going on for the last few years is being expanded with new schemes within and outside the UK. Mojatu has been passionately supporting action against FGM by reporting on and participating in FGM campaigns. We need to work together in raising awareness.

The technological and social changes taking place globally call for schemes with

Invitation to graduation ceremony Tasaru Rescue Centre is a haven for girls escaping FGM and early marriages

Nottingham connected

News category & Sports

‘Colonial mentality’ mentality’ and and ‘Colonial ‘Colonial baggage’ baggage’ ‘Colonial Similar schemes schemes have have been been launched launched in in Bukina Bukina Faso, Faso, Similar Ethiopia, Egypt Egypt and and Nigeria.

Nigeria. The The only only way way to to eliminate eliminate Ethiopia, FGM is is by by the the UK UK and and other other countries countries following following FGM Africa’s initiatives initiatives and and by by increasing increasing awareness awareness and and Africa’s social integration integration and and mobility. mobility. The The UK UK should should not not social engage with with African African and and Asian Asian countries countries and and their their engage citizens in in ways ways that that convey convey either either aa sense sense of of carrying carrying citizens ‘colonial baggage’ baggage’ or or the the colonial colonial mentality mentality of of‘we ‘we ‘colonial engage with with in in aa know it all’. Instead, they should engage collaborative manner.

Main types of FGM:

Africanwomen womenhave havebeen beenspeaking speakingout outfor for African almost10 10years yearsagainst againstthe thepractice. practice.They Theyshow show almost comprehensiveapproach approachto toaddress addressFGM FGMin in aa comprehensive Africa and andthe theUK UKshould shouldempower empowerindividuals individuals Africa and organisations organisationsengaged engagedin inthese theseactivities activitiesby by and supportingthe theexisting existingschemes schemesthrough throughfunds fundsand and supporting other ways waysto tomake makethem themsustainable. sustainable.Countries Countrieslike like other BukinaFaso, Faso,Kenya Kenyaand andEthiopia Ethiopiashow showreducing reducingrates rates Bukina of FGM FGMamong amongyounger youngergenerations, generations,albeit albeitnot notat atthe the of expectedrates. rates. expected Together,we wecan cansurely surelyend endFGM FGMin inthis thisgeneration! generation!

Together,

(Circumcision) –– removing removing part partor orthe theentire entireclitoris. clitoris.

Type 1 – Clitoridectomy (Circumcision) Type 2 – Excision – removing part or or all all of of the the clitoris clitoris and andthe theinner innerlabia labia(lips (lipsthat thatsurround surroundthe thevagina), vagina),with withor orwithout without outer lips). lips). removal of the labia majora (larger outer of the the vaginal vaginal opening openingby bycreating creatingaaseal, seal,formed formedby bycutting cuttingand andrepositioning repositioningthe thelabia. labia.

Type 3 – Infibulation – narrowing of Other harmful procedures to the female female genitals, genitals, which whichinclude includepricking, pricking,piercing, piercing,cutting, cutting,scraping scrapingand andburning burningthe thearea. area.

Statistic: women giving giving birth birth Since 2008, around 1.5% of all women in England and Wales had undergone undergone FGM, FGM, of of Horn of of Africa.

Africa. which 60% originated from the Horn living in in Britain Britain have have Over 66,000 women and girls living experienced FGM.

Approximately137,000 137,000women womenand andgirls girlsininEngland Englandand andWales Wales Approximately affectedby byFGM FGMbased basedon: on: affected 103,000women womenaged aged15-49 15-49and andabout about24,000 24,000women womenaged aged50 50 103,000 andover overwho whohave havemigrated migratedto toEngland Englandand andWales Walesare areliving living and withthe theconsequences consequencesof ofFGM; FGM; with

in UKcarries and carries a maximum FGM is illegal and a maximum prisonprison sentence of 14 years.

10,000girls girlsaged agedunder under15 15and and24,000 24,000women womenover over50, 50,who whohave have 10,000 migratedto toEngland Englandand andWales Walesare arelikely likelyto tohave haveundergone undergoneFGM; FGM; migrated

perform FGM FGM in in the the It is an offence for anyone to perform taken abroad abroad for for it. it.

UK or to arrange for a girl to be taken

60,000girls girlsaged aged0-14 0-14were wereborn bornininEngland Englandand andWales Walesto tomothmoth60,000 erswho whohad hadundergone undergoneFGM. FGM. ers

psychological FGM causes lasting physical & psychological damage.

Source: City University London EqualityNow Now research published July 2014.

City University London andand Equality research Available at http://goo.gl/ZPuQli published July 2014. Available at http://goo.gl/ZPuQli

Together we can end Female Genital Mutilation in a generation!

See page 44-45

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News & Sports

Learning from Africa The UK has been actively seeking to counter FGM but there are still many areas that need immediate and definitive actions to guarantee FGM is eradicated in this generation.

Many African countries that are affected by FGM have made it a priority to ‘end FGM’ and are continually advocating strongly against the practice. They have adopted a variety of interventional approaches that bring together the social and economic aspects and needs of individuals and use them to seek alternatives to the ‘cut’.

These activities involve collaborating with, and learning from, other FGM campaigners and communities as well as involving community leaders and professionals at all levels such as women’s organisations, youth leaders, the police, medical and teaching professionals and religious leaders. This ensures that FGM messages are communicated to the wider public and that locals are not alienated.

Awareness campaigns are also carried widely in the local media while individuals from the police, educationists, military and other teams are engaged in the information dissemination processes. Wellstructured and illustrated signposting plus dedicated hotlines to report suspected cases of FGM and for survivors or other affected parties to receive counselling and support have been made available.

These countries have also integrated FGM training into their medical training such as in the reproductive health programmes. Countries such as Burkina Faso are also developing specialist clinics that will cater for complications arising from FGM. They have also adopted technology to provide up-to-date information on FGM that helps them evaluate to and monitor the progress.

Unlike financially and technologically disadvantaged countries, the UK has resources and infrastructure to develop these systems quickly and more effectively.

The UK should adopt such steps and ensure that FGM is eradicated in this country.

Improving awareness “There is need for improved awareness for everyone in the community, especially among the medical, police, counsellors and other professionals. We need to raise awareness about the “disgusting” practice of FGM”, said Dr Yvonne Obura.

Dr. Obura, a 26 year old junior doctor, was recently honoured by the Prime Minister, David Cameron for her role in helping to educate thousands of medical students about FGM.

Dr Obura with Point of Light award for her volunteering work from Prime Minister, David Cameron Dr Obura said that she was inspired by a case of an FGM victim whom she saw in 2012 while working at a hospital in Slough. “I realised a lot of my colleagues did not know about FGM and even those who had come across it before were quite uncomfortable about broaching the topic with a patient. I realised that not many medical schools teach it in their syllabus”.

The Prime Minister presented said that, “only by working together to raise awareness of this disgusting and unacceptable practice can we end it for good. Yvonne is playing an important role in these vital efforts.”

Mojatu Foundation is working with Utulivu Women Group of Reading and other partners to increase awareness and in identifying ways to include more stakeholders, especially men, in the activities to eliminate FGM. Cecily Mwaniki, the director of Utulivu Women’s Group said: “Men are major players in the FGM campaign.

It is also important to include people from other cultures in the debate for us to make lasting impact in this campaign and to effectively address the existing loopholes within the UK law in relation to FGM. Work

by Utulivu Women’s Group on FGM show that men (fathers, husbands, brothers and uncles) both within and outside the cultural groups that practice FGM are rarely engaged in the issue. Most of them have little or no awareness about the physical, emotional and psychological effects of the practice.”

“The overall consensus is that men need to be part of the campaign. There is a huge vacuum for information dissemination and increased awareness. We are thus launching a booklet and an online and mobile mapping tool on FGM in the near future.” She said.

Nottingham connected

News & Sports

Where are the Men?

By Dr Phoebe Abe

The men are the head of the household in our African community. As such we need them to start talking to one another in positive discussion and dialogue. Men, for centuries your women have suffered in silence because they respect, love you and want to remain faithful to you. They sincerely express their love and faithfulness but this has come with a lot of suffering and tolerance.

My brothers, our women have not told you what they have to endure, they have not let you know what suffering they go through. This is because of their love and that is typical of most women across the globe.

starting a race, everyone must start at the same line and with equal opportunity. Not ‘cutting’ them before the first starting shot but this is what we are doing to our girls.

Women’s tolerance to pain is undisputed from the day they reach puberty throughout their child bearing years. What about their monthly period pain disguised in Latin as ‘dysmenorrhoea’ and what about the labour pains? Can you believe that a woman may have twenty two births - I have had children and believe me that pain exists! But because we love our family and you men we go on and on to please you and give birth.

And still disguised in ‘Latin’ the words ‘dyspareunia’ and ‘dysuria’ for bedfellow and urine consecutively are just the symptoms too familiar to these women.

Men in our community, 140 million girls and women globally are living with the consequences and cannot tolerate the side effects of the ‘cutting’. Three million girls all over the world are at risk of being ‘cut’ every year. An up to date estimate of the numbers of affected girls and women living in England and Wales and girls at risk of Female Genital Mutilation is 137,000 as of July 2014. This is a provisional estimated study by City University London project funded by the London Trust and the Home Office but it could be higher!

Women’s acceptance to suffering and love for their family, from Mary, the mother of Jesus of Nazareth as she looks up at her son on the cross, to Nosekeni the mother of Nelson Mandela as she visited her son in Prison on Roben Island, South Africa, is undisputed.

Let us make sure that no more girls suffer from the dreadful pain of ‘cutting’. They are our children, they are your children. No one loves girls more than their fathers. The bonds and love between daughters and fathers is very special.

I therefore call upon women all over the world to Women in widowhood suffer as they single handed support and empower the FGM women survivors, all care for their orphans. girls and their brothers. Make them strong and healthy to support their men, their family and their nations. A In Female Genital Mutilation we are talking of young healthy and happy woman makes for a healthy family. females - these are little girls and babies, they do not The old adage is ‘Behind every successful man there is a deserve to suffer. Let them be happy in their prime, strong woman’. Let’s have a new African saying: ‘Next let them enjoy their childhood. This is the only time to every man stands a strong woman’. a ‘woman’ can be happy and free. Let us not deprive them of these happy times. They will have ‘hard’ and Dr Phoebe Abe MBChB MSc CTM challenging years ahead. There are hard times ahead Survivor of refugee-hood, widowhood, single parenthood when they face the adult world. and an ethnic minority black woman family doctor in a Men of the community, work together with us to make majority of an English and Cosmopolitan community in sure we give all our girls the best start in life. Like the London Borough of Hillingdon.

