Mojatu London Magazine L002

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In our second edition of mojatu London, continues focusing communities, organizations that support them and businesses in the post pandemic period. A major discussion was dedicated to mental health and wellbeing, as we acknowledge costs of living, poverty, energy support schemes, and nutrition, may not be sole causes, but main challenges and issues communities are facing today. That would aggravate their overall welfare.

We genuinely believe that beyond statistics, figures and charts displayed in all the reports we see here and there, there are usually real human stories that are worth telling. And that is exactly what mojatu does. Typically, as we say that there is one person living poor every six adults living in the UK, what we technically mean is that many millions of children and working-age adults can not make ends meet every day. As millions of kids heavily depend on school meals, and when no school or during the holiday risk going to bed hungry.

In this edition, we introduce the concept of intergenerational trauma, its impacts, and the process to heal from it. From experience, we thoroughly discoursed that due to difficult backgrounds and their current challenges many of our communities go through, exacerbating their level of mental health and continue paralyzing their physical and mental wellbeing that would enable them to administer a stable and better life. In this edition, there is also an indigenous financial and money practices minority communities.

Particularly the black community usually use to finance new startups, education, and other household related investment.

Omar Mohammed - Managing Editor

Editorial

Group Editor: Frank Kamau – frank@mojatu.com

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.

Managing Editor: Omar Mohammed - info@rafikiwema.org

Design: Robert Borbely - robert@mojatu.com

Photos: www.freepik.com

Contributors: Omar Mohammed | Peter Makossah Mr. Nur Mohamed | Ladan Osman | Saida Egeh

Angela Wathoni | Islington Council

Arts Council England | Tristen Best

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GOVERNMENT’S ENERGY BILL DISCOUNT SCHEME

Last month, the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, James Cartlidge, announced the government’s plans to follow the Energy Bills Relief Scheme by announcing the new two levels of support:

From 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024, eligible nondomestic customers who have a contract with a licensed energy supplier will see a unit discount of up to £6.97/ MWh automatically applied to their gas bill and a unit discount of up to £19.61/MWh applied to their electricity bill, except for those benefiting from lower energy prices.

A higher level of support will be provided to sectors identified as the most energy and trade-intensive – predominately manufacturing industries. The list also includes “library and archive activities, museums activities, historical sites and buildings and similar visitor attractions, botanical and zoological gardens and nature reserve activities”. Those in scope will receive a gas and electricity bill discount based on a supported price which will be capped by a maximum unit discount of £40.0/ MWh for gas and £89.1/MWh for electricity.

The January announcement contains many wins for the charity sector particularly, and these include Charities are once again explicitly included and acknowledged in the government’s thinking - that alone is a very different

Furthermore, the government heard that: continued support needed to be guaranteed for a full 12 months to allow time to plan, continuing support through the existing mechanism of subsidising energy bills was the most effective route - the alternative would most likely have been applications for grant or loan funding, with all the complications and pitfalls that would bring, cherry picking specific parts of our sector for support would be invidious, inequitable and dangerous in terms of unintended consequences.

For more information:

Press release: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ chancellor-unveils-new-energy-bills-discount-schemefor-businesses

Detailed factsheet: https://www.gov.uk/government/ publications/energy-bills-discount-scheme-factsheet

List of sectors included: https://assets.publishing.service. gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_ data/file/1128021/230104_ETII_List_for_gov.uk.pdf

WORLD PEACE ORGANISATION

all regret the especially if we down.

Sammy Meleti about the work he’s been doing in Mackworth and beyond…

Sammy on interest that were responded simply cannot wheels are in great things Org. spread his word possible –But in our and Sammy more love Sammy hopes to by holding and events can imagine, are hard to main platforms at present, and support as Facebook but don’t be find posters awareness both brought Mackworth, DE22. growing up, there things aimed at

Sammy Meleti’s organisation, World Peace and Justice, has been up to plenty lately, keeping up with the knife amnesty and world injustices alike. Although Sammy is here in Derby, he manages to stay well briefed and in the loop regarding conflicts abroad –especially regarding the Eastern world. His passion lies in raising awareness for places such as Yemen and Palestine, with a plentiful array of other nations. Whether it’s by raising awareness or even funds for projects, Sammy never fails to show his heart on his sleeve.

getting us off the streets away from drugs and trouble, like Mackworth St Francis Football Club, or our beloved youth club, to which a genuinely great guy Chris would hold sessions on a daily and weekly basis.

losses to come – especially if we don’t put our foot down.

I also enquired with Sammy on future topics of interest that were in the works, and he responded stating positively: “I simply cannot tell you until the wheels are in action,” hinting that great things are coming from WP&J Org.

drugs and trouble, like Mackworth St Francis Football Club, or our beloved youth club, to which a genuinely great guy Chris would hold sessions on a daily and weekly basis.

We both feel like Derby is missing a lot of necessities for our youth at the moment – our community centres are shut down, there’s nothing to do for the youth, and day by day they get more frustrated and bored, so they eventually lead themselves and each other into mistakes that’ll end up costing them more than they could ever imagine.

I asked him how things have been for his org, and he assured me that things were steady, and he had still managed to pull a lot of knives from the streets. A bladed article had recently been brought to Sammys attention in walking distance from Murray Park School – mine and Sammy’s secondary school from 2012-2017. This came as a shock to us both, and shows we still need to make changes when socialising with our youth in our communities,

Sammy looks to spread his word as far as physically possible –worldwide, in fact. But in our community, which I and Sammy mutually agree needs more love and attention, Sammy hopes to achieve these targets by holding sponsored fundraisers and events in the future. As you can imagine, however, such events are hard to arrange. Sammy’s main platforms are on social media at present, with most responses and support coming from sites such as Facebook and Instagram – but don’t be surprised if you also find posters and banners raising awareness around Derby soon.

We both feel like Derby is missing a lot of necessities for our youth at the moment – our community centres are shut down, there’s nothing to do for the youth, and day by day they get more frustrated and bored, so they eventually lead themselves and each other into mistakes that’ll end up costing them more than they could ever imagine.

We need to put our foot down, and say enough is enough. Derby is a shadow of what it once was and a fraction of what it can become. In the future, Sammy can see the city becoming more attuned, and more up to date with other cities – which is something to work towards indeed.

We need to put our foot down, and say enough is enough. Derby is a shadow of what it once was and a fraction of what it can become. In the future, Sammy can see the city becoming more attuned, and more up to date with other cities – which is something to work towards indeed.

If you have any suggestions on how we can help our community, feel free to contact us at tristan@kutambua. com or wpj.organisation@gmail. com

Sammy and I were both brought up in the area of Mackworth, DE22. When we were growing up, there were all sorts of things aimed at

If you have any suggestions on how we can help our community, feel free to contact us at tristan@kutambua. com or wpj.organisation@gmail. com

UK HOME OFFICE PLANS TO CUT POST STUDY VISA FOR FOREIGN STUDENTS

- By Peter Makossah

The New Graduate Visa route, which allows foreign graduates – including African overseas students – the chance to stay on to job-hunt and gain work-experience for up to two years without the requirement of a specific job offer, is expected to be cut under the new proposed review.

UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman is said to be on a collision course with the country’s education department over plans to cut the period of stay allowed for overseas students under a poststudy visa route, according to UK media reports. According to ‘The Times’, the UK home secretary, who is of African heritage, has drawn up a plan to “reform” the Graduate Visa route requiring students to obtain a work visa by getting a skilled job or leave the UK after six months.

The newspaper refers to leaked advice to say that the UK Department for Education (DfE) is attempting to block the changes as they fear it would harm the UK’s attractiveness to international students. A government source who backs Braverman’s plan said the Graduate Visa was being increasingly used by students on short courses at “less respectable universities”. “It’s being used as a backdoor immigration route,” the source was quoted as saying.

The DfE, however, argues that the two-year Graduate Visa, often referred to as the UK’s post-study offer, was aligned with most of Britain’s main competitors, with only the US offering a one-year visa.

According to latest statistics by the Office for National Statistics (ONS),

Indians overtook Chinese as the largest cohort of foreign students last year and the new Graduate Visa route, introduced in July 2021, was dominated by Indians – accounting for 41 per cent of the visas granted. The number of African students coming to the UK to study remain minimal.

