Mojatu Magazine Issue M013

mojatu Community

Nottingham connected ISSN 2041-8566

Issue M013 UK ÂŁ 2.00

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Nottingham

Africans in Tudor England: Interview with Onyeka Castle Cavendish 10th Birthday Eggs: 10 proven health benefits Dangers of high heel shoes 3 Maasai Men vs 15 Lions Rise of Real United FC 20% off Ethiopian Dinner

MOBILE PHONES FOR HEALTH Health 4 U Campaign It Starts With Me

UHURU KENYATTA'S WIFE Fast First Lady Leadership Lessons

Job Offer: Community Employability Workers Wanted - Pg7

Editor’s Welcome

I arrived in Nottingham this spring unsure what the City or the future held for me. As the trees grew new leaves and flowers blossomed my life took a turn for the better.

I have since started on a full time Executive MBA course at Nottingham Trent University and have gotten a job as an Managing Editor of Mojatu Magazines. Moreover, I have also become the acting editor of Mojatu Nottingham magazine for the foreseeable future.

This issue is an epitome of great and positive things that have continued to happen to our communities in Nottingham and beyond. It tells of organisations such as the African Institute, Castle Cavendish, Youth Been Framed and other community groups which have been instrumental in enhancing the wellbeing of the local communities. Read inspirational stories with great lessons on leadership, perseverance and resilience on people like Margaret Kenyatta, Kenya's First Lady, Jenny Jones, a cancer survivor and the young youth crime fighter, Michaela Burrell.

Onyeka shares his excellent research which vividly shows the lies and misinformation that exists on Black people in the UK. It is a fascinating read. Be sure to read about the meat and eggs and learn why and how good or bad they are for you. There is also an opportunity to enjoy 20% off your dinner at Nottingham Ethiopian Restaurant this summer.

Nottingham has been great to me and I hope I will be a positive force and a huge blessing to everyone in this GREAT city!

Managing Editor:

Valentine Nkoyo – valentine@mojatu.com

Editorial

Group Editor: Frank Kamau – frank@mojatu.com Managing Editor: Valentine Nkoyo Graphic Designers: Robert Borbely | George Evangelos Bompetsis Contributors: Valentine Nkoyo | Kwame Osei | Jenny Jones | Fikar Saifeselassie | Jane Simpson | Patrice Musarurwa | Mohamad Abubaker | Michaela Burrell | Irene Njenga | Thelma Rusike | Lee Neary | Sitira Williams | Annabel Njenga IT: Zsolt Paroda | Denis Negrebu Photographer: Olajuwon Williams Accounts / Admin: Penny Cooper - penny@mojatu.com Marketing: Kevin Price - sales@mojatu.com

Contents

News

Health 4 U 4 It Starts with me 5 Castle Cavendish – Article and 10th Birthday 6-7 BME men at higher risk of prostate cancer 9 Nigerian- Biafra war Victims Remembered 11

Sports The rise of Real United FC & Mojatu partnership 12 Sudanese Notts helps members keep fit 13

Community Fast first lady Lessons from the First lady Peninah Gathoni Chege: Orbituary

14 15 19

Faith &Spirituality A True Story of a Fulfilled Life

20-21

Arts & Culture 3 Maasai men VS 15 hungry lions Onyeka book launch & Interview

24-25 26-29

Health & Food 8 ridiculous myths

34-35

Business & Finance Eco Farm: Transforming farming business 38-39

Education Business & Finance ADAN UK conference

Cover

Health 4 U Campaign photo

Director: Delroy Brown - delroy@mojatu.com News & comments - news@mojatu.com Getting the magazine Read online @ www.mojatu.com/magazines Subscription @ £24 per year including postage subs@mojatu.com Address: Mojatu Foundation Publications 167 Alfreton Road, Nottingham, NG7 3JR T: 0115 845 7009 M: 07516962992 Facebook: www.facebook.com/mojatu1 Twitter:www.twitter.com/mojatu1 Printers: Mojatu

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Health 4 U: Using mobile phones to promote health Innovative project has been launched in Nottingham to promote health and help in tackling HIV in the city using mobile phones.

This project aims to develop a different approach to promoting health and wellbeing especially among the African communities. Nottingham is home to a large number of African and Caribbean communities.

help them lead healthier lives. It also seeks to develop health interventions that can be accessed anytime, anywhere to fit in with busy lives.

Established by African Institute for Social Development and the University of Nottingham, the project is working towards creating awareness and assisting communities at risk of HIV and other health conditions to gain better understanding of how best to address such health issues.

“It has been very difficult to reach out to African people on many areas including health. It is especially difficult to encourage more to get tested for HIV”, says Amdani Juma of African Institute for Social Development and a member of the Health 4 U Research Team.

Amdani noted that it is especially disheartening to note that “about 3% of Africans in the UK have HIV and about 25% of people do not know that they have it”.

Health 4 U team understands the need for spreading health messages that are relevant and addresses people’s everyday concerns.

Despite the huge advances in medical and health care support, such the high advancement in HIV treatment and control medications, there is limited uptake of health options.

Health 4 U brings together the convenience of text messages and the power of timely and relevant information dissemination to Africans in Nottingham to

Juma said that, “Health 4 U is encouraging more people to get tested regularly and adhere to medication.

HIV is no longer a death sentence. Treatment and support are available to everyone on the NHS free – whatever their immigration status. We hope more people will receive and adhere to health messages delivered via mobile phone text messages.”

Dr Catrin Evans who represents Nottingham University concluded that “through this project we will gain valuable insights into how everyday technologies like mobile phones can be used to promote health, particularly amongst communities who face barriers in accessing mainstream health services. Research in other areas has shown that text message reminders are effective in helping people to remember to attend medical appointments and to take their medicines.

This is the first project of its kind promoting HIV testing in the UK”

For more information and to participate in the Health4U text messaging initiative and the HIV tests visit: www.nottingham.ac.uk/health4u

News

Nottingham connected

Nottingham ushers in second year of HIV Prevention campaign “It Starts With Me has been formulated to help prevent spread of HIV and facilitate medication and support of those with HIV,” said Juma, the AISD director and a major partner of It Starts With Me Campaign in Nottingham.

“Most people get HIV from someone who doesn’t know they have it. The two year campaign calls to action on HIV testing and use of condoms. It aims to cut new infections through condom promotion and the reduction of undiagnosed HIV infection through increased testing,” continued Juma.

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The national HIV prevention campaign It Starts With Me launched in 2013 has entered its second year. In Nottingham, the campaigns progress among the African communities is spearheaded by the African Institute for Social Development (AISD) in conjunction with local and national partners.

Organisations such as AISD have been instrumental in accessing local communities and spreading the campaigns work. Staff and volunteers of AISD attend to at least 10 events and community oriented activities every month to push the message.

In addition to attending events and spreading the materials in the media and community groups, AISD gives materials such as leaflets, wallets and condoms to help people act on countering HIV infection.

Mr Juma, echoing the message of the campaign, calls on people to get tested. “HIV testing is free and confidential.

It can be done locally at African Institute for Social Development at New Brook House, 385 Alfreton Road, Nottingham NG7 5LR or by calling or texting 07572604343 to receive a free postal HIV test. It is that simple.”

AISD is taking the message to Africans to increase HIV awareness and the best ways to address it. They provide condoms, testing kits and 1-1 support thus making them better placed to prevent HIV being passed on.

It Starts With Me endeavours to increase increased testing hence reducing infectiousness at community and individual levels. It stresses that stopping the spread of HIV is the responsibility of every member of the community through the ‘Test. Treat. Protect. Take Action’ approach.

To reach the African communities, the campaign is using UK African print media, though limited, coupled with online advertising, and social media.

The campaign’s website offers printed and online materials. The website helps people to try the different kinds of condoms used to prevent discomfort such as itch, tightness or other negative experiences caused by condoms during sex. People can request free sample condom packs by post or collect them from local centres such as AISD.

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Castle Cavendish Celebrates 10th Birthday

By Jane Simpson

Castle Cavendish Works celebrated their 10th anniversary on 31st of May by doing what they know best – community engagement and support.

The well attended event brought

Dunkirk and Lenton areas of the City.

together individuals, businesses and community groups to enjoy free

Over £115,000 has been given out in

food, drinks, music, activities and entertainment.

grants in 2013/14.

Castle Cavendish along with the City Council and other partners, such as

Somali women joined other local community groups in providing tasty foods while Dr Bike offered free bike checks. Jackie P from Kemet Radio and Contract Steel band kept everyone entertained with great

DWP and Nottinghamshire Futures, through major funding from the Cabinet Office, has set up a Youth Employment Initiative for 18-24 year olds who have been unemployed for more than 13 weeks.

music and dance tunes.

Castle Cavendish also ran ‘Grab-agrand’ competition which offered 3 community groups an opportunity to win £333.33 which was won by Hyson Green Cultural Festival (see page 4 for full story), The Bridge Centre and Kicking it with Faith. Over the last 10 years, Castle Cavendish has been at the forefront of investing in young people and getting them to work.

Two Community Employability Workers are being recruited to liaise with key partners and local providers to deliver the key ingredients to a work readiness programme that will prepare young people for work, and address the barriers they may have. One will cover Radford and Hyson Green and the other Lenton & Dunkirk. Details about the positions are available below.

Castle Cavendish Ltd rents properties and provides services in the community and income generated is donated back to Castle Cavendish Foundation, a charitable organisation.

These funds plus Nottingham City Council grant support a range of

The aim is to engage with over 130 young people, and support them through work readiness activities, placing 40% of these into work. It is anticipated that a lot of the work will be local facilities, right in the heart of the community. This will help

activities for young people in the Arboretum, Hyson Green, Radford,

local groups to be more successful while increasing the likelihood of

Nottingham connected

News

meeting Castle Cavendish to meet their objectives.

Castle Cavendish is also working towards setting up 4 Digital Inclusion Work Clubs in Hyson Green, Radford, Lenton & Dunkirk. This has been made possible from a £21,000 plus grant received from One Nottingham. Negotiations are underway on likely venues and these clubs will be launched from early summer. These Work Clubs will provide support to local people to access job or training opportunities through digital technology.

To learn more about property to rent, office and industrial space or to learn more about the work of Castle Cavendish, contact Castle Cavendish Works, Dorking Road, Radford, Nottingham, NG7 5PN. T: 0115 900 3100 and F: 0115 900 3200 or visit www.castlecavendish.org.uk

Job Offer: Community Employability Workers Wanted

Job Title: Community Employability Worker Salary: £24,000 per Year Reporting to: Chief Executive Number of posts: 2 Closing date: Friday, 20th June 2014 at 5pm

Castle Cavendish Foundation is looking to recruit two people for the role of Community Employability Worker. The successful candidates will play a pivotal role in taking forward the youth employment programme and addressing other key local employability issues; thereby, progressing unemployed people through to work, training or education, through good relations with the City Council, local employers, local Colleges and third sector organisations.

