Mojatu Nottingham Magazine M012

ISSN 2041-8566

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UK ÂŁ 2.00

Issue M012

Nottingham

Dr Siyanda Mkweli

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Education &Training

uBuntu:

Attaining an accomplished life

Valentine Nkoyo: I am because I believe

Mic Check!

Black Female Journalists

Have you considered an Apprenticeship?

Nottingham City Council offers:

Searching and Applying Academic Support

Access Points

Nottingham Smashes National Average for Apprenticeships READ | WRITE | ADVERTISE @ www.mojatu.com

Editor’s Welcome Dear Readers, Spring is finally here and a (little) hint of sunshine can spark a fresh outlook on life or a new career move.

This edition of Mojatu is all about how to go about starting a career, especially if you are aged 16-25 or how to survive in the career of your dreams.

Finding the chance to work in the profession of your desire can be difficult without experience, support and networks. This issue features lots of advice and inspiring interviews from organisations and individuals from a variety of professions. There is ample coverage, sponsored by Nottingham City Council, on gaining an Apprentiship: how to find one and what to expect as a hired Apprentice. This is a great chance to kickstart your career - so don’t miss it!

To celebrate International Women’s Day, we speak to three female journalists as well as a female business woman and parent educator, to find out the rigours and hurdles in their choosen professions and how they excel. In addition to this, we cover an inspirational, personal narrative by Valentine Resiato Nkoyo, a Maasai woman, who details her story of survival and educational achievement. Moreover, Mojatu supports the campaign to end Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and gives very important information on this critical issue.

Contents Education & Training Carnival Have you considered an Apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships: Access Points Apprenticeships: Searching & Applying Notts Smashes National Average of Appreticeships Community Apprenticeships Roadshow Increasing BME apprentices in Notts What is National Apprenticeship Week?

Mic Check! Black Female Journalists uBuntu: Attaining an accomplished life

News Arts and Culture 14 Food Bank support 14 George Africanus Heritage Lottery Project 15 Rwandan Kwibuka Flame of Rememberance 15

Achievements of Black Community Activists

Community Chat’bout steps up A tribute to Dr. Kwame Nkrumah Kenya Nottingham Welfare Association Kenya@50 Students’ Conference

My Story: I am because I believe by Valentine Nkoyo 20

Arts & Culture Book Review: The Nottingham Connection Film Review: 12 Years a Slave Film Review: Mandela - Long Walk to Freedom Jayone’s Beauty Pageant

Health

It’s all go as they say! So let’s progress and get the careers we truly desire and deserve - don’t settle for anything less!

Business & Finance

Norma Gregory, Editor City & Guilds (Journalism), B.A (English), PGCE (English), M.A (Education)

Editorial

Group Editor: Frank Kamau – frank@mojatu.com Editor: Norma Gregory – norma@mojatu.com Graphic Designers: George Evangelos Bompetsis | Robert Borbely | Maria - Tereza Tzelepaki | Alin Margineanu Article Contributors: Dr. Siyanda Mkweli | Michael Henry | Valentine Nkoyo | Henry Baptiste | Joshua Adedamola | Natasha Hughes | Jacqueline Lockhart Kwame Osei | Gina Thegah | Pitman Browne | Emily Coltman

8 Ridiculous Myths about Meat Female Genital Mutilation should end now

22 22 23 23 24 25

Street Entrepreneur Programme 26 Common traps to avoid when claiming expenses 27

Education Write Right! Writing Skills Focus 4: Homophones Starburst Parent Support

Submit your work: news, features, stories, letters and other comments | news@mojatu.com Read online: www.mojatu.com/magazines Subscription: £24 per year including postage | subs@ mojatu.com A: 167 Alfreton Road, Nottingham, NG7 3JR T: 0115 845 7009

Photographers: Jack Norton | Matthew Lane

M: 07516962992 / 07984825482

IT: Dennis Monari | Daniel Wardle

Facebook: www.facebook.com/mojatu

Accounts / Admin: Penny Cooper | Leonie McClusky

Twitter: www.twitter.com/mojatu1

Sales & Marketing: Mary Peter | Christine Nyaga sales@ mojatu.com

Printers: Mojatu

Specials thanks to: Holly Whiting, Ruth Fletcher, Danielle Hall, Fathima Gihan

16 17 18 19

Faith & Spirituality

Finally, the article from Dr. Siyanda Mkweli, on mentorship and learning through uBuntu phylosophy, is truly inspirational - so take a read.

Kind regards as always,

4 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12

A product of Mojatu Publications

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Education & Training

Have you considered an Apprenticeship?

An Apprenticeship is a real job, which means you receive a regular wage and the opportunity to earn while you learn.

As an apprentice you will work a minimum of 30 hours a week and will be entitled to paid holidays.

the needs of the employer and the level of the Apprenticeship being undertaken.

Kick-starting your career with Once you have finished your an Apprenticeship apprenticeship, you’ll have a world of options open to you. You may is a great way to learn be able to carry on working in the same place, or look for a similar job new skills, gain on-thein a different company. However, job experience and work having received on-the-job experience and gained job specific towards recognised qualifications you will have a huge qualifications. advantage over other applicants when

As well as being able to earn while you learn, Apprenticeships lead to national qualifications that are respected by employers all around the world.