Adeola Adenuga, 24, a postgraduate biochemical engineering student, a Nigerian from Lagos but currently a learner at the University of Nottingham said: “This is harsh. We spent a lot of money paying for our education and to send us back without allowing us look for a job is unfair. Braverman’s proposal is reportedly among several drawn up after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak asked the Home Office and the DfE to submit proposals for reducing the number of foreign students coming to the UK.”

Figures published shows there were a total of 680,000 foreign students in the UK. The government’s 2019 Higher Education Strategy included a target of 600,000 students by 2030, which was met last year itself.

Another proposal being considered would reportedly allow foreign students to bring dependent family members with them only if they were on postgraduate researchbased courses such as a PhD, or postgraduate courses that were at least two years’ long.

The UK Home Office refused to comment on the leak, but a government spokesperson said: “Our points-based system is designed to be flexible according to the UK’s needs, including attracting top-class talent from across the world to contribute to the UK’s

excellent academic reputation and to help keep our universities competitive on the world stage.

“We keep all our immigration policies under constant review to ensure they best serve the country and reflect the public’s priorities.”

Braverman was born in London to migrant parents who were from Kenya and Mauritius with the roots in Goa and in South India.

Braverman whose maiden name is Suella Fernandes studied law at the Queen’s College in the University of Cambridge and has completed a Master’s in law from the University of Paris. Suella Braverman is the first female Attorney General to be appointed by a government of Conservative Party.

The secretary of state for the Home Department is a secretary of state in the Government of the United Kingdom, with responsibility for the home office. As a Great Office of State, the home secretary is one of the most senior and influential ministers in the government. The incumbent is a statutory member of the British Cabinet and National Security Council.

The position, which may be known as interior minister in other nations, was created in 1782, though its responsibilities have changed many times.

Post office holders have included the prime ministers Lord North, Robert Peel, the Duke of Wellington, Lord Palmerston, Winston Churchill, James Callaghan, and Theresa May.

Read more:

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY: A DAY TO CELEBRATE THE ELEGANCE OF WOMENHOOD

By Saida Egeh

International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global celebration of women’s social, economic, cultural, and political achievements. It is also a day to acknowledge the ongoing struggle for gender equality and to raise awareness of the issues women face worldwide. Each year, IWD has a theme, and for 2023, the theme is “Embrace Equity.”

“Embrace Equity” means recognizing that gender equality cannot be achieved without addressing other forms of inequality, such as race, ethnicity, class, and sexual orientation. It means acknowledging and addressing the intersecting forms of discrimination that women face and working towards creating a world where everyone has equal opportunities and rights.

The “Embrace Equity” theme is particularly relevant given the current global climate. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted and exacerbated existing inequalities, with marginalized groups, including women, being disproportionately affected.

Women’s rights activists and organizations around the world are using International Women’s Day to call for action to address these intersecting inequalities. This includes promoting intersectional feminism, which acknowledges the complex and intersecting forms of discrimination that women face and advocating for policies that promote equity and inclusion.

The “Embrace Equity” theme encourages everyone to recognize and address the multiple forms of discrimination that women face. It’s a call to action to work towards a world where everyone has equal opportunities and rights, regardless of their gender, race, ethnicity, class, or sexual orientation. Women’s rights have been at the forefront of discussions and debates for decades, and rightly so. Women have been fighting for their rights for centuries and have made great strides in achieving gender equality. However, despite significant progress, gender-based discrimination and violence still exist around the world.

Women’s Rights: An Essential Part of a Just Society

Women’s rights are essential to achieving a just and equitable society. The denial of equal rights and opportunities for women is not only unjust but also detrimental to society. Women’s rights movements have

fought for women’s right to education, employment, the right to vote, equal pay, and equal representation in government and other decision-making bodies. These rights are fundamental to ensuring that women can reach their full potential and contribute their skills and talents to society.

The Struggles Faced by Women

Women have faced many struggles in their fight for equality. For centuries, women have been denied access to education and employment opportunities, limiting their potential and contributions to society. In many countries, women have limited access to healthcare, resulting in poor health outcomes. Gender-based violence remains a significant issue globally, with many women suffering physical, emotional, and psychological harm. Women who speak out against gender-based discrimination and violence often face backlash and retaliation from their communities and employers.

Women have organized and spoken out against gender-based discrimination and violence, including the #MeToo movement, which highlighted the issue of sexual harassment and assault in the workplace. Women’s rights activists like Sojourner Truth, Susan B. Anthony, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton fought for women’s suffrage and the right to vote in the United States. These struggles have been critical in raising awareness and advocating for women’s rights.

The Importance of Women’s Rights Today

Despite significant progress, women still face challenges in their fight for equality. Women are still underrepresented in many areas, including politics and leadership positions. Women still face unequal pay and opportunities in the workforce, perpetuating poverty, and inequality. Discrimination in education and employment can limit women’s access to resources and opportunities, preventing them from reaching their full potential.

Embrace Equity” is a powerful message for International Women’s Day 2023. It’s a call to action to recognize and address the multiple forms of discrimination that women face and to work towards creating a world where everyone has equal opportunities and rights.

It became clear that democracy faces serious setbacks and challenges particularly in Africa. Firstly, despite huge efforts and investments made over the years, democracy continues to lack necessary cultural elements of Africans.

Furthermore, during pre-colonials, Africans used to have customary and tribal leadership hierarchies, conflict resolution methods and the sense of communal ownership and membership principles. Whereas democracy provides an independent judiciary, incorruptible police and security forces and the development of citizenship under a single inclusive political authority. So, the dilemma in most African countries is hybrid governance, that is a system that introduces some elements of democratic model, and at the same remains a highly tribalized and ethnic society, in an economically less fortunate setting. Where people give their loyalty more to their ethnic groups than the state.

In addition to that, though widely praised for ensuring individual freedoms, political stability and creating economic opportunities and shared prosperity, yet in its current forms does not fully incorporate the traditions, customs, and social structures integral to African beliefs and practices, particularly in dealing with conflicts, sharing scarce resources and their management such water, and handling collective communal affairs such marriages, funerals.

Over the last few decades, many African nations suffered greatly from disputed general elections, where opposition leaders kept claiming the voting systems as rigged and unreliable, while on the other hand, the ruling elites and groups insisted

DEMOCRACY; COZY BUT COSTLY

By Omar Mohammed

The essence of every definition of democracy is the concept of popular, regular, and free and fair elections. Liberal democracy ideally safeguards individual liberties and their rights, that guarantee all the benefits of democracy, including accountable and legitimate governance, freedom of expression, and popular sovereignty.

it was free and fair elections. In some cases, disputes have evolved into full scale conflict such as the ongoing civil war in South Sudan.

Ethiopia is an example, where the months-long brutal civil war in the north was instigated by the decision to delay general parliamentary elections planned to take place in 2020, but the ruling party chose to reschedule it into the next year. The leaders of the northern Tigray region, however, disputed the decision and stayed with initial plans. Later, the federal government interfered with full force and removed them from power. This was the start of a devastating civil war between the two that left hundreds of thousands dead and many others internally displaced. In neighboring Kenya, the post-election violence in the year 2007 killed thousands and displaced many more from their homes and farms.

Other African nations with similar elections related to unrest and violent confrontations include but not limited to Burundi in 2020, Somalia 2021/22, Congo in 2018, Côte d’Ivoire in 2011/2020’, South Sudan in 2013, Republic of Sudan from 2013, and Central African Republic 2012. Though these nations may have obvious differences, in what really affects the elections to be problematic and their effects, but all have an intense postelection fighting triggered by how the election processes got managed.

On the other hand, democracy and particularly holding general elections for various governmental bodies regularly proved to be exceptionally costly.

Alarmingly, these nations already suffer tight government spending and competing priorities that compel

these nations to seek foreign support to finance their budget holes. What often makes it costly arise from running complex electoral bodies and works, printing ballot papers usually from outside sources.

Furthermore, running nation-wide campaigns, parties may turn to foreign powers and investors with the expectation that they get access to powers and economic opportunities should their candidate wins.

The bottom line here is, Africa to embrace a meaningful democratic change will need to rethink cost effective modalities that are globally acceptable but fundamentally accept local traditions, systems, and social settings. Lock of transparency and inclusivity are always cited as major triggers of election deadlock, and that can not be solved by complicating the voting systems with investing unnecessary funds that would otherwise be used for services and production sectors.

