Mojatu Magazine Berkshire B037

Berkshire connected

News & Sports

1

ALICE MPOFU-COLES

ART THERAPY THE CLIMATE & US

INTERNATIONAL MEN’S DAY Pages 8-9

Female Genital Mutilation

FGM – FACTS , HELP & ACTIONS Facts

• FGM is any procedure that intentionally alter or cause injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.

• FGM has been illegal in England and Wales since 1985.

• FGM is a form of child abuse and violence against women and girls.

• • FGM is Non-Islamic, against the teachings of Islam and brings Islam into disrepute.

• FGM is putting the health of our daughters, sisters, mothers and wives at great risk.

• • Over 200 million girls and women worldwide have undergone FGM. • 103,000 women aged15 to 49 are living with consequences of FGM in England & Wales.

• In the UK, an estimated 20,000 girls under the age of 15 are at risk of FGM each year.

• 1,230 cases have been reported in the Midlands from April 2020 to March 2021 Taking Th

Taking The City To the Fa Taking The City To the Farm

Help

Are you concerned a girl or woman is at risk or need of support?

• • Join the Community FGM Steering Group: Contact us • For emotional & peer support for survivors in Nottingham, join the FGM Survivor’s club: Contact us Free • Refer survivors needing medical attention to FGM medical specialist in Nottingham: Contact us Free Sessions: Refugee • Drop in sessions at Mojatu Office Unit 7, Howitt Bldg, Lenton Blvd, Lenton, Nott`s NG7 2BY Free Refugees & Asylum Seeker Sessions: • Call 0808 028 350 for a 24/7 anonymous FGM helpline or email: fgmhelp@nspcc.org.uk Tuesdays Seekers Welcome Sessions: • Call Nottingham City Council Children and Families Direct: 0115 876 4800 Tuesdays Saturdays • Ring the police on 999 if FGM has just happened or about to happen Tuesdays Saturdays ADOP Activities include: Saturdays ADOPT A TREE include:Fruit Harvesting Actions Activities Tree Management Fruit Harvesting Activities include: To help end FGM and support survivors, join one of our campaigns or projects Fruit Harvesting Tree ManagementWeeding for Pumpkin • FGM Survivors Club • Volunteer with us Feeding the animals Weeding for Pumpkins & Maize Tree Management Form • FGM Steering Group • ‘Adopt a tree’ project Feeding the animals Weeding for Pumpkins & Maize Form online @https://g • FGM Global Faith Ambassador • Donate to support our work animals to support https://goo.gl/WyH • FGM Global Young Ambassador Feeding •the Fundraise our work land 9sz

Woodgement d n a l d o Wo gement ManeassionEDIBL s E d n a S WOODLA l d 18Farm, Screv ‘ s p Woo gement MaSneassionEDIBLE e S Ecocentre, Home r Ap www.farmeco WOODLAND ana ionFoundation For more information, contactM Mojatu ‘18 Farm, Screveton, pHome s e S Ecocentre, NG13 8JL r s p s e A S e927671 https://goo.

8 Phone: 01158457009 Mobile: 07759 1 ‘ Mojatu Foundatio p www.farmeco.co.uk Apr-S • Request for training

• Women Skillshare Group

T: 0115|784 | M: Ro 07 Email: info@mojatufoundation.org | Website: www.mojatufoundation.org https://goo.gl/pEK1AC Mojatu Foundation 1676666 Alfreton

T: 0115 |784 | M: 0751 366 Mojatu Foundation 1676666 Alfreton Road, NG71176 3JR | E: ang @mojatu.foundation T: 0115 784 6666 | M: 0751 366 1176 | E: angela@mojatu.com @mojatu.foundation @ mojatuf @ @mojatu.foundation

@ mojatuf

@mojatu_foundation

Contents

Editor’s Welcome Our community continues to shine and thrive through the inspiration of our great women, youth and men through whom the power of communities is seen and experienced. It’s no wonder the longing for each edition with every passing month makes it easier for our very dedicated journalists to gather the inspiring information of what is happening in and around our communities.

News & Sports Kenyan Named Anti FGM Champion ................4-5 16 Days Activism Against GBV .............................6-7 International Men’s day...........................................8-9 Article on Alice Mpofu Coles ................................. 10 Community Sikhs helping their local community ................. 11

This edition comes to you with a beautiful smile of our very dedicated and selfless community ambassador and local councillor Alice Mpofu-Coles who amid everything else is about to complete her PHD programme in Human Geography with a part time role on Community Engagement and Racial Equality in the University of Reading. More about Alice as you open the pages of this magazine—get empowered and inspired.

Celebrating WindRush ............................................. 12 Strength in Unity ....................................................... 16 Impact of Climate Change ..................................... 17 Arts & Culture Art Therapy .................................................................. 18 10 Humanitarian Crises of 2022 ........................... 20

Also get to hear he Cit champions have armcommunities with

more of what the community continued to empower our and through activities/trainings/ conversations including but not limited to; Celebrating Anna Qabale Duba, an Anti-FGM champion who was named world’s best nurse, 16days of activism against Gender-Based Violence; International Men’s day, Celebrating windrush, positive interactions with Art therapy in our open door Community Wellbeing Hub and getting into finances, avoiding cash flow problems.

Welcome and interact with many more empowering and articles. es &stories Asylum

Meet The Coalition .................................................... 21 Health & Food COVID-19 Induced Stress ........................................ 23 The Climate & Us ........................................................ 24 The Young Entrepreneur ......................................... 25

rs Welcome

Cover

PT A TREE

Mojatu Media 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.

Managing Editor: Mojatu Magazine Email: news@mojatu.com

Editorial

ALICE MPOFU-COLES

ns & Maize

Group Editor: Pa Modou Faal: Pa@mojatu.com m onlin goo.gl/ Editor: Cecily Mwaniki: info@utulivu.co.uk

Assistant Editor: Terry Munyua: terry@kutambua.com Design: Robert Borbely: robert@mojatu.com Photos: www.freepik.com unsplash.com Ecocentr Contributors: Chloe Jones | Raveena Hargun Pa Modou eveton,w NG13 8JL Faal | Terry Njoki | Eva Karanja Angela Wathoni | Cecily Mwaniki | Tristan Best o.co.uk .gl/pEK1 Jamie Morris | WKM Accountancy | Karen Modupe on | 167 Ophelie | Madeleine Trudgian | Maia Mason 751 366 1176 | E: angela@moj oad, NG7 3JRLawson Penny Cooper | Edrissa Touray | Alice Mpofu-Colesv gela@moj @ Social Media: Eva Karanja: admin@utulivu.co.uk Sales & Marketing: Amanda Duke: marketing@mojatu.com @mojatu_foundation Community Engagement: John: john@utulivu.com

LEW AN

Accounts@: accounts@mojatu.com Admin: Eva Karanja: eva@utulivu.co.uk News & Comments: news@mojatu.com Getting the magazine Online @ www.mojatu.com/magazines Subscription @ £24 per year including postage Address: 344a Oxford Road, Reading, RG30 1AF T: 0118 334 5056 | 0747 047 3922 Facebook: www.facebook.com/mojatu Twitter: https://twitter.com/UtulivuRdg Printers: Mojatu Media Youtube: https://rb.gy/hrmheu Instagram: https://rb.gy/feyzsj

4

mojatu.com

News & Sports

KENYA REJOICES AS ANTI-FGM CHAMPION IS NAMED WORLD’S BEST NURSE By Jamie Morris

her work in empowering women at risk of FGM. Upon winning the award, Anna said: “I feel extremely happy and privileged to receive this prestigious award. My heartfelt gratitude to the jury members and Aster DM Healthcare for providing me with this opportunity to tell my story.”

The 31-year-old underwent FGM when she was 12, and escaped forced marriage at 14.

A Kenyan activist campaigning against female genital mutilation has been awarded the honour of “the best nurse in the world” at a prestigious ceremony in Dubai.

Anna Qabale Duba was selected from over 24,000 nominees to win the first-ever Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award and a total of £205,000 in prize money for

She now works as a nurse in the northern county of Marsabit and runs a school in her home village to teach young women and their parents about crucial sexual health issues.

The MA Epidemiology graduate was the first woman from her village to receive university education – an opportunity supported by her late brother Malicha, a soldier, to whom she dedicated the award.

“He used every coin he had to take me to a private Kenya Methodist University to pursue my nursing career, but unfortunately he was killed while I was just in the first semester of my study,” she wrote in a Facebook post shortly after her victory.

“I couldn’t mention him in my winning speech because I could have broken down in tears. How I wish he is alive today to see how his younger sister is making him proud.” Aster Group founder Azad Moopen gave his “heartiest congratulations” to Anna for her historic victory.

“Her contribution to the healthcare community and to the field of nursing has been remarkable,” he said. “We truly hope that her story continues to inspire many.”

He recalled that the decision to launch the Global Nursing Award was inspired by a conversation he had with a nurse he met during the

Berkshire connected pandemic, who told him: “Nurses are like curry leaves to food. We lend the essential flavour, but have no recognition beyond that.”

Today, however, Kenya’s resilient nursing community certainly has a reason to feel seen.

News & Sports HEALTHCARE - HOSPI 5

continued. “Nursing is a calling, and the services we normally give as nurses are services to humanity – and that supersedes everything. So, we have to serve and be encouraged – not fatigued – because at the end of the day, we are going to make it.”