One position position will cover Radford & Hyson Green and the other Lenton & Dunkirk For further details and an application form: Online: www.castlecavendish.org.uk/news-events/ Phone: Jane Simpson on 0115 9648351 Email: Jane Simpson on jane@castlecavendish.org.uk

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African Institute for Social Development (AISD) Making a difference in the community

The African Institute for Social Development (AISD) has been very active in making a difference in the community through health, community engagement and research in Nottingham.

AISD are based in Nottingham but operate at a regional level in promoting good health and healthy living. It was established in 2005.

because of the solid partnerships and active collaborations the organisation has developed with local, regional and national health and skills agencies”.

They work mainly with African communities, particularly the asylum seekers, refugees and the newly arrived communities. They also work with other migrant groups and ethnic minorities.

“This helps Africans and other ethnic minorities to lead better and more fulfilled lives and to fully participate in the UK society”, he noted.

“We believe we are contributing to making our people healthier and stronger and better able to contribute to the economy of our region and the UK”, says Mr Amdani Juma, the Managing Director of AISD. Rev. Piety Wakamuyu, the Chaplain & Pastoral Ministry Director of AISD noted that “though we work mainly around HIV issues, we also support people and communities around their spiritual and psychological needs”.

What also makes AISD unique is its ability to collaborate and partner with many organisation in meeting its goals and objectives.

As a volunteer and African led comunity organisation, AISD engages with other volunteers and groups in enabling Africans to access health services, information, support, and skills opportunities.

Juma said that “AISD has led to better health among Africans through increased awareness of the opportunities for testing and managing HIV

AISD collaborates with the local authorities, NHS, universities and community groups in informing and educating individuals and communities. They also distribute free health information and condoms packs in the community in an effort to reduce the rate of ill health, HIV and sexually transmitted diseases.

They also offer one to one support to men and women on how to practice safer sex, emotional support, DVDs and sexual health literature.

As noted elsewhere in this magazine, they are currently engaged in both Health 4 U and It Starts With Me health oriented projects.

On more information about AISD including how to volunteer or for health support, call +44(0)1158540516 or email admin@africaninstitute.org.uk. More information is also available online at www. africaninstitute.org.uk. You can also visit them at New Brook House, 385 Alfreton Road, Nottingham, NG7 5LR.

Nottingham connected

BME men at higher risk of prostate cancer

By Valentine Nkoyo

Hear Me Now: One Year On Report delivered to Parliament The report on the cancer risks facing many men from the BME communities was delivered to Parliament this April.

News

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Rose Thompson, the founder of BME Cancer Communities accompanied by many members of the BME community presented the report she co-authored with several community organisations and partners.

The event also ushered in Thompson’s second report Hear Me Now: One Year On. This new report will provide detailed recommendations on how to reduce the prostate cancer death rate for Black men.

The previous report which was authored in 2013 found that Black men in England are more than twice more likely to develop prostate cancer than white men, and twice more likely to die from it.

These findings led to discussions by health professionals, leaders, prostate cancer survivors and their families on how best to tackle this health inequality. These discussions took place in Birmingham, Nottingham, Leeds and London.

They identified late diagnosis as a major hindrance in early intervention. This was caused by patients’ reluctance to ask for tests or by healthcare providers’ failure to provide tests early.

A high percentage of men diagnosed with prostate cancer survive it and most go on to live a full life.

The findings recommended that to diagnose prostate cancer earlier, health care professionals should be educated on the prevalence of prostate cancer in Black men, as well as their tendency to get the cancer at a younger age than white men.

“We hope the report will help cancer groups lobby for necessary funding and change” said Rose. “If the recommendations made in the report are taken to heart, that percentage could get even higher.”

The event was attended by delegates from Nottingham, London and other areas of the UK. Among those present was Tottenham MP David Lammy, Shadow Minister for Public Health Luciana Berger MP and Frank Chinegwundow, Consultant Urological Surgeon, Chief Executive of Cancer Black Care.

Elijah Israel, a professional musician and poet, has written a song about his experiences of prostate cancer called ‘Tree Cups of Crystal Clear Waata!’ was also present.

Frank Chinegwundow called for a national screening programme targeted at Black men.

The full report and the song to can be downloaded on the BME Cancer Communities website at www. bmecancer.com.

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2014 Africa Day Celebrations held in Nottingham

By Patrice Musarurwa Edwards Lane Community Centre, Daybrook, Nottingham was once again the venue for this year’s Africa Day Celebrations.

Organised by African Community Nottingham (ACN) group, the event was graced by the Sheriff of Nottingham, Cllr Jackie Morris who was accompanied by her husband.

The event was well attended drawing participants from different members of African, Caribbean and local people.

This was in spite of the downpour

which persisted throughout the day.

Some of the groups that were represented included Nottingham Arimathea Trust, Terence Higgins Trust, Matetsi Project, African Institute for Social Development (AISD), Swiss Global Freight Forwarding, Mojatu Foundation, Paperholics, Fifth-Rose Designs and Braai King Delights.

Music and entertainment included live acts by youth musical groups, 3 Deez, Ar Mular, Kuda Love and MC Antika.

Paulo Carnoth had a drumming session alongside Black-Feather.

Wonderson, the ACN chairman said they “were delighted with the attendance and we believe look forward to holding the event again in 2015”.

SPORT FESTIVAL

@ FOREST RECREATION GROUND

Bringing families, Individuals, and communities together...!!!

Address: Nottingham Sports Group, Hyson Green Youth Club, NG7 6ER E-mail address: nottinghamsportsgroup@ gmail.com Call us Phone: 0115 9109 955 Mobile: 079 4630 3384 Mobile: 074 1253 8219

Saturday 2nd August 2014

• 7-A-Side Adults Football Tournament (12 Teams)

• Female Rounder’s sports in partnership with Women Exchange Group • Egg & Spoon race with Elderly 50 yrs above coordinated by Nottingham Circle.

Sunday 3th August 2014

• 5 K running, jogging and walking with at least 100 families.

• 7-A-Side Football Tournament Youth (under 14) Football Tournament (8 Teams) • Boxing & Wrestling Exhibition...!!!

News

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Community Partnership Forum Holds

Black Youth Employment & Entrepreneurship Day Community Partnership Forum (CPF) was launched this April at Nottingham University, Jubilee campus. The event saw full room of exhibitors and packed seminar as the CPF team leaders, supports and delegates shared inspirational stories and outlined future hopes and aspirations.

Entrepreneurs Daniel Thomas, KC Da Rookie and Dr Yana Johnson MBE spoke about their journey and experiences in business. They encouraged the delegates to persist despite the huge hindrances that occur in business.

The former mayor of Nottingham Cllr Merlita Bryan who was instrumental in the launch of CPF urged those present to “work together in building a sustainable community in which every member of African and Caribbean descent can lead a fulfilling life”.

Paul Grant, one of the CPF officials asked all present, especially the young people, to refocus their energies on

identifying the existing opportunities and working hard to develop and utilise their skills. “We need to work more closely together by refocusing the energies of Black people towards self-reliance and sustainability. The powers that be will not do much for us. We owe it to ourselves to act accordingly and make sure our young people are not left behind, as has happened in the past”.

The event was focused on facilitating increased employment for the young people among the Black communities and for Black businesses to increase their rate of employment of young Black people. This was especially important because Nottingham has one

of the highest rates of unemployment for Black Minority Ethnic (BME) communities compared to other cities in the UK. Nottingham has 16% of Black people as unemployed unlike the national rate of 6% while nearly 10% of BME are unemployed unlike the national average of 6%.

CPF is calling upon Black people in Nottingham to join the group and work within the various CPF theme groups to address specific issues such as health, culture, sports and education. More details are available by calling 01159 856 865, emailing info@cpfnottingham.com or visiting the CPF website at www.cpfnottingham.com. info@cpfnottingham.com

Nigerian- Biafra war victims remembered

By Ekeweoke Ekwozor Beejer PRO

HYSON GREEN CULTURAL FESTIVAL @ FOREST RECREATION GROUND

Families, Indiviuals, and communities fun day..!!!

Address: Hyson Green Cultural Festival In the UK, Biafra friends gathered at the On 30th May 2014, indigenous people of Biafra all over Saturday 9thsupporters Augustand 2014 Hyson Green Youth Club, Trafalgar’s Bands, square inDancing London to remember all those who the world commemorated 45 years after•the tragic civil Musical and Cultural Nottingham, NG7 6ER war between the Nigerian government and the Biafra paid the ultimate price in the struggle for freedom. The “separatist” Army. This civil war lasted between 1966-Food, Nigerian war and has its remote causes and immedi• Tradition Arts Biafra & Craft information stalls E-mail address: 1970 (nearly 3 years). About 3.5 Million Biafrans people ate causes. However; the major causes were: Military hysongreenculturalfestival@ coupe, coups andTelling ethnic motivated riots and died during this civil war. More than 1 Million children • Bouncy castle, face counter painting, Storey gmail.com died of starvation. The Nigerian Government was led tension. Options remain divided on this issue. by the head of State General Yakubu Gowon while thefor Children Activities & Indoors games • Marquees Call us Biafran side was led by General Chukwu Emeka Odu- During this war, there was global outrage about the Mobile: 079 46303 384 (Dominos, Draft, Ludo, etc) megwu- Ojukwu. Formal Biafran territory consists of conduct of those involved in the war. For instance, Mobile: 077 90818 527 mainly the eastern part of the country while the Nige- children were starved to death and non-combatant Mobile: 078 60781 106 civilians were massacred by the military. rian territory consists of the rest of the country.

Though • Detail programme will be out soon Phone: 0115 9109 955 the Igbos was the major ethnic group on the Biafra side, Nottingham Indigenous people of Biafran Association there were some other ethnic groups in the territory also took part in the remembrance rally at Trafalgar’s like Ibbio, Ijaw, Ichekiri, Urobo Calabar among others.

Square London.

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REAL UNITED FC READY FOR THE NEW SEASON

The club is preparing to launch the new season in style by bringing together old and new sponsors and supporters to help the club meet its goals. This was spelt out in a partners meeting held at Mercedes Benz Nottingham last month.

Roger Henry, the club’s manager won this year’s prestigious Nottingham Post Hero.

The club is also celebrating the launch of a new website.

Since its launch in 2008, Real United has been focusing on encouraging young people to stay away from drugs, crime and gang culture.

By working with partners and sponsors, the club uses innovative approaches such as Real United Mentoring Schemes which offer young people from disadvantaged backgrounds opportunities to work with companies in the city.