News & Sports

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FGM and Mental Health: It is Time for Action!

By Cecily Mwaniki CMnetwork, Mojatu and Utulivu women continue to champion the campaign against FGM. In doing so, we are aware that the damage already done is irreversible but we know that empowering women and the community in the way of raising awareness will go a long way in preventing the same damage to the young girls but also supporting those who have been affected by it.

Though FGM has acute physical consequences on victims that include bleeding, wound infections, sepsis, shock, micturition syncope problems and fractures, it also leads to major mental health problems for victims, their families and their communities.

Research shows that there are huge impacts on mental health of women following genital mutilation.

Researches appearing in the American Journal of Psychiatry and The Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynecology found that FGM victims experience huge mental problems.

These are caused by chronic physical problems like anaemia, infections of the urinary tract, incontinence, infertility, pain, menstruation problems and dyspareunia are frequent. These women have a higher risk for a prolonged delivery, wound infections, postpartum blood loss, perineal tears, and potential of perinatal death.

Mental consequences identified include feelings of incompleteness, fear, inferiority, suppression, chronic irritability and nightmares.

More than 90% of the women who are victims of FGM described feelings of “intense fear, helplessness, horror, and severe pain” during the circumcision.

Over 80% said they “still suffering from recurring

experiences of their circumcision”. The psychiatric diagnoses showed that almost 80% of the women who had undergone FGM met criteria for affective or anxiety disorders, with a high rate (30.4%) of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), while only one of the uncircumcised women fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for an affective disorder.

FGM has been found to likely cause various emotional disturbances, leading to psychiatric disorders, especially PTSD. Despite FGM being an attribute of the participants’ ethnic background, these researches show that there is no protection against the development of PTSD and other psychiatric disorders despite the practice being culturally embeded.

These facts increase the need for increased awareness and better measures for safeguarding those at risk and the existing victims. Communities should also be better informed and practitioners better trained with government must be more determined in protecting FGM victims and those in danger.

Our project will help to enhance the safeguarding, informing, signposting and raising awareness. It will also give the victims and those most in danger a voice and a chance to develop better skills, become more integrated and have opportunities of income from employment. You are invited to our conference in Reading as per the advert below.

Nottingham connected

News & Sports

Tribute to Mama Efua Dorkenoo OBE, “Mother of FGM Campaign”

By Valentine Nkoyo

Efua Dorkenoo OBE, affectionately known as “mama Efua” and widely seen as the mother of the global movement to end Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) has died of cancer aged 65.

Born in Ghana on September 6th 1949, Efua moved to London aged 19 and became a staff nurse in 1977. She came across FGM while doing a short course in midwifery in the early 1970s in Sheffield and was awarded the OBE in 1994 for her FGM campaign.As Director of the new Girl Generation: Together to end FGM, funded by DFID, Efua was again taking the campaign to a global level.

She co-founded FORWARD (The Foundation for Women’s Health, Research and Development) in 1983 and was a Senior FGM Advisor for Equality Now, an international human rights organization. Efua Dorkenoo is the author of ‘Cutting the Rose: Female Genital Mutilation’ published in 1996. She worked with African women in many UK health institutions and gained a master’s degree from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, also an honorary senior research fellow at the School of Health Sciences at City University, London.

establish FGM as a human rights concern and placed it on the agenda of the United Nations Commission in Geneva.

“She was an incredible African female warrior and she never gave up” said Leyla Hussein, co-founder of Daughters of Eve with who worked with ‘Mama Efua’ and is an active FGM campaigner.

‘End FGM’ campaigner Nimko Ali, who worked closely with Efua said: “Dorkenoo has changed policy in the UK and overseas and has made a personal difference for many survivors’ lives. She was a giant on whose shoulders we stand, she prepared the way for us and even though she did not see the end of FGM in her generation, it will end – and that is thanks to her.”

‘Damirefa due’, is a saying in Akan, (Efua’s first language in Ghana), said by Fanti people meaning “we acknowledge the deep pain within you and we condole you” Rest in Efua was instrumental in facilitating the formation of peace, Efua. the Inter African Committee (IAC) on Harmful Traditional Efua Dorkenoo is survived by her husband, Freddie and Practices to address FGM in Africa and helped to two sons, Kobina and Ebow.

The third England-wide National HIV Testing Week 2014 (NHTW) will take place from 22-30 November 2014. The event is already making a real difference, with data from clinics showing that it is driving a significant increase in testing. This is helping to reduce undiagnosed HIV infection and life-threatening late diagnosis.

Amdani Juma, the director of African Institute said “This campaign is aimed at increasing the testing among England’s key populations affected by HIV - MSM and African people. It aims to increase the awareness and acceptability of HIV testing among these groups. It also hopes to increase access to HIV testing in both community and statutory settings in order to improve early diagnosis and treatment of HIV (and thus reduce onward transmission).”

This national campaign is targeted at encouraging the England’s key populations who are most affected by HIV to consider taking an HIV tests. Anyone who wishes to test is encouraged to do so, including those outside our target audiences.

This year, African church-goers will also be encouraged to take the tests with advertising being placed near their churches featuring a pastor endorsing testing. It is encouraging those at risk to get tested early, and spread the message that early testing saves lives.

African Institute for Social Development(AISD) New Brook House, 385 Alfreton Road, Nottingham, NG7 5LR Call: 07834459076 or 0115 875 8800 Email: info@africaninstitute.org.uk www.africaninstitute.org.uk

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10 News & Sports

Nigerian Photographer’s Hairstyles and Headdresses exhibition launched

By Goda Kacilevičiűtë

Friday 26th saw the launch of J.D ‘Okhai Ojeikere’s prolific collection of ornate hairstyles and eaddresses at the New Art Exchange, Nottingham. The exhibition which is free and highly recommended runs from 27 September 2014 - 11 January 2015.

The packed event was entertained by Nigerian dancers and was addressed by, among others, Chief Anthony Ajidua the Chairman of Ohaneze Ndi Igbo in the UK and Ireland.

The exhibition celebrates one of the greatest 20th century African photographers, ‘Okhai Ojeikere, international acclaimed through his Hairstyle series which started in 1968. Ojeikere’s series simultaneously celebrates hairstyling as a transient artwork and forms an extensive visual archive reflecting Nigerian cultural traditions.

Ojeikere elevates hair design from fashion to a fine art form through celebrating their intricate patterns, sculptural qualities, and abstraction. They range from purely decorative hairstyles to symbols with

precise meanings. They show the transient nature of hairstyles – reflective of social status, special occasions, celebrations and casual wear.

The director of New Art Exchange thanked the attendees encouraged them to invite their friends to visit New Art Exchange. “It is wonderful to see so many of you here. New Art Exchange is consistently exhibiting contents that represent our social and cultural diversity”.

Chief Anthony Ajidua said, “This is very honourable for all Nigerian’s and we hope many of us can learn more about our history and present. Let us honour and learn from Ojeikere’s work”.

The exhibition is free and runs until 11th January 2015.

Nottingham connected

News & Sports

Hyson Green Stands up to Hate Crime

work in the area. In our latest project addressing hate crime, and brand to send out a clear message that hate crime will not be tolerated in this community.

Hyson Green area in the forthcoming weeks to hear their views and engage them in the programme. If you are interested in get involved, please contact us on 0115 9101469 or by e-mailing

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12 News & Sports

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Nottingham chosen as first City of Football

Nottingham has been chosen as Sport England‘s City of Football City of Football to spearhead the revival of the game from the grassroots level. The city will now stage a two-year pilot project aimed at testing ways of getting more people playing football regularly.

The city will receive £1.6 million of National Lottery funding to help, particularly those aged 14-25 years, playing all forms of the grassroots game. Nottingham beat Manchester and Portsmouth.

Sport England said, “Nottingham won because their bid mobilised an impressive group of private, public and voluntary sector partners from both inside and outside the traditional football family, to do whatever it takes to get more people – particularly those aged 14 to 25 years – playing all kinds of football regularly”.

Nottingham’s bid was exceptionally strong because if its digital platform - ‘Playbook’ - which will help providers planning to put on football activities in the city target the right people, in the right places, at the right time, with relevant offers.

Nigel Cooke, head of One Nottingham, said: “Over the next two years, we will create new football partnerships; develop new technologies; encourage more people to play, especially 14 to 25 year olds, women and girls and people from black and minority ethnic backgrounds; and share our learning so that the rest of England can benefit from our insight”.

Delivery is expected to begin in early 2015

Nottingham connected

Community

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Igbo Union Nottingham Third Annual Iriji 2014 By - Edwin Ubah

August, 24th witnessed different nationalities and faiths gather in Nottingham to celebrate the 2014 New Yam Festival. Nigerian Igbo Union in Nottingham (IUNB) organised and hosted this event.

The celebrants joined other Nigerians globally Chaplin, Rev. Father Stanley Ofegbu opened the event with in celebrating this annual festival that marks the prayers followed by presentations and breaking and eating of beginning of the harvesting season in the South kola nut. Kola nut in Igbo land signifies peace and it is usually Eastern the first gift presentedIUNB to the guest as way of welcome.

2 Nigeria in August and September. The arrival IGBO Kwenu! of a new yam is celebrated by the Igbo community as yam has played a significant role in the sustaining the Dr Emeka Ilione, the chairman of the IUNBs welcomed the guests and explained the meaning of the celebration.

Igbo people centuries.

Chief Anthony Ajidua, the Chairman Ohaneze Ndi Igbo African & Caribbean foods and more.

The event took place at the Hyson Green youth club in the UK and16 Ireland, and other dignitaries present, with the Lord Mayor of Nottingham, Ian Malcolm joinedNottingham hands to perform cutting and testing of theIG New shop BO as the Special Guest of Honour with his wife Jean Yam. Masquerades (Anu nga nga Mpi), the independent Head office: Malcolm. The colourful event was marked by dancing carnival troop and the Nottingham’s Afro Connection 16 and ululations and procession led by the Union’s group entertained the people. A popular singer Mr Wilsion Ogene traditional music. The Mayor thanked the Nwanne (the King of Igbo high life music in London) also Nigerian and Igbo community in Nottingham for their entertained the people with his great voice. contributions in enriching the culture of the city and IGBO Kwenu! IUNB See Photos next page. their contribution to the region.