ISLINGTON’S YOUTH COUNCIL ELECTS THE BOROUGH’S NEW YOUNG MAYOR

- By Islington Council

Ameera Abdi has been elected Islington’s eleventh Young Mayor - with Areeb Ahmed as Deputy Young Mayor, and Ayokunnu Fawole as Islington’s new London Youth Assembly member. They were elected by their fellow youth councillors on Monday 13 February 2023 and will hold office for one year. Ameera and Areeb will also be responsible for chairing the Youth Forum, as well as attending civic events and award ceremonies. Ameera will also have the casting vote in Islington’s Youth Council.

The young mayor election follows the youth council election in November when young people from across the borough voted in 14 new youth councillors to represent them.

The Islington Youth Council is elected every two years, and the Young Mayor and Deputy Young Mayor change annually to give more youth councillors the opportunity to hold office.

Ameera, who is 14 years old, said: “I feel ecstatic! This is going to be an amazing experience. I want to make my peers on the youth council proud.”

New Deputy Young Mayor, Areeb, said: “Being elected as Deputy Young Mayor has been one of my greatest achievements.”

Ayokunnu, new Member of London Youth Assembly, added: “I feel very excited. This is wonderful!”

Cllr Michelline Safi Ngongo, Islington Council’s Executive Member for Children, Young People and Families, said: “Islington’s Young Mayor, along with the rest of our Youth Council, is a vital part of our plans to make Islington a more equal borough as we strive to give all our young people the best possible start in life. Congratulations to Ameera, Areeb and Ayokunnu – I am sure they will do the borough and their fellow youth councillors proud.

“We know that young people were

massively affected by the difficulties of the Covid-19 pandemic, and that many are now struggling because of the pressures brought by the cost-of-living crisis. I look forward to working with our new youth councillors to ensure that the services we provide are wellsuited to what our young people need.” Since the election in November, the 14 new youth councillors have been going through an induction process, aimed at equipping them with the skills and knowledge required to meet the challenges of their new roles.

The youth councillors will be responsible for making sure the opinions of young people in Islington are heard and will campaign for youth services in Islington to be responsive to the needs and interests of young people. The youth councillors will work with council officers and elected members to ensure young people have a key role in planning, designing, delivering and reviewing services.

AFRICAN FOOTBALL COMMUNITY IN UK TO PAY TRIBUTE TO CHRISTIAN ATSU WITH A MULTI-NATIONAL BONANZA-

By Peter Makossah

He was kind, selfless and benevolent. The orphaned and disadvantaged children he supported, financially and morally, inspired to aspire for greatness all describe him a ‘great, wonderful man.’

And he was a wonderful and talented football player. Upon his untimely tragic death, the children did not only mourn him he supported, or those who loved his footballing skills; he was also mourned and celebrated by thousands of people worldwide. His name will forever be etched in the minds of many, and his legacy will stay forever.

Christian Atsu, Ghana’s Black Stars twinkling star player and former enterprising Newcastle midfielder, whose death was announced by his football agent Nana Sechere after 12 days of missing after the devastating earthquake, which is said to have claimed 44,000 lives will forever be celebrated and honours because of the way he handled himself towards humanity.

Atsu, who met his fate at just 31 years and counted Chelsea, Everton, Porto, the Magpies, and Newcastle United among some of his former clubs, had been playing for Turkish Super League side Hayayspor and he was a larger-thanlife character off the field as he was giving hope to the hopeless back in his country where he grew up in poverty.

He was beyond a football player. He was more. A philanthropist and an ambassador for the global children’s charity, Arms Around the Child since 2016 and he regularly visited the children who were in a new school that he was building and was near completion at the time of his demise in Senya Beraku in Ghana.

It is against this background - Atsu’s commitment and dedication to supporting mankind - a UK-based African Diaspora Football Community Organisation (ADFCO) are putting together a charity social football bonanza to be staged in Nottingham featuring different African countries to honour and celebrate Christian Atsu’s life the way he lived his life, football and charity.

ADFCO Chief Executive Officer Balewa Mwalwanda in an exclusive interview says his organisation sees it a perfect fit to celebrate one of Africa’s football royalty - and a man who did a lot of good things to the hopeless children, the disadvantaged, and the vulnerable people not only in his home country, Ghana - but also across the globe as a

global ambassador for an international children’s charity. Said Mwalwanda: “It is going to be the biggest allAfrican football bonanza in the UK with over 30 teams participating from across the UK and we have engaged the elders from Ghana domiciled in the UK for the guidance and the support is great.

“Atsu was not only a great football player, but he was also a great human being. He was humble and never at at point did he brag about helping people like many others do for publicity. He was an exceptionally big-hearted man, and we will honour him accordingly.”

Mwalwanda says the Atsu Football Tourney, which also includes the youth teams is scheduled for July and August and will be played at the Forest Grounds in Forestfields in Hyson Green.

“UK Ghana national team select Kwesi Esiedu says: “We are so grateful for this great honour for Christian Atsu. What a wonderful person he was. We thank ADFCO for this initiative and we will ensure that everything Ghana will be present at the games.” Zachary Shumba representing the Zimbabwe UK national team said they will be participating in the tournament with four teams from Nottingham, London, Leeds, and Manchester.

“We are ready for the tournament, and we believe that this would be a befitting tribute to the Ghana international who gave everything to football and charity, said Shumba.

Some countries that have confirmed participation, according to Mwalwanda, includes among many others, DR Congo, Angola, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Gambia, Somalia, Cameroon, Sudan, Ivory Coast, Egypt and Guinea. Team Malawi Select in-charge and national team midfielder Nottingham-based Victor Maliro says: “Atsu was a gifted clinical midfielder who was a dedicated footballer.

“It is a great honour to be part of this great initiative to honour such a great African son of the soil. His story is impeccable.” “His dedication to the game was incredible and above all else, his love for mankind was unequivocally excellent and beautiful,” adds the former lanky international footballer.

A spokesperson for AATC said: “Christian Atsu was a truly unique and wonderful man, and his legacy will live on through

the many hundreds if not thousands of lives he has helped. “He will live in our memories as one of the kindest, most talented, humble people to enter this world.”“A young boy from poverty in Ghana who followed his dreams had an incredibly successful footballing career and used his talent and platform to help others.

Atsu never forgot his own roots and didn’t want to see any more children abused, imprisoned, affected by HIV, trafficked, or sold. He, therefore, was determined to use his prominence as a footballer to prevent this.

The former Newcastle united midfielder has had also been supporting The Crime Check Foundation in Ghana with their work paying fines for petty crimes, which had resulted in incarceration, and helping people reintegrate into society and get back on their feet. Many children in Ghana looked up to him as he showed them that they can have dreams for a better future and that through education, dreams can be achieved. This is why Christian was so passionate about building a school, he believed in education for all, especially to solve problems and give kids a brighter future.

Seth Asiedu, director of one of the homes Atsu supported in Senya Beraku, said soon after the player’s death: “We always felt the impact of his presence and were soaked with joy any time he visited us.

“The happiness he brought to so many will leave a painful void, but we will always remember his kind heart and his beaming, infectious and joyful smile. Thank you, Christian, we love you.”

On Saturday, March 4th, 2023, a throng of people with solemn and sombre faces gathered in Ghana’s capital, Accra for a week-long observation and a traditional remembrance ceremony in honour of the fallen hero. Those who couldn’t attend, paid tribute to the player from abroad. That day marked two weeks after news broke of the footballer’s demise in Turkey. Atsu’s funeral was given a full State Funeral rites with  the Ghana government taking  over every cost.

Ghana’s Sports and Youth Minister Mustapha Hamid said: “We had to give because of the contribution of Christian Atsu to the development of Ghana football and at the same time with the way and manner Christian Atsu passed on is something that is devastating to everyone, and this is the only time that we all come together as a country to give our brother and son. a befitting burial.”

The late Christian Atsu’s final funeral rites and burial were conducted on March 17th 2023. While many remember Atsu for his great performances in the English Premier League with Chelsea, Everton and Newcastle United, many

Ghanaians and other African countries Black will forever remember the Ghana International midfield dynamo for his massive contribution to the Ghana national team popularly known as the Black Stars.