There are three Apprenticeship levels; Intermediate (Level 2), Advanced (Level 3) and Higher (Level 4+).

Each Apprenticeship takes a minimum of 12 months to complete but could last up to 4 years depending on For more information about Apprenticeships visit:

applying for a job.

Nationally, there are over 150,000 employers offering Apprenticeships in almost 1,500 different job roles. In Nottingham, there are approximately 250

Apprenticeship vacancies advertised every week.

www.apprenticeships.org.uk

Apprenticeships made

easy with new

Access Points

Young people across the city are being urged to consider looking into how an Apprenticeship could accelarate their career prospects with the introduction of three new Access Points across the city.

Nottingham City Council’s Apprenticeship Hub is working with Job Centre Plus, Nottingham & Nottinghamshire Futures and NGY to roll out a new scheme delivering free help and support when applying for an Apprenticeship in a wide variety of roles. At these Access Points, applications to vacancies can be made instantly and staff are on hand to advise and guide you throughout the process.

Three of the Access Points have been set up already:

Futures careers centre on Maid Marian Way

NGY youth centre on Castle Gate

Water Court Job Centre Plus on Canal Street

Steven Hewes, 23, from Sherwood, a business administration apprentice for Nottingham City Council said: “Setting up access points across the city will really help to streamline the process of applying for an Apprenticeship. There’s a huge amount of choice in the jobs available and having people on hand at the centres to offer support and guide you through the process makes applying much easier.”

If you would like more information about attending an Access Point, please email apprenticeship.hub@ nottinghamcity.gov.uk or call the Apprenticeship Hub on 0115 8762824.

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Nottingham

Searching & Applying If you’re interested in applying for an Apprenticeship visit:

www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/apprentice

Then select ‘Nottingham Apprenticeship Vacancies’.

From here you’ll be able to search and apply for all Apprenticeships that are being advertised across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

Do you live in Nottingham?

FastTrack

If you live in Nottingham, applying for an Apprenticeship has just got easier!

In January, Nottingham’s Apprenticeship Hub launched FastTrack to help speed up the application process. All you need to do is:

••search for your ideal apprenticeship ••complete the short online form ••attach a CV

…and we will do the rest!

To start searching and applying for FastTrack vacancies visit:

Stay up-to-date...

www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/FastTrack

For the latest vacancies follow the apprenticeship hub on: facebook.com/NottmApprentice

twitter @NottmApprentice

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Education & Training

Nottingham Smashes National Average for Apprenticeships Young people in Nottingham are being encouraged to consider an Apprenticeship as the fastest route for getting into business, in the wake of an announcement that the city is bucking the national trend in the levels of placements being taken up, which far outstripping the national average.

The Apprentice Hub at Nottingham City Council, a free and confidential service that works with employers and training providers to create placements, has announced that the number of Apprenticeships created in Nottingham is above the national average in every age group at 14.6% above average for those aged 16-18 and 23.7% above average for 19-24 year olds.

The service offers a bespoke consultation and recruitment service to allow businesses to take on a young person to provide fresh ideas for their business.

Funding of up to £9,000 is also available to employers until March 2014 to enable them to take on a young city resident as an Apprentice.

The service has benefited many local businesses, especially SMEs (small and medium enterprises), who may not otherwise have the resources to take on additional staff.

The initiative is part of the city’s Growth Plan, which sets out a blueprint for redefining the local economy with skills and ensuring the right workforce is in place at the heart of plans to attract and retain business for Nottingham.

Iram Yaqub, 24, from Nottingham, who is an Apprentice within the Apprenticeship Hub service itself, says: “Apprenticeships are a really valuable way of getting a head start in business, and it is really encouraging to see that Nottingham is doing so well in helping young people and businesses to access them. There’s lots of support available. Any young person who’s wondering what to do next should consider taking an Apprenticeship because practical experience is so valuable and really boosts the knowledge you get through your qualifications.”

Councillor Nick McDonald Portfolio Holder for Jobs and Skills

“Nottingham is truly redefining itself as a centre for 21st century business and one of the key pillars that is ensuring local businesses can access the right skills to grow and prosper. Helping young people into Apprenticeships has a far-reaching benefit - they get paid work and training in their chosen field of employment, while employers get to train up an employee to their own requirements and often greatly benefit from the new ideas an Apprentice can bring.

We are immensely proud to be leading the way nationally in Apprenticeships and it’s a testament to the service we can provide to local employers helping them to take on a young person.”

Get into the world of work

Apprenticeships can often be an ideal route for 16-24 year olds getting into the world of work, as it provides practical on-the-job learning alongside classroom teaching, meaning Apprentices gain qualifications alongside crucial work experience.

number of “ ...the Apprenticeships created in Nottingham is above the national average in every age group...