Real United FC has had a very successful season that saw them perform very well despite huge competition and limited resources.

need better opportunities to turn their lives around”.

ples and role models Valentine Nkoyo, the director of Mojatu Foundation urged “Support of young people in the Real United to continue developing their skills based with their presentation of on their competencies is key successful people whose lives in helping them gain lifelong have been transformed as the success and wellbeing and young people in the club will this is what Real United is identify with such individuals offering”, said Ian Grayling, an and become more motivated accomplished educationalist. and confident.

Roland Ash, the Real United FC chairman thanked the partners and the sponsors.

He also urged them “to help increase the opportunities for the young people through increased funding and active engagement with the club and its activities”.

The club was commended by all partners for having been instrumental in helping turn round the lives of young people involved in drugs and gang crime.

Referring to the recent visit to Nottingham by the billionaire Damon Buffini (the richest black man in the UK) following the invitation by Real United FC, Valentine commended the club for its “role in helping the young people to hear real life stories from those who have experienced and overcome tough times to become successful in life”.

Roger explained the need to bring together all the partners to help make a difference among the young people. “Real United is doing a great job. However, Sarah Day of Vanguard Plus Jacqueline Lockhart, the busi- said that the club “offers long- continued success can only be ness director of the club said achieved if we are able to offer term support for young peothat “despite the many years ple seeking to escape a life these young people opportunities such as the placements of hard work, there is still a of crime or who are suscephuge room for improvement”. tible to getting into crime by available at Mercedes Benz The Lord Mayor, Merlita Bryan offering them opportunities to and training offered by name of called for increased support in spend time outside crime and college”. helping Real United continue gang oriented activities”.

Find out more about Real with their good work. “Real United is a beacon of hope.

The club has been instrumen- United FC from Roger Henry on However, we still have many tal in helping motivate young 07790869324 or visit young people out there who people through real life exam- www.therealunitedfc.co.uk

Nottingham connected

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Sudanese community Nottingham helps members keep fit

By Mohamad Abubaker

Sudanese Notts, which represents the Sudanese Community in Nottingham, have been active in helping their members integrate and keep fit. The group has been very active in football which has brought members closer and helped the Sudanese people to integrate more into the Nottingham community.

This has helped us to communicate and actively gather to support each other as well as benefit from everyone’s experience. Football is especially important in giving the youths an opportunity to get to know each other and keep fit. The group meets every Sunday at the Forest Grounds where they exercise and prepare for tournaments such as the forthcoming Nottingham Sports Group event in August.

Mojatu launches new Real United FC website

Real United FC has launched a new website www.therealunitedfc.co.uk to coincide with its plans for the new season.

Sponsored and developed by Mojatu, the publishers of Mojatu magazines in various cities within UK, the website has more features that will enable Real United and their supporters and sponsors to interact more effectively and freely with the club.

Interns & website content managers

WANTED

Real United are currently looking for young people to help in maintaining and supporting their website www.therealunitedfc.co.uk.

Training in all aspects of media including social media and online contents management with possible website development will be offered.

For more details email info@therealunitedfc.co.uk

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Kenya’s First Lady, Mrs Margaret Wanjiru Kenyatta, is committed to reducing infant mortality and helping women to gain better health of mothers and babies.

Mrs Kenyatta, who celebrated her 50th birthday in London this April, has been successful in defining her interests and focusing on meeting them. The former teacher has defined her office and special duties by focusing on healthcare for women and children.

London Marathon: Fast First Lady

By Valentine Nkoyo

Kenya's First Lady ran the 25 miles (42 Kilometres) marathon in London to raise money and awareness for her charity, Beyond Zero Foundation. The charity aims to tackle the problem of maternal and infant death rates in Kenya.

Mrs Kenyatta scored the first ever First Lady to run the London Marathon. “I ran the London marathon purely as a search for joy of Kenyan mothers and children,” said Mrs Kenyatta.

“I am a mother to three lovely children and can say without hesitation that it is unbelievably moving to hold your healthy baby in your arms. I will run because every mother should be able to hold her baby and take it home. I will run until we go Beyond Zero.”

Kenya, like many less industrialised countries, continues to experience high rates of maternal and child mortality.

Beyond Zero Campaign is enabling the government, organisations and individuals to work together in curbing disease and infant mortality by enhancing health and wellbeing.

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Lessons from the First Lady going ‘Beyond Zero’

By Valentine Nkoyo In her role to help minimise HIV/ AIDs, child and maternal health challenges, the First Lady’s leadership and action speaks volumes.

Her participation in the marathon can be summarised into five core leadership lessons for our day-day lives, especially for those in leadership positions.

1. Take action The First Lady took it upon herself to run the race for the cause she passionately believes in.

Instead of getting her ambassador and teammates to do the race as she stood in the sidewalk, she took an active role in leading them through the race. This gave ‘Beyond Zero’ very high profile thereby bringing in more supporters and endorsements. True leaders lead by example and put the cause ahead of personal goals. It is only you as a leader who can execute your vision in the best way possible and when you participate directly, you instill the vision into the minds of everyone else that you are working with. This will always guarantee the best results.

2. Commit to your cause Like many of us, Mrs Kenyatta knows that by adhering to the vision and mission of ‘Beyond Zero’, she will surely facilitate reduction in child mortality and better health for women. Having a solid core base that helps you to be consistent with your personal, family or organisational needs will inspire you and those around you to follow and achieve what you set out to achieve. Whatever it is that you set out to achieve, it should be your guiding platform. Most of us look at a project from the angle of how much you are going to make from it, how much recognition you will get and all other attachments. While this approach may work sometimes, it is not the right approach. The cause should be your driving force.

3. Be consistent Being the First Lady means having many conflicting interests and numerous people and projects demanding your time and resources. Being able to train and take part in a London marathon not to mention the Nairobi mini marathon requires discipline and consistency. Our days are filled with demanding schedules. We see many ambitious projects that fail because of one reason or another. Being consistent and focused helps good causes get to the finish line. While the first lady has access to a lot of resources, the simple concept of consistency and looking for the next big thing to step to in your cause always works. Success is never won or lost in an instant. It is always a culmination of things. Consistency is the name of the game!

4. Engage, consult and teamwork The first lady went to the London Marathon with other people who share in her vision. The amount of planning, consultation and engagement with other people who she works with is great.

Leadership entails engaging others, consulting and ensuring that all parties involved share in the vision. Whether in your family or organisational undertakings, the first step to success is realising you can never achieve anything alone.

5. Give to others in faith, not in expectations The first lady went to the London Marathon because she had the best interest of others at heart and the desire to make others healthier. Leadership is about making those around you better. Successful leadership entails being a capable teacher by investing in relationships, making sound decisions and avoiding procrastination and complacency. It ultimately means having faith in other people and working with them to meet their individual, family or organisational needs. Serving others is an investment in people. It creates a positive effect among everyone. Remember don’t go into it expecting others to reciprocate. This is when you become more self-serving and blinded to what your role as a leader really is.

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20 years old, father of two and locked up.

17 year’s old, thief and drug dealer. 15 years old, left school and pregnant. Sound familiar? In our society, the actions of many of our youth portray a lost generation with a hopeless future who are entertained by knives, guns, sex and violence. In their world, money is made by dealing in drugs, respect is earned by killing, trust is gained by fighting to protect their corner from the enemy, and their role models are imprisoned convicts.

The government has made it clear through its lack of actions and interest by cutting funds for the youth services in 2010 that solutions to tackle young people trapped in the societal system will have to come from elsewhere.

In 2012 I brought together over 200 young people for an event to address young people’s issues, including representatives from the police, council, parliament, youth services and more. The event was a complete success but the issues still remain. Subsequently, as a law graduate who is passionate about the youth, I am organizing a debating event to be held on the 31st July 2014.

This will be the launch of a revolutionary project to develop young people’s legal awareness and engagement within the democratic system.

The need for young people to engage in law has not been enforced enough given that law is ruled out of school’s curriculums. A correlation of public abuse of power and the lack of legal awareness amongst young people can be best demonstrated where the Police are made up of 90% of white police officers, and the stop and search rate for black people are 4.6 times more than white people. Wonder why so many of our black youths are so easily targeted? Because they’re easy targets! Imagine Nottingham where all black youths are fully aware of their

legal rights in terms of stop and search. Do you think the ratio of black people to white people would remain the same? I don’t.

The event aims to provide a platform to breakdown such issues by debating on solutions for change rather than the issues themselves, through forms of music, drama, media and other creative means to engage young people. This will give young people a sense of power, reduce youth frustration and invite them to explore ways of preventing crime and anti-social relationships with public bodies and the rest of the community. These solutions will be acted upon after the event.

Furthermore, young people will have the opportunity to network with professionals and public bodies to gain knowledge to help them into employment and access hidden opportunities.

It will also provide them with opportunities to meet icons such as those in the music and media industry where many of their passions and talents lie.

By the end of the event young people will have gained skills to express themselves effectively

and articulately for circumstances that require this. The objective is to use the young people participating in the event to inspire others to go out and do the same.

By the event closing, it should be clear to the community that young people are equipped to be the future of tomorrow.

With the on-going negative representation and gloomier predictions for the future, it seems that this project is much needed to restore hope and direction for the young people who are destined to be the future of the city. It’s more than an event. It’s the beginning of a revolution!

By Michaela Burrell

We are looking for sponsors and volunteers to make this as successful as possible CONTACT www.facebook.com/ youthbeenframed @youthbeenframed Youthbeenframed@hotmail.co.uk

Community

Nottingham connected

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EXCITING EVENTS DURING REFUGEE WEEK 2014 Nottingham will once again be taking part in Refugee Week this year with a range of activities running from Saturday 14th to Saturday 21st June 2014.

Organised by Nottingham Beyond Borders, this national undertaking will offer a range of fantastic and exciting events, offering an eclectic mix of films, music, dance, food, discussion and community events.

The main aim of Refugee Week is to highlight the positive contributions that refugees and asylum seekers make to the economic and cultural life of the city, as well as a challenge to the prevalent myths and stereotypes that misrepresent refugees, asylum seekers and migrants generally.

Refugee Week is a unique opportunity to discover and celebrate the positive contributions refugees make to everyday life in the UK. Through arts and photography exhibitions, library and community workshops, family and children’s projects, music events and film screenings, Refugee Week celebrates the contributions made by refugees and asylum seekers to the economic, cultural and social life of our community.

First held in 1998, Refugee Week began as a response to the increasingly Friday negative perceptions held of asylum seekers and 30 th May refugees by the UK public. Sadly, despite the hard work of a host of (mainly) volunteers throughout the country, these perceptions still stubbornly exist.

Look out for the leaflet and poster with details of what the Refugee Week will entail. Please contact us if you can help to distribute the leaflets or any other aspect of the festival on beyondbordersnnrf@gmail.com.