“I remember him in 2015, at the African Cup of Nations in Gabon. In that tournament, Atsu won the best player of the tournament, and he was so instrumental to Ghana’s participation,” Abraham Nkansah, the president of Die Hard Supporters Union (Supporters of the Black Stars), said.

On 6th February 2023, Atsu went missing in the immediate aftermath of the 2023 Turkey–Syria earthquake; he was feared to be among those trapped under the rubble of Hatayspor’s headquarters in Antakya following the quake. Atsu had been scheduled to fly out of southern Turkey hours before the quake, but Hatayspor’s manager said he stayed with the club after scoring the winning goal in a 5 February match. On 7th February, club vice-president Mustafa Özat said Atsu had been rescued and was recovering in hospital, while on 8 February manager, Volkan Demirel said that Atsu and sporting director Taner Savut were still missing.

On Valentine’s Day, the 14th February, 2023 Atsu’s agent confirmed two pairs of his shoes had been found, but that Atsu himself had still not been found. Four days later, on 18 February, confirmation was received by his agent that his body was recovered from the rubble of the building he was residing in.

News outlets reported his death at approximately 06: 00 am. GMT. Atsu’s former club Newcastle United paid tribute to him at their game against Liverpool on 18 February and prior to the start of the game, a minute of applause was held before the start of the game.  Atsu’s widow and their children were in attendance.

The tribute was also made at other English Premier League games that occurred over the weekend. Atsu’s body may have been interred six inches deep in the grave in the west African of Ghana, but his legacy will live forever, and he will forever be remembered as one the kindest footballers of all times. After all, they say, good deeds men do will follow them to the grave.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND ITS IMPACTS

- By Saida Egeh

Domestic violence is a serious issue that affects millions of women around the world, including in London. It is a type of violence that occurs within the context of a relationship, and it can take many forms, including physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse. Domestic violence can have a devastating impact on a woman’s mental health, and it is important to understand the ways in which it can affect women in London.

Firstly, it is important to understand the scope of the problem. According to the Metropolitan Police, there were 80,000 domestic violence incidents reported in London in the year ending March 2020. This is a significant increase from the previous year, and it is likely that many more incidents go unreported. Domestic violence can happen to anyone, regardless of their age, race, or socio economic status, and it can have serious consequences for a woman’s mental health.

One of the most common ways that domestic violence

can affect a woman’s mental health is through trauma. Trauma is a psychological response to a deeply distressing or disturbing event, and it can have longlasting effects on a person’s mental and physical health. Domestic violence can be traumatic for women, particularly if they have experienced repeated or severe abuse.

Women who have experienced domestic abuse may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can include symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, and feelings of anxiety or depression. PTSD can have a significant impact on a woman’s ability to function in her daily life, and it can also affect her relationships with others.

In addition to trauma, domestic violence can also cause depression and anxiety. Women who have experienced domestic violence may feel isolated, powerless, and hopeless, and these feelings can contribute to the development of depression and anxiety. Depression is

a mood disorder that can cause a persistent feeling of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable.

Anxiety is a mental health disorder that can cause feelings of worry, fear, and panic. Women who have experienced domestic violence may feel anxious about their safety, their ability to support themselves and their children, and their future.

Domestic violence can also have a negative impact on a woman’s self-esteem and self-worth. Women who have experienced domestic abuse may feel ashamed, guilty, and blame themselves for the abuse they have endured. They may also feel as though they are not worthy of love and respect, and this can affect their ability to form healthy relationships in the future. Low self-esteem can also contribute to the development of mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Finally, domestic violence can also lead to substance abuse and addiction. Women who have experienced domestic abuse may turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with the emotional pain they are experiencing. Substance abuse can have profound consequences for a woman’s mental and physical health, and it can also put her at risk for other types of harm, such as accidents or violence.

Domestic violence is a serious issue that affects many women in London. It can have a devastating impact on a woman’s mental health, and it is important to understand the ways in which it can affect women. Domestic violence can cause trauma, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and substance abuse, among other issues. Women who have experienced domestic violence may need professional help to overcome these mental health challenges, and it is important for them to know that they are not alone.

There are many resources available in London for women who have experienced domestic violence, including hotlines, counselling services, and support groups. By speaking out about the issue of domestic violence and supporting those who have experienced it.

Islington Council is taking significant steps to support victims of domestic violence in the borough. The council recognizes that domestic violence is a serious problem that affects many people in the community, and they are committed to providing resources and support to those who need it.

One of the keyways that Islington Council is supporting victims of domestic violence is through the Islington Integrated Domestic Abuse Service (IDAS). IDAS

provides a range of services to victims of domestic violence, including counselling, advocacy, and practical support. The service is available to anyone who lives in Islington and is experiencing domestic abuse, regardless of their gender, age, or ethnicity.

IDAS also works closely with other agencies in the community, such as the police and health services, to ensure that victims receive the support they need.

Another way that Islington Council is supporting victims of domestic violence is through their housing services. The council recognizes that domestic violence can often result in the need for safe, affordable housing, and they are committed to providing this to victims.

The council has a dedicated team of housing officers who work with victims of domestic violence to ensure that they can access safe and suitable housing. They can also provide financial assistance and support with the legal process of obtaining a restraining order or injunction.

Islington Council is also committed to raising awareness of domestic violence in the community. They work with schools, community groups, and other organizations to educate people about the signs of domestic violence and how to seek help if they or someone they know is experiencing abuse. The council also participates in national campaigns, such as the White Ribbon Campaign, to raise awareness of domestic violence and promote healthy relationships.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence in Islington, there are several ways to get help. The first step is to call the police on 999 if you are in immediate danger. If you are not in immediate danger, you can contact IDAS on 0808 801 0660 for support and advice. IDAS is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and all calls are confidential.

You can also contact Islington Council’s housing services for support with safe housing. You can do this by calling the council’s housing options team on 020 7527 2000 or by visiting the council’s website.

It is important to remember that you are not alone if you are experiencing domestic violence. There are many organizations and agencies, including Islington Council, that are here to support you. You do not have to suffer in silence, and there are steps that you can take to protect yourself and your family. If you are in immediate danger, call the police on 999. If you are not in immediate danger, reach out to IDAS or Islington Council’s housing services for support and advice. We can work towards creating a safer and healthier community for everyone

UNDERSTANDING RAMADAN: A GUIDE TO THE MUSLIM HOLY MONTH

By Saida Egeh

Ramadan is an important month in the Islamic calendar, and it is the holiest month for Muslims worldwide. It is a time of spiritual reflection, devotion, and selfdiscipline, and it plays an essential role in the lives of Muslims around the world.

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and it is observed by Muslims worldwide. It is a time of fasting, prayer, and reflection. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, abstaining from food, drink, smoking, and engaging in any sexual activity during the daylight hours.

How does it help and support Muslim people?

Ramadan provides a unique

opportunity for Muslims to deepen their faith, reflect on their actions, and strengthen their community bonds. Muslims believe that fasting during Ramadan is an act of worship that demonstrates devotion and submission to Allah (God) as a fundamental principle of Islam. It is also a time for self-discipline and self-control, which can help Muslims develop their willpower and break bad habits.

Ramadan is also a time for Muslims to practice empathy and show solidarity with those less fortunate. Fasting helps Muslims empathize with those who may not have access to regular meals and serves as a reminder to be grateful for what they have.

Charity is also an essential part of Ramadan. Many Muslims choose to give to those in need during this

month, which is known as Zakat. This act of charity helps to support those who are struggling and strengthens the community’s bonds.

Why is it important to fast in Ramadan?

Fasting during Ramadan is an essential part of Muslim faith and practice. It is a way to demonstrate devotion and submission to Allah, practice self-discipline and self-control, empathize with those less fortunate, seek forgiveness and atonement, and strengthen community bonds.

Ramadan provides an opportunity for Muslims to reflect on their actions and intentions, seek forgiveness for past mistakes, and focus on self-improvement. It is a time for spiritual growth and deepening one’s connection with Allah.

A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE: HOW ARTS AND CULTURE INVESTMENT IS IMPROVING COMMUNITIES

By Arts And Culture England

From creating jobs and supporting education to boosting tourism and making weekends fun, public investment in arts and culture benefits the local economy and community.