April 22 –

whatever the circumstances, they have made it possible where many people may not have dared.

I want to congratulate them and Kenya as a whole.”

HEALTHCARE HOSPITALITY CHILDC HEALTHCARE - HOSPITALITY - CHILDCA April 22 – Sep 22

Anna returned to her home country alongside fellow Kenyan finalist and MCRH colleague Dida Jirma Bulle, who was awarded £4,000 for his efforts in fighting Ebola and improving maternal and health outcomes in the country.

“I feel great to have reached this far because, at one point, I never expected this to happen,” Dida said. “But it happened because of our commitment and the sacrifices we made in service delivery at all levels.”

Further praise for Anna came Health Minister Mutahi Kagwe, who commended her “hard work and fearless spirit”, and MCRH Director Liban Wako, who said: “This award means so much to young girls in Marsabit – that they too can achieve their dreams.”

from 22 Kenya’s April 22 – Sep

Marsabit’s Governor, Mohamud M. Ali, was among the exuberant crowds that gave both of the winners a warm welcome upon their arrival back in Kenya.

“As Marsabit, we feel a deep sense of accomplishment,” the Governor said, congratulating Anna and Dida.

“These are very dedicated staff – they’ve been working under very difficult conditions and some areas are very hard to reach, yet they have always been doing what is expected of them and

Quoting the Kenyan actress and Black Panther star Lupita Nyong’o, Anna said: “No matter where we come from, our dreams are valid.”

ALL COURSE

“So when we try something, let’s really give it a try,” she continued in her own words. “When you are writing your story, you are the best author.”

- CV W - Work Pl Free Training “My message to nurses is this,” he ALL COURSES INCLUDE - Career P ALL COURSES INCLUDE - CV Writing - Support with j CV Writing - Work Placement apprentic Free Training Ladies on - Volunteering, Do you want to see, hear and share your story on --Work Placement Free Training Career Planning Ladies as text, video, audio, podcast and|or photos?

- Career - Support with Planning job application - Support with job application - Volunteering, or further trai Storytelling: Creativity, apprenticeship, Content, History, Experience, - Volunteering, apprenticeship, or further train Marketing, Share Emotions, Communication.

• • • • • • • •

Learn how to capture, record and amplify your stories with our: Training & guidance to creatively tell your story Recording, editing and packaging your contents Amplifying your voice through multiple platforms Self, Business or community broadcasting Free training, recording & broadcasting for charities & community groups.

Join today @ https:||bit.ly|3a65JxH mojatu.foundation Listen to digital stories on FMB Radio live @ https:||bit.ly|2RihCaV Read and watch stories @ http:||bit.ly|2RgRcq9mojatu.foundation mojatu.foundation OfficialFMBRadio

www

info@

MojatuF

Unit

www.mojatufoundation.org +44 115 784 0115 7846 6666672 / 07759 927671

Lent

mojatu.foundation mojatu.foundation fmbradio

www.mojatufoundation.org info@mojatufoundation.org www. fmbradio.com

mojatu.foundation fmb_radio MojatuF

info@mojatufoundation.org info@fmbradio.com Unit 7, Howitt Wing Building,

6

mojatu.com

News & Sports

16 DAYS ACTIVISM AGAINST GENDER BASED VIOLENCE

By Chloe Jones

The 16 days of activism against gender based violence is an annual international campaign that begins on November 25th. The International Elimination Of Violence Against Women runs up until the 10th of December, Human Rights Day. The global theme this year is ‘’Orange the world: End violence against women now”.

The unite campaign calls for global actions to increase awareness, galvanize advocacy and share knowledge and innovations. Matters brought up over the 16 days include; Justice for survivors of violence: • • • •

End FGM End violence against women End child marriage End intimate partner violence.

In this article, financial abuse and mental health in view of domestic abuse is going to be covered.

Due to unhealthy cultural normalities, people rarely will report financial abuse. Unable to recognise the severity of their own situation or spot it in other peoples. This is due to manipulation, it is vital to remember it is always the fault of the abuser, never the abused. To remain empathetic and understanding for victims who may not reach out.

Financial abuse can vary in relationships, behaviors to look out for are; • • •

Acquiring economic resources, preventing someone from being in education, taking pay, refusing to let them gain.

Controlling spending, purchasing, decisions, victims account of any expenditure.

Extending lines of credit, this can have a negative impact on credibility.

Financial problems affect your mental health, psychological, physical and mental abuse. The abuser may control the ability to acquire, use and maintain income. Your own money could be restricted from you or stolen. Victims can be manipulated into being unable to care for themselves or find employment.

95% of women who experience domestic abuse will also report economic abuse, everyday in the uk alone 30 women will attempt suicide due to feeling trapped, it is commonly reported that the hardest

thing parents experience is not being able to provide for their children. Victims may also be forced to forge documents, igniting feelings of stress and anxiety and falling at the hands of crime. Abusers report that their partner cheats in order to cut their benefits and make them more vulnerable.

When we discuss finances, and what it means to be an adult, it is about choice and making our own decisions with our own income. To manipulate our perception of being an adult, when the choice is no longer our own it strips us of our adulthood and rights. Leading to emotional effects, mental effects and self esteem issues. Children may also pay the consequences of economic abuse, having pocket money taken from them and lacking responsibility surrounding money, potentially setting them up for money struggles in the future. This may abuse the trust between parent and child.

For individuals who are migrating to different countries it may not be clear on how we socialize, the painful aspects of migration must be considered. Integrating into a new society either alone or with a partner, socializing within a new culture could be just as daunting as it is exciting. If you only have your partner, it is easy to isolate yourself and avoid socializing around this new economy, feeling like there is nothing to do.

Losing connectivity and lacking the skills to transact.

The Language barrier may also isolate you as language helps us transact also.

Culture plays a huge part in how domestic abuse is addressed, for people who come from a very patriarchal society where violence is seen as a way to resolve issues, in schools and houses. Culturally, young african men/boys grow up seeing violence as the answer, with no specific laws in place that are rigorously enforced, it is hard to imagine other ways to resolve problems. The issue will perpetuate, as young african men and teenagers would view it as normal to hit their girlfriends, maybe not recognising this as violence and continuing what they have been brought up with, the cultural norms within a community.

So focussing on how to manage, and how to talk about these things, recognising when it is happening to you.

Women can call a number of helplines including; •

The freephone national domestic abuse helpline run by refuge, call on 08082000247 for free at any

Berkshire connected

• • •

time, day or night. The staff offer confidential, professional, non judgemental support.

Talk to a doctor or midwife If you identify as lgbt you can call Galop on 0800 999 5428 for emotional and practical support.

Anyone can call Karma Nirvana on 08005999247 for forced marriage and honor crimes.

For women who wish to email, specify which email is safest to respond to • •

helpline@womensaid.org.uk you will receive a reply within 5 working days Lgbt+people can email help.galop.org.uk

The first step to leaving an abusive relationship is recognising you are not alone and it is not your fault. Be careful with who you tell if you are considering leaving as you do not want your partner to know where you are going. Womens aid has a safety plan for women and men who want to leave.

Dopamine - The renewal chemical • • • •

Eating Food Achieving a Goal Completing a task Self care activities

Oxytocin - The love hormone • • • •

Socializing Physical Touch Petting animals Helping others

Endorphin - The painkiller • • • •

Exercising Listening to music Watch a movie Laughter

Serotonin - The mood stabilizer • • • •

Sun exposure Mindfulness Be with nature Meditation

News & Sports

7

If you are worried about a friend, let them know you are worried, listen and take care to listen to them, acknowledge the strength it takes for someone to talk about their abuse, give them time to talk and dont push them if they seem they don’t want to discuss with you, support them and encourage them to make their own decisions, do not tell them to leave their relationship if they are not ready and offer to go to a hospital with them if they have experienced physical harm.

For victims who have experienced mental and physical abuse their mental health can be low, here is a list of the happiness chemicals and how to hack them

8

mojatu.com

News & Sports

INTERNATIONAL MEN’S DAY - By Chloe Jones What Is International Men’s Day It is an international awareness day celebrating the positive value men bring to our society. Making a positive difference for the well-being of men and boys by raising awareness and funding.

There are 6 pillars of international men’s day, one of them being to improve gender relations and promote gender equality, in this light the theme for 2021 is “Better relations between men and women’’ The benefits of celebrating positive masculine traits are reaped by everyone, bettering the lives for individuals, communities and families.

When Is International Men’s Day Falling on the same date every year, on the 19th of November, or ‘’Movember’’ is the month to celebrate men’s well being and health. November also hosts International Children’s Day on the 20th and is celebrated with 48 hours of events important to the well-being of boys and men. As well as raising money in order to provide access to treatment for prostate cancer- a disease predominantly found amongst men under 50 years old.

Why is it important to celebrate and raise awareness?

Suicide being the biggest killer of men in the U.K, its important to treat it as an urgent issue and to work together to tackle it. It can be a daunting topic and perhaps triggering for some, so this day of celebration sheds light onto the importance of discussing the positive masculine attributes within our society as opposed to discussions of toxic masculinity.

During the International Men’s Day conference which was held on the 26th of November it was made known that men will only contact services if they are assured it is an anonymous service, By raising awareness and making support services known, it will hopefully encourage men and boys to seek help, knowing it is a confidential service and these organizations are here to listen and help you.