Wilok’s International Food stores

IGB

lok’s International Food stores

African & Caribbean foods and Food more. stores Wilok’s International Nottingham shop African & Caribbean foods and mor Head office:

Tel/Fax: 01158226578 Mobile: 07961221922 Address: 217/219 Radford Road, Hyson Green, Nottingham NG7 5GT

Taste of Africa Derby Branch

GBO Kwenu! IUNB

Tel/Fax: 01158226578 Mobile: 07961221922

nal Food stores

Address: 217/219 Radford Road, Hyson Green, Nottingham NG7 5GT

oods and more.

Nottingham shop Head office:

Come for the best of African dishes, events venue, free Wi-Fi, pool tables, slot machine, live sports, event planners and home delivery service

Derby Branch Tel: 01332384375 Mobile: 07768186099 Address: 229 Normanton Road, Derby DE23 6UT

Tel/Fax: 01158226578 Nottingham shop Mobile: 07961221922

Tel: 01332384375 Derby Branch Mobile: 07768186099 Head office: Tel/Fax: 01158 226 578 Tel: 01332 384 375 Address: Address: 217/219 07961 Radford221 Road, 229 Normanton Road, Mobile: 922 Mobile: 07768 186 099 Hyson Green, Derby 6UT Address: 217/219 Radford Rd, Address: 229DE23 Normanton Rd, Nottingham NG7 5GT Nottingham NG7 5GT Derby DE23 6UT www.wiloksinternational.co.uk Derby Branch wiloksfoods@hotmail.com www.wiloksinternational.co.uk

www.wiloksinternational.co.uk wiloksfoods@hotmail.com

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117 Hartly Road, Nottingham, NG7 3BS (Hartly Road/Radford Boulevard Junction, opposite Cotton Mills Student Accommodation)

07423 228 247 07500 662 933 Opening times: 12 noon till late

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Community Nottingham connected

Igbo Kwenu!

Igbo Union Nottingham. Third Annual Iriji 2014.

16 Community

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Our History, Our Heritage: Embracing our Origin for a Prosperous Future

“Knock, knock, knock………………….. knock!”

Before we could even respond to the robust knock on the door, it gave way. As the door slowly curved in, a huge chisel-shaped human figure that almost scared the life out of us was appearing.

For a minute I held tightly on my grandmother’s left leg. I’m sure she might have been shaken by my cowardly act than by the monster of a figure at our kitchen door.

This was not an everyday occurrence that someone would appear from nowhere, unannounced just when my grandmother’s tales had taken the life out of our playful nights. However, this time it was not only a surprise but also one of those moments that stuck with you for half a century of your life.

Mambo Jogu, had travelled miles on foot as he made his way to Katongu village after years of isolation in the far hills of Kiambogo. One of my late grandfather’s kinsmen, he was sentenced to years of tumultuous exile, despite the generous sacrifices and pleadings of my grandfather concerning his innocence.

Mambo Jogu, or simpy MJ had years ago defied his forefathers deeply held traditions by ignoring the summons of the Njamba Noru (council of elders) after his heinous acts of impunity. To the ridicule of many, MJ was sentenced to exile for 40 harvest seasons (translated to 20years) and was required never to be seen in the vicinity of Katongu until the years had elapsed. As a consequence of defying this order, his head would be presented to as a sacrifice to appease the ancestors. MJ had no choice than to honor his day in court rather than face his ancestors. Nonetheless the village was not devoid of such acts. What was not clear is why the kinsmen of Katongu had seen it fit to send one of its brave men into wilderness.

“Ariririririririiii riiii riiii” my grandmother’s joy was beyond belief. I have never seen her being overwhelmed like this before.

We all jumped on our feet and stampeded to the door almost crushing my grandmother’s cherished gourd that stored last night’s brew.

“CHILDREN, CHILDREN…. Watch your steps or I will send you to sleep” (This sent a chill down our spine knowing how true she was to her words.)

Though it sounded a bit harsh at the moment as most of us were acting out of our own will as everyone was caught by surprise, obedience was called for without second thoughts. In a short while MJ was settled and clutching a mug of Granma’s porridge unperturbed, his face betraying the emotions we all had amassed since he stepped in.

The unfolding events in the last couple of minutes imbibed into my thoughts as if the concentration substrate had conspired to cause a PH imbalance. As I sat still, my palms sunk in my cheeks as if to deflate the last traces of air from within. It had never occurred to me before how the face of cruelty could turn its wrath on its son till this moment. They had come to witness one of its sons, go through the wrath of this deeply held traditions. For once, I was lost for words as to where did such repulsive customs originate from. However, it must never go unsaid that this same culture had made heroes celebrated worldwide as well as labeled the bravest of men’s as cowards.

No matter how inquisitive I was no woman or man in the village of Katongo had acquired the courage to satisfy my thirst for answers. They all seemed surprised

Nottingham connected of my braveness to question these beliefs of their claimed gods. Since then I came to understand the origin of my clan’s cautiousness. Everyone seemed not to exercise some criticism to the traditions, taboos, and all the tribe’s does and don’ts. However, I appreciated their continued perceptions of those that dared to break away from this culture in pursuit of their beliefs.

It might have been a taboo to break away from what seemed to have become a norm. How fortunate were my kinsmen that they had lived in tandem with all the mysteries surrounding them without having to question their origin.

Community

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a worthy course. One that has made us who we are and has continued to raise more mystery than history can behold. We are because they were, we shine because they persevered, and we progress because they digressed from the norm. Our forefathers lived according to what was their source of heritage, whether we term it archaic or backward. Their customs, taboos, and traditions were a testimony of their existence.

Recognition that they were present before us, their existence is an attestation of our origin.

Therefore, as we celebrate the BLACK HISTORY MONTH let us be humbled by our forefathers’ acts of courage to stand put against the currents of the world. Let us embrace the culture that unites us, and preserve that which identifies us. We should remember that we are a race that should embrace each other in DEEDS and in SPIRIT. Our unity should not be a coincidence but that which was intended by our forefathers. We should not be quick to condemn those amongst us who stand robust of their culture in mind. However, our conscience should befit that of a hero in times of war, to stand and defend our common identity. We are yet to achieve that which we are, as we work twice as hard to access our endowments.

In view of the world order today, I see my kinsmen spread far and wide; they have mastered the art of all nations, both in language and cultures. Their interactions with the nations are evidenced by their intermarriages and multilingual skills. Nothing has come close to what MJ epitomized. We have become accustomed to the adventures of our thinking not the mere dictations of our kin. We endeavor to make our lives and those of our children better than our forefathers. We embody the human spirit that depicts struggles and success alike without the deceitfulness of our toils. In as much as the world has washed our history in a bid to blacken the mystery that surrounds our origin, nothing seems to defeat the fact that we have deep roots in our Let us embrace each other and live knowing that our entitlement is not a silver platter but a conscious will conservative myths and traditions. to overcome the hurdles that our forefathers fought Let it be told that our forefathers struggled to defend to standby. Just as Mambo J. understood the heinous their origin; they sacrificed their toils for the sake of acts of his kinsmen and obeyed without an atom our future. Amidst the race struggles they defeated of bereavement despite a life devoid of tranquility. the devil. They stood aloof of the fact that theirs was I urge you all to learn the art of embrace and forge a fight in vain. Today we can never be wished away forward with humility to claim that which you are just because they sought to gain a true identity. They entitled. The Kingship is ours, where, OUR HISTORY unmasked and risked to face a bitter backlash from the IS OUR HERITAGE. rest of the world, who thought they never mattered.

By William Murithi, a Business and Management Although we may not be in agreement with some of Consultant who simply describes himself as a serial their atrocious deeds, we seem confident theirs was optimist, social enthusiast and a student of life.

mojatu.com

18 Community

Ambassador Jackline Yonga: Africa major opportunity for Diaspora

By Valentine Nkoyo

The Kenya’s deputy head o f mission i n London, Ambassador J ackline Yonga has urged African’s to take advantage of the great opportunities that have arisen in the last few years in Africa, especially in Kenya which is the fourth strongest economy in sub-Saharan Africa.

Speaking to prospective investors in London, local Banks and credit unions, community projects, Ambassador Yonga said, “African Diaspora has been marketing and accessing Kenyan products and recognised as the Sixth economic tourism and technology transfer. Kenya is now the region and is an integral fourth strongest economy in sub-Saharan Africa, and part of the continent’s home to the fastest growing Middle development Class on the Continent. Nairobi resource, according is also the Financial, Business, to the African Communication and Diplomatic Union. “Diaspora hub of the Eastern and Central diplomacy has African Region. become a major The strategic international positioning of Kenya pre-occupation in sub-Saharan with institutions Africa, coupled with such as the World the discovery of huge Bank, AU and UN deposits of oil, gas and providing leadership other natural resources, is and direction needed for attracting global investors to Kenya. Kenya therefore respective citizens Living Abroad”. represents a stable location She noted that the Kenyan government for your money and a good has created policies, legal and institutional return on investment and mechanisms to encourage and facilitate Kenyan’s should consider the movement of their human resources channelling some of their both regionally and internationally in a acquired knowledge, skills and structured manner. resources to boost the growth and development of their mother land.

Kenya has the fastest growing Middle Class on the Continent The event was organised by Fountain Enterprises Programme (FEP) Holdings There are many investments, savings and Limited and was addressed by among others the engagement opportunities in Kenya such as the CEO of FEP, Mr. John Kithaka.

Black History Cultural Event 10thth Dec 2014 am - 3pm pm 10am

hysongreenculturalfestival@gmail.com

07946303384

Stalls with Food, Arts & Craft and community groups information

The Mary Potter Centre, Hyson Green, Gregory Boulevard, Nottingham, NG7 5HY

Nottingham connected

Community

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Nottingham University Students build school in Kenya

A group of Nottingham University students and Eastern Kenya. There is currently no secondary school other UK volunteers travelled to Kenya this summer provider in this large area so deaf primary students to build a school for the deaf in Mbeere. have no ongoing education.