Swindon - Improving children’s development. Prime Theatre works with Drove Primary School, one of the largest and most diverse primary schools in the Southwest. 75% of the school’s 700 pupils speak English as an additional language. By delivering weekly performance poetry sessions to Drove Primary’s Year 6 pupils, Prime Theatre helped them achieve the most progress in reading across Swindon’s primary schools.

Helen Swanson, the school’s Principal, said: “The value of having weekly performance poetry sessions has, I believe, contributed to the outstanding outcomes for our children at the end of Year 6.”

Folkstone - Culture contributing to regeneration and restoration.

Since it was established in 2002, the Creative Foundation has helped transform the old town of Folkestone into a Creative Quarter, populated by artists and home to a university and creative industries. This work has seen 90 buildings restored and 300 jobs created. Through the Quarterhouse, a performance venue for music, theatre, dance and comedy, the Creative Foundation has a year-round programme that engages local communities and schools.

Over the last six years, we’ve invested nearly £2 million of public funding in several projects led by the Creative Foundation – including the 2014 and 2017 iterations of

Folkestone Triennial. Between them, these two festivals have attracted 285,000 visitors to Folkestone and generated a direct benefit of £10.7 million for the local economy.

Mansfield - Providing community space to create. In Mansfield, our National Portfolio funding makes the Old Library a central part of the community.

Equipped with a recording studio,100-seat studio theatre, exhibition area, cafe and Mac suite, the Old Library offers something for everyone: from teaching spaces to workshops and performance.

Pennine Lancashire - Celebrating the community and its history.

Along the Leeds & Liverpool canal, the Super Slow Way project has helped over 100,000 people access more arts and culture in their local area. The project has brought artists to the towpath and empty mills, wharfs, libraries, churches and pubs along its stretch, to work with the people that live there – and we’re proud to have invested £3 million to help make this happen.

Barking and Dagenham - Involving the whole community

Creative Barking and Dagenham is a programme working to engage more residents in arts and culture. Benefiting from £1.6 million investment by the Arts Council over six years, the programme has introduced DAGFEST in Dagenham Village, a cross-arts and crafts participatory workshop for adults and opened ballet and opera to more people by bringing it to Thamesfest in Barking Riverside.

ISLINGTON COUNCIL TO FUND COMMUNITY FESTIVALS FOR ALL -

By Islington council

Islington Council can today announce that applications are open for the Islington Community Festivals Fund. Organisations can apply for financial support to produce high quality arts events in the borough.

Community groups and organisations can apply for three-year grants of up to £2,500 per year. Applicants must show they have secured additional external funding and that their event will provide boroughwide benefit for Islington residents.

Organisers will need to show that their events are suitable for residents of every background to participate and celebrate together. Applications are particularly encouraged from festivals that attract people from the following groups: disabled people; Black, Asian, minority ethnic and refugee communities; LGBT groups; older people; young people and children.

Cllr Una O’Halloran, Executive Member for Homes, and Communities said: “We want all our communities to feel inclusive and connected. Arts events are such powerful tools for bringing people together, giving

them a chance to share cultural traditions and enjoy themselves. I am so pleased that we can offer this financial support, and I look forward to hearing about all the exciting proposals.”

The applications form and eligibility criteria can be found on the council’s website. The deadline for applications is 12pm on Thursday 30 March.

One of the events supported in previous years with this funding was Cally Fest, a popular annual festival on Caledonian Road with live music, workshops, food, and creative activities for approximately 10,000 people of all ages.

The other three events supported by this fund by the council in recent years were: Angel Canal Festival, Word Festival and Whitecross Street Party.

For more: https://www.islington.gov.uk/librariesarts-and-heritage/arts/events-funding-and-space/ islington-community-festival-fund/eligibilityselection-criteria

BREAKING INTERGENERATIONAL TRAUMA - By

Ladan Osman

In 1992, a married couple and their daughter arrived as refugees in the Netherlands to escape a civil war in Somalia. They settled in a three-bedroom house located in a melting-pot neighbourhood. Hodan and her two siblings were born here before the family left for the United Kingdom in 2002. A family of six turned nine rebuilt their lives in a multicultural city.

A traditional Somali household adheres to strict gender roles, which involve social norms, attitudes and activities deemed appropriate for men and women (1). In this cultural context, other female relatives support domestic duties and care for minor children. Also, it is common practice for adults living in the community to discipline children in the interest of good manners.

However, studies on Somali diasporas illustrate a change in gender behaviours acquired through challenges in the host country (2). Likewise, Hodan recalls her father would complete household chores after returning from work. Her mother performed unconventional tasks, such as being the primary disciplinarian and managing household expenditures. In addition, a monthly budget was allocated to relatives back home in Somalia despite the family being low-income.

Hodan noticed during childhood that her parents were harder on girls than boys. They often scrutinised their daughters’ conduct and dress code to ensure they conformed to cultural expectations. As a result, the girls learned to be responsible early by helping with household chores and babysitting younger siblings. However, the parents implemented physical punishment and harsh language to enforce discipline.

As a result, Hodan often found herself reading their facial expressions and looking for signs of disapproval in case she needed to adjust her behaviour. “I would often either reassess past events or picture a beautiful future,” she states. Here Hodan describes rumination in which the person dwells on excessively analysing a particular thought.

A cross-cultural longitudinal study found mothers who implemented harsh punishment with their daughters increased ruminative tendencies making them vulnerable to depression and anxiety (3).

The older Somali generation values science and health

courses for better career prospects. Therefore, Hogan’s parents discouraged her from studying English Literature at university. She obeyed their wishes and chose a healthcare-related degree under one condition—study in London.

The transition to university life can pose an increased risk for loneliness making students unable to cope with stress and exacerbating mental distress (4). Hodan experienced a culture shock during freshers week after being invited to bars and clubs. She would make excuses to avoid these events instead of staying indoors. “I used to stay up at night on my phone interacting with my friends,” says Hodan. Poor sleeping patterns, concentration difficulties and unable to cope with academic stress, she reached out to her professor, where her mental health journey started.

At first, Hodan went to the university counselling services. Still, after several sessions, she discontinued the approach as it was ineffective. Next was a phone call to the NHS seeking advice about her physical pain. They immediately sent a letter to the GP after she disclosed to have been in bed for three days, unable to move.

The doctor completed a thorough health examination, but all the test results returned normal. It left her confused and hopeless, and she struggled silently. Finally, Hodan admitted herself to A&E during her midthird year of undergrad. She says, “I felt shameful to disclose my intimate issues to a stranger.

For him to find out made me feel worthless, I just cried.” The psychiatrist suspected severe depression and anxiety and referred her to the GP. After the appointment, the doctor prescribed antidepressants with a referral to IAPT. It took several months for the psychological well-being practitioner to book Hodan for assessment.

By then, she had completed her degree and returned home. Unfortunately, the antidepressant proved ineffective as she could not adhere while hiding the medicine from her parents. Twelve weeks of a cognitive behavioural therapy course only gave her temporary relief. Seven years later,

Hodan continues to struggle with mental health problems with no treatment. She concludes that talking therapy from her experience cannot resolve complex cultural distress.

NUTRITION IN AN AGE OF JUNK FOOD PANDEMIC

By Mr. Nur Mohamed

The fact of existential indispensability of nutrition to human life begins from the earliest embryonic stages when the newly formed foetus attaches itself to the placenta for the sustenance of its life and further development. During pregnancy the amount of nutrition and balanced diet that the expectant mother consumes plays substantially a very significant role in the healthy development of the embryo till it becomes a fully formed baby ready to enter the world.

The need for nutrition is endless as the newly born baby’s first encounter with food, as its joins the human population, begins from the mother’s irreplaceable breast milk. Even the mother’s milk undergoes changes both qualitatively and quantitatively to suit the rapidly and continually growing needs of the baby.

Foods humans consume contain various types of nutrition with some having more of certain vitamins, proteins and minerals than others and vice versa. The more richly nutritious diets one regularly takes, the more beneficial they are to the person’s health and overall well-being. There are certain foods that not only are physically beneficial but also contribute to boosting the brain power of the individual. Clinical tests and scientific studies have shown that some foods do possess nerve-calming, energising, healing and therapeutic properties. People who maintain the consumption of healthy, balanced, wholesome diet are known to be less prone to developing serious medical complications or the tendency to falling sick so easily and are less dependent on medications. Among these foods are some that are known to slow even the aging process and other frailties that come with it. Children fed with wholesome, balanced and richly nutritious foods stand better chances of having their cognitive abilities developing remarkably well.