In the UK, suicide is the biggest killer of men, we loose 94 men to suicde a week. Often being in this mindset it can be hard to believe that people care and love. 1 suicide emotionally affects 15 people and directly affects approximately 135, this includes people like your neighbors, colleagues, teachers and others. The

reality of the impact is large. There is always someone who cares and wants to listen to you.

How can you seek help?

There are numerous charities and organizations that are available to you, varying from anonymous chat lines, centers you can go to or therapy.

CALM: Campaign Against Living Miserably, standing together, united against suicide. Standing against stereotypes and standing together to show life is always worth living. There are confidential chat services from 5pm-12am, available for when you get home from work, to discuss anything from financial worry, work stress, family stress, anxiety and depression. By provoking conversations it is a goal to get men/boys to normalize prioritizing their mental health and talking about it.

CALM run a web chat as well for anyone who prefers to write than chat. www.thecalmzone.net/about-calm/ what-is-calm/ Helpline: 0800 58 58 58 Papyrus uk suicide prevention: Focussing on young people The work papyrus does centers around three key principles: support, equip and influence.

Papyrus offer confidential support and advice to young people who may be struggling with thoughts of suicide or for anyone who feels to report worry of another young person, through the helpline, HOPELINEUK. Engaging communities and volunteers in prevention projects and training programmes to individuals and groups. This includes equipping councils, health care and schools with suicide prevention skills.

Their aim is to shape national social policty and make significant contribution to local and regional implemenation of national suicide prevention stratagies wherever we can. They press for change in many places using hard-hitting campaigns as well as presenting evidence to those in power. 0800 068 4141 Mental Health Recovery College: The recovery college takes an educational approach to equip you with the knowledge and skills to live your life comfortably with mental illness. Workshops about mental health, creative and social groups. There is no referral needed and therapists are available here. ​​recovery.college@ southernhealth.nhs.uk 07880004828 Money Matters: How to deal with the stress that comes with money, financial burden through activities

Berkshire connected like breathing, art groups, creative writing. Through creative outlets it may be the most beneficial tactic for you to unload trauma or depression and anxiety.

A holistic approach to money or debt worries.

As well as running their own surgeries, they also have contracts with several Housing Associations. Any clients attending these surgeries must be a tenant of the said Housing Association. Advice Line: 01414455221 Sports In Mind: Free sports events run all over Berkshire, this charity uses sports and exercise to improve the lives of people suffering with mental health problems. Bringing people together, this cathartic technique is the perfect release of endorphins as well as the opportunity to be in a team again and potentially make friends. www.sportinmind.org/forms/contact-us Men’s Minds Matter: A non for profit organization with resources available in abundance, different aspects that affect men including anger issues, coping in a crisis, anxiety and dealing with stress. They build psychological resilience and emotional strength.

The outward expression of male distress causes significant problems for other men, children and women. www.mensmindsmatter.org/contact.html Men can also contact Berkshire Women’s Aid, domestic violence towards men has a particular stigma, however every year one in three victims of domestic abuse are men. The culture and stereotype stigma around this can make it feel difficult to discuss however this charity recognises the gravitas of the increasing number of male victims.

Ways in which the council could improve the well-being and lives of men/boys are making support services more known, offering support for people who are on a long waiting list for further help. Reaching communities who may feel alone and unheard and making information accessible to EVERYONE. Open conversations and discussions should be encouraged and the importance of informing your gp if experiencing mental health problems. It is recognised that long waiting times can put you off seeking help or make you feel invalid, but a reminder that you can contact gp for an emergency appointment. Keep pushing for help and support, it is a priority like any physical condition, mental is absolutely of equal importance. By accepting your vulnerability and reaching out for help, you may redefine the term - Man Up. Different cultural expectations apply for different men, if we were to define man-hood it could mean;

News & Sports

9

Independance, getting a job, being able to support yourself and be responsible. In other cultures as well; looking after your elders, expected breadwinner, expected to provide emotional warmth, a high pain threshold Within the uk the challenges are different, men experience discrimination and disadvantage, inclusivity awareness for the need for men to improve mental health.

The consequences of the challenges men face are serious, including lack of confidence, cultural barriers, stigmatization, laws, values and social structures.

It is so important to become mindful of singular experiences that each male faces resistant from social, racial, physical, ethnic or sexual identificaion.

Take this opportunity to celebrate individuals, show gratitude and respect to every man and boy. Press discrimination, provide greater equality, inclusivity and positivity around masculinity.

mojatu.com

10 News & Sports

ALICE MPOFU-COLES Alice is married and has two adult daughters living and working in London. When she came to the UK in 2002, she settled in Reading. Alice is currently in a post-viva stage of her PhD onIdentity and Activities of Young Zimbabwean people in the UK. She works as Research Assistant in Human Geography, and part of her role is being involved in Race Equality at the University of Reading. She has been an elected Labour and Cooperative Party Local Councill or for Whitley Wardsince2022.

For over 19 years, she has advocated for refugees, and volunteered at the Reading RefugeeSupport Group (RRSG) both as vice-chair and chair, including being involved in the Gruntivig Women’s Project – Women Refugees Learning together in Europe.

She is currently a trustee of the Reading City of Sanctuary, a Vice-Chair for the Alliance for Cohesion and Racial Equality (ACRE) and a member of the Circle of Wise Women for Global Female Wave of Change. She is also a trustee in the City of Sanctuary and involved in the Universities of Sanctuaries in the UK –to give scholarships to refugees and be a safe space for sanctuary seekers. She also advocates and portrays a more positive image of refugees, black women, and young people by participating in numerous projects and talks. She has done BBC television documentaries and interviews on refugees’ plight, poverty, and women andspeaks at events and conferences.

Alice does community research, and in June 2022 her research project was shortlisted as a finalist for the Research Excellence Impact Awards at the University of Reading. She was given the most inspirational refugee women Driver’s Award in 2020. She nominated the Reading Refugee Support Group for the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, and this was awarded in 2019, receiving from the Queen’s representative, the Sheriff of Berkshire. At Poole’s ceremony, she was given an Honorary Masters of Universities by the Open University in 2013 for her services to refugees, communities, education, and civil services. She was awarded by President Chissano of Mozambique in 1996 for her writing on workingwith culturally diverse communities. This was achieved while working as a Zimbabwe diplomat in Mozambique and preceded a posting to the former Yugoslavia, Belgrade.

Despite her adversity of losing seven family members in 13 years, Alice wrote a book DEAR GOD FROM YOUR POACHED EGG BREAST, about her breast cancer diagnosis in 2007, chemotherapy and mastectomy while studying. She continues to advocate for breast cancer awareness in women.

In the work that we all do - Alice brings listening, participating as part to and understandthe concerns and priorities of people and aim to have their views through different channels. The aim is to improve the community engagement, create, facilitate & reinforce adiverse multidisciplinary space for communities in terms of a bottom-upframework.

“You can lose everything, but nobody can take away your education. ” https://www. alicempofucoles. com/

Berkshire connected

Community

11

SIKHS HELPING THEIR LOCAL COMMUNITY - By Raveena Hargun Sikh Swat (Sikh welfare awareness and team) are based in Reading and other parts of the UK they are a charity that helps support people and the homeless by serving them langer which is a service where the Sikh community help feed people who need it the most and help which is free. They help people across the world too.

The Sri Guru Singh Sabha gurdwara/ temple in reading on Cumberland Road will help you get free food as well.

All of the food in the gurdwara is always vegetarian due to religious reasons and guests must respect the rules.

Although Sikhs are not required to be vegetarian, vegetarian meals must be served in the gurdwara/ temple, this ensures anybody with dietary restrictions of their faith can eat langar and in the langar hall.

The Reading Swat team helps people who need it the most and they do other events and projects that can also change people’s lives in many different ways.

The Swat serves food to the homeless every Wednesday at 7pm and Sunday at 6pm anyone is welcome to help volunteer. They will also help people source food at other times.

However, the swat team now has a healthcare team as well which are supported by Tesco and other community services. In Reading they are talking to people that have mental health issues. The Sikh community in Reading have set up a mobile van that has toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwa sh and dentist surgeons that help the homeless.

During covid, the swat team helped by providing hand sanitizer and getting the covid vaccine to keep people safe in these difficult times.

The Sikh community, amongst others, do a great job to help and support people who need it in the Reading area and other parts of the country too.

WHAT IS LOHRI? - By Raveena Hargun Lohri is the Sikh c o m m u n i t y ’s bonfire night which marks the New year for the Punjabi farmers. The celebration is of bhangra and Gidda; this is normally done in the evening.

Lohri is celebrated by everyone forming a circle and a drum in the middle is lit up with fire. People stand away from the fire and start to sing Lohri songs. Certain people will go around the fire and throw paper or Indian chikki, popcorn and other sweets into the drum.

Why do we burn in Lohri? Because it brings prosperity and holds special value for new Punjabi brides and newborn babies. Typically this is celebrated when someone has a newborn child or has gotten married for the first time.

The food we traditionally eat on Lohri is, Pakora and samosas for starters, Saag with Makki ki roti (spinach and chapatti) for mains, and dessert is ladoo, kheer or Gur ka halwa.