There are only five schools for the deaf in Kenya and the excitement of the volunteers working with the Kenya Team at the site said it all, they want to make a difference! The UK Team Project Manager Peter Mcnaughton said “I am absolutely thrilled that so many people are interested and want to thank those who are involved with this project.

Deaf children in Kenya face many challenges.

Deafness is often demonised, so ashamed parents hide their children. Issues of isolation, bullying, misunderstanding, reduced opportunities, neglect and physical harm were reported to us by the deaf students who will move into the school - Project Riandu seeks to combat these issues.

Working in international development with architecture is something I have wanted to do since I was very young. For me this project is the fulfilment of a childhood dream and as an adult my Christian faith adds to my passion for this project, so you will understand my sincerity when I say that I’m extremely excited.”

A UK team were invited to be a part of this vision by fundraising, designing buildings and volunteering onsite in Kenya. The UK team is committed to these development values: local initiative addressing real need, local ownership, equal access to education, cross cultural engagement, genuine relationships and responsible volunteering.

Voice of the UK Riandu team dancing for the deaf The three year project aims to provide a school for 200 in Kenya students by 2017; one kitchen, two dormitories and two classrooms were completed in summer 2014. This huge We certainly need to learn more than rhythmic project needs all the support it can get so please get clapping - our dancing was put to shame by the involved; we need £150,000 by August 2015. We are seeking energy, passion and enthusiasm displayed by the volunteers to fundraise and attend the trip in August 2015Mbeere Mothers’ Union! The Mbeere Mothers’ Union would you like to help us support this vision? is a large group of mothers who act as a strong and proactive force within the community. These women The Mbeere Mothers’ Union are keen to welcome seek to improve the quality of life for all. Their wisdom, you and show you what real dancing is! Read more passion and cultural insight gave birth to the vision and support us at www.projectriandu.com or email: of a secondary school for deaf students in Riandu, ukvolunteers_projectriandu@outlook.com

20 category Community

The Kenyan Nottinghamshire Welfare Association - 2014 Update

By Michael Kioko, the Secretary of KNWA

KNWA was formed in June 2011 by Kenyans living in Nottingham out of the Kenyan spirit and motto of Harambee (joining together), where individuals and communities come together to support one another and achieve common goals. It was formed to help bereaved Kenyans in Nottingham and back in Kenya. KNWA has 103 registered members but attracts about 300 - 400 Kenyans living in Nottingham when events such as Kenyan national holiday celebrations are held.

In 2011, KNWA was voted as the best organised Kenyan welfare association in a winter ball held in Coventry for Kenyans in UK. In September, we registered Arise Africa as a CIC Company so as to consolidate our gains and objectives by building capacity within our communities and encouraging social networking and cohesion.

Rev. Piety Kamuyu, the Chairlady said: “My desire and prayer is to see Kenyans in Nottingham united in purpose, through our philosophy of ‘peace love and unity’. We welcome Kenyans from all over Nottinghamshire to join KNWA. I strongly believe that we can be everything to one another, because “though we are many, we all belong to each other” Rom. 12 verse 5. We can be there for one another because we believe that... together we can”.

We wish to thank individuals and organisations who have supported KNWA in this extraordinary journey such as the Nottingham University Business School, Nottingham City Council and the Kenyan High Commission.

We are very grateful to the previous office bearers including Patrick Mutula, Tabby Mwangi, Dr Judy Muthuri and Jane Gichangi whose contribution has been instrumental to the formation and growth of the association. We also specially thank Dr. Kevin Brown for his consistent role as master of ceremony on many of our events.

mojatu.com .com

Nottingham connected

Community category

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OFFICIALS: Joe O. Moseti, Organising Secretary He is a Governance Manager - Clinical Engineering at the Nottingham University Hospital with over 25 years’ experience in the field. He is a member of the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (IPEM) and Association of Medical Engineering of Kenya (AMEK).

Michael Kioko, Secretary He has held this post since the inception of the association in 2011. In his profession as a Building Surveyor, Michael has worked in Kenya and the UK. He is currently a Building Surveyor at the University of Nottingham. Michael is also a member of the ECHOD Health Charity. He is married with two teenage children and lives in Nottingham.

Rev. Piety Kamuyu, Chairlady She is the codirector of Arise Africa which works with KNWA towards uniting Kenyans in Nottingham. She is a Priest in the Church of England serves as a Hospital Chaplain in Queens Medical Centre.

Kabuga Muhuthu, Treasurer He is a co-director of Arise Africa and a staff nurse specialised in dialysis working at the Nottingham University Hospital Trust. He worked for many years in Kenya as a Nurse / Midwife trainer and is involved in a variety of businesses in UK and Kenya.

mojatu.com

22 Community category

Why I am going to Sierra Leone to fight Ebola It’s been a month since I applied and now it’s a matter of days until I go. I head to Europe for briefing before landing in Freetown, Sierra Leone next Tuesday.

It is not known how a two-year-old boy from Guinea became the index case. He wouldn’t have been slaughtering bats or bush meat, and maybe not even consuming bat soup, a local delicacy. Yet this is where Ebola began in December 2013 --according to our current information-- before spreading to neighbouring Liberia, and Sierra Leone.

invited out for dinner tomorrow night. Somewhere special, this is no ordinary meal. My friends want to see me before I go. They don’t say it, but I know that they are anxious that I won’t come back the person I am now, or at all.

“I don’t want your children to be without a mother,” a plaintive plea on another Whatsapp message earlier today. “Do you have to collate the stats from there? In this day and age, can’t they email them to you?”, or “I’d never go!” and the dreaded existential “Are you sure you should be doing this?”

In May, 2014 a woman from Kenema, Sierra Leone developed symptoms after contact with a sick traditional healer in Guinea. She was lucky to receive early treatment and survived, while the traditional healer, who had treated Ebola patients, died and was subsequently linked Yellow Fever, tick. Meningitis still valid. Need Hep A to more than 360 further cases of Ebola. and B checked. No time for rabies boosters before The number of confirmed cases of Ebola in Sierra I go. My doctor warns me to stay away from wild Leone is heading towards 2,000, with about 600 deaths animals, and I should be okay – and don’t forget the to date. Taking advantage of an existing weak health malaria prophylaxis. Training in biohazard security is system, the epidemic has grown exponentially over mandatory, and today I practiced the dressing and the past months, amidst both calls from the ground undressing in personal protective equipment (PPE) for assistance and criticisms that the global response – those hazmat suits that are becoming commonplace has been too little too late. on page 1, 2 or 3 in the newspapers.

Now in October, I will be going as an epidemiologist to assist. I’ll be a tiny cog in a wheel grinding away at an epidemic that has grown out of control, and I’ll be spewing out statistics and charting an epidemic curve.

One hears about the stifling feeling of the mask and the goggles, and it’s true … you want to run away from yourself when you are in that suit. This is why some recommend not more than two hours of work in them.

But there are two contagions at play here, continues Stories from the field suggest a cloud of denial: that our instructor: The Viral Haemorrhagic Fever (VHF) during the lock down this week, only a few new cases and the “Oh Shit Syndrome”. The former belongs to were found, that the patient and the latter is things were more a panicked malaise of health under control again. care workers exposed to VHF Conflicting stories of 20 – and possibly anyone who deaths a day circulate is slightly ‘germaphobic’ and on blogs and Facebook reads the local news. pages. It’s hard to know what to believe and Just remember it’s body what I will find. fluids we are talking about, he continues, only body “Wear black – as if it’s fluids: you can’t get it from a wake”, I snap back in a toilet seat unless you are a Whatsapp. I’ve been

Nottingham connected

sitting on top of the Ebola patient. The virus survives only a short time if treated with chlorine and sunlight.

A swimming pool on a summer’s day comes to mind as a lifesaver.

Powerpoint slides of patients progressing with the illness from Day five to Day nine (usually death) are unnerving. Bleeding from all orifices and needle puncture sites makes it increasingly difficult to manage a patient.

Someone in the training asks, “What do they do with the bodies?”

The instructor laughs, “This question always comes up!”, he remarks.

Community category

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and TB, remember). The assignment made Ebola seem manageable on paper: the epidemic curve petered out, with only a handful of deaths, due to infection control in the hospital and the rural context, where contact tracing was effective.

In contrast, the current epidemic is no hypothetical outbreak, neatly fitting onto a five-page assignment; it is one of extraordinary proportion. Hospitals have been forced to shut due to health care provider deaths and desertions and lack of infrastructure. Ebola-stricken patients are turned away from the remaining hospitals due to no capacity to take in more. They are sent home to die and to infect those around them. We are sharing a continent with others who are bearing the consequence of a foundering health system that is in turn, betraying its own people. While fully understanding the risks, it’s time to put my money where my mouth is. I need to plot that epidemic curve for real. Hence the question isn’t about whether I should be doing this, but rather how can I not do this?

Three body bags, decontamination procedures go with each bag, including the injection of formaldehyde in between each bag. Cremation is preferred and the preparation for a burial is terribly complex – with all sorts of permissions required. But the luxury of choice may only apply to these parts. Stories from West Africa suggest mass graves, with bodies carried by burial teams Kathryn Stinson has a PhD in Public Health and she in torn hazmat suits and no triple protection body bags. works as an epidemiologist at the University of Cape Town. She has three children, two Great Danes and I go up to the instructor afterwards to ask for a copy of one very supportive husband. Kathryn writes in her the slides. My colleague lets slip. “She leaves for Sierra personal capacity. The article was originally published Leone on the weekend”. I cringe. Every time the words on GroundUp of my departure are uttered, I get the usual, “Gosh, erm … you’re crazy/brave/admirable, but – Should you be doing this?” I suppose anyone reading this article asks the same question.

Perhaps I am crazy, but I have the tools of the trade and I need to help. I think back to when I first learned about Ebola though a written assignment on an infectious disease epidemiology course.

It sounded so exotic. Something that happens to other people, preferably far away (we’re only famous for HIV/AIDS

24 Community category

mojatu.com

Sorrow, Anguish and Joy of Ebola Survivors in Liberia - Those who went ‘there and back again’ ely led Ebola outbreak has unfortunat . But ices jud pre and ths dea y to man images of what is rarely shown are the these ugh thro tled bat e hav those who ors. vict d depths of hell and emerge tographer John Moore, a senior staff pho s to Libetrip two e for Getty Images, mad break and out la Ebo the of ht ria in the heig ivors. surv la captured these images of Ebo y to this “These people gained immunit uely uniq them strain of Ebola making ”, said sick the of care ng taki valuable in re.