Conversely, in this age of living a fast-paced life saturated with so many distractions owing to the people addiction to their smart devices and prolonged accessing of the social media, people are having so less time or appetite for eating proper meals and are rather becoming so much, more inclined to eating fast foods on regular basis quite impervious and unaware to their lack of the proper nutrition and paying no heed to the required, daily intake in the amount of nutrition. Nowadays, it has become commonplace to see children in their early teens rushing to convenience stores to start their morning with energy drinks when in fact for their age they are expected to naturally be bursting with energies. The reason for their dependency on such drinks is owing to their consumption of fast foods.

To sum up, the mushrooming fast-food joints during this the junk food pandemic and the people’s over-dependence on them has to a greater extent contributed to the weakening of their immune systems, therefore rendering them easily susceptible to all kinds of illnesses thereby seeing exponential increase in the number of people needing either regular medications and/or hospitalisations which otherwise could have been avoided. This eventually not only overburdens the already crisis-ridden health sectors of many nations but also drains these nations’ coffers with its ripple effects potentially impacting other sectors.

Succinctly stated “Health is wealth” goes the famous saying, so anyone squandering it will do so to their own peril.

A JOURNEY TO HEALING FROM MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS

By Ladan Osman

People exposed to atrocity and persecution during an outbreak of war can induce longlasting trauma. Survivors often recall feeling a surge of overwhelming panic witnessing personal belongings destroyed. Dead bodies are scattered around on the ground.

Women and girls are screaming while being raped. But the effect on the cognitive, behavioural, and physiological processes are forgotten. Cumulative exposure to these incidences causes symptoms linked to post-traumatic stress disorder. Re-experiencing traumatic events, avoiding interactions, excessive arousal, and numb emotions.

These episodes are traces of war unveiled in the body. In addition, individuals develop other physical health problems and substance use. It profoundly affects marital intimacy, parent-child attachment bond and daily activity. Indeed, without healing the wounds of war increases, the probability of transmitting trauma to the offspring1. A phenomenon is known as intergenerational trauma1.

In the 1990s, refugees fleeing war-torn states arrived in the UK2. Here, they encountered folks from different ethnicities and foreign languages. So, naturally, they settled in communities inhabited by people from shared cultural practices to preserve their identity. Unfortunately, public estates in deprived neighbourhoods are poorly maintained and prone to violence.

The apartment often contains mould patches, deteriorated surfaces and loose floorboards, which

adversely affect health. Transitioning into this new life can be stressful for parents to establish a healthy family unit. In addition, unresolved war trauma and upbringing methods inherited from the previous generation can produce chaotic and hostile homes.

On the condition that a primary caregiver cannot interpret and respond to a child’s distress, they tend to implement physical discipline and use harsh words. The child learns poor communication skills, so when they encounter academic and friendship issues, they cannot express themselves because of repercussions3. Silently, they make adjustments, but a lack of maturity hinders this process.

These environmental factors intertwine in a complex manner resulting in epigenetic modification. It impacts development, confidence and self-esteem. The body becomes hyper-vigilant, distorting the perception of danger. It increases the likelihood of limited capacity to differentiate between real and imagined threats. Regular brain activation of fight or flight response can be overwhelming to manage daily activities. Perhaps the child exhibits low mood, avoidance or misconduct.

Intergenerational trauma is not a specific diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). Nonetheless, professionals acknowledge the existence of this phenomenon. Treatment options are available on the NHS, where people can access holistic and intense interventions delivered through individual, group and family therapy. It is essential to break intergenerational trauma to prevent onward transmission to following generations.

1. Mojatu: How would you describe being from ethnic minorities and in the coaching and personal development industry?

Counsellor: I describe being a counsellor as a trailblazer which means basically that it feels like I am one of the first to be a male, Somali counsellor. You know I must be a lot of stuff to a lot of people. On one side, I teach people what is all about, on the other side I am a counsellor for people, on the other I am kind like training people and more importantly fighting stigma as well. So, in many ways, I don’t have a (particular) platform to follow.

On top of that, when you look at it culturally and religiously there are so many aspects that involve counselling on mental health because mental health is life. You can’t separate mental health from life because what mental health means is emotionally and psychologically, physical wellbeing and connection to your loved ones, to your community and to society so if a person doesn’t have that the mental health deteriorates so you cannot separate all those aspects of the person from counselling and wellbeing. So, the best way I can call it or myself is a trailblazer.

2. Mojatu: How does your background relate with your career as counselling and mental health coach?

Counsellor: My background being a youth worker, working with communities in schools and in colleges, in prisons. This kind of helped in many ways to understand a lot more diversities and a lot more understanding of the issues that actually impact our community as an ethnic minority so in many ways when my clients are

MOJATU INTERVIEW WITH PSYCHOTHERAPIST

By Mr. Nur Mohamed

sitting there I feel I have so many enriching experiences that add to my counselling.

More importantly I kind of feel like everything I have been through kind of helped me to be counsellor and everything I have been through kind of makes sense when a client is sitting on that chair because everything I been through makes sense when I work with clients and it helps my clients and myself to understand what they going through and to show more empathy and cultural awareness in many ways.

3. Mojatu: How would you describe coaching to a total stranger?

Counsellor: The best way I can describe counselling to total strangers is that we strive from the day we are born to the day we go to nursery to school to college to university to get knowledge of the world. But counselling helps you with the knowledge of within, the knowledge of oneself, the knowledge which enables you to have true knowledge because only by knowing yourself will you truly get to understand your own universe and your perception of reality and because we didn’t see the world as it is but as we are so for us to understand the world we need to understand ourselves and this a wisdom. In some cases, the real, true knowledge is the knowledge of oneself, knowledge of emotion through intelligence is intelligence of oneself. So, counselling helps you in every aspect of your life.

Being thankful to God, I am so grateful to be a counsellor but I think without it I wouldn’t the son, the husband and the father that I am to my family because it made

me able to accept my family for who they are and accept myself for who I am and understand what I am able to do and what I am not able to do and in many ways it kind of makes understand religion in better context.

4. Mojatu: From your experience, who in our communities is mental health affecting?

Counsellor: I think mental health impacts everyone in our community but in recent years is impacting the young generation a lot more than ever before –this being due to the isolation and loneliness they find themselves in and the pressure they feel coming to them from the society expecting them to be successful. Social media is constantly bombarding them with false notions of how to adopt a get-richquick approach and become millionaires. On top of that, the family responsibilities they must bear, the crisis of the social media crisis, the peer pressure.

All of these make it difficult for them to navigate their way as to who they are and the society they are part of. Especially unique for the Somali youth they many a times feel lost in terms of their identity – which one are they first: Somali, Muslim, Black or British. These days it is really impacting today’s generous, particularly those under the age of 25 feeling confused about how to strike a balance between these seemingly mutually contradictory identities. They are feeling heartbroken by lots of unfulfilled hopes, the split-up with parents, the impact left behind the COVID Pandemic in the loss of loved ones.

There are a host of issues the youth are facing and are not finding the right people to talk to. The language and cultural barriers and the lack of proper communication between them and their parents further exacerbate their difficulties that is why you see these days it is the youth who are quite disproportionately impacted by mental health, not denying the fact that older people are also affected by it. As Black and from a refugee background, we have the highest number of people suffering from mental health.

5. Mojatu: From your experience, what are the main drivers of mental health problems among the youth?

Counsellor: I think the main issue is stigma, not willing to accept that mental health can have an impact on them. They might know it and don’t believe in it. Even when they seek help, they are afraid to be stigmatised, to be called weak, not practising, not knowing to seek help or afraid to seek help. Not understanding the full information about it. Stigma is the biggest issue of mental health in our communities. Educational

mental health is a lot more in our communities and to be recognised that it is not due to lack of spirituality but an illness like any other illness.

6. Mojatu: What advice would you give to parents, young adults, and local authorities to provide holistic protection and support to those affected by mental health?