In addition to this, there are traditional clothes we wear. Men will wear a simple kurta pajama and women will wear Patiala salwar with a bindi and parandi in their hair.

However, the parandi is optional.

There is also a film showcasing Lohri’s traditions called Veer- Zaara.

One person said they absolutely love the film Veer- Zaara because ”It’s a roller coaster ride of emotions: From joy, to love, to passion, to

grief and to anger, this film is everything and makes sure to keep the audience engaged in each and every scene.” The movie has a wide range of different emotions and it educates the new generation and tells people and other cultures what Lohri is about. The film stars Amitabh Bachchan and Shahrukh Khan, two of the most famous Indian actors in the world.

12 Community

mojatu.com

REFUGEE CHARITY - By RaveenaDAY Hargun CELEBRATING WINDRUSH

By Pa Modou Faal After World War II, the United Kingdom’s economy their papers and their families’ which avert them from needed to be rebuilt to meet the much-desired being deported. Unfortunately, so many people fell demands of industrialisation and economic prey to this unexplainable circumstance. Most of them developments. In that regard, the British government Jamaicans and others from the Caribbean Islands were stormed the Caribbean islands and recruited Afro- sent back to their ‘unknown’ countries on grounds of Caribbean migrants and offered them jobs. These jobs illegal migrants. included the production of steel, coal, iron, and food, These people ended up experiencing great deal of and also jobs in the service sectors, such as running prejudice and hardship on the account of their colour public transport and staffing the new National Health and heritage. It is a moment we celebrate now not Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom. June 22 of 1948, because of the dark side of the history it writes but the Empire Windrush ship docked on the harbour of in appreciation of their efforts, strides and resilience Tilbury in Essex bringing in a labour force we now called that avails us many privileges we enjoy today not the Windrush Generation. They were all documented just as black people but as children of humanity such and profiled to take part in the development of the as the NHS, reliable transport system and industrial United Kingdom as former colonies of the British developments. It is against this backdrop that June Empire.

22 is set aside to commemorate the Windrush history As years went by and British legislation changed, now called Windrush Day. We also celebrate this day to targeting immigrants, one would now need a British strengthen the enlightenment of the generation and passport or a legal residence and work permit to be to celebrate how far we have come and forge a brighter able to work in England. Members of the Windrush future for the younger generation. generation who were brought from the West Indies with The city of Derby became home to many influential legal documentation, lost their jobs and freedoms as people and organisations of the Windrush generation they were not regarded as British citizens. These people heritage, and they continue to occupy pivotal roles are still waiting to be compensated both in monetary in the development of the city. Among them include value and legal documentation because they are told Professor Cecile Wright, Lloyd George Newby – that they do not have the right document or are not in MBE, Derby Windrush Action Group. This year’s the system. How could someone go to school, sign up commemoration of Windrush Day marks the 5th to a doctor, pay utility bills and is still not found in the anniversary since its inception. On Windrush Day regularisation system, yet the same people could be celebration, salient issues are highlighted such as the found in any system to pay such bills. For the few ones legacy, racial inequality, segregation as well as building who could afford financial and legal tussles, fought for the future for the future generation.

Berkshire connected

Community

13

THE IMPACT OF ‘REFLECTION OPPORTUNITY’ ONWright YOUNG VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES

By Joshua PERPETRATORS OF KNIFE CRIME By Edrissa Touray opportunity to reflect on the effect of knife crime upon people and making them aware about where to access information and help relating to knife crime.

It is not an idealism, it is what we all deserve in our communities. In reality, and as social beings, humans are susceptible to factors that are environmentally induced or situationally inflicted to increase the risks of some becoming perpetrators of crime.

Youth crime, particularly knife crime, is a perennial issue with its continuing untold devastation on lives, livelihoods, and families. A lot has been documented including statistics on the offenders and the economic and structural challenges it poses for the Criminal Justice System. This article acknowledges that but pays attention to the impact of rehabilitation initiatives for youth offenders of knife crime

by Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (Nottingham) in partnership with Fearless Youth Association.

Fearless Youth Association (FYA) and HM Prison & Probation Service (Nottingham) work closely in a Referral Scheme partnership in which FYA directly engages young perpetrators of knife crime on a tailored knife crime awareness training. The training paces young offenders on their perspectives in social issues including prejudice and discrimination, enhance their knowledge about the principles of knife crime, offer them an

For the young perpetrators, the opportunity to discuss and interrogate the social environment of prejudicial acts and discrimination as part of their lived experiences, generate a relieved sense of ‘being understood’ in an active two-way conversation in which their input is actively listened to and valued. Their victimhood through social injustice is deemed finally understood and they can begin to apply criticality in their consideration of their reactions to those ‘perceived’ sense of injustices and how that might impact others within their vicinity or the society at large.

The state of assurance that comes from the knowledge of being understood often provides the durable building blocks of their engaged participation in this training program. A look at the general environment factors for young people from marginalised communities and the reasons why young people become involved in crime strikes that chord of relatability for all the perpetrators.

These are often what they experience first-hand (for example, social or school exclusion, peer pressure, gangs), and are the things professionals do not factor in their considerations as part of their interactions with them.

The grievances against the police and their work are often characterised by dogmatic itching in the minds of these young perpetrators of knife crime.

However, what has been told in these trainings is how the basic understanding of the definition of knife crime, its associated criminal law, and the role of the police in

enforcing that law introduces a perspective angle in them that recognises the position of the police and the justification for their actions in the greater good of the public. Exposure to the national statistical data on the human cost of knife crime often triggers reflection and an evaluative opinion that portrays a new understanding of its gravity.

The fulcrum of the impact of this training can be in its reflection opportunity. It enables young perpetrators to consider the long-term effects of knife crime on them as perpetrators, their families including the stigmatisation their parents often suffer, the victims and their families who in worst-case scenarios lost loved ones in gruesome ways and the traumatic battles they succumbed to as a result.

This often draws genuine deeper and thoughtful reflection about the troubles they had with the law, the experiences of their immediate family, the experiences of other families and community members they personally know and the tragic changes that happens in their lives because of knife crime.

This segment of the training, which is always participant centred, achieves realisation, regret, remorse, and commitment for a changed direction away from crime of all sorts.

The difficult lived experiences of perpetrators are no excuse for their involvement in any crime particularly knife crime. However, what has been demonstrated by the young perpetrators through this partnership is the ability to change course through a ‘Reflection Opportunity’ that is orchestrated in an environment of trust, relatability and with an institutional awareness of the catalytic effect of young people’s environment.

mojatu.com

14 Community

ARE OUR KIDS VULNERABLE AT SCHOOL?

By Tristan Best

How do we know our children are safe at schools?

We don’t – the parents give the school their trust.

And of course, the school’s policies all state that they ensure a safe environment for all.

CHILD Q On one normal day at school during the exam season, a young black female of 15 years of age came into her exam allegedly smelling of cannabis, and without a second thought, the staff members of the Hackney Academy called the police. The police were then allowed into Hackney Academy’s site to perform a strip search and – still without any parents knowing what’s going on – the police themselves did not get permission from their hierarchy to do so. No guardians were alerted of this, which is breaking the law.

The young girl, terrified of consequences, then allowed the officers to complete the search; but bearing this in mind, when conducting a search of someone under 18, PACE Code C says it must be done in the presence of an “appropriate adult” unless the child has expressly said they do not want that adult there and this has been documented. The attending police officers cannot act as an appropriate adult.

During the search, the 15-year-old was even made to remove her sanitary pad, exposing her private area.

How disgraceful! Regardless of your experience as an officer, you should know the child’s rights. How inhumane can you possibly be?

HOW WOULD YOU FEEL IF THIS WAS YOUR CHILD? That’s the question I would begin to ask, how could this possibly happen? I’m not sure – maybe a lack of care from the staff? Or was it just another show of discrimination upheld by the police force? Yes, they serve the people well, but on this day, they managed to jeopardise the trust and relationship between our youth, community, and the police force, yet again.

The police force needs to make amends where they can. They need the trust of the people, especially to complete their work efficiently. Firstly, the forces alike need to change their approach towards young Black people. Excluding prejudice from their practice.

Information came to light in 2020 in a safeguarding report. The information clearly states that racism was likely to have been an influencing factor. I know for a fact that every single school in the country should and will encourage diversity amongst students – the staff involved in the school environment should all have been background checked to ensure they were fit enough to deal with our future.

Every student at Hackney Academy walked out of school to show a firm hand to modern discrimination of young people of ethnicity, and from the eyes and ears of many, this situation is rape. It’s a very hard thing to say out in the open. But as this is a minor being strip searched, to the fullest extent, surely this is a case of rape? The child did not know her rights, nor did she

Berkshire connected have an appropriate adult with her. Family members described her as changing from a “happy-go-lucky girl to a timid recluse that hardly speaks, who now selfharms and needs therapy” How shocking is that? It’s terrifying to say the least. Cecile Wright of BLM Derby held a peaceful protest, in which she quoted numerous relevant and factual statements made by bodies of all corners. I believe her movement is making great moves to improve the way our community is treated.