Jasim Ghafur: Continuum

Library opening hours | @ First floor Exhibition Spa ce, Nottingham Central Libr ary, Angel Row, NG1 6HP

Timeline of Events

Saturday 14th June Refugee Week Launch 2pm – 5pm | @Nottingh am Contemporary, Weekday Cross, NG1 2GB

Get the map of the events from:

Refugees Got Talent | 6pm

– 11pm | @The Square Cen tre, Alfred St N, NG3 1AA

167 Alfreton Road, NG7 3JR

Babak Bordbar: JIGSAW the Eastern Piece | @Ce , ntral

Gallery, New Art Exchan ge, 41 Gregory Blvd, NG7 6BE 39 Monday When the war was ove 16th June Europeans refugees r: er 1945 | @New Art Exchanaft ge, - 41 Gregory Blvd, NG7 6BE 39

ek RefugeeWe2014 Nottingham

Our Shared Future

y 14th June 2014 Launching on Saturda Designed by Mojatu Foundation

167 Alfreton Road, NG7 3JR | 0115 845 7009 www.mojatu.com | info@mojatu.com

Hotel Sahara (2009) | 7pm

| Dir: Bettina Haasen | Dur : 85 mins | @Five Leaves Boo kshop, 14a Long Row W, NG1 2DH

Tuesday The Visitor (2008) | 6.45pm | 17th June Dir: Thomas McCarth y | Dur: 104 mins | @Nottingham Cen tral Library, Angel Row, NG1 6HL

Thursday 19th June VOCAL: Refugee Film

screenings with panel discussion | 7pm – 8.30pm

| @New Art Exchange, 39 - 41 Gregory Blvd, NG7 6BE

RefuTea - Come and Cake! | 11am – 2.30pm |Eat @The

Atrium, Loxley House, Stat ion Street, NG2 3NG

Friday 20th June Leave to Remain (2014) 6pm | Dir: Bruce Goodiso n | Dur: 89 mins |@ Broadway Cin ema, 14-18 Broad St, NG1 3AL

World Music Night

8pm - 11pm (Children are allowed until 10pm) | @ Nottingham Contempor ary Café.bar, Weekday Cross, NG1 2GB Saturday READ HE AR! Live Music 21th June Literature | 12.30pm - 3.30 & pm | @Nottingham Central Libr ary, Angel Row, NG1 6HP

Words Apart: Can we bridges across languabuild ge?

@All Souls Community Cen tre, Ilkeston Road, NG7 3HF

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Community

mojatu

Nottingham University students to help establish school for 200 deaf children in Kenya Project Riandu is to establish a school for the deaf children in Mbeere, Eastern Kenya. - By Irene Njenga In Kenya, only 12% of deaf children get the opportunity to attend an appropriate special educational needs secondary school. There are currently no facilities available in Eastern Kenya. In response to this urgent issue local churches and the Mothers Union in Mbeere came together to set up a secondary school dedicated for deaf teenagers in Riandu village.

This ambitious project is to build a fully equipped secondary school for 200 deaf children in Riandu, Kenya. The project is supported by both the local community and international student volunteers who are embarking on an ambitious building programme, phased over 3 years, and due to commence in August 2014. Phase one requires about ÂŁ80,000 for materials and necessary contractors for the project.

Peter Macnaughton, a third year Architect student at the University of Nottingham is leading the international team. Samantha Worrall, an experienced specialist schools architect and a former Nottingham Uni student is overseeing the design team. Peter Cowley Africa Trust (PCAT) is also supporting the building process which will take place over three summers with volunteers from the UK and local builders.

Alongside the provision of specialised educational facilities, dormitory style living accommodation will provide an on-site home for up to 200 teenagers during their school terms. The students will be able to experience a variety of uplifting and educational spaces across the site in a unique living and learning environment.

Riandu Deaf School will provide a life changing opportunity, bringing hope and raising the potential for thousands of young people.

Your support towards this project will be greatly appreciated The first group of volunteers from the UK will head off this summer from between 16th Aug and 14th Sep. If you cannot make it to Kenya, please join us in the fundraising process by sharing your skills, time, contacts, ideas and money that you may have.

We are determined to make this project not only a success but a fun and worthwhile experience for everyone involved.

We hope to pave the way for similar projects by entrepreneurial students in the future.

To achieve these goals WE NEED YOU. The high fundraising goals of this project mean we need people like you to help by getting involved with sponsored activities, club nights, bag-packing and funding applications to companies and charities wether you raise ÂŁ30 or ÂŁ3000 we'd love for you to get involved.

For more details, call or text 07729116604 email projectriandu@live.co.uk or go to www.projectriandu.com. To donate visit www.justgiving. com/teams/projectriandustage1

Community

Nottingham connected

Peninah Gathoni Chege: Orbituary First woman councilor in Kenya

Mrs Peninah Gathoni Chege who has died aged 86 was one of the outstanding women of her generation.

Born in 1928 at Rungiri Village, Kinoo in Kikuyu, Peninah became the first woman nominated councilor in Kikuyu soon after Kenya gained independence.

Her leadership and community skills and her interest in tackling poverty, disease and ignorance in the young nation saw her rise to various roles including leadership and membership positions in groups such as Sagana Women Group and the Kiambu Nyakinywa Women Group.

especially the A.C.K Church Kamangu and the regional ACK church where she was active in the Mothers’ Union. Peninah married Geoffrey Chege Kung’u in 1946 according to the Kikuyu customs.

Her spirit is carried on by her 10 children, Grace Mugure, Jane Njoki, Beatrice Njeri, Peter Kung’u, George Ng’ang’a, Lucy Wairimu, Margaret Wambui, Rahab Waithera, David Njenga and Naomi Wangui , 44 grandchildren and 40 great grandShe will be remembered for her children. wisdom and ability to tackle issues courageously. Her sound advice Mum, Cucu, you have fought a good has seen disputes in her family, her fight, you have finished the race and extended family and her local area you have kept the faith. In God’s solved. She will also be remembered hands you rest and in our hearts you for her contribution to the church, remain forever. Amen.

UNITY AMONG KENYANS IN NOTTINGHAM BRINGS JOY

The Kenya Nottinghamshire Welfare Association (KNWA) which has been in existence for the last 4 years and has over 100 registered members has been instrumental in supporting each other and local communities in Nottingham. Under the new name, Arise Africa CIC, they have been volunteering to feed the homeless at various places including at the Infant of the Prague Church, Cherry Orchard Mount, Bestwood.

They also held a fun day in the park with sporting activities such as football, athletics, sack race, egg and spoon race plus a delicious barbeque. They also contributed immensely towards the funeral arrangements for Mrs Peninah Chege (featured above). The KNWA also welcomes you to the Madaraka Day celebrations on 14th June 2014 at Marcus Garvey, Notts.

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Faith &Spirituality

mojatu

How Angel Bra Saved My Life From Cancer:

A True Story of a Fulfilled Life

By Jenny Jones

In April 2012, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. The shock was numbing. I felt anxious shocked and extremely stressed. When my family heard about this dreadful news, they were equally shocked. The time was very hard for me, my family and my friends. The shock gave way to acceptance as I underwent surgery and radiotherapy treatment. My husband, family and friends supported me through this period. God saw me through this tough phase and thankfully, I am cured.

2012 was hugely challenging year but I now feel so liberated. These challenges have given me a new found belief and insight on how precious life is. I thank God and of course the support from my family, friends and doctors who found the cancer early and have been able to treat it.

Angel Bra The diagnosis of my cancer came about when I discovered a lump on my breast as I fitted my Angel Bra. The Angel Bra has an inside pocket area that aids you to move your breast tissue thus feeling your body in a more natural state than normal bras. This helps you to get a better check of any lumps and changes in your breasts that are not natural. This is what happened to me and that is why I call this bra my life saving bra! It’s truly is a blessing to me.

The Angel Bra has many other benefits. It is specially designed such that it helps every woman who wears it to maintain the perfect lift and support for their breasts. This is because it is aesthetically designed with inner cotton suspension band and the support straps. The bra does not have any under-wire or bones which also help you to examine yourself as you fit it on.

Unlike other bras that cause restrictive movement of lymphatic fluid through the breasts, underarm, and shoulders, the Angel Bra has no such problems. This prevents the toxins from building up around the breast tissue. This bra is really amazing and offers fantastic support while affording brilliant for posture, running and exercise and nursing mothers.

My Ardyss Business In December 2009, I went to visit my aunt in Florida.

This visit changed my life forever. I was introduced to my current business, Ardyss. The business offers healthy products. One of the products is the Angel Bra. We also offer many other products such as a range of Body Magic reshaping and posture support undergarments that can help you look 2/3 dress sizes slimmer in minutes and can

also help with posture. We also offer full nutrition drinks such as the Le’Vive, one of the most powerful antioxidants in the world.

Upon discussion about the benefits of Ardyss with my aunt, I decided to test them and see whether they were worth all the praise. The more I used the products, the more amazed I became. Over this period, I had no clue whatsoever about the benefits in form of income I would generate. It is not that my aunt did not share the idea with me. No. The truth is that I was too deaf and blind to the opportunities. It was not until I started to see the benefits and started sharing the message

Nottingham connected

Faith &Spirituality

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that my aunt reminded me of the opportunities I had.

My aunt is amazing. Her patience and willingness to share the great opportunities and benefits of Ardyss bore fruits. She walked me through the various steps. The compensation plan, which was initially difficult to grasp! However, she did not need to persuade me of how good the products were and the need to share with other people the great news.

The income was just the icing on the cake – earn an income as I shared the good news! How brilliant! Earning an income as I shared the benefits of Ardyss - nutritious food supplements, life changing garments and brilliant skin care products was a welcome thought! I had experienced the benefits first hand and I was now getting paid to share the good news.

I joined Ardyss and I started my business in the UK in April 2010. I became one of the UK Ardyss wholesaler and networking marketer. I now sell men and women vests, Angel Bra’s, Corsets, Maternity Support Garments, nutritional drinks among others.

Looking back at my life and the wonderful things that have happened to me lately, I can confidently say that I am amazed at what can be accomplished with faith, determination, commitment, self-belief and discipline. I will not lie and say it has all been smooth riding, but the waves and hiccups that arise have resulted in great opportunities. I have met so many amazing people and they have all helped make my life just that little bit better.

I have learnt that recovery is not necessarily just about healing from a life threatening illness. It is also about taking life by the horns and achieving every goal you set out for yourself. It is never too late, early or hard.

Remember, your goals are in sight as long as you work consistently towards them. Let your faith and determination be your fuel!

In the last one and a half years, things have really been good both in my business and personal life. God has seen me through many things but most of all, He has healed me off my cancer and my Ardyss business is growing fast. I am more focused and driven. Having celebrated my 50th birthday with my husband in Mexico, I can confess that life truly starts at 50! With God, great business, gorgeous husband and fabulous family and friends, I can only shout AMEN!