Moo n Joh

Nottingham connected

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26 Faith & Spirituality category

mojatu.com

Habits People Habits Of Successful People

Track progress progress Learn from from Mistakes Mistakes Spend time timewith withRight RightPeople People Maintain Proper ProperBalance BalanceininLife Life Write down downGoal Goal&&Targets Targets Think long long term term Compliment others Compliment others Make to-do to-dolists lists Know Purpose Purpose&&mission mission Want others otherstotosucceed succeed Accept responsibility responsibilityfor fortheir theirfailure failure Have Burning BurningDesire Desire Work with with Passion, Passion,Commitment Commitment Learn, improve, improve,read readeveryday everyday Take risks risks Handle problems problemswell well Being humble humble Share information informationand anddata data Exude joy joy Forgive others others Talk about about ideas ideas Embrace change change

Nottingham connected

Faith & Spirituality

World Vision Day

27

By Pastor Gary Howe- Harvest Army Church, Nottingham UK It was on Thursday 19 June 2014 a prophecy was given concerning a one Day event from 12 noon to 1pm.

The details are available at http://www.harvestarmy. org/wvd. Where there is ‘no vision’, the people perish (Proverb 29:18).

ONE DAY - JULY 5, 2014 (Isaiah 66:8) 8 Who hath heard such a thing? Who hath seen such things?

Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day?

Or shall a nation be born at once? For as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children.

Nottingham connected ONEHOUR-12 NOON(Matthew 26:40)40Andhecometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?)

ONE VOICE - (Mark 1:3 3 The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the Away young went to her grandmother of woman the Lord, make his paths and straight.) told her about her life and how things were so ONE ACCORD - (Acts 2:1 2 And when the day of Pentecost hard for come, her. She did notallknow how she was going was fully they were with one accord in one place. to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of ONE PLACE – (Luke 14:23) And the lord said unto the fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and was solved, a new one would pop up. compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.

Better Not Bitter

trust that your findings will motivate you to a new dimension which will bring changes to those whom you will come in contact with. Harvest Army Church International is taking the gospel of Jesus Christ to all nation Acts 1:8 and Joel 2: 28 the Matthew 28:19, 20 this is the great commission given to the Church by the Lord Jesus.

We would like you to know that if you are not confident on how to get out into your City or in your locality to witness then please contact us because the Church Faith & Spirituality 41 must make an impact to the society, you have been given that mandate so please do not louse focus, the boiling water,out it softened andisbecame time is running and there still a lotweak. for usThe to do egg had been fragile.

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The ground coffee let uswere hearunique, from you info@harvestarmy.org info@ beans however.

After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water. harvestarmy.co.uk because together we can make a deference to that uncertain person by telling him\her "Which are you?" that the Lord Jesus Christ is love.she asked

her granddaughter.

Thank you - Overseer Gary Howe, H.A.C.I. UK

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28 Arts & Culture

mojatu.com Finding Fela! A solid slickly presentation of Nigerian folk hero, Fela Kuti

By Irene Amadi

Finding Fela exposes the passion and the pain behind one of Africa’s greatest musical geniuses. It fearlessly depicts the life of this musical pioneer, political revolutionary and complicated man.

‘Finding Fela’ shone light on the life of Fela Anikulapo Kuit quite thoroughly.

It confidently swept you through the major triumphs and tragedies, from his decision to go to London to learn to play the Trumpet (under the guise of wanting to study medicine), all the way to his death. It illustrated the journey of a child in love with music, who grew up to become a man in love with fun, and how that man evolved into a hardened, troubled revolutionary. The pace of the documentary reflected the flow of his music, it was so slow to begin with, and just when you thought it would never pick up pace, an explosion of information would drive the narrative years forward and explain something significant. The how’s and why’s underpinning what drove Fela to do what he did came quite late into the film, and a lot of time and detail was devoted to painting a picture of his family.

Music is the weapon. The military dictatorship following the Biafran war and discovery of oil in Nigeria were hot topics in his music. He spoke out against this government despite the repeated imprisonment and violence he faced. His ability to connect with Nigerian’s in massive numbers was a process well traced in this documentary. Through his efforts to simultaneously emulate the American heroes of the Civil Rights Movement, and make music, Fela pioneered afro-beat. He blended jazz with highlife, funk and traditional Youruba drumming to produce a sound people could move to.

More importantly, he sang in Pidgin,

so people could understand his mes- tives you had to infer. The significant sage. And this is how he used music as life events selected and highlighted the weapon of choice. pointed towards him being eccentric yet innocent. So his motives for They cannot kill me, because I have speaking out and continuing to fight death in my pouch. The film didn’t could be most clearly be identified as try to hide or explain away his flaws. him acting on inspiration from his exIn fact, his misogynistic attitude sat perience of the Civil Rights movement uncomfortably with his belief in freemixed up with a hunger for retribution dom and human rights. His imperfecfor the murder of his mother. The lattions were as much part of the picture ter event seemed to be highly instruas the features that made him unique mental in his transformation from a and special. Alongside this belief sat musician with a political message, to a his strong affinity to Youruba religion. revolutionary with a cause. The sourcHis faith in this religion seemed to be es of the documentary seemed logical another strong motivation, because and worthy. The film also negotiated he seemed to believe that he couldn’t the fact that it was a post-humus bidie. The importance of his faith is easy ography quite well, although in trying to dismiss as part of his eccentricity, to deliver a visually invigorating prodhowever, it’s actually central to his acuct; they were quite heavy on footage tions. He fought the government, and from the Broadway musical. It felt that faced the violence, at least partly beit never fully got to the core of some cause he believed he was immortal, of the questions, because some of the and this religion gave him a connecanswers could only really be answered tion to his mother, Funmilayo Ranby Fela. However, it tackled the task some Kuti, after she died. Her rebelas best it could by giving a variety of lious activism is arguably the source answers from reasonable authorities of his revolutionary activity. like his best friend and co-founder of This is where justice was murdered. Afro-beat, Tony Allen. However, there The main question that it asked: was was an astonishing silence around the he insane or was he a saint? Through women in his life. Two women; his onethe course of the film it looked more time girlfriend; Sandra Izsadore and and more like he was insane. The mur- his daughter Yeni Kuti, featured quite der of his mother seemed to push prominently, but the voices of his 27 his mindset from curiously brave to wives and his first wife with whom he borderline suicidal. After this point, had Femi Kuti, were absent. his challenges to the government For a deeper, more full glimpse into become more overt and attract more the life and mind of this musical icon, violence. His values and beliefs shone read Micheal E Veal Fela: Life and through quite clearly, but the moTimes of an African Musical Icon.

Nottingham connected

Arts & Culture

29

The Hockley Hustle Returns

Nottingham’s most notorious and arguably its best loved multi-venue charity music extravaganza.

Having raised over £65,000 for charitable causes locally and beyond between 2006-2010, the Hustle will showcase vitality, passion and enthusiasm in one of the UK’s most fertile music scenes. With over 40 venues, 400 artists and bands, a raft of other community-driven attractions for just £10 (in advance).

All money will go to local causes: Framework, John van Geest 13Cancer Oct Research Centre, Nottingham & Nottinghamshire Refugee Forum, NG7 Foodbank.

20 years on… theatre, dance, music and culture from the new South Africa

– 8 Nov 2014

13 Oct – 8 Nov 2014

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afrovibesUK.com

400+ ACTS. 40+ VENUES. 1 WRISTBAND.

20 years on… theatre, dance, music and culture from the new South Africa In 2014, Afrovibes Festival marks 20 years of the new South Africa: 20 years since the ending of apartheid and the beginning of democracy.

Award-winning artists bring us music, theatre, dance, photography and film, reflecting upon what it is to be part of 21st century South Africa. It’ll be thought-provoking, reflective, turbulent, energetic, exhilarating.

Photo: Tylerwww.tylerdolan.com Dolan www.tylerdolan.com Photo: Tyler Dolan

20 years on… theatre, dance, music and culture from the new South Africa

RETURNS TO NOTTINGHAM ON SUNDAY 19 OCT 2014

And Afrovibes is so much more than just a show: at its heart there’s the Township Cafe, with free events, family workshops, debates, late-night music, pop-up performances, creative work by local artists – and enticing South African-themed food. Some of the local highlights are listed here, or visit our website for more. So drop by, hang out or take part, and belong – you’ll believe that you really are thousands of miles from home!

‘In 1994 a new nation was born. Since then, our artists have shown the world that South Africa has stories to tell: stories that speak to the collective memory of who we are, that speak of life in South Africa today – stories that link us to the world.’

James Ngcobo – Artistic Director, Afrovibes

mojatu mojatu .com

26 30 Community Arts & Culture

Black History Month at New Art Exchange Black History Month (BHM) is a time to reflect and give tribute to the pioneers that strived for equality, creating a greater acceptance of our differences. New Art Exchange celebrates BHM with an action packed programme, which explores and celebrates black culture and history in fun and informative ways. In addition, the BHM events are held alongside New Art Exchange’s photograpic exhibition of ornate Nigerian hairstyles by leading Nigerian photographer J.D. ‘Okhai Ojeikere. New Art Exchange is a free public art gallery, and hosts a range of music, theatre, film screenings, family and youth programmes.

All events take place at New Art Exchange, 39 – 41 Gregory Boulevard, Nottingham, NG7 6BE. To book onto an event, or to find out more about New Art Exchange call 0115 924 8630, visit www.nae.org.uk, or email info@nae.org.uk.

DREAM presents...

Urban Expression

The Power in Poetry

Afrovibes at NAE

Friday 17 October, 6.30pm – 11pm

Saturday 25 October, 8pm – 11pm

Monday 27 October 7.30pm – 9pm

6.30pm – 8.30pm: Suitable for families and participants under 16yrs

Poetry can motivate, inspire and create connections on so many different levels.

Join Jamaican born ‘More Culture,’ Yusus Afari, and other spoken word artists as they share their words of wisdom and humorous anecdotes from Jamaica’s rich and diverse culture.

8.30pm – 11.00pm: Suitable for participants over 16yrs In this open talent showcase, see the best urban talent in Nottingham. Calling all MCs, DJs, singers, dancers, poets, filmmakers and actors - it’s your time to take the stage! To perform contact Syreeta, DREAM, on 07583900917 or nottingham@dreamtalent.co.uk by 10 October at the latest.