Counsellor: The best advice I can give to parents, first, is to educate themselves about what mental health is and to be cognizant of the isolation they feel, or being erratic, or failing in school or change of habits. I want to understand the triggers of mental health without discriminating or putting unnecessary pressure on the young people. As far as the authorities are concerned, they need to invest in the people and community organisations directly involved and doing the groundwork.

They need to develop relationships with the service providers such as community groups, mosques in order to give the financial support where it is needed and provide them training to build their capacity and skills needed to improve the work they do. It must be something that has longevity so the youth can understand the stigma attached to mental health and for it to become something openly spoken of and discussed.

The authorities need to go to the communities and not the other way round. This is the only way that mental issues of the ethnic minorities can be brought down. There was a long report we prepared about mental health and made recommendations on what to do about it which wasn’t implemented and needs to be implemented and there should be community-led projects which have longevity and enjoy the support of local authorities.

I think that is the best way and the people who are directly dealing with it must be culturally aware. The counsellors, mental health workers should be from the community.

7. Mojatu: Overall, what policy options would you recommend being put in place to support young adults and take them off the street?

Counsellor: I think the best policy to have in place a counsellor in every school. I think that is the best thing to do, especially today’s society. Not just a counsellor for the sake of it and a counsellor who is representative of the young people they are helping. The waiting list in the NHS is very long and there are no counsellors at the schools. I think mental health should be prioritised, especially talking therapy, longterm therapy which are areas very much needed.

DEALING WITH DEPRESSION: IMPROVING ACCESS TO PSYCHOLOGICAL THERAPY SERVICES

By Ladan Osman

In Great Britain, one in six people in the general population experiences depression. Still, some groups within the Black and Asian Minority Ethnic (BAME), compared to the White British, are expected to have higher mental illness rates. Symptoms of depression can broadly be categorised as low mood, decreased social interactions and poor functioning.

In addition, cultural beliefs influence how individuals experience symptoms and how it manifests through emotions, thoughts, and behaviours. Therefore, it is ever more pertinent to consider different cultural perceptions of depression. For example, Black and Africans could view symptoms as having less severe consequences, whereas Muslims from South Asia may link depression to spiritual weakness. Another essential factor to consider is gender disparity.

Society deems males self-reliant to cope with difficult circumstances, including psychological distress. The generational gap further compounds this, i.e., older adults believe psychotherapy is futile. All these misconceptions contribute to a lack of helpseeking behaviour resulting in underutilised primary healthcare services.

Improving Access to Psychological Therapy (IAPT) is part of the NHS England services that provide shortterm talking therapy. The evidence-based treatment, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, can relieve common mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety and PTSD2. People over the age of 16 years can self-refer, or the GP can send a referral.

However, the Health Inequalities Research Group found that the BAME community face several barriers to accessing IAPT through self-referral compared to their White British counterparts5. Instead, referral pathways are often via community services such as

public employment agencies, educational provision, and criminal justice.

Furthermore, patients may describe pain, headaches, and difficulty breathing during GP consultation rather than emotional presentation6. Thus, it is difficult for the doctor to detect psychological distress in ethnic minority groups. In those incidences where the doctor recognises mental health problems and guides the patient to self-refer via IAPT could lead to feeling dismissed or un-prioritised.

A social network is a catalyst to the extent a person engages with mental health services6. For example, people of South Asian ethnic origin might struggle to confide with family and friends about the diagnosis. Stigma causes fear that the family’s status may affect financial opportunity and community interaction. As for Black and African Caribbean, mistrust of the healthcare system could derive from overrepresentation in specialist services. This group are four times more likely to be detained under the Mental Health Act compared to White British, Chinese and Indian.

The Health Inequalities Research Group reports that barriers continue during the assessment and treatment at IAPT. For example, primary health clinicians may perceive referral via community service as an unwillingness to take ownership of health or a sign that unmet needs have been unmet. As such, the individual might be more likely to be referred to other services prolonging treatment, thereby intensifying symptoms. In addition, the psychometric scale uses a western understanding of depression, which loses meaning once translated into other languages.

If a person requires translation during talking therapy, they can request interpreters. However, it is essential to remember that depending on availability and delays could prolong the treatment course.

LIVING POOR IN A WEALTHY NATION

- By Omar Mohammed

Generally, poverty can be defined as when people confront challenges to match their scarce resources with their unlimited wants and needs. The many wants that people, usually the poor, worry about include getting enough and nutritious food, costs of utilities, transportation to attend various services and saving a given percentage of their income for unexpected emergencies.

In the UK, however, the government defines a person or household as poor when they live with an income that is 60 percent lower than the average UK income. According to this definition, currently there are one in sex people in the UK who live poor. Alarmingly,

Because the rate has been steady in the last few years, it further varies between different population groups, depicting that the standards of living and gaps between the poorest and middle-income households have not really improved in recent years. UK poverty statistics reveal that minority communities remain the highest among those households living with poverty in the country.

A. K. is forty-five years old, social renter and working father of 6 kids, youngest being just over two years old. He explains to us that soaring costs of living have worsened their living standards particularly in the winter. Though household income has not changed, the costs of basic food, energy have drastically increased, which made his family rethink their shopping and eating habits.

He told the Mojatu Magazine team that with such heavily constrained

household budgets, the family grapples with meeting the very basic living conditions and let other innumerable needs, that would be essential for the kid’s welfare and growth, to forgo. He adds that for the last several months, despite government energy support, he was unable to fully pay his energy bills. Statistics show that children from poverty-stricken communities suffer the most, they worry a lot, suffer unhappiness, and feel embarrassed in their schools and other social environments.

While households and families live with extreme levels of stress, so do community-based organisations.

A community centre in northern London, with over ten years of service have as well added their concerns of shrinking of funds. They told our team that they have complexities in meeting basic running costs let alone to offer services to minority communities.

The centre adds that accessing public funds and securing government grants has become difficult.

As a result, they initiative fundraising plans that will aid them keep their doors open for providing the very needed counselling, mentoring, and training services they extend to local communities.

In a nutshell, the 2020 pandemic has reversed all good work and progress made to reduce the rate and effects of deprivation, it further uncovered how the existing support agencies and policies are shaky and any economic successes can be ripped off with pandemics and social crises.

The guardian reports that those living with relative poverty have increased from 13 percent in 2010 to over 17 percent in 2020. As a result, for working parents, prosperity would remain a desire but far from being attainable.

WHY DO MINORITY OWNED BUSINESSES FAIL?

By Saida Egeh

Lack of Training on Small Business and particularly minority owned businesses remains the major obstacle many start-ups and other small businesses are experiencing.

Small businesses are the backbone of the economy, contributing to job creation, innovation, and economic growth. However, many small businesses struggle to survive due to various challenges, including a lack of training. Without proper training, small businesses may not be able to operate efficiently, leading to financial instability and ultimately, failure. In this article, we will explore how the lack of training can impact the financial stability of small businesses and examine what Islington Council is doing to support black-owned small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in their community.

Small businesses that lack training often struggle with inefficient operations. This can result in wasted time, resources, and money, leading to decreased profitability. Without proper training, employees may not know how to perform their jobs efficiently, leading to delays, missed deadlines, and dissatisfied customers. Additionally, untrained employees may need more supervision, which can take time away from other important tasks, further decreasing productivity.

A lack of training can also lead to errors in recordkeeping, billing, and inventory management, further contributing to financial instability. Small businesses that lack training may also struggle with ineffective

marketing strategies. Without training in marketing and advertising, businesses may not know how to effectively reach their target audience, resulting in reduced sales and revenue. A lack of training may also lead to ineffective branding, messaging, and customer engagement, further decreasing the business’s financial stability.

The UK government and local authorities have recognized the importance of supporting blackowned small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in their local community. They have taken several initiatives to help these businesses thrive. However, what makes level accessibility difficult is the lack of local business networks and grass roots initiative, that would support business make of these government initiatives and mobilise local business communities.

In conclusion, the lack of training can have significant impacts on the financial stability of small businesses. Inefficient operations, reduced productivity, ineffective marketing, high employee turnover, and missed opportunities can all contribute to financial instability and ultimately, failure.

However, various government initiatives to support black-owned SMEs demonstrate a commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in the local economy. But skills gap, lack of access to digital systems, finances and research remains the most cited challenges many minorities owned businesses are to deal with.