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mojatu

Faith &Spirituality

You Are Unique - By Thelma R Rusike

mojatu.com | your life connected Great footballers like Messi and Ronaldo or great speakers like Pastor Chris or Bishop T.D Jakes continued to attract huge audiences despite hard economic times.

Honest, Efficient & Effective

IDEAL PROPERTIES There is more! THOUGHTS. You are what you think you are. Your thoughts design your future and your words and actions create it.

Those who work hard and positively in the mind are the most successful.

This is why an employer will have thousands of employees because he or she has the ability to discern people’s needs and thinks in a great way and creates products and platforms in order to satisfy people’s needs.

Unique by definition, is being radically distinctive and without equal, being the only one of its kind. You were born to stand out not to blend in. You just need to realise the potential within you and stir it for you to shine. Your potential is your pur- Your thoughts are like seeds planted pose, the work you were born to do. in a garden. Your thoughts can benefit countless people today, if you Success is not defined by attaining can only think right. Cultivate posiextraordinary, outstanding educa- tive views and grow your mental cational degrees. Internal prosperity pability by reading more books and and fulfilment is the real success. expanding your knowledge and edMyles Munroe said that success then ucation. Read books that are in line is the fulfilment and the completion with your purpose. This way you will of the original intent for the creation obtain accurate information, knowlor production of a product. Success edge and wisdom. Attend seminars is freedom, peace, joy and love. Ed- and water your mind with timely ucation is valid and essential but messages. Seek some mentors for it doesn’t guarantee you success. direction and guidance. Continue GEOMARK INVESTMENTS LTD Hence, education without realising renewing your mind with faith filled purpose is the result of failure in life. thoughts and eliminate doubtful thoughts. This process is called stirYour uniqueness is found in your purring the purpose in you. pose. Preachers use the same book, the Bible, for scriptural reference Stir your purpose! Take sugar in a cup when preparing their sermon. From of tea for instance. If it is not stirred one verse, countless sermons can be enough it will not dissolve properly.

One of the leading and made by different preachers.

Their The teareal will not be sweet and we will oldest professional estate firms in East Africa outstanding uniqueness touches and throw this sugar down the sink when • Valuation blesses diff erent peopleHead in aOffice different we Upper clean • Property management Gimco Centre | Kiambere Road Hill the cup later. If you do not • Land development consultancy P.O. Box 61551-00200, Nairobi, Kenya way receiving the same teaching realise and stir your purpose, nurture • Urban planning T: 254-020-2719800, M: 0722-115579, 0787-383890, • Project Management F: 254-020-2718930 from each one of them.0716-418178, Greatness is your talents, and pursue your dreams, • Estate agency services E: gimco@africaonline.co.ke, W: www.gimco.co.ke in fulfilling your purpose.

Knowing you will die with unfulfilled purpose.

Other offices in: Kenya:purpose Mombasa, Nyeri Nakuru You will not have served your purand understanding is &the Tanzania: Gimcoafrica Ltd, P.O. Box 32822 Tel: 022-2133037, Dar-es-salaam beginning of Gimco real and true success.

Rwanda: Limited, P. O. Box 2418 Kigali. Tel: +250788300310 pose. That will be a great tragedy!

mojatu

Your success will not depend on, or be limited by the state of the economy, what careers are currently in demand, or what the job market is like.

You will not be hindered by your initial lack of resources or by what people think you can or cannot do.

Great footballers like Messi and Ronaldo or great speakers like Pastor Chris or Bishop T.D Jakes continued to attract huge audiences despite hard economic times.

These successful individuals discovered their purpose. They consistently worked and continue to work towards enhancing their talents.

They refine their gifts, hone their creativity, and in so doing pursue their dreams. They fully express themselves in life, and eventually fulfil their purpose.

You can choose to stay where you are now. Or you can choose to move forward in life and pursue your dreams, seek your purpose.

Most of us do things because we have to, just to fit in and because we are afraid of being criticised or rejected. Wouldn’t you like to do things because you have decided to, based on your purpose? You are unique when you decide to do things in line with your purpose.

Do not strive to be like anyone.

Learn from your role models but do not imitate them. Find out who you are and be yourself and express yourself fully.

Regional marketers and sales persons wanted

More details & apply at www.mojatu.com/jobs

Nottingham connected

Community

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Looking for

an Office or an Event Venue?

A

N AC

ACNA community centre has it all!

COTTAGE TO LET £420 per calendar month (excluding bills & utilities) • Boasts of large rooms with upstairs, landing room, front & back room • Downstairs: Kitchenette, sitting area and main front room.

EVENT VENUE FOR HIRE Starting from £20 per hour Main Building • Small function rooms • Main hall • Dining area with a Kitchen • Office space • Social lounge area with a bar.

Annex Building • Main function room • Annex computer room ACNA Centre serves as a focal point for the African Caribbean community to learn, grow and celebrate the best in their culture. The centre is a fantastic venue for wedding and funeral receptions, birthday parties, Conferences, Seminars, Social and family functions.

0115 9691 364 - 31 Hungerhill Road, St Ann's, NG3 4NB

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Arts & Culture

mojatu

3 Maasai men VS 15 hungry lions Video tutorial “How to steal meat from lions”- goo.gl/qL3599

When you mention the word MAASAI, “Ooh, the jumping warriors that kill lions?” is the response you get from most people who happen to know or to have heard about this African community. They are perhaps one of the best known people of Africa.

sharing a kill as well. What would drive three Maasai men, with walking sticks only, to face fifteen hungry lions with blood dripping through their huge teeth if not confidence?

Step 1: Spot a Kill - 3 men spot 15 lions tearing apart a wildebeest and they slowly move closer.

This is due to the fact that they have a very interesting culture, colourful attire, brave warriors and for many years they have tried to maintain their beliefs and traditions against all odds. The Maasai are one of the smallest communities in Kenya and Tanzania.

Over many years, they have not only learnt how to live in harmony with wild animals but

Nottingham connected

Arts & Culture

Step 2: Calculated move -They squat a few yards away and observe the lions tucking into the flesh of the kill as they wait for the right moment.

Step 3: The ultimate face off - The men look into the eyes of the lions and they confidently make a move towards the lions.

Step 4: Respect - The lions back off to give way to the men to take a share from their kill.

kill and nobody gets hurt, then we all can relax and feel happy”.

Warriors were previously known for killing the lions to prove they were man enough, but today, they pride themselves on protecting the lions and some even name the lions after themselves.

Step 5: Share - The men take their share and walk away peacefully.

Step 6: Back to the kill - The lions get back to their kill and no one is hurt.

As they walk away, one of the men say in Maasai “Neaku ore peeaku enatooruoki, neiwuang’ neitu enya iltunganak, neiteru intokitin alaa…. niaku enchipai” which means “If you steal the

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mojatu

Arts & Culture

Interview with Onyeka

Blackamoores: Africans in Tudor England

by Valentine Nkoyo

O

nyeka recently visited Nottingham to launch his new book Blackamoores: Africans in Tudor England, their Presence, Status and Origins. In an interview with Valentine Nkoyo, the editor of Mojatu magazine, Onyeka shares his passion for writing and his views on this groundbreaking publication that challenges the deep held beliefs of what it is to be English.

D

uring the book launch, people turned up in large numbers at an event organised by Narrative Eye which was held at the Five Leaves Bookshop in Nottingham. Onyeka captured the attention of the entire audience when he shared about the variety of documents such as manuscripts and other literature. Some of the literature was found by him for the first time while other evidence which he gathered had been previously neglected or forgotten.

The book, which took 10 years to write and examined over 250,000 documents, shows that racial diversity is not a new concept in England . It also shows that Africans were present across Tudor England, in cities and towns such as London, Plymouth, Bristol and Northampton, and not merely as slaves or transient immigrants who were considered as dangerous strangers and the epitome of otherness. The valid and reliable sources in this book shows Africans’ existence in the UK in a positive light and validates their preslavery existence.

When did you start writing and what was your first book?

I have been writing since I was small. I cannot remember a definite year, or month, when I began. But I do remember when

I began to write coherently, and this was exactly at the same time that I began to challenge my English and History teachers.

This was when I was nine years old. By the age of twelve I was into full debates with them. What I discovered is that often teachers forget to research the subject that they teach.

I have been writing since I was small. I cannot remember a definite year, or month, when I began. But I do remember when I began to write coherently, and this was exactly at the same time that I began to challenge my English and History teachers.

This was when I was nine years old. By the age of twelve I was into full debates with them. What I discovered is that often teachers forget to research the subject that they teach.

Arts & Culture

Nottingham connected

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...most researchers until now have been afraid to call the ‘Black’ people present in Tudor England Africans, but they were Africans, even though the word ‘Blackamoore’ was the most common term used to describe them.

What inspired you particularly to write Blackamoores Africans in Tudor England: Their Presence, Status and Origins?

I have not been inspired by anyone to write about the history of Africans in Tudor England. As this would suggest a person encouraged me to keep writing. This has definitely not happened. In fact I have been actively discouraged. Let me explain, it is not just politicians, teachers and those sorts of people who are responsible for the dearth in research on Africans’ contribution to the world. It is in fact us. This is because my first opposition came from members of my own family. This intensified when I began to uncover information which challenged their belief systems. Later my opposition included teachers, university lecturers, politicians, newspapers and organisations. Amongst them were of course overt white supremacists, etc. But also more interestingly, a lot of people who you may

have thought would have welcomed this work.

I and those connected to this publication have been threatened, abused — but the strongest tool used against this book and my research has been indifference and silence. Those who wish to stop this sort of work simply try to ignore it. This kind of opposition is very common from history departments at UK Universities. Not one of which have supported us. Having said all that we have had support from colleagues at BASA (Black and Asian Studies Association), and universities in the USA.

How did you come up with the title?

The title explains the major areas of my research.

The first thing is that this book is about ‘Africans.’ This is important because most researchers until now have been afraid to call the ‘Black’ people present in Tudor England Africans. But they were Africans,

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Arts & Culture even though the word ‘Blackamoore’ was the most common term used to describe them. That is why that term is also included in the title. And finally this book is about the presence, status and origins of those Africans.

Why is the History of Africans in Tudor England important to you and others?

The Tudor period is a most important, almost sacred moment in English history. It is regarded as the beginning of the early modern period. It is the time of writers such as William Shakespeare, Ben Jonson and Christopher Marlowe. These writers are regarded by many people as the finest writers who ever lived. It is also the time of explorers, and pirates such as Walter Raleigh, Francis Drake, Martin Frobisher who travelled to other parts of the world.

And it is when Englishmen began to settle in the Americas. This is the time when the English defeated the Spanish Armada and the politician John Dee coined the phrase ‘the British Empire.’ It is a time dominated by very intelligent and ruthless women such as Elizabeth I, Mary I, Mary Queen of Scots, Mary of Guise, Henry VIII’s wives including Katherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn.