Admission: FREE Age range: All are welcome

Admission: £10.00 (£8.00 concession) Family ticket £20.00 (2 adults 2 children) Age range: All are welcome

Elusive Spring – Rehearsed Reading Directed by Kate Stafford Box office: Lakeside Arts Centre, University of Nottingham, 0115 846 7379 Elusive Spring is a political thriller set in post-colonial Africa. It interweaves a series of stories, reflecting the impending threat and dark undercurrents of a rotten system.There will be an opportunity to discuss the play in a Q&A session hosted by Theatre Performer and Writer Sooree Pillay after the readings.

Age range: 12yrs + Admission: FREE

Nottingham connected Nottingham connected

27 31 Arts & Community Culture

Malcolm X in Britain

Black Hidden Histories

Ram One and the Ites Band

Tuesday 28 October: 6pm – 7.30pm

Thursday 30 October: 6.30pm – 10.30pm

Friday 31 October: 9pm – 11pm

This lecture on race, immigration and the transatlantic civil rights movement is presented in association with University of Nottingham, American & Canadian Studies Department.

Stephen Tuck, Lecturer in American History at University of Oxford, will describe Malcolm X’s culturally influential visits to Britain in the 1960 exploring issues of Black Power, the end of empire, British race relations, immigration, and student rights.

Black Hidden Histories is an exciting opportunity to share little known gems of knowledge from the past in a community talent show. Join us as we invite a local gospel choir to raise the roof as they share echoes of sacred spirituals.

In memory of the great writer Maya Angelou, we have brought together a collective of local black writers to showcase their work during the event.

To mark the last day of Black History Month, Ram One and the Ites have teamed up to launch their new partnership.

Two generations of modern black history in Nottingham unite, celebrating the youth and context of Ram One and the pioneering history of the Ites- the musicians behind the reggae greats The Natural-Ites.

Admission: FREE Age range: All are welcome To book, please visit www. tuck.eventbrite.co.uk

If you want to share your histories or talents, please contact Glenis@nae.org.uk.

Admission: FREE Age range: All are welcome

Admission: FREE Age range: All are welcome

32 Health & Food

mojatu.com

10 Proven Benefits of Avocado

By Kris Gunnars The avocado is a rather unique type of fruit and has a high concentration of healthy fats. Numerous studies show that it has powerful beneficial effects on health. Here are 10 scientifically proven health benefits of avocado.

1. Incredibly Nutritious “Avocado” is the fruit of the avocado tree which is prized for its high nutrient value and is added to all sorts of dishes due to its good flavour and rich texture.

There are many kinds of avocados. The most popular type is called Hass avocado, often called “alligator pear,” which is very descriptive because it tends to be shaped like a pear and have green, bumpy skin… like an alligator. The yellow-green flesh inside the fruit is eaten, but the skin and seed are discarded.

Avocados are very nutritious and contain a wide variety of nutrients, including 20 different vitamins and minerals. Avocados do not contain any cholesterol or sodium, and are low in saturated fat.

It is incredibly popular food among health conscious people and is the main ingredient in guacamole.

Bottom Line: Avocado is loaded with healthy fats, fibre and various important nutrients. It contributes nearly 20 vitamins and minerals. ___________________________________________ 2. More Potassium than Bananas Potassium is a nutrient that most people aren’t getting enough of.

This nutrient helps maintain electrical gradients in the body’s cells and serves various important functions.

Studies show that having a high potassium intake is linked to reduced blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart attacks, strokes and kidney failure.

Bottom Line: Avocados are very high in potassium, which supports healthy blood pressure levels. ___________________________________________ 3. Loaded with Heart-Healthy Monounsaturated Fatty Acids 77% of the calories in avocados are from fat, one of the fattiest plant foods in existence. However, the majority of the fat in avocado is oleic acid, a major component in olive oil and believed to be responsible for some of its beneficial effects. Oleic acid has been linked to reduced inflammation and been shown to have beneficial effects on genes linked to cancer.

The fats in avocado are also pretty resistant to heatinduced oxidation, making avocado oil a healthy and safe choice for cooking.

Bottom Line: Avocados and avocado oil are high in monounsaturated oleic acid, a “heart healthy” fatty acid that is believed to be one of the main reasons for the health benefits of olive oil.

4. Loaded With Fibre Fibre is indigestible plant matter that can contribute to weight loss, reduce blood sugar spikes and is strongly linked to a lower risk of many diseases and is found in plenty in avocados.

Bottom Line: Avocados tend to be high in fibre, about 7% by weight, which is very high compared to most other foods. Fibre can have many important benefits for weight loss and metabolic health. ___________________________________________ 5. Lower Cholesterol and Triglyceride Levels Heart disease is the most common cause of death in the world. It is known that several blood markers such as cholesterol, triglycerides, inflammatory markers, blood pressure and various others are linked to increased risks.

The effects of avocado on some of these risk factors have shown that avocados can: • Reduce total cholesterol levels significantly • Reduce blood triglycerides by up to 20% • Lower LDL cholesterol by up to 22% • Increase HDL (the “good”) cholesterol by up to 11% Bottom Line: Numerous studies have shown that eating avocado can improve heart disease risk factors like Total, LDL and HDL cholesterol, as well as blood triglycerides.

Nottingham connected 6. Help Absorb Nutrients from Plant Foods When it comes to nutrients, the total amount of them is not the only thing that matters. We also need to be able to absorb them - move them from the digestive tract and into the body, where they can be used. Some nutrients are “fat soluble,” meaning that they need to be combined with fat in order to be utilized. This includes vitamins A, D, E and K along with antioxidants like carotenoids.

Not only is avocado highly nutritious, it can dramatically increase the nutrient value of other plant foods that you are eating. This is an excellent reason to always include a healthy fat source when you eat veggies. Without it, a lot of the beneficial plant nutrients will go to waste.

Bottom Line: Eating avocado or avocado oil with veggies can dramatically increase the amount of antioxidants you take in. ___________________________________________ 7. Powerful Antioxidants That Can Protect the Eyes Not only do avocados increase antioxidant absorption from other foods, they are also high in antioxidants themselves. This includes nutrients called Lutein and Zeaxanthin, which are incredibly important for eye health. Studies show that these nutrients are linked to a drastically reduced risk of cataracts and macular degeneration, which are common in the elderly.

Bottom Line: Avocados have nutrients that are very important for eye health and lower the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts.

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8. Help Relieve Symptoms of Arthritis There are many types of arthritis, and these are often chronic problems that people have for the rest of their lives. Multiple studies have shown that extracts from avocado and soybean oil, called Avocado and Soybean unsaponifiables, can reduce symptoms of arthritis of the bones, called osteoarthritis. Whether avocados themselves can have this effect, and not just the extract, remains to be seen.

Bottom Line: Extract from avocado and soybean oils can significantly reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis. ___________________________________________ 9. Help Lose Weight There is some evidence that avocados are a weight loss friendly food. In one study, people eating the avocado felt 23% more satisfied and had a 28% lower desire to eat over the next 5 hours. If this holds true in the long-term, then including avocados in your diet could help you naturally eat fewer calories and have an easier time sticking to a healthy diet. Avocados are also high in fibre, and very low in carbs, two attributes that should also help promote weight loss, at least in the context of a healthy, real food based diet. ___________________________________________ 10. Delicious and Easy to Incorporate in the Diet Avocados are incredibly delicious and go with all sorts of foods. You can add them to salads and various sorts of recipes, or you can simply scoop them out with a spoon and eat them plain. They have a creamy, rich, fatty texture and blend well with various other ingredients. A notable mention is guacamole, which is arguably the most famous use of avocados. It includes avocado along with ingredients like salt, garlic, lime and a few others depending on the recipe.

Storing avocados: Nutrients in avocado can oxidize soon after fleshing it, but if you add lemon juice then that shouldn’t happen as quickly.

Avocados are an awesome food. They’re loaded with nutrients, many of which are lacking in the modern diet. They are weight loss friendly, heart healthy and… last but not least, taste incredible. What more could you ask for in a food?

Grow your business & get discovered by: *Showing off your products & services *Getting listed in the FOODEX pages *Having professional images & videos *Getting more reviews and recommendations *Be easier to find and engaging with customers *Develop great content

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Mojatu has launched a new interactive food web page FOODEX, foodex.mojatu.com, to connect African and Caribbean food-focused businesses and food lovers locally. FOODEX will give the shops and restaurants an opportunity to tell the community about their services in plenty of different sections and activities that FOODEX will offer. We welcome all food enthusiasts to join our food experts for food recipes, new ideas and competitions!

FoodEx 167 Alfreton Road, Nottingham, NG7 3JR T: 0115 845 7009 M: 0785 281 4454 | 0777 469 5937

African and Caribbean Food on the Horizon

By Thomas Musiiwa The African and Caribbean foods have been “hotting” These can now be found in many restaurants, food and spicing our daily meals ever since it was introduced outlets, takeaways and supermarkets in Britain. These to the post-war British cuisine. UK residents have been have become affordable and available making it easy overwhelmed by this new authentic phenomenon to prepare African and Caribbean foods in the UK. taste and very few can resist such delightful meals full As a chef with over 15 years’ experience, it is my of exotic flavours and colours. dream to have all these authentic Afro-Caribbean African and Caribbean foods are associated with ingredients in all major UK food stores, shops and original taste, colour and authentic organic spices markets, so that chefs like me could cook fresh organic from Africa and West Indies. They range from yams, meals every day for family meals at home or for big coconuts, palm oil, plantains, beans and bananas from occasion with friends to celebrate the uniqueness of the Caribbean and West Africa to Teff from Ethiopia. our food culture.

however shows that opening up to

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ham’s rich cultural melting pot!