DWP TO PROVIDE EXTRA CASH TO LOCAL AUTHORITIES FOR AT RISK FAMILIES UNTIL MARCH END 2024

By Peter Makossah

Government through the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) says the most vulnerable would receive direct payments in 2023/24, which include up to £900 delivered in three payments to those on means-tested benefits, and a £150 payment for those on disability benefits, and £300 on top of Winter Fuel Payments for pensioner households.

According to DWP the scheme comes on top of ‘extensive support for those in need in the coming months.

A staggering £842m boost poured to the Household Support Fund will see millions of families in Nottingham and across England receive extra support from their local councils from April this year.

A spokesperson for DWP said: “Benefits and pensions will also increase by 10.1 per cent in April, with the minimum wage seeing its largest ever cash rise, hitting £10.42 an hour. And more widely, the Energy Price Guarantee will save the typical household £500 in 2023/24.”

On April 1, the DWP will provide the extra cash via grants, with local authorities allocating the funds to atrisk families until the end of March 2024.

The initiative, launched in October 2021, saw ousted former Prime Minister Boris Johnson pledge to help families cover their living expenses in the early days of the cost-of-living crisis.

The scheme targeted areas with the most vulnerable households in the country.

To begin receiving money, applicants must contact their local authority, identified using the government website before ensuring the council is aware they are interested in the Household Support Fund – but authorities will decide who receives the cash, as eligibility criteria may vary.

Mims Davies, the minister for social mobility, youth, and progression at the DWP, said: “The Household Support Fund has already helped vulnerable families across England through these challenging times, and I am pleased it will continue to do so for another full year.

“This is just one part of our extensive and targeted £26 billion support package, which includes payments worth £900 for millions of people on benefits and additional support for disabled people and pensioners, whilst every household will continue to save money thanks to our Energy Price Guarantee.”

AYUUTO: AN AFRICAN MICROFINANCING TRADITION

By Mr. Nur Mohamed

When a baby is born, it is as a matter of life and death for it to have instant supply of food whether in the form of the mother’s milk or any other suitable substitute for the baby to not only stay alive but to grow and be healthy.

Likewise, not only do humans have needs that are multiplying exponentially, evolving continually, and diverging widely from person to person but there are also wants to arise out of the intrinsic nature of human life. Luxuries of yesteryears have become necessities of today. The desire for comfort and ease of life have piqued the curiosity of human beings which have led to the inventions and discoveries we see today which were hitherto unknown to humans. The desire to satisfy the material demands keeps on increasing, so do the desire to have the wealth required to realise that. In the struggle for the acquisition of wealth, there are wide disparities between people. Though a minority, some people, just by virtue of their status in the society or by some entrepreneurial gifts they are born with or through acquired knowledge and skills, become wealthy. Today, this small minority own large multinational corporations, financial institutions and thereby wield overwhelming economic power. The lavish life they enjoy at the expense of others is beyond imaginable. This minority group not only do they control the life of the less fortunate majority but even determine their financial destinies.

However, history bears testimony to the fact that societies are never without people who feel the urge to break free from this financial chokehold. Thus, they come up with their own ideas and try different ways to acquire wealth and micro-manage their socioeconomic life and have full control over their financial autonomy.

For brevity’s sake, this article will cite an age-old funding scheme which Somalis adopted which is known in Somalia as Ayuuto according to Southern Somali dialects or Hagbad according to Northern Somali Dialects. It does have some common features of the Chit Fund Schemes existing in India but enjoys more flexibility.

This scheme is adopted by the poor in the society, and it has been quite instrumental in the establishment of many small businesses. The owners of such businesses have found this scheme best suited to become a decent

source of income for the less privileged households. And with the emergence of the banking system, this alternative source of savings and investments have become more prevalent among the poor and enabled them to completely dispense with the interest-bearing loans offered by the conventional banks.

The money collected under this scheme has given the beneficiary what it takes to circumvent the conventional banking system and its demand for collaterals and the rigorous financial background or credit worthiness checks and never to worry about the compounding interest rates charged for such loans.

According to this scheme, the participating members (acquaintances, relatives, friends, workmates, neighbours) pool their money into one pot with agreedupon amount to be paid by each member on monthly instalments. With the first such collection, a lucky draw is made to choose the first recipient for the amount collected. The monthly contribution by all members continues till the last person receives their share.

The cycle is repeated if the participants agree to continue for another term either with the same number of participants or in some cases new members get recruited into the scheme to increase the amount in the pot.

Members are free to use their money in any way they see fit from holidaymaking to paying educational fees to buying new things to covering wedding expenses and so on and so forth. With this scheme, many low-income families have managed to pay for their children’s university education.

However, the money given to the recipient is mainly used for either new small business start-ups, or to reinvest in an already existing one. Countless businesses have been established in Somalia through this scheme, which in the last few decades also got replicated by the Somali diaspora living in the West.

Many big businesses owned by Somali communities in the West were made possible by none other than this scheme without taking resorting to any outside help be it from conventional banks or other financial institutions.The inexhaustible ingenuity and the formidable will quite characteristic of humans always brings to the fore qualities which sometimes defy logic, bearing ample testimony to the famous saying, “where there is will, there is a way.”

COMMUNITY DIGITAL AMBASSADOR OPPORTUNITIES

By Rafiki Wema

Rafiki Wema (RW) provides various digital skills training programs in conjunction with multiple partners.

These trainings have been exploring options to establish streamlined digital training and support frameworks within local communities. Digital ambassadors will use our award-winning community ambassadors’ mechanisms to enable us to build our existing connections, trust and community engagements to reduce digital exclusion and bring new skills to further develop and empower local communities.

The program targets Afghan, Eritrean, Ethiopia, Somali, Sudanese, Gambian, East Africa (Swahili speakers), Mongolian, and Kurdish communities in London. To us break the digital divide, you would only need to be confident with using computers, tablets, and the internet?

As a Digital Ambassador, one does not have to be an IT Whizz, it only needs a bit of spare time and enthusiasm to use and support others with using

digital technology. Roles of digital ambassadors include teaching someone to use Google Workspace, helping someone set up an email account, setting someone up on WhatsApp or Zoom, helping someone with Jobs, Banking & Health Online, using Computers & Devices.

In return, we will ensure a digital ambassador you’ll get free training and support with self-study courses and teaching resources, immense personal satisfaction that you’ve helped people to get connected! free phone credit and data for 6 months. Free laptops - subject to availability.

If you are from the above communities, interested and willing to participate in this program, we will recommend to please contact our London office through the following contact details.

Address: 89/93 Fonthihill

Email: info@rafikiwema.org

Call/WhatsApp: 07393210058

Website: rafikiwema.org

Driving The ry

Driving Theory is a 12-week training course which prepares you to take your driving theory test. It will provide you with the materials necessary to be able to practise for your test and support you through group learning. By the end of the course, you will know exactly what is expected of you in the driving theory test and have the competency and confidence to be able to take and pass the test individually.

Rafikiwema

Rafikiwema

Rafikiwema

www. info@rafikiwema.org

info@rafikiwema.org

Unite F1 89/93 Fonthill Road, London, N4 3JH

Classes on zoom

Become a DIGITAL AMBASSADOR and support your community

Are you from Afghan, Eritrean, Ethiopia, Somali, Sudanese, Gambian, East Africa Mongolian& Kurdish communities in London?

If yes, then help us break the digital divide.

TYPICAL TASKS FOR A DIGITAL AMBASSADOR INCLUDE:

◊ Teaching someone to use Google Workspace

◊ Helping someone set up an email account.

◊ Setting someone up on WhatsApp or Zoom

◊ Helping someone with Jobs, Banking & Health Online

◊ Using Computers & Devices

IN RETURN FOR BEING A DIGITAL AMBASSADOR YOU’LL GET:

◊ Free training and support

◊ Self-study courses & teaching resources

◊ Immense personal satisfaction that you’ve helped communities

◊ Free phone credit and data for 6 months

If you are from the above communities and willing to be part of this, please reach our London office through the following contact details.

Rafikiwema

Rafikiwema

Rafikiwema

www. info@rafikiwema.org

info@rafikiwema.org

Unite F1 89/93 Fonthill Road, London, N4 3JH