In the nineteenth century when England was part of the British Empire, Englishmen looked at this time as a golden age. This is because they felt it helped justify their power. And that is why so many people have entrenched views about it and why many historians, politicians etc. seek to justify continuing to misrepresent it.

But what is presented to us of Tudor times in films, plays, television series and by historians is a lie. Over many decades I have found evidence from all over the country which shows us that we thought we knew about this period, was mostly a fabrication formed from a nineteenth-century imagination.

What makes your book unique in comparison to other books written about Africans in Tudor England?

The book is unique as it is the first ever written and published on the presence, status and origins of Africans in Tudor England. One other book by Imtiaz Habib on Black Lives in the English Archives (2008) presents evidence on the presence of Africans in England at this time. But it does not focus on their status and the origins. So this is the first.

mojatu Is there anything specific that surprised you in the process of research and writing the book?

I have had a few surprises, but many revelations, and these helped me understand how and why things are the way that they are now. And it also explains why many people did not want this information to reach the general public.

One thing for example that really helped me understand this time is that English people in Tudor times did not have the arrogance to regard themselves as the original inhabitants of this island we now call Britain.

How did you go about collecting evidence and materials for the book?

I started with what I knew about the Tudor period and then I expanded my research from there. I have travelled throughout the country and abroad to do this research over a period of almost thirty years, but over the last ten I have concentrated my efforts in places such as: London, Plymouth, Bristol, Worcester, Nottingham, and areas of Spain.

Is it true that Africans in Tudor England were all slaves as suggested by a few modern historians?

This is certainly not true. People from all over the world were being treated as slaves during the sixteenth century. White Englishmen were being enslaved in North Africa; and Native Americans were also being held in bondage in the Caribbean islands. Slavery had not been institutionalised amongst Africans, and England was certainly not in a position to do so in the sixteenth century. That does not mean that some Englishmen did not try and enslave Africans abroad. They did. But no laws in England could be used to keep Africans as slaves, and once here they could not be treated as slaves. The status of Africans in Tudor England ranged from household servants to visiting dignitaries.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in the book?

I think not. This is the first of many that must be written on this subject. This book is a summary of my research.

Arts & Culture

Nottingham connected How many books have you written and which one is your favourite?

Books published in my own name include: Waiting to Explode, The Black Prince, The Phoenix, and Blackamoores African in Tudor England: Their Presence, Status and Origins.

These books are all available from Narrative Eye.

Onyeka’s book can be purchased online on the narrative website www.narrative-eye.org.uk, or from Amazon. It can also be bought from Five Leaves Bookshop in Nottingham.

Who is your favourite writer and why?

Professor John Henrik Clarke, Dr Chancellor Williams, Seamus Heaney, Roddy Doyle, Franz Fanon. This is because all of them in some way challenged the status quo with honesty and passion.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

I would like to challenge all of those who read this article or my books, to take responsibility for recording their history. As history is the means by which human beings make sense of themselves now. History is the permanent aspect of existence, and the present becomes the past before we can truly experience it. Therefore the study of history is self affirming and without it any set of people are like leaves in the wind.

Get the book from: http://goo.gl/ZFDISZ

HYSON GREEN CULTURAL FESTIVAL @ FOREST RECREATION GROUND

Address: Hyson Green Cultural Festival Hyson Green Youth Club, Nottingham, NG7 6ER

Families, Indiviuals, and communities fun day..!!!

Saturday 9th August 2014

• Musical and Cultural Bands, Dancing

E-mail address: hysongreenculturalfestival@ gmail.com

• Tradition Food, Arts & Craft and information stalls

Call us Mobile: 079 46303 384 Mobile: 077 90818 527 Mobile: 078 60781 106 Phone: 0115 9109 955

• Marquees for Children Activities & Indoors games (Dominos, Draft, Ludo, etc)

• Bouncy castle, face painting, Storey Telling

• Detail programme will be out soon

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Arts & Culture

Shakata Dancers

An interview with Annabelle Njenga

S

hakata Dancers have become renowned for their dancing skills and competence in York. Their group constitutes of 3 core dance - Carole, Annabelle and Chizi. In this brief interview, the dancers share their views with Mojatu magazine.

What kind of events do you perform at?

We usually perform in events that promote cultural diversity such as the Chinese New Year Gala and most recently at the outdoor festivals at the YIFFC. We enjoy performing at such events because we get to showcase African culture and really enjoy dancing.

What kind of dances do you do?

We try to embrace the T.I.N.A movement in all our dances. TINA stands for This Is New Africa and most of our music comes from a new generation of African artists, such as Davido, Mafikizolo, Kcee and Jimmie Gait. We get our influences from different parts of Africa, dances such as azonto, itighi and coupe decale feature in our routines.

What should people do if they are interested in joining?

Just send us a short video stating why you want to join the dance group plus a short dance routine performance. Email the video to shakatadancers@ hotmail.com What regions do you perform in?

We usually perform in the Yorkshire region but we are open to travelling to different locations in the UK. How can people invite you to perform?

Contact us via shakatadancers@hotmail.com Where do you see the dance group in five years’ time?

Our goal is to expand and incorporate more cultures. Currently we represent only 3 African nations and would like to have more diversity. This will impact our performance. We also practice hard and are improving our acts every day. We hope to get more opportunities and to perform in many different events all over the UK.

Arts & Culture

Nottingham connected

31

I’m feeling so strange Drained of all life and pride Became my own victim From the mistakes I chose to hide,

Please I was always wrong I’m so sorry I lied Reach into my tainted soul My family had no sympathy Which once was pure Bring me your loving words My sweet mother cried.

Please be my cure, I’m so sorry mum I should have listened, An antidote to this poison You are my saviour, The lost key to my door My sunlight, Living lifeless far too long Advice I chose to ignore. My worlds warming core, But is it too late?

Please believe me when Have I expired?

I’m struggling to speak I say, That no son And my heart is tired.

Could ever love you more.

War of all nations

by Sitira Williams

Lost, Physically & mentally, Unaccompanied and, Seconds away from death, Imagine!

Over 90 thousand soldiers, Trapped by; Mines, Barbed wires and Dying fields.

Bending, running, shooting Through the tunnel zone, Flinching, freezing, ducking Through no mans land.

Left, Dirty haired, dirty scalps Filthy bearded sobbing men Groaning fo morphine

To relief their pain, Of constant choking fumes, Infectious wounds, turning graves, And vomiting tears burning their faces.

Some cocaine will keep them alive In their mind For another rainy day.

Gunshots as greetings, Pretty much like A fake friend, ‘How would you like your eggs in the morning?’

With a stab in the back.

Nurses decorated Dangly jaws, whilst their Skeleton teeth rotted away.

Inhaling the stench of dead animals, YES They too suffered From all the chemical fumes, LEFT Dead rabbits, rats, mice, cows, chickens and horses.

Waking up next to death, Became so cheap Waiting, waiting, waiting For the next explosion.

The ground even cried blood, Booby traps, shells, tripwires and grenades, Cutting the battlefields like razors.

Chaos took over peaceful innocence To God’s home Of a perfect exquisite Creation!

To result in, Medals from bravery, Killing and looking respectable, For their country, Resting their cold blood amongst their fellow soldiers.

Families and friends left saddened By their losses With very little money to express Words on their tombstone, You wouldn’t believe The grief for just one word.

11-11-11 project – WW1 Trip to France

by Sitira Williams

Lay me on the bed Look into your baby’s eyes I’m so sorry Please help me mum I don’t want to be blind.

‘In a sense’ by Jojo Millward, 1997

A Mother’s Love by Lee Neary

32

mojatu

Health & Food

Dangerous Elegance The Dangers of High Heeled Shoes

By Kwame Osei

This morning, like every other day, millions of women wear high-heeled shoes. Many of them are oblivious of the dangers they routinely put themselves into in respect to their health. Despite their cuteness and elegance, high heels put the wearers in danger of permanent physiological damage to their hips, back, knees, and tendons including stress fractures, or cracks in the bones of the feet.

Many people admire the perceived beauty of wearing high-heels. Misinformation makes many people believe that high heeled shoes make them more attractive, sexier, more cultured and more sophisticated. The reality couldn’t be farther from the TRUTH!!

Unknown to many men and women, the constant wearing of these shoes presents some very serious health risks. Women face huge dangers and the consequences of wearing these high-heels.

The chart “Women’s Shoes and Knees Osteoarthritis” is an excellent resource for a visual depiction on the negative effects of wearing high heels which can be experienced in particular sections of the feet, legs and back.

Women’s shoes and knees Osteoarthritis The Feet: Wearing heels is an art and women deserve medals for learning to walk in them (let alone run!). When a woman is walking in heels, she is basically walking on the balls of her feet. The ball of the foot will experience intense pressure and this pressure more than doubles with every inch in height of shoe heel. Ankle injuries are always a threat and the degree of injuries can extend from sprains to fractures. Calluses, corns and bunions can be formed on feet due to high heels, especially if the shoes are tight, tough or walked in for long periods.

Metatarsalgia is a condition affecting the ball of the foot, where all the weight is concentrated when a woman is in heels. Hammertoes is a condition where the toes are maintained in a downward curled position because of the continual confinement of the feet in the high heels. The muscles of the feet become tight and are unable to stretch and straighten when out of the shoes.

A pump bump can be recognized on the heel where the straps of high heels are wrapped around. The straps cause intense friction on the heel causing that nuisance of a bump to form.

Women may complain of numbness, sharp pain and burning in the toes and ball of the foot when wearing high heeled shoes – all of which are symptoms of Morton’s Neuroma. Morton’s Neuroma is the inflammation of the tissue surrounding the nerve between the 3rd and 4th toe.

The Knees: High heels cause much more pressure to be exerted on the knees. The force that causes such pressure is more than what the knees are designed for, and can give rise to a condition called osteoarthritis.

Posture: Consider that when you tip you cause all your weight to be projected towards the ball of your feet. You will involuntarily adjust your posture to compensate for a shift in your centre of gravity.

This is a similar occurrence to wearing high heels, and it will be worse because the feet will be in a fixed position. A woman will have to bend her spine in the lower back more to keep her balance. Women may wonder where certain back, shoulder and neck pain may come from.

Well, high heels are a prime cause of such pain in the torso.

Nottingham connected

Health & Food

33

The Lower Legs: The calves will tend to retain the contracted and shortened state due to the feet being in high heels. The calf muscles may become difficult or virtually impossible to straighten without medical intervention. A similar condition can occur with the Achilles’ tendon where it too can retain its shortened state even when a woman is not wearing heels.

As the adage goes, ‘your health is your wealth’, here are some healthy alternatives to help prevent surgery when wearing high heels: 1.

Wear different types of shoes every day. Alternating between heels and sneakers will drastically reduce the amount of damage done to your feet, hips, and back.

2.