35 Nottingham Health & Food Dr connected Tabani Ndlovu is a senior Lecturer in Marketing at the Nottingham Business School where he lectures in International Marketing focusing on culture. He is also

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36 Business & Finance

Cecily Mwaniki continues to Inspire and Empower Exciting Time For Women: Investing In Your Education

through her transformational writing. This is a MUST

By Cecily Mwaniki READ small that is aimed at who confirming It’s a well-known fact powerful that winners arebook not those who never fail but those never quit. This is so true and empowering for whenever I’m tempted to quit, I find myself referringwhat back to and affirming the greatness in you no matter this statement. I wish to share this message with women… and for you men reading this, pass circumstances in. ‘The ‘Winner In You’ it on to those beautifulyou womenfind in youryourself life - your daughters, mums or wives or colleagues! is natural, so explore and find it by ‘Investing In Yourself Wisely’ saysspeak Cecily. support change that These facts volumesThis to me book and I feelwill inclined Benjaminyou Franklin once said, behaviour (quoted this in one of my to share with you all, so you can act accordingly. It books), “if a man empties his purse into his head, no does not work for you – invest in it all because, you have what it takes. is a very exciting time for women because they; are one can take it away from him. An investment in history; are revivingin theinformation economy; 70% of yet knowledge always the best interest’’ . or re-writing a world drowning starved ofpays knowledge, Cecily women work from home; 1 in 6 of them have children Here are the 5 ways I believe women can invest or be Mwaniki the timeless wisdom. under 16;shares 68% of businesses last year were set up by How to live well and wisely is the supported to invest in their education. women – most of whom had had enough heme and Cecily skilfully lays of it being out on the bottom shelf – within easy employed!

1. Get a good Internet connection each of everyone.

The fact is every woman is already working hard You can learn just about anything from the Internet. towards being the above statistics.fable, However‘WISDOM Written as part an ofeasy-to-read AGES’ is ais worth powerful Having goodOF Internet connection investing financial constraints, societal attitudes, lack of in. These days it’s right in your mobile. In fact, a good mall book technology that willskills deeply and inspire you tobebecome the kind information and lackmove of business smart mobile might the best investment for your skills are create huge barriers.

Overcoming these self-education.

The important thing is to actually use f abarriers person who touches lives, adds true value to the world and leaves makes them empowered enough to better the Internet to educate yourself! It is unfortunate look after their lasts. well-being, that masterful of their familiesinsight and legacy that With and Cecily that manybrilliant people use itsimplicity, for many other purposes but of the communities at large. This makes the world a education. as better distilled wisdom for you to apply and boost morale, liberate place totimeless live in.

2. Buy and read books. oyalty and send productivity According to UN research, when a soaring woman is in these uncertain economic times Books have been around for a long time… yet they empowered, specifically financially, she not only while creating far more fulfilling personal lives. are still one of the best ways to learn. Reading a benefits her family but also the community. A major study in 2010 carried out by the World Bank in three different countries and continents showed that when a woman earns her own money, she invests back over 90% in her family and her community.

This is why you will always find that women will go without food, good clothes, good car etc. to make sure her family and the community gets the best first. The study also found that when men are financially empowered, they reinvest back only 38% into their families and the community and the rest to what the study referred to as self-gratification.

Countries that empower women guarantee fast eradication of poverty.

good book is like sitting beside a great person and listening to his or her advice. You might not be able to meet the person directly, but by reading their books you can get their best advice. Ben Curson, one of the greatest surgeons in the world said, “Between the covers of a good book, you travel widely while you develop your dreams”. Remember, buying books instead of borrowing is great since you can mark them as you like. That way you can get the most out of them.

You have what it takes

I encourage all women to take note on these statistics and consider doing something to benefit from this new wave of growth in order to make the most needed ver-final.indd change in1the world. We are aware that the next wave of growth is not going to be China, Africa or Internet Technology but the growth of women. This is where men become handy in supporting women from their passion and not from their fear.

How can this be easily and wisely achieved?

I think the solution lies in the answer Bill Gates gave to a question on ‘How do you empower yourself financially’ in ‘‘Invest in your education’’.

3. Buy or subscribe to magazines.

There are many articles that you can read free online, but magazines still have their place. Good magazines provide you with high-quality articles on the topics of interest. Such articles can teach you a lot in a relatively short time and you can always refer back to them.

4. Get a degree.

Though I’m aware that this is not for everyone, having a degree is a good way to boost your knowledge and income. It takes a big commitment, but it could pay off handsomely. Not only that, but you can also make a lot of friends while you are in college and they can be helpful for years to come. A week ago, I met two ladies from different nationalities in their early seventies who

Nottingham connected

Business & Finance

37

met in University in their early twenties and they have These 5 ways suggest how to invest money in remained very good friends who still invite each other your education. But don’t forget that you must also invest time. What’s the use of having a lot of for teas. What a great life investment. learning resources if you don’t spend the time to 5. Join educational clubs or attend seminars/ learn from them? So make it a habit to learn. Make conferences. it something that you do constantly. Even better, You can join a relevant club to hone specific skills. For make it something that you have fun doing. example, you can join Toastmasters to hone your publicCecily Mwaniki is the author of 5 inspirational books and speaking skills. Seminars and conferences are good places to learn. You may have to pay a membership runs CM network club for women in Berkshire, Reading. or attendance fee, but it’s a good way to invest in your Learn more about her at www.cmnetwork.co.uk or contact her on info@cmnetwork.co.uk or 07859063643 education while also expanding your social circles.

Confessions of a graduate: Trust yourself Sometimes you have to trust YOURSELF to sort your life out. Sometimes, you will find yourself making the right decision when you feel like an idiot. Sometimes, you have to give it a shot. Let’s get the facts straight. I am not trying to motivate you, or teach you a lesson, or make you think about life. I am just sharing my story which you may or may not refer to.

University teaches you a lot. When I joined to study politics, I did not know much about politics. Now that I have graduated, I think I know even less now – it’s all so messed up. But now I do know - how to pay my rent on time! Wash whites and colours separately! That in life you don’t always have to do what everyone expects you to do. There is always going to be those who will tell you how “you totally suck”. When I finished my politics degree in July, I knew pretty much that I suck at it. I had wasted 3 years of my life for a stupid piece of paper that I would probably put in my drawer and only open it to check whether I am still “an honourable graduate from a prestigious University”.

I work as a bartender in a place where people come because it’s cheap. I could not see any signs of life getting better anytime soon. My family back home (yes I am an immigrant) would judge me from and remind me often how much money they had spent on giving an opportunity to come here! Then, my housemate and my best friend found a man and disappeared from my life. There I was hopeless, penniless, futureless and a true “Johnny No Mates”.

I felt ANGRY! I felt like killing people, because of course everyone else was guilty for my lack of success and nobody understood me! Looking for a better job seemed close to impossible. Who would want to hire me anyway with hundreds of thousands of better graduates than me! Who could hire this Loser!

But a few months ago, I realised that it was not OK to be angry at everything and everyone. Who would believe in me if all I said and thought was how much I suck! I had to spot being all negative. We only have one life and we ought to make the best out of it.

More importantly, it’s futile to wait for a change while doing nothing. I had no clue where to start. I did not know what I wanted. All I knew was that I need to do something otherwise I would go mad. I thought good... how can I not to get turned down or told no to an offer! I could not handle a bunch of people repeatedly saying NO to me. I went for volunteering!

I applied to volunteer with a non-profit organization working with BME communities. Next morning I was positively surprised to get an email offering me an offer. A few days later, I started working at this strange place where I had no clue what I was doing, but whatever I was doing, I was did my best. I was determined not to fail, quit or be a loser! I could not handle another failure. Two months on, I am in a paid position as a Media Sales Executive working with an amazingly passionate team. I was extremely lucky to have been given an opportunity to find myself. This is a new chapter in my life, where I am in control of my life. The lessons are: • You cannot suck at everything you do!

• Hard work pays off!

• Be ready to work for free!

• Plenty of people are willing to help you if they see a potential in yourself!

38 Education & Career

mojatu.com

Nottingham Trent University Global Lounge In 2013, Nottingham Trent University (NTU) opened two new Global Lounges: one at City campus and one at the Clifton Campus. The Global Lounges serve multifunctional, campus-based hubs for globally-oriented activities in support of NTU’s internationalisation strategy.

The introduction of the Global Lounge at NTU is an initiative designed to promote the image of the university as a friendly, warm, richly diverse and multicultural community of learning where people from different parts of the world who come to study are warmly received and integrated into a welcoming and friendly community. The NTU Global Lounges are also social spaces and venues for cultural events, internationally-oriented celebrations and also bases for both UK and international student societies to socialise and interact, promoting crosscultural awareness, understanding and togetherness amongst our students and staff.

The NTU Global Lounges also serve as resource centres for students interested in various international opportunities and mobility where they can learn, access information as well as being guided on making choices about opportunities, such as study abroad (Erasmus and ISEP), volunteering, work placements etc., that are available to them as students at Nottingham Trent University. NTU has partners in more than 35 countries spanning all regions of the world. The access to fundings through schemes such as Erasmus+, ISEP (International Study Exchange Program), the Santander Network, and plenty of others gives opportunities to students to travel abroad and gain international experience either through international study exchange or work placements/innate.

The Global Lounges are social spaces where students from different parts of the world come together to meet, interact, make friends, learn about each

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Global centre for social and cultural exchange + learning other’s cultures and appreciate being part of a richly diverse and multicultural community like at NTU. The NTU Global Lounges promote and achieve this by hosting various interesting cultural events from different parts of the world like Asia, Europe, Africa, Middle-East, Caribbean etc. which are normally led by students from those regions showcasing and teaching other students about their cultures. There is also free tea and coffee available every day at the Global Lounge for students to come in anytime (from 9am – 5pm, Monday – Friday) with their friends to relax, mingle and make new friends.

We have a rich calendar of interesting cultural and social events all through the academic year from various cultures and different parts of the world as mentioned above, specially designed to broaden the cross-cultural experience and awareness amongst our students, and promote togetherness and friendliness within our warm NTU Community of students and staff. In addition to our interesting calendar of events, we have our regular international community lunch at the City Global Lounge every Thursdays (12pm - 2pm during term) where our students from different countries and diverse cultures turn up in large numbers to share lunch together like one happy NTU Global family, making new friends and learning about each other.

Some of our many recent events at the Global Lounge include Brazil 2014 World Cup Opening Ceremony, Arab Culture Day, , Asian/Chinese Culture Day, Nigerian 54th Independence Day Celebration & International Community Lunch (Every Thursdays 12pm -2pm) The NTU Global Lounges can is a centre for social and cultural exchange + learning, welcoming and bringing together students from different parts of the world, and promoting cross-cultural awareness, friendliness and togetherness amongst NTU students and staff.