Cecile Wright, described the incident as the “absolute Barbaric treatment of a child” which is exactly how I would pitch the monologue of the case. As the chair of BLM Derby, Cecile wants to enforce equality into our community. She then quoted Professor Gus John, former director of education at Hackney Academy, saying: “Could you imagine this barbaric incident happening when I was director of education in Hackney? Not only would we have gathered in similar numbers to demand that Hackney LEA deal with the management and governors of that school, I, as director, would have had the headteacher and the teachers involved arrested and dismissed straight away… and dealt with their trade unions later. But the government has placed these academies and those who run them outside of the control of and accountability to elected representatives”.

Sonya Robotham of Black Community Matters said: “I simply don’t understand how this modern democracy can still dictate our poor children.” You’d think the 21st

Community

15

century would be different, but no. Twenty years into this century we still find the same issue, recurring nonstop.

THE FUTURE Growing up in Derby, I, Tristan Best, have personally seen numerous accounts of prejudice towards Black, White and Asian people. From all sides of the discussion, I’ve heard people make remarks; all unnecessary. Its people in general who are at fault. Either uneducated or arrogantly ignorant. The future depends on our teachers, elders, and parents. If they fail to encourage, they’ll be unsuccessful in helping us develop forward.

To be better, I also hope healthcare and training of people paid to serve the people improves, guaranteeing better healthcare and treatment of Black people, as even in hospitals, White and other non-Black doctors and nurses don’t fully understand the needs of Black people, whether it regards finding veins or other simpler procedures. It all can be changed for the better, with more research and development into ethnic healthcare. NHS England admitted that action was needed to ensure that people from all minority ethnic backgrounds received better care when using NHS services. A spokesperson said: “While this survey finds that most older black patients – those over 70 and who therefore typically use the NHS most – are positive about their experience, there is no doubt that more needs to be done to improve the experience of all black and minority ethnic people using health services.”

COME & WORK WITH US Come and join the Estates and Facilities Team! We are a vibrant and diverse team, responsible for looking after the beautiful campuses of University of Nottingham and are looking for enthusiastic, motivated and customer focused people to provide an excellent experience to our wide range of customers.

We have a mix of positions available for cleaners, catering assistants, bar staff and many other roles in our halls of residence, university buildings and Café’s, over a range of hours and days that are flexible and could fit around your family and other commitments.

The University of Nottingham has been providing an outstanding student experience for over 140 years and is a leading university of worldwide significance with established campuses in UK, China and Malaysia. Our award-winning sites at University Park and Jubilee Campus are only 15 minutes by bus or tram to Nottingham city centre. https://fumbu.org/0ej

mojatu.com

16 Community

STRENGTH IN UNITY - UNITED AND COMING TOGETHER TO BATTLE AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE!

By Penny Cooper

Here are a few bits of news on Climate Change and associated topics impacting on Climate Change, to give you an idea of what is happening now.

McDonald’s - has opened a net zero carbon restaurant in Market Drayton, powered by wind turbines and solar panels. Insulated by British sheep’s wool, and cladding made of recycled goods. It is hoped that we will see more of these around the World. Carbon Disclosure Project offered praise of McDonalds; their actions being welcomed.

Ash and Larch trees dying from Phytophthora Ramorum - this is a fungal-like organism that causes the death of a wide range of shrubs and trees. This has led to thousands of hectares of felling around the UK, 30,000 ash trees, 6 million in Wales, hundreds of thousands on Isle of Arran, at a time we would wish to keep every tree possible. There are simple steps you can take to help limit the spread of plant diseases when you visit woodlands, parks and gardens. Tree and plant diseases can live in mud and water. Brush off all mud and dirt from walking boots, buggies and bike wheels, before you leave the forest and make sure you clean thoroughly before visiting other forests.

Drones that plant trees – British Engineers have created a robot which can plant up to 100,000 trees a day, and this is being used around the world on abandoned sites.

Solar Power – Despite being located in countries which could use this kind of energy, many countries have 0% solar energy use. The United Arab Emirates, Benin, Bahrain, Botswana, Kuwait, Libya, Mongolia, Oman, Qatar, Turkmenistan, Trinidad and Tobago, the Republic of Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, Brunei Darussalam, and Singapore are all 0% users. China is the foremost user of solar power installing more than 30.1 GW of photovoltaic (PV) capacity in 2019. The United States, India, Japan, and Vietnam rank next on the list of top solar producers.

Wind Farms – cost-effective and clean energy!! China leads the way in onshore wind farm energy, five times larger than any other country. The US comes second in line.

Removing CO2 from the atmosphere – It is estimated that concentrations of carbon dioxide in the Earth’s atmosphere have risen 48 percent since the start of the industrial revolution. It is possible for the equivalent

of giant vacuum cleaners to remove CO2 from the atmosphere, storing it underground and, in some cases, supplying it back to specific industries, like fertilizer for farmers or carbonation of drinks.

It’s like Meat but grown in Labs – Cultivated and cellbased meat, not a new technology, but a new way of looking at a traditional industry. Young entrepreneurs are rearing fake meat in labs, and may one day replace the beef we eat, all those steaks we have consumed, which is so harmful to the climate.

Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint at Home Continuing from my last article, maybe you could try some of the following.

Draught excluder at base of doors, curtains at windows.

These are two areas where heat sensing equipment shows leakage of heat on a regular basis.

Insulate your loft, much has already been done

by Government incentives to effect this change to residential housing, through free insulation projects.

Spend less time in the shower and save about £12 a year.

Keep turning off the lights, £15 a year and how about reducing the time and temperature that heating is on and high, perhaps put on an extra layer of clothing and turn the heating down.

When cooking, use lids on pots, it will cook more quickly.

Use a microwave to heat food rather than the oven.

When filling the kettle, maybe only put enough water in there for the number of cups you will be filling up or pour excess water into a thermos flask for use later.

Apparently if your freezer is iced up, then defrost your freezer, it will work more efficiently.

Here’s one for the guys amongst us, just to stereotype, buy a smaller TV, LOL! Switch everything off at night, avoid standby and chargers left plugged in but not in use. There are so many of us out there, and if we all looked to reducing energy use, we can have a big impact on climate change.

If you have any other ideas on Climate Change, please drop me a line at penny@mojatu.com and I will feature them in our next issue.

Berkshire connected

Community

17

THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ByMaia Mason

Climate change has been a hot topic for a number of years now, with young activists such as Greta Thunberg, Dominique Palmer, and Leah Namugerwa fighting for legislation to combat it.

According to Greenpeace, the world has experienced a 1-degree Celsius change since 1880, and while this may not sound like a lot, it has had catastrophic impacts across the globe- the ice caps are melting, the reefs are dying, and forest fires are tearing through wildlife and destroying not only nature, but homes and businesses as well.

In the UK, many people feel detached from the effects of climate change. In comparison to many other countries, we do not see the effects of it as much as others- less temperate climates are suffering as a result of the actions of Western countries’ complacency.

In Brazil, the impacts of cattle farming and the beef industry is having a detrimental impact on deforestation. The Rainforest Partnership (2016) claimed that 80% of deforestation in the Amazon is as a result of the beef industry. They state that 24-25 million hectares of forest in the Amazon have been cleared for the purpose of producing soy, and 80% of this goes towards animal feed for livestock.

Concepts such as ‘Meatless Monday’ have been created to tackle this issue, allowing people to reduce their meat consumption for the sake of both their health and the planet without being completely vegetarian or vegan. MondayCampaigns.org states that ‘livestock production creates more greenhouse gases than the entire transport sector- all the cars, trucks, planes and trains in the world’- a staggering fact when considering that most people associate their carbon footprint with their usage of flights and fossil fuels.

As well as this, the sea is becoming an increasingly hostile environment for its wildlife, becoming more acidic and filled with waste by the day. Microplastics have been found in many species of fish that are used for human consumption leading to these microplastics

being found in human digestive systems.

Gamarro et al. suggest that ‘5 trillion plastic pieces of different sizes weighing about 250,000 tons are floating in the oceans’, which is particularly dangerous due to their resistance to degradation and the possibility of them having carcinogenic properties.

You may be asking yourself, how is this relevant to the UK? Despite the most famous ocean plastic issue being the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, 6000 miles away from Britain, the problem is not as distant as you may think.

Murray and Cowie (2011) found that 83% of Norway Lobster, which is caught just off the coast of Scotland, has microplastics in its stomach. And since this was a study done 11 years ago, it would not be implausible that the problem has got significantly worse since then. Our plastic consumption is not only ruining wildlife through water acidity and plastic waste, but ruining consumers’ chances at having a healthy life.

So, what can we do to help?

First of all, it is important to educate yourself on these issues to see how impactful and important they are to everyone around the globe. Reducing your carbon footprint is also a massive step in the right direction for everyone- using public transport more, eating less meat, and switching to using more eco-friendly methods of heating and producing electricity can be the end goal for many.

If this is something you are interested in, the tool ‘Carbon Calculator’ by ClimateHero is a great place to start. However, for a lot of people, these things can impact your financial health and may not be realistic for many beginner climate activists.

My main advice would be to get political, sign petitions, and put pressure on the government to do something to combat these issues. We have a responsibility to look after Earth, we are its guardians, not its owners. To quote Mike Berners-Lee, it is important to remember that ‘there is no Planet B’.

mojatu.com

18 Arts & Culture

ART THERAPY - By Chloe Jones

Every first Tuesday of the month I host an art therapy session at Oxford Road Community Centre.

A space where you can express yourself creatively and freely.