When you wear high heels, remove the shoes a few times during the workday and stretch your feet to keep the tendons and ligaments in your feet healthy.

3. Consider wearing commuting shoes when walking and change into high heels once you arrive at work.

4. If you cannot avoid high heels, wear a pair of thick high heels.

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mojatu

Health & Food

8 RIDICULOUS

myths about meat

...continued from the previous issue M012

4. Red Meat Causes Cancer

One common belief is that meat, especially red meat, causes cancer. It is true that processed meat is associated with an increased risk of cancer, especially colon cancer. But unprocessed red meat, things aren’t as clear. However, it appears that the way meat is cooked can have a major effect on its health effects. Several studies show that when meat is overcooked, it can form compounds like, which have been shown to cause cancer in test animals.

This can be prevented by choosing gentler cooking methods and always cutting away burned or charred pieces and not overheating when cooking meats. Overheating cause harmful compounds to form in many other foods, NOT just in meats!

Bottom Line: The link between unprocessed red meat and cancer is very weak in men and non-existent in women. This depends on the way meat is cooked, because overheating can form carcinogens.

5. Humans Are Naturally Herbivores and Not “Designed” For Meat Consumption This is completely false. Humans and pre-humans have been eating meat for a very long time and our bodies are well adapted to meat consumption. Our digestive systems really don’t resemble those of herbivores at all. We have short

colons, long small intestines and lots of hydrochloric acid in the stomach to help break down animal protein. The length of different parts of our digestive system is somewhere in between the lengths typical for both carnivores and herbivores, indicating that humans are “designed” to be omnivores.

It is also believed that our consumption of animal foods helped drive the evolution of our large brains, which set us apart from any other animal on earth.

Humans function best eating both animals and plants. Period.

Bottom Line: Humans are well equipped to make full use of the nutrients found in meat.

Our digestive system reflects a genetic adaptation to an omnivorous diet, with animal foods as a major source of calories.

6. Meat is Bad For Your Bones

Many people seem to believe that protein is bad for the bones and can lead to osteoporosis. This is only partially true in that increasing protein does lead to increased calcium loss from the body.

However overwhelming evidence shows that a high protein diet is linked to improved bone density and a lower risk of osteoporosis and fractures in old age.

Bottom Line: Despite protein causing increased calcium loss in the short term, the long-term studies show that a high

Nottingham connected

Health & Food

consumption and health protein intake is linked to improved bone density and a lower risk of osteoporosis and fractures.

7. Meat is Unnecessary

This is somehow true as most of the nutrients in it can be found in other animal foods. But just because we can survive without it, it doesn’t mean that we should… quality meat has many nutrients that are good for us. This includes quality protein, vitamin B12, creatine, carnosine and various important fat-soluble vitamins, which vegans and vegetarians are often lacking in.

Quality meat is pretty close to being the perfect food for humans. It contains most of the nutrients we need. Unprocessed meat from properly raised, properly fed animals (like grass-fed beef ) has a much better nutrient profile.

Bottom Line: Some claim that meat is unnecessary. Although it is true that we can survive without it, there are still many nutrients in there that are important for

optimal health.

8. Meat Makes You Fat

This seems to make sense on the surface because most meat is pretty high in fat and calories. However, meat also happens to be one of the best sources of highly bioavailable protein. Protein is the most

weight loss friendly macronutrient, by far.

A high protein diet can boost metabolism by up to 80 to 100 calories per day. Several studies have found that by increasing the amount of protein in the diet, people automatically cut calorie intake by several hundred calories per day, putting weight loss on “autopilot”.

Eating more protein also tends to favour increased muscle mass. Muscle is metabolically active and burns a small amount of calories around the clock. Also, low-carb and paleo diets, which tend to be high in meat, lead to significantly more weight loss than diets that are lower in meat.

Bottom Line: If anything, the more you eat of high quality meat (and less of other foods instead), the easier it should be for you to lose weight.

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36

Health & Food

mojatu

10 Proven Health Benefits of Eggs

Eggs are among the few foods that are classified as “superfoods.”

They are loaded with nutrients, some of which are rare in the modern diet as detailed in the 10 health benefits confirmed in human studies.

1.

Incredibly Nutritious: Eggs are among the most nutritious foods on the planet. A single large boiled egg contains Vitamin A, B2, B5, B6, B12, D, E, K, RDA, Folate, Phosphorus Selenium, Calcium and Zinc. This is coming with 77 calories, 6 grams of protein and 5 grams of healthy fats.

Whole eggs are among the most nutritious foods on the planet, containing a little bit of almost every nutrient we need. Omega-3 enriched and/or pastured eggs are even healthier.

2.

High in Cholesterol: Eggs are high in cholesterol, but eating eggs does not have adverse effects on cholesterol in the blood for the majority of people except with genetic disorders like familial hypercholesterolemia or a gene type called ApoE4 may want to minimize or avoid eggs.

3.

Raise the “Good” Cholesterol: Egg consumption consistently leads to elevated levels of High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) (the “good”) cholesterol, which is linked to a reduced risk of many diseases.

4.

Contain Choline: Eggs are among the best dietary sources of choline, a nutrient that is incredibly important but most people do not enough of.

5.

Reduces Heart Disease risks: Egg consumption appears to change the pattern of LDL particles from small, dense LDL (bad) to large LDL, which is linked to a reduced heart disease risk.

6.

Contain Antioxidants: Eggs are high in both lutein and zeaxanthin antioxidants which have major benefits for eye health and can help prevent macular degeneration and cataracts.

Nottingham connected 7.

8.

9.

Health & Food

37

Lower Triglycerides levels: Omega-3 en10. Incredibly fulfilling: Eggs are highriched and pastured eggs contain significant ly fulfilling and tend to make you amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids. Eating these eat fewer calories, helping you to types of eggs is an effective way to reduce lose weight. They are a high problood triglycerides. tein food… but protein is by far the most fulfilling macronutrient. Eggs High in Quality Protein: Eggs are fairly high in score high on a scale called the quality animal protein and contain all the essenSatiety Index, which measures the tial amino acids that humans need in the right ability of foods to induce feelings ratios. Proteins are the main building blocks of of fullness and reduce subsequent the human body. They’re used to make all sorts calorie intake. of tissues and molecules that serve both structural and functional purposes. Eating adequate Take Home Message protein can help with weight loss, increase Studies clearly show that eating up to 3 muscle mass, lower blood pressure and optiwhole eggs per day is perfectly safe. mize bone health… to name a few.

There is no evidence that going beyond that is harmful, it is just “uncharted DO NOT raise risk of heart disease and may territory” as it hasn’t been studied. reduce the risk of stroke: Many studies have On top of everything else, they are also looked at egg consumption and the risk of cheap, easy to prepare, go with almost heart disease and found no association. Howany food and taste awesome. ever, some studies have found an increased Eggs are really nature’s perfect food!!! risk in people with type 2 diabetes.

Don't be like all

other eggs!

Stand out from the crowd with Mojatu

Branding, Design, Print, Media, Website, Solutions Call:

0115 8457 009

mojatu

38

mojatu

Business & Finance

Nottinghamshire Farmer Transforms his business

by Frank Kamau and Penny Cooper

Becoming an award winning business David Ross runs a 600 acre farm in Nottingham. To unlock its potential, David has adopted innovative approaches which incorporate both eco and social enterprise approaches. In this interview with Valentine Nkoyo of Mojatu Magazine, David reveals how the changes in farming and his visit to Kenya helped him transform his approach to farming business.

Similar to many farms, Home Farm is characterised by large fields interspersed with farm house, hedges and small woodland blocks with sheep, goats, pigs and chicken. However, unlike most farmers, David has been able to adopt innovative approaches to his farm thereby transforming his business.

Attempts to grow his business using ‘Big is Beautiful’ approach – assuming growing big was key to his future success - had failed.

Change happened in 2001 after securing Nuffield Scholarship. “Nuffield Scholarship allowed me to learn how farming and food industries are getting more connected in their endeavour to offer the best products for consumers. By visiting many new places such as Australia, Europe and the USA, I was able to do extensive research in areas close to my heart” continued David.

David has since developed a new approach to farming by focusing on linking his business to the core aspects of environment and farming.

“By paying attention to details and having a good understanding of what I wanted to achieve with the farm, I was able to slowly turn my business round.

I was able to understand that farming business entails both social and environmental links”.

“We ought to step back from our day-day activities in our businesses and think critically about what really matters to us.”

The main changes happened when David adopted a model for reviewing his business called Linking Environment and Farming (LEAF). “This helps me to self-evaluate the farm’s performance and consider every aspect of our environmental operations. I think consumers will demand higher environmental standards from farmers in the future and we are trying to get ahead of the game.”

Facts about Farmeco in the last 6 months: • 4,078 attendees (including about 1,500 Open Farm weekend visitors) • 76 health-based days • 52 education-based days • 56 horticultural therapy-based days This work has reached: • 338 older people • 470people with learning disabilities • 601 school children • 128 ex-soldiers and their families Support offered: • 10 work experience placements and 4 apprenticeships • Training opportunities outside learning • Helping to grow people’s confidence, and skills for life

Nottingham connected David’s involvement with LEAF also helped him to understand the need to shift his business towards a mixed farming system which has improved production in terms of what the farm offers and leading to the launch of ‘Ecocentre’ in 2011. This helped David to retain his strategic business focus by mixing arable farm with community activities and educational services.

“The Ecocentre which offers room for meetings and educational services plus a kitchen has enabled the farm to develop a mixture of farming activities and helping children and the public to engage with nature. There are nature trails, grassland, forest and seedling areas that help visitors to engage more with nature.”

David holds monthly meetings at the Farmeco to increase community engagement in the farming activities. “This offers Home farm financial and environmental sustainability and also gives communities social wellbeing.”

“Tell me and I forget, Show me and I remember, involve me and I will understand” Ecocentre philosophy

Business success can only be achieved when its growth goes hand in hand with the wellbeing of the communities around it. Based on experience, David is convinced that the success of his farm has been possible through the real life changes it is making on people.

“The farm is focusing more on improving the wellbeing of disadvantaged individuals and communities. It offers accessibility to school children, the disabled and other groups to help them understand the farming processes and activities while taking time off to enjoy the tranquillity of the countryside. It is an excellent way for those with depression, anxiety or mere fatigue to experience alternative environment.”

David accepts that the business has been tough but the adoption of new strategies and hard work which includes working closely with communities at all levels is paying back. “There are huge opportunities for business growth. But most importantly, it is the knowledge that with better

Business & Finance business approaches, there are individual I see the opportunity of what we can achieve to improve the health of the more disadvantaged members of society, it is my next crusade. The challenge for me now is to make the healthcare and educational aspect of the business sustainable for the future.”