40 Education & Career

mojatu.com

A minute is all it takes in interviews. More than 33% of hiring managers say that they know whether they would hire someone or not within 90 seconds. The thought of having to meet with someone who will be analysing our every move and scrutinising every response that we make, is nerve-wracking to say the least. Be better prepared! Look through these 34 job interview tips and hopefully allow you be more prepared in your next interview and keep you ahead of the competition.

Nottingham connected

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42 Education & Career

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Ms MARY MWIKALI MUTUA London Metropolitan University, 2014 - Hons in Community Development I am a mother of 2 boys who is passionate about development, community and growth. I believe that education and taking action are key to success and about doing something great, and helping each other achieve that. I feel especially lucky to have gained this opportunity to study. Everything Is Possible In Jesus Name.

MR ABDOULIE JAH University of Nottingham, 2014 - Postgraduate in Computer Science & Entrepreneurship The university and the course helped me gain new networks and opportunities which have been instrumental in my current and future life. It has been instrumental in my extensive work in community development activities within Nottingham and Gambia. I am more innovative and enterprising and have become accustomed to working under pressure and meeting deadlines.

GODA KACILEVICIUTE University of Nottingham, 2014 - BA (Hons) Degree in Politics I thank my parents for giving me this opportunity to leave Lithuania to study in the UK. Their support, encouragement, love and care helped me to become the person I am. Studying abroad is emotionally and financially difficult but helped me to become confident, strong minded and highly motivated. I gained new friends, networks and opportunities.

Ms Laviniah Karanja, Face of Kenya UK 2014 De Montfort University (DMU) (2008) Passion: About my homeland, Kenya and the UK, and for the youth in diaspora to fully tap into their gifts, talents and realize their full potential, thereby making a positive contribution in society and helping to lead our nation forward.

Interests: All facets of media and the significance of media, content writing, managing a community online and being active in various social media networks.

Activities: Upon being crowned Face of Kenya UK 2014, I raised ÂŁ1,500 for Project1917, which helps to orphaned children through secondary education in Kenya. It is important for me to use this platform to make a difference in the lives of other and encourage the youth to support our Kenyan counterparts.

As the Face of Kenya UK 2014 and a representative of the Diaspora, I was invited by Kenya Tourism Board to represent Kenya Tourism and Trade at the World Travel Market working with Kenya Airways and Magical Kenya. This fantastic opportunity enabled me to utilize my role and title and to put my background in media to use. It also helped me to showcase the best that Kenya has to offer to the world in terms of tourism, culture and diversity. Karibuni Kenya!

Nottingham connected

Education & Career

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Press Release

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End FGM Logo unveiled Mojatu Foundation, Utulivu Women of Reading and Cmnetwork of Reading have unveiled the new End Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) logo symbolising the Foundation’s singular focus on ending FGM in a generation by transforming the contents sourcing and distribution processes.

The new logo is the first step towards engaging more girls and women in the media sector by providing training, support and equipment to help them collate and distribute local information. This will also offer the participants opportunities to earn income while supporting the information democratisation processes. The logo is a collaborative product by Mojatu Foundation in conjunction with Utulivu Women’s Group of Reading and CMnetwork of Reading.

This more inclusive FGM logo has been developed to reflect the further commitment by Mojatu Foundation, Utulivu Women and Cmnetwork to present a more visually effective symbol towards ending FGM. The simple yet highly communicative logo shows the razor, a tool commonly used in FGM practices acting as the protective amour shielding a girl from harm. The razor blade is thus not able to cut the girl but instead cuts those seeking to harm her. Instead of the commonly used graphically disturbing signs, the subtle scissors represent the disgusting act which should be eradicated while the accompanying text vividly states the need to end FGM.

them chances to train and engage in media activities thereby increasing their income earning opportunities and impacting on the legislation, policy and statutory formulation and governance in their communities.”

Mojatu Foundation believes that by empowering girls and women through skills enhancement, knowledge on the power and impact of media while giving them income generating opportunities are the sole processes by which FGM can truly be eradicated in this generation.

“There is no need to just use words and actions driven by men while giving women, especially those whose experience FGM limited or no real opportunities to influence views and perceptions. The continued domination of media by men, mainly white middle aged men, means that women are always at a disadvantage.

Countering these disadvantages is a core part of supporting the End FGM Campaign.”

The logo will make Mojatu, Utulivu and CMnetwork operations, services and activities recognisable in UK and globally where we carry out our operations. The logo is free for organisations and individuals to use in ending FGM campaigns.

Cecily Mwaniki, founding member of Utulivu women and the CEO of CMnetwork noted that “We know that most women who have experienced FGM and those who have been prevented from it by being taken away from their communities continue to suffer from economic poverty and poor skills. Mojatu Foundation, Utulivu and CMnetwork will support these women through training and poverty alleviation opportunities.”

Miss Valentine Nkoyo, the Director of Mojatu Foundation said, “The launch of the new logo kicks-off the Mojatu Foundation’s new era of proactive media campaign to end FGM by working with women and girls in disseminating information, increasing awareness, helping safeguard those in danger and signposting those in need of help.

It also signals new opportunities for women by giving

This new logo, which was developed in-house, will be used in all our end FGM activities. It will form part of this issue of Mojatu magazine and will be used in all our merchandise and products, especially those used in media training activities. They will also be used in the background of the computers that will be used in our offices in UK, Kenya, Gambia and Somaliland.

About Mojatu Foundation Mojatu Foundation is a social enterprise that sources, collates, manages, and distributes information through regional bi-monthly magazines and online at www.mojatu.com. The magazines are currently published in Nottingham and Berkshire with contents mainly focused on African and Caribbean communities. We are actively involved in ending Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) campaigns and we will be launching the pilot phase of training girls and women aged 18 years and over on media, employability and income generation while supporting them in becoming the local ‘Community Champions’ reporting on issues affecting them. Mojatu Foundation works in conjunction with Utulivu Women’s Group of Reading and CMnetwork of Reading.

to help end FGM this generation Nottingham connected Education & Career

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roject: u Foundation is to launch an exciting new project for training and supporting ‘Community Media Champion oject will recruit and train individual, often FGM survivors and those most affected by FGM, to develop skil onfidence needed to become Community Media Champions.

‘Community Media Champions’ to end FGM this generation

The Project:

aineesMojatu will beFoundation empowered tell their and to community stories,a such as of the impact ofMedia FGM whi is to to launch a newindividual exciting project train and establish network ‘Community Champions’ will alsoimages support and women to establish and grow businesses.

The project recruitThis and train ing, storing and. Itsharing other information online, on mobiles and will in print. will increas individuals develop skills and confidence to become ‘Community Champions’ . participants t wareness whiletoproviding opportunities forneeded support of victims of FGM.Media It will also allow the direction of their communities by impacting on the media coverage and information available on FGM The trainees will be empowered to tell their individual and community stories, such as the impact of bout their FGMcommunities. while capturing, storing and sharing images and other information online, on mobiles and in print.

This will increase FGM awareness while providing opportunities for support of victims of FGM. It will also

participants to shape the direction of their communities by impacting on the media coverage and ning: allow What you will do: information available on FGM and other issues within their communities. essful candidates will be offered local and online Community Media Champions will ing and resources to help them collect, edit, become involved in any or all of the What you will do: e and Training: disseminate information on FGM and other following: Successful candidates will be offered local and online Community Media Champions will munity focused information.

• Producing community magazine training and resources to help them collect, edit, become involved in any or all of the Media training: • following: Source and upload contents online store and disseminate information on FGM and other o Photo and information. video capture editing community Theand training offered will include • Raise awareness of services and media, business, • Produceavailable community o Writing for web,communication radio and TV and many more. The activities to magazine local people following courses will be launched in December 2014: • Source and upload contents online o Managing online contents – Blogs and • Promote FGM awareness, • Media training: • Raise awareness of services and articleso Photo and video capture and editing signposting and information activities available locally o Creative writing collation activities o Radio and TV presentation • Promote FGM awareness, o Interviewing skillscontents & blogging • Create and present community radio o Managing signposting and safeguarding o Social media engagement o Creative writing & graphic design programs • Create and present community radio o Interviewing & vox pop skills o Social engine optimisation • Assist in planning and co-ordinating programs o design Social media engagement • Assist in planning and co-ordinating o Graphic youth media workshops o Social engine optimisation youth media workshops o Disc Jockeying (DJ) • Reporting good news stories via • FGM training and awareness • Reporting radio, stories web via community FGM training and awareness community and print o Myths & views supporting FGM radio, web and print o FGM mapping signposting • Engaging in community feedback o Effects and of FGM • Engaging in community feedback o Background information on FGM processes o Safeguarding & Support in FGM processes o Consequences of FGMand signposting o FGM mapping • Help shape and • Help shapethe thedirection direction of • Other skills o Supporting FGM victims content of your community community contents • Participateand andreport report on on local Other skillso Business Start-up • Participate local o Specific business courses events o Communication skills events o Communication and presentation skills • Investigate local issues and gather o Sales and marketing • Investigate local issues and gather o Sales and marketing opinions o Collaborative working with professionals and local opinions, through social media o Working with professionals & community groups community groups surveys, vox pops or interviews. o Growing your business – Funding

You will receive will receive • cards Business cards Business • Video camera Video camera • Dictaphone Dictaphone • Mobile phone with monthly credit Mobile • phone withallowance monthly credit Travelling Travelling allowance

mojatu

If you are interested: or you know anyone who could benefit from these courses in Nottingham, Reading, Coventry or London, please contact us on training@mojatu.com or call us on 01158457009

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FRESH MEAT Lamb

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Pork at £5 per kilo Goat (coming soon)

Whole (All parts included or per kilo) Collect from the farm or we can deliver

Call: 078 91404 007 Launch of the “We love Bulwell” Town Team The Bulwell Town Team invites you to

Date: Tuesday 28th Oct

Time: 5.30pm - 7.00pm

Kindly Hosted: @ J D Wetherspoon - The William Peverel, 259 Main Street, Bulwell Food and other refreshments available from 5.30pm – Launch from 6pm All local businesses are welcome - we do hope that you join us and share your ideas as to how we can best develop the town you do business in.

Bulwell TownTeam

“We Love Bulwell”

If you are interested please contact: Kevin Price 07974 723 692 Email: kevin.price@welovebulwell.co.uk or Bill Blackamore 0798 4001 674 Email: phoenix.cons@ntlworld.com

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