Guided meditation and sensory activities are run too. During these sessions I’ve realised how everyone (artist or not) was so self critical and self conscious of their art. However during the session, all activities seemed to be enjoyed, when boundaries and realism do not matter. Trying to understand what it is they fear.

I wrote a series of questions to ask artists, to understand how people check in with their art, to see if it was created authentically? If it had been created depending on how it would be perceived?

Art is unrestrictive and unconventional, exploring different mediums to find what allows us to express and feel the most free.

Looking into expression through music is fascinating for me, perhaps because it’s not a form I use. A language I don’t particularly understand. From my original perspective, I assumed it was easier to fall down the rabbit hole of making it for other people, and easily losing yourself during the process, worrying what will be popular or not. I think this perspective comes purely from only using/listening to music to enjoy as opposed to creating music to express. I also assumed that an enriched music

career seems more within arms reach than a ‘’successful’,’ ‘’famous’’ 2D artists’ career. To understand it from an experimental musician’s perspective I interviewed musician Michael West.

noise complaints from a neighbour.

I believed I was rebelling by not compromising, and I often thought, why should the higher ground be the person who can’t handle loud music?!’’

What does rebellion mean to you?

‘’I never personally rebelled to get a reaction, it was all about not fitting in. That was always my scene.

West responded saying ‘’There’s a rebellious nature that exists in your youth, resentful to listen to grown ups and being told what to do, as you get older, rebellion changes, it’s not the authority you want to ignore, it’s more about going against the mainstream’’ The desire to create, is it to do with expression? And do you think part of rebelling means you suffer consequences for it?

He went on to say, ‘’When I was younger, I lived in a commune in Amsterdam, the whole of the band lived there, and I suppose our band/lifestyle was rebellious. Going against the mainstream. However I got a bit carried away with making sure I wasn’t mainstream, perhaps turning slightly facist in my ways of seeing everything and everyone in boxes and trying so hard not to be a ‘’type’’ of person.

I lacked sympathy and compassion, trying to be perceived as rebellious and untamable, blurred my moral compass. It becomes difficult to know if you are making mindful creative choices or whether you’re trying too hard to attach your identity to the art to be perceived the way you want to be.

I remember constantly receiving

Creative people need an outlet, releasing whatever is pent up.’’

Do you think you make authentic art now?

Fairly confident I make authentic art.

How do you know the difference between creating authentically and creating something, with other people’s perceptions considered?

It’s more of a feeling, you just know when your heart is in it, most of my creative projects are true to myself. I know what it’s like to do something with other perceptions in mind. And perhaps it’s a matter of differentiating between art made from the brain or the heart.

-Do you attach your identity to your art?

I’ve always had different alter ego’s for different music projects.

I believe ‘’successful’’ artists do attach their identity to their art.

And it’s those who feel insecure about their creations that double down on it. Make it funny, but serious. This makes any negative criticism weightless, this defence mechanism definitely changes the outcome of what you create.

-Do you believe that by attaching identity to it, and worrying about criticism,being defensive, creates a hierarchy in the artist world?

Well, I’m not sure. How do you compare? Is it happiness? Or money? Making enough from it to live comfortably, or does the success begin as soon as you choose to do

Berkshire connected it. To sit and listen back to my music helps me understand if I’ve strayed from purity. I want to touch hearts, connect people, no compromise, to not focus on the outcome.

How would you tell someone how to make something from the heart?

Advising someone to create out of love as opposed to fear, trust your instinct and live the process.

I stepped away from this conversation still processing what had been discussed, however being invited into such a personal part of his story/growth, about once feeling facist in his ways of avoiding anything mainstream and feeling frustrated at other people not being able to handle his loud statement music. It seems as he grew older and his creativity/rebellion matured, Michael became more focussed on creating out of love, with the intention of it touching hearts and bringing people together. Perhaps this form of creating for other people is not so detrimental to the artistic process.

I then went on to interview an artist who states they haven’t found their favourite or most refined form, however creativity in general has always been a prominent trait in their personality.

How do you express yourself? ‘’Painting sometimes, writing, anger, singing, moving and meaningful conversations with compassionate people.’’

What does rebellion mean to you ‘’Going against the grain, fighting the system. Standing up for what you believe in and nonconforming. Using art as self expression is rebellious. But some forms are more than others. When I paint watercolour with my nan, this is a learning experience and I set goals and aspire for a realistic and complete outcome. When I do graffiti, this feels rebellious, the adrenaline and illegality drives me.

My painting sessions with Nan are about connection between us and learning new technical skills. The outcome might not go to plan but I feel happy when I complete it.’’

Does judgement affect your art process ‘’The judgement to me is always positive, it’s a process of loving it then hating it.’’

Is there a correlation between how you feel emotionally and how you perceive your work? ‘’I don’t believe how I feel affects how I perceive. Other perceptions

Arts & Culture

19

don’t shape my art when I’m doing it, but when I’ve finished and I criticise it, I have others’ perceptions in mind. ‘’ After speaking with this artist, it really solidified the importance of experimenting with many different outlets, and how each one can bring you a whole new experience and motive. Using different forms of art for different purposes and therapy.

I urge people to keep trying, push themselves creatively and trust the process, despite hearing in this interview that they loved, hated and loved their work again, it can be a practice of just trusting it will turn out exactly how it needed to.

I found it interesting that they stated the process is entirely for them, however analysing it after, it was hard to separate other perceptions from their own. Does this alter how they view their work?

And do you ever find yourself doing the same thing?

Moving with love, as opposed to fear, always being honest and trusting yourself and continuously checking your intentions for doing something are beneficial practices for getting the most out of a creative and artistic process!

mojatu.com

20 Arts & Culture

YOU NEED KNOW ABOUT THESE w TO v 10 HUMANITARIAN CRISES OF 2022 – PART 1

By Madelaine Trudgian

The UK is becoming more nationalistic, this is obvious in every aspect of society from Brexit to asylumseeker policies to how the Covid-19 pandemic has been handled. This is reflected in the media, with limited coverage of humanitarian events that do not involve the UK directly.

So, often we don’t know about these key issues, how little we are doing about them and how our country may even be making them worse.

Covid-19. Now this has obviously been widely covered in our media but what about in other countries? Due to the pandemic the number of people living in extreme poverty (living on less than $1.90/ day) has increased from 7.8% to 9.1% after a 20-year downward trend, counteracting progress for many countries and enhancing the difficulties in already fragile and conflict-prone areas. Massive global inequality has been highlighted by the pandemic and the implications will result in an increase in the need of humanitarian aid. A quick turnaround is not looking likely for many indebted countries that lack access to vaccines, with significant, long-term, economic affects. Predictably, the economic impact compounds financial inequality globally, with women who are more likely to be employed in unreliable lower-paid jobs being the most affected. These sectors include domestic work and food services. Women were also more likely to be forced to drop out of their jobs to care for family members.

Online hate. This may seem slightly out of place when considering Humanitarian Crises, but the real-world consequences of online hate are hugely impactful and are becoming more widespread as technology globalises, spreading quicker. The consequences of online hate range from suicides to encouraging physical violence such as stabbings, bombings, and mass shootings. With the victims as disproportionately women and minority groups. Social media platforms do not effectively spot and block this. Hate speech online has been used, for example, in Ethiopia to advocate ethnic violence. It has also been used by (mainly authoritarian) governments to impact and manipulate elections. Social media is too widespread for this to be solved through moderation. Legislation, however, is controversial when considering the level of censorship needed would make content too dull, one-sided and impact human rights including freedom of speech.

Haiti, Myanmar, and Afghanistan, due to political conflicts.

All these events worsened existing crises and will make 2022 aid responses harder. The President of Haiti was assassinated leading to emerging gangs and violence compounded

by 2 natural disasters in august 2021, displacing people and leading them to need food aid which will last well into 2022. There was a military coup in Myanmar that are harder to engage and negotiate with. An armed resistance appeared with increasingly violent crackdowns with civilian deaths displacement and food shortages with aid workers being targeted. The Taliban resurged in Afghanistan, with spreading hunger and donors are reluctant to deal with them. Women are disproportionately affected under this regime that revokes many of their rights resulting in increased gender-based violence, reduced employment opportunities and access to aid and healthcare.

Asylum seekers and migration. Western countries are making it far harder for people to seek refuge in their countries, reinforcing global inequality, contradicting international law and causing humanitarian crises at borders. This is most obvious in Eastern Europe with the use of military to fortify borders and remove migrants from their territories, leaving people stranded and in need of humanitarian aid.

Provisional measures on the right to seek asylum have been introduced by the EU which arguably weakens asylum protections suspending or blocking this right.

Famine: 45 million are on the brink of famine with 283 million short on food. The countries most affected include Yemen, Nigeria, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Afghanistan, Southern Madagascar, countries in the Horn of Africa and Burkina Faso. Levels of nutrition-related deaths are high being compounded by existing conflicts and extreme weather conditions. There is a concerning level of inaction despite UN pledges and G7 agreements. Furthermore 2021 saw significantly rising food prices including a 38% rise in the price of wheat, a 40% rise in the price of maize, rises in the cost of energy, labour, shipping and fertiliser. Increased fuel prices and container shortages have contributed.

Scarcity and strains on supply chains have resulted from this, with developing economies involving individuals that spend a high proportion of their income on food, and disproportionately women, being the most effected.