Kenya Day and the Barn Dance In the last month, Ecofarm has added more activities to its tight schedule. In May, they held the Kenya Day which was aimed at helping Gill Bullock of Children’s Health and Development in Kenya (CHADIK), a UK based charity working in Kenya, to raise funds.

See full story online at www.mojatu.com/community.

Nearly 1,500 people attended the Open Farm Weekend which was held over Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th June to enjoy the numerous activities organised by the farm. The event was crowned by Barn Dance on Saturday night and the huge number of visitors on Sunday. The money raised was used in providing accessibility for schools, care homes and other community groups to visit the farm.

See more photos online at www.mojatu.com/community

Would you want a fun filled Saturday in the farm, why not visit Farmeco!

Meet the animals and enjoy a great breakfast at the Saturday Kitchen café!

For more information, visit www.eco-centre.org. uk to see more about Farmeco and how you can be a part of the learning and healthcare activities. You can also email info@farmeco.co.uk or call 01949 21261 or visit the farm at Home Farm, Screveton, Near Bingham, Nottingham, NG13 8JL.

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mojatu

Business & Finance

40

N2net - The BIG Conversation

By Henri Baptist

Dear Business Owner Small business owners are increasingly recognised as important contributors to the business population and the UK economy as a whole. Their entrepreneurial efforts are noticeable across many regions in the UK, and recent government policy developments have established the significance of small and micro businesses as a vehicle for promoting economic inclusion, as a generator of social and financial capital, and as an activity meriting dedicated support initiatives.

At N2net we recognise that as a business owner there are a range of factors that are impacting upon your businesses and that as the economy goes through a series of fluctuations, some businesses benefit and some lose out.

There has been a significant change in the support available from local business support agencies, and key regional agencies such as Greater Nottingham Partnership, East Midlands Development Agency and Government Office for the East Midlands no longer exist. The emergence of the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has resulted in new partnership structures, new business support arrangements, policies, and funding frameworks.

However, access to the LEP partnership structure and the range of other support available to businesses, is limited to those that are actively engaged in these new agendas. This remains a challenge for the small business owner.

N2net aims to provide a bridge!

Our main objective is to support the development of social enterprises, micro businesses and third sector organisations by engaging, networking and exploring the requirements of local businesses. In doing so, we aim to encourage enterprise, support business start-up and growth, improve engagement between business owners, provide access to a range of information and support, better understand your needs, and be a voice for local businesses.

We will host an Event in the summer that is open to all businesses. The event will also see the launch of the N2net Business Network.

For more information, watch out for the next issue of Mojatu magazine, Issue M014.

Also check out www.n2net.org.uk Look forward to seeing you soon. N2net

Bakery

Grocery Store

BARBER

Boutique

Takeawa

Business & Finance

Nottingham connected

Can I afford an Accountant?

Small business owners normally ask themselves this question many times over. This is especially because it is not cheap to hire and maintain an accountant. However, like all business investments, a small business owner needs to weigh the cost against the benefits of having an accountant.

Having worked as an accountant for over 17 years, I’d argue that the benefits outweigh the cost many times over: Firstly, an accountant will take away the headache of looking after your financial and tax matters leaving you with more time to spend growing your business.

Secondly, an accountant will save you money, probably much more than you are paying him.

This can mainly happen in two ways:

• Taxes: A good accountant will make sure that your tax affairs are taken care of hence helping you to avoid the heavy fines levied by HMRC against tax defaulters.

An accountant will take care of your VAT returns, Income tax returns, Payroll taxes and Companies House returns. He / she will make sure that you and your company take full advantage of the ever-changing tax laws to make sure you pay as little tax as possible.

• Cost control and cost saving: A good accountant will advise you on cost saving measures and also on how to increase your profitability. He becomes your trusted business partner by helping you to understand how day to day activities impact the finances of your business.

Finally, an accountant can be a great source of advice to help grow your business by helping you explore the financial viability of new ventures and opportunities. By doing the number crunching, an accountant will give you the confidence to go ahead with a certain venture you’ve been dreaming of or dissuade you from making the one wrong move that could lead you to bankruptcy.

“Can I afford not to have an Accountant?” is really the question every small business owner should be asking themselves.

If interested in discussing Accountancy services please feel free to contact PJ Consultants on 07857594683 or email: pjbookkeeping@btinternet.com

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42

Education

mojatu

African diaspora academics launch Mentorship Scheme African Diaspora Academic Network - UK (ADAN - UK) launched a Mentorship Scheme at an event held at Nottingham University Business School, Jubilee Campus.

The event was attended by over 65 delegates from 24 universities across the United Kingdom.

The mentorship scheme which is supported by The Baring Foundation is aimed at connecting and pairing up African doctoral students/early academics with more experienced researchers/academics across universities in the UK. The scheme contributes to ADAN-UK’s objective to empower and strengthen the visibility and capacity of ADAN-UK members.

The chief guest at the launch was Prof. Farouk Shakib, the Assistant Pro-Vice Chancellor at the University of Nottingham.

Prof. Farouk is a passionate advocate of effective mentorship schemes for young academics and shares ADANUK’s vision of nurturing and supporting the next generation of academic leaders. Prof. Farouk informed delegates that Nottingham University is establishing collaborations with African institutions and the delegates should take advantage of available funding for scholarships and research within the university.

The university has an office in Accra, Ghana that supports the activities of the university in Africa.

Those attending the event including Dr Zac Mwanje commended ADAN-UK for this great initiative noting that “the African Continent is investing in its young people and it’s the responsibility of universities to look after them”. Margaret Lesuuda, the Kenyan education attaché in UK welcomed the scheme and urged ADAN-UK to consider expanding the opportunity to other African students – undergraduates and masters - in the UK. To achieve its vision, ADAN-UK holds a range of activities amongst them an Annual Workshop held every 3rd of July. To deliver our activities, we operate a partnership model. This year’s event is hosted by the University of Nottingham and is supported by the Nottingham University’s International Office.

The Annual Workshop’s theme is Higher Education: Making Positive Change through Policy Transformation, Partnership and Mentoring. We have an exciting panel of speakers who have vast experiences interacting with Higher Education and Policy-Makers in Africa. We look forward to learning from them how we as academics and researchers can engage in Higher Education and Policy partnerships with greater impact.

To attend the annual workshop – contact Judy. muthuri@nottingham.ac.uk.

ADAN-UK is open to all potential mentors and mentees who meet the criteria. To learn more about the mentorship scheme, visit www.adan-uk.com to learn more about the eligibility, matching process, length of the mentorship, mentors and mentees roles and other issues.

Who We Are: ADAN-UK is a community of practice dedicated to promoting, debating and advancing practical solutions to Africa's development and governance challenges through research, learning, training and exchange of information and ideas.

The network was started in 2009 and membership is free and open to African academics and researchers as well as other UK-based academics working on Africa issues. The network serves as a hub of expertise on issues affecting Africa for UKbased policy makers, institutional leaders, civil society, and development partners.

Feature

Nottingham connected If you are looking for a restaurant experience that caters for all of the five senses then say Tadias (Hi!) to Habesha restaurant. A quaint restaurant that has become a gem in the Nottingham food scene!

When you enter the restaurant, traditional artworks capture your imagination and give you an insight in to the experience you are in for. You will notice that there is no silverware on the table as the traditional way to eat the food is by hand.

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Authentic & Exotic Ethiopian Experience in Nottingham

What to eat - By Fiker Saifeselassie

stew cooked slowly in chilli sauce and tibis - made from lamb or beef cooked by sautéing the meat in various spices as well as peppers and onions. There is wide selection of beers, wines and The atmosphere is further enspirits. For authentic and more exotic hanced by Meti, the owner extraortaste go for St. George, a beer importdinaire who keeps this tight ship ed from the mother land. running since it opened two years ago. Her bright smile makes you Ethiopian food is cooked in a way feel at home. that takes advantage of its nutrient density and is low fat. What better Ethiopian food is vibrant in appearway to avoid that extra weight than ance and taste. For first timers, it is consuming delicious food. Injera, a best to order a set menu (Mahberaspongy pancake like bread, that acwi) that will allow you to sample an companies many dishes in Ethiopian assortment of dishes which is served culinary, is made from Teff flour. on a big platter. It comes in both vegetarian and meat versions. The Teff is an ancient whole grain that vegetable combo it includes beloved has tremendous benefits and carries Ethiopian dishes such as shiro wat umpteenth amount of nutritional and misir wat: split lentils cooked value. It is high in iron, calcium, and with onions, garlic, ginger and the protein and also vitamin C, which is all-important berbere chilli sauce. minimal in most grains but not the good old Teff.

For those looking for meaty dish, the combo contains - doro watt - chicken Teff has become so desirable that

a Holland company has been trying to patent it. How ridiculous considering that Ethiopians have been harvesting and eating Teff for thousands of years.

When your food arrives the aromatic finesse of the dishes calls your taste buds for attention. At this point, you will have washed your hands.

You will be eating by using the Injera to scoop the wat. Don’t worry, eating with your hands quickly becomes second nature. You simply tear off a bit of Injera and then dip it in the wat you would like to eat.

The traditional Ethiopian music playing in the background makes your experience that more exotic and highly relaxing. However, your experience is incomplete until you have that out of this world Ethiopian Coffee! Indulge yourself in the ceremonial coffee.

TO HELP YOU ENJOY

THIS EXPERIENCE,

HABESHA R E S TA U R A N T I S OFFERING

20% OFF

WHEN YOU SPEND OVER £30 AND USE CODE

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MOJATU20147 OFFER ENDS 31st JULY 2014

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Classifieds

mojatu

Nottingham connected

Be Part of the Commonwealth Games in Glagow this summer

Community

45

Join our volunteering team & get FREE Training, Accommodation & Travel Required: Media, Security, Event Managers, Engineers Information & Customer Service Managers Web Contents & Social Media Managers, First Aid & Health Officers, Graphic Designers, Protocol Officers, & Entertainers

  

Saturday 28th June 2014 From 1.00 to 4.00pm

Hyson Green Youth Centre Terrace Street, Hyson Green, Nottingham, NG7 6ER

    

    

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Classifieds

Recruitment Services • • • • • •

Heath & Social Care Security Driving Warehouse Construction Cleaning

Other Services • Procurement • Delivery & Collections • Building & Maintance 07447 108 544 01158 713 212 ultimategsl@gmail.com 167 Alfreton Street, Nottingham, NG7 3JR

mojatu In the Next Issue M014 Interview with • Mwalimu George Ben Anthony • Veronica Barnes - Blue Mountain Women Group • Healthy foods that can cause heart problems • Where & How to get university scholarship in UK

Nottingham connected

Community

Fresh lamb Whole (All parts included) £7 per kilo Half - £8 per kilo Fresh pork at £5 per kilo Goat (coming soon) Whole (All parts included or per kilo) Collect from the farm or we can deliver

Call: 078 91404 007

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