Berkshire connected

Arts & Culture

21

MEET THE COALITION, FIGHTING AGAINST CHILD LABOUR IN TANZANIA - By Ophelie Lawson In Tanzania, children who suffer with poverty are neglected, exploited and their rights are easily violated as the majority are from disadvantaged families and minority groups. Often, they carry adult responsibilities like being the head of the family and being responsible for taking care of their parents and grandparents, grandparents who might also be extremely ill. To make money for the family, they usually have to work in horrible and dangerous areas.

Whether it be having to sell goods on the street, all day long, or having to work in the field. This can affect their physical and mental development physically.

The issue of child labour in Tanzania is, according to local organisation working against child labour, not well addressed. It has not been recognised as a priority by the governments.

MEET THE COALITION The Tanzania Coalition Against Child Labour was first initiated in April 2021, motivated by the worldwide effort to eliminate child labour, with a heartfelt concern for the children of their country.

“There are children here, you can see them in the streets, they are always here. They do not go to school nor receive an education. Instead, they are having to sell goods to make money for their family. Some come into town during the day to work, some just live in the streets” says Schola, the founder of the coalition.

The coalition stand strong with children and believes in saved them from the worst forms of child labour.

Schola said, “we were motivated and excited to bring change in our own societies and the global community in general. Unfortunately, in Tanzania, the fight against child labour has not been a priority yet” Redefining Child labour - What is child labour?

The term “child labour” is often defined as ‘work that deprives children of their childhood, their potential and their dignity, and that is harmful to physical and mental development. It refers to work that is mentally, physically, socially and/or morally dangerous and harmful to children; and/or interferes with their education and deprives them of the opportunity to attend school.

Whether or not particular forms of “work” are seen as “child labour” depending on the child’s age, the type

and hours of work performed, the conditions and the country.

In Tanzania, for many the term ‘child labour’ is very confusing as the global definition of child labour doesn’t necessarily apply in an African context, more specifically a Tanzanian context. One of the coalition’s main objectives is to start a national dialogue. How can Tanzanians come together to find a definition of child labour that would work in their current context?

“Our concern and dedication to this coalition are based on the fact that Child Labour is a global issue that needs strong team play to fight against it. The latest Global Estimates indicate that 160 million that are in child labour are in hazardous work that directly endangers their health, safety, and moral development.” said Schola.

Schola asked, “a child that is helping their parents at the weekend to make ends meet, would you consider that to be child labour? Or a child that is not getting an education because he had to work in the field to make money in order for his family to survive ? How do we as a country make sure that it is not the burden of the child to provide for its family?”.

“We hope for a better future of every child to stop child labour so that every child can have the opportunity to go to school, to play and to reach their goals”, he said.

Majority of working children are despised and, in some cases, even sexually abused. Sometimes it even goes as far as them being separated from their parents to go to work or being kidnapped to work in fields. Majority of children are paid less, or not paid at all. In some cases, they are also sued and imprisoned for claiming their wages.

“For a long time, Tanzania has been backward and out of the international conversation on child labour mostly to the grassroot level. We want to bring change to our country and join the global community in their effort to eradicate child labour.”, said Schola.

In June, the coalition organised for the second time in a row, the World Against Child Labour. “Our aim is to push the country and politicians to plan strategically to eradicate this issue as well as the international organisations”, Schola concluded.

mojatu.com

22 Arts & Culture

TRAVEL & WORK FOR THE PRICE OF TRANSPORT ALONE

The secret behind work exchange

Travelling has become easier since the introduction of work exchanges.

- By Ophelie Lawson

looking for a financially friendly experience with local organisations.

Those in search of such an opportunity usually discover them through other travellers, locals, and through platforms such as Worldpackers, WWOOF (worldwide opportunities and organic farms) and Workaway.

Through such platforms you’re able to access important details provided by the host themselves so you’re aware of exactly what is required before committing, these companies also enable you to locate fellow members and read previous travellers reviews or contact those who have visited in the past.

Also referred to as work travel or voluntourism, work exchange programmes are a great way to travel on a budget while sharing abilities and free time in return for accommodation.

Work exchange is most commonly an informal agreement made between two parties; hosts are in search of workers; travellers are in search of accommodation and life-changing experiences. All the travellers need to do is travel to the place. When you do work exchange, not only are you able to see the world but also to learn the real value of money.

Depending on the host’s specifics, perhaps even food and other benefits like living amongst natives who can provide an authentic experience and the best advice about the best local foods, what to see and where to visit are all included. Getting an authentic taste of life in a new place isn’t all you gain, learning new languages, experiencing different cultures, learning new skills, connecting with other like-minded travellers from all over the world are just some of the advantages.

You also get to learn and understand how to manage working life in unfamiliar places that often force you out of your comfort zone. Hosts sometimes require certain qualifications or work experience for the work involved previous references from other hosts also help the host to get a better idea of the traveller and the types of work they’ve done previously. Specialised tasks such as photography/ videography for example, might require a higher level of experience. Receptionist work, cleaning, caring for animals and duties that are easily learned generally do not require any kind of previous experience other than the will to learn and contribute.

Keeping in mind that life experience is also valued.

This means experience gained through spending time caring for younger family members will help when you decide to assist in an orphanage due to previous informal experience. Those carrying out an exchange are often in a foreign country to their own and are

The interesting thing about work exchange is that you’re able to gain insight into such a variety of different fields that are otherwise rare to come across unless you’ve studied that specific trade. An example of a typical work exchange is through hostels, in which the traveller would usually be expected to greet guests, manage the checking in and out of the hostel, assisting with advising visitors. Many of the hosts provide really out of the ordinary lodging opportunities like camping, living on a boat, living on a farm or in a caravan.

From learning to build with mud in Thailand, studying multiple species of Mushroom in The Himalayas or building cenotes in Mexico, work exchanges offer many different kinds of experiences. For those who want to discover new continents like Africa, work exchanges are a good way to do so.

Most hosts were travellers before they became hosts, which means they are most able to provide an atmosphere that is beneficial to others and are most able to be empathetic during challenging times that perhaps only a traveller could comprehend. Regardless of the kind of help you can provide or your skill set, the most vital asset you can possess is a genuine desire to contribute and collaborate with your host. This will enable you to get the most out of it, and get you positive reviews from your host, which will help with future opportunities.

Work exchanges are without a doubt, the best way to significantly reduce travel cost and travel on a budget.

This is the biggest benefit that ultimately, you can get to travel in exchange for work.

Work exchanges are all about connecting and sharing; connecting with natives, the land and other likeminded travellers who see the importance of giving back to the country that they have the benefit of experiencing. Work exchanges are about adventure, exploration and having the opportunity to share skills, language, culture and ideas that bring us together.

Berkshire connected

Health & Food

23

COVID-19 INDUCED STRESS! WHAT EXTRA MILE WOULD YOU GO TO IMPROVE SELF-CARE AND WELLBEING?

By Karen Modupe Individuals can develop stress by merely thinking about the potential risks involved in contacting Covid 19 alongside the loneliness that accompanies quarantine/ isolation from loved ones; these factors may affect the way individuals care for themselves such as lack of interest in physical activities, eating healthy diet or reaching out to their support systems.

The lack of interest in such healthy activities in turn affects their wellbeing and coping mechanisms when in such a situation. In this light more emphasis should be placed on the importance of self-care, hence more awareness is being created for individuals to care for and appreciate themselves more.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has different definitions for the term selfcare. WHO referred to ‘self-care as the ability of individuals, families and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health, and to cope with illness and disability with or without the support of a health-care provider’ (WHO 2009). ‘It also means taking all the steps you can to take care of your physical health and well-being, including hygiene, nutrition, managing stressors, and seeking medical care if needed’ Have you ever wondered why when exposed to the same stressors, some individuals react differently?

Some are healthy while others are not as healthy.

The renowned sociologist Aaron Antonovsky, defined salutogenesis as the concept of stress oriented to coping resources. Antonovsky postulates that individual life experiences help to shape one’s sense of coherence. This means that a strong sense of coherence assists one in mobilising resources to cope with more stressors and manage tension effectively.

Consequently, health is understood as a self-regulation process which helps face everyday situations including Covid19 induced stress. Therefore, paying attention to self-care can strongly improve our overall wellbeing.

The foundation of wellbeing starts with physical selfcare. Other aspects are emotional, mental or cognitive, social, and spiritual selfcare.

Physical selfcare The interaction between our mind and body determines our physical selfcare. It refers to the extent to which we go to meet the needs of our body in order for it to flourish. This includes everything from having personal care, exercising, having a good diet, and maintaining physical health. What comes to your mind

when thinking of how to improve your physical selfcare should include: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Getting adequate sleep Having a shower or bath and brushing your teeth Exercising Eating healthy meals and hydrating properly (min. 2.5l/day).

Taking necessary supplements/vitamins.

Emotional selfcare Emotional intelligence (also known as emotional quotient EQ) is similar to emotional self-care. It is the ability to be conscious of our emotions and be able to identify what we feel, how we feel and allow ourselves to incline into such emotions without discrediting ourselves or our emotions. Ways to improve self-care includes: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Practising effective communication, Allow yourself to feel your emotions and practise positive coping strategies to relieve stress, Indulging in gratitude, self-compassion and empathy.

Setting healthy boundaries (this may mean saying no to people who bring negativity into our lives.

Practise breathing exercises Seeing a therapist if needed Practising positive affirmations.

Mental self-care How you think and the information you fuel your mind with has an overall effect on your psychological wellbeing. Everyone has an inner critic, and it can hold on to our self-talk which influences our thoughts and sense of wellbeing. According to chef Ruth Reichl, “One of the secrets to staying young is to always do things you don’t know how to do, to keep learning.”

Mental self-care involves stimulating your mind and also knowing when to give your mind a break. It can be developed by fuelling your mind to inspire good thoughts, improve your knowledge and positive wellbeing. Examples include 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Learning new ideas from reading books, Learning a new language Listening to enlightening podcast Watching documentaries Research topics of interest or practise creative writing.

mojatu.com

24 Health & Food

THE CLIMATE & US

By Tristan Best

The 21st Century brings hope. Humans have developed for the better in the last hundred years, learning about the damage we are leaving behind.

associated with imported goods and extracts those associated with exported goods, China accounts for over 27% of global emissions.

We now know that our cars, lifestyle and leisure are damaging the ozone layer. Cattle like pigs, cows and sheep contribute an alarming amount of Co2 (carbon dioxide) into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming, and Co2 in our atmosphere is at its highest in 2 million years. Did you know that the last decade was the hottest decade in the last 125,000 years? Due to this, we are now losing 1.2 trillion tons of ice a year, and we are certain we have caused this.

Despite having the largest emissions in the world, China’s large population means its per-person emissions have remained considerably lower than those in the developed world. This corresponds to over 10.1 tonnes CO2eq emitted per person each year, slightly over the world average and the EU average but significantly lower than the second largest emitter of greenhouse gases, the United States, with its 17.6 tonnes per person. In consumption terms, China emits slightly less, with over 6 tonnes in 2016, slightly above the world average, but less than the EU average (close to 8 tonnes) and less than the United States by more than a half, with close to 18 tonnes per person. Accounting for historic emissions, OECD countries produced four times more CO2 in cumulative emissions than China, due to developed countries’ early start in industrialization.

Did you know that the ocean absorbs most of the heat we produce? A study in 2019 discovered that the ocean had sucked up 90% of the heat gained from the planet between 1971 and 2010, and another found that it had absorbed the equivalent of two Hiroshima bombs per second or 20 sextillion joules of heat in 2020 alone.

The ocean has tremendous volume and heat-storage capacity, which is why some organisms are used to temperatures being quite stable. Of these, coral reefs are particularly sensitive to temperature levels, which is why many are dying off now (unfortunately) As a sovereign state, the UK doesn’t contribute anywhere as much Co2 emissions as China, the USA and India – but this is more than likely due to the size differences, and the way the manufacturing industry works. Greenhouse gas emissions by China are the largest of any country in the world, both in production and consumption terms, and stem mainly from coal burning, including coal-fired power stations, coal mining, and blast furnaces producing iron and steel.

When measuring production-based emissions, China emitted over 14 gigatonnes (Gt) CO2eq of greenhouse gases in 2019 – 27% of the world total. When measured in consumption-based terms, which adds emissions

But what can we do, here in Derby, to make a change?

The world’s damaged and we don’t need to further destroy our only habitat. We cannot live in space. So from reading this, aim to save water, energy and food.

As all is contributing as we speak. In Derbyshire, we are blessed with some of the most beautiful views in the country, whether you’re looking over the Peak district or even looking over the fields around Kedleston Hall.

Love what we have before it’s lost.

Berkshire connected

Health & Food

25

THE YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR A climate change story -Part One - By Tristan Best

There once lived a girl called Lucy. Lucy’s full of dreams and ideas, dreams so big you couldn’t even begin to imagine them. She thought of one day becoming the biggest toy maker in the world!

Lucy IS smart, she loves science, technology and all the rest.

She would wake up and go to school just like you, with her two brothers. She lived a calm, adequate life. Her mum’s a baker and her father a factory operative.

They lived in a quiet town, with not too much at all going on. One day, after school, she began to play with her brothers, as she normally would, but unfortunately, and fortunately today would be the day she had a huge breakthrough, literally. She had managed to break her favourite toy! OH NO! This wasn’t good as she had to wait to get a new one! When her favourite plastic toy had been

broken, she couldn’t afford to get a new one until her parents got paid.

She thought, where is my toy going to go? Surely not straight into the bin? Unfortunately, it was the only place it could go, so at that point, she realised, this very toy; that she loved so much. Would go on to contribute towards the ongoing problem that is GLOBAL WARMING!

up in the week, she had to display her incredible ideology behind the plan. “Somebody would agree, somebody will help me with my goals”, she said. So that very night, she got her diary and with her pencils, she doodled and detailed a plan. She knew she would have to find a way to make toys for both boys and girls too!

So, she said,” What if I could make toys, that would help save the environment, what if there is a different compound plastic like material that we could use to make our toys, and other nonenvironmentally friendly products!”.

So, she waited, and waited, and finally she had the main ingredient.

“Everyone loves little building bricks!”. Well, what if she could make a similar product, but better!

She knew this would decrease the majority’s footprint; as the world’s population (being children) stands at approximately; 27%, estimated to be 1.9 billion kids on earth by 2050, which will be 20%! Knowing these statistics, she had to find a way. A science fair was coming

She had a good think about how she would make it appealing to her classmates, and obviously she did what she could, a large detailed, layered drawing with a long caption pulling the diagrams together. She was ready! Now all she could do was wait, and think.

Lucy had never been so anxious and excited at the same time.

mojatu.com

26 Health & Food

AVOIDING CASH FLOW PROBLEMS

By WKM Accountancy Services

Cash flow problems in small businesses It’s common that most small businesses will have a cash flow problem at some point; luckily these can be prevented with planning and preparation.

Causes of cash flow problems Identifying cash flow problems early could mean the difference of your business being a success or not.

Some of the main causes of cash flow problems include: • Low profits or (worse) losses - Your profits are your major source of cash; if your business is not profitable you will not be able to cover the cost of all your businesses expenses. This could lead to you taking out a loan you can’t repay, or worse, your business closing down. Low profits could be for a number of reasons such as; you’re not charging enough for your products, or your marketing is not working well.

• Too much stock- having excessive inventory is bad for cash flow. It’s important to fine-tune your inventory so stock is there for the shortest time possible. You should monitor your inventory carefully • Seasonality - your business may be affected by seasonality meaning you might receive more business more months than others; businesses usually face the greatest costs during their quieter months. This should always be taken into consideration when deciding how to manage your cash flow.

• Poor financial planning- If you don’t create a financial plan and budget beforehand your business is likely to suffer from cash shortages. For example; if your business gives a long payment term to customers but you still have expenses to pay, you’re not going to bring in enough money to cover the costs. No matter what you do you’re always going to be behind • High overhead expenses - With prices rising, Overheads such as rent, telephone bill and utilities can get out of hand. To combat this, it’s important to review all these expenses and cut back where possible and perhaps find cheaper providers. Every business should audit their expenses regularly to stay on top

How to improve cash flow So now you know some causes of cash flow problems, how can you improve your cash flow? Here are some tips to get you started • Create a cash flow forecast - A cash flow forecast will give you an estimate of when money will be coming in and out of your business; whilst it’s not exact, it allows you anticipate what your cash flow will look like in the future so you can take appropriate action. Your accountant can help you to prepare this and provide insight into areas that you may have overlooked • Have robust debt recovery procedures - It is vital to any business to have a good debt recovery system. If you’re not receiving money for your goods or services that money is not being injected into your business which can be catastrophic further down the line. It’s important to stay on top of these debts; the longer they go unpaid the harder they are to collect.

• Invoice accurately and promptly - It’s important to get the basics right and make sure your invoicing is accurate and on time. Invoicing errors could mean you get paid late or incorrect amounts resulting in problems for your cash flow • Credit check customers - It is important to credit check all customers when giving them credit, it’s also a good idea to ask for and check their business references • Reduce expenses - As mentioned above its import to keep track of all your expenses. You should only be purchasing business-critical items. For more expensive items it might be a good idea to look into a payment plan to spread the payment which could free up some extra cash.

• Get a good business credit card - Consider getting a good business credit card to pay suppliers and make purchases. The advantage of this is you have longer to make payments. Some cards also come with cash back features.

• Offer incentives for customers to pay faster Offering a small discount to customers who pay their bill early or charging a penalty for those who are late can help to keep your cash flow on track.

• Work with an accountant- Working with an accountant should be seen as more of an investment than an expense. They can help you anticipate and plan for future cash flow problems so there will be no need to worry further down the line.

If you need some support, please contact us on: Phone: 0115 8240555 Email: info@wkm-accountancy.co.uk Website: https:// www.wkm-accountancy.co.uk/contact/

Berkshire connected

Ads

27

mojatu.com

HEALTHCARE - HOSPITALITY - CHILDCARE 28 Health & Food

May 22 - Apr 23

ALL COURSES INCLUDE

- CV Writing - Work Placement Ladies only 16+ Free Training - Career Planning - Support with job application - Volunteering, apprenticeship, or further training

utulivuRDG

www.utulivu.co.uk

utulivurdg

admin@utulivu.co.uk

UtulivuRdg

344a Oxford Road,

0118 3345056 / 0747 0473922

Reading, RG30 1AF