Apprentice Hub Service

The Apprentice Hub service offers employers a free bespoke package of support to take on a young person, including identifying a training framework to ensure their Apprentice develops the right skills for their business, support with recruitment and selection, advertising of vacancies in partnership with JobCentre Plus, access to financial support, post-appointment advice and more.

Contact

To find out more, please contact the Apprentice Hub on +44 (0)115 876 2825 or visit www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/apprentice.

Nottingham

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Community Apprenticeships Roadshow Apprenticeships are going back to their roots, with a series of community roadshows for young people showing them what it’s really like to earn while you learn.

Roadshow Dates

The series of events are being delivered by Nottingham City Council and their partners from ACETS, FUEL and Inspiring Greatness.

The series of events are planned to land in neighbourhoods throughout March in Bulwell, Sneinton, the Meadows, plus an Apprentice Application event at the Nottingham Conference Centre where attendees can get hands-on help and apply for live vacancies.

@ the Red Lion Community Centre, Bulwell from 1pm – 4.30pm

The roadshows follow news from Nottingham City Council’s Apprenticeship Hub, which has now placed over 500 young city residents in apprentice positions, over halfway towards their target of 1000 by March 2015. The city has been praised nationally for leading the way at 23% above the national average for uptake of the scheme.

Speaking about the planned events, Councillor Nick McDonald, Portfolio Holder for Jobs and Skills, said: “Community Roadshows are all about bringing Apprenticeship opportunities to young people.

With the chance for them to learn more about how they can gain skills whilst also being in a paid job in so many different sectors. There are chances at the roadshow to ask all the questions needed and to apply for hundreds of live vacancies.”

Apprenticeships have emerged in recent years as the best way for young people to get skilled up and gain extensive on-the-job experience whilst also earning a wage. They are available in a huge range of fields from business admin to engineering, catering, media production and childcare – and many more.

The community events aim to help show the benefits of taking on an Apprentice. You’ll be able to speak directly to employers and training providers about the options available and search and apply for vacancies.

27th February, Apprenticeship Application Event @ the Nottingham Conference Centre, Burton St from 10am – 3pm

7th March, Community Apprentice Roadshow 19th March, Community Apprenticeship Roadshow at Oceana Night Club from 1pm – 4pm

20th March, Community Apprentice Roadshow @ the Greenway Centre, Sneinton from 1pm – 4.30pm

For more details visit: www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/roadshows

Overview 1.

Free to attend! For young people, their parents and employers.

2.

Provides hands-on experiences that will inspire young people to explore apprenticeships, further education and skills.

3.

Impartial advice from careers professionals, employers, colleges and training providers.

4.

Opportunity to ‘have a go’ at a wide variety of work-based skills.

5.

View different industries and hear from ‘real people doing real jobs’.

6.

Speak to the National Careers Service and National Apprenticeship Service representative.

The Roadshows will provide unrivalled skills experience, display a wide range of vocational careers on offer, from a variety of employers.

Listen to clips on the event:

Kemet interview with Henri Baptiste Outreach-Apprenticeship-29=01=14-3

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mojatu

Education & Training

Increasing the number of Black & Minority Ethnic apprentices in Nottingham

by Henri Baptiste In recent years, youth unemployment has become a controversial issue around the world. Following the global financial crisis, countries such as Greece and Spain have experienced unprecedented rates of unemployment amongst young people.

The impacts of the financial crisis have resulted in challenges for young people in almost every country.

Young people are competing with an increased number of jobseekers for fewer vacancies and employers have become very selective in their recruitment. This issue has also been significant for the labour market of the UK and in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

from ‘real apprentices’ talking about their apprenticeship experience. We also have live performances from Cross the Order and other local talent.

Nottingham is one of the youngest cities in the UK: 16 to 25 year olds account for over 23% of the total population (ONS Crown Copyright, 2013). At the same time, the youth unemployment rate in Nottingham is higher than the national level. Nottingham is also one of Britain’s most vibrant cities with a more ethnically diverse population than the England average. The National Apprentice Service has, however, identified that there are low numbers of young people from BME communities participating in Apprenticeships.

The Roadshows are supported by Business In The Community, Sneinton Alchemy, Meadows Partnership, Education Wellbeing and NGY and will be taking place in Bulwell on 7th March, at The Red Lion Community Centre, in Sneinton at The Greenway Community Centre, and at The Victoria Leisure Centre on 28th March.

Another two events are also planned. All events start at 1pm and finish at 4:30pm.

In order to address this problem, a range of initiatives have been introduced that aim to create employment opportunities and more supportive conditions for young people to enter the workforce. Nottingham City Council invited three community organisations (FUEL, Chat’bout and Inspiring Greatness) to run six roadshows across Nottingham.

The aims of the roadshows are to: •• Promote Apprenticeships as a viable progression route and pathway to employment for BME young people over the age of 16. (However, the events are not exclusively for this group) •• To increase 16-24 year olds’ awareness and understanding of Apprenticeships •• To provide them with information about the opportunities available with local employers Employers and training providers will be at the Roadshows, and visitors to the events will also be able to access free interactive workshops, advice on how to prepare and apply for an apprenticeship, discuss options with a range employers and apprenticeship providers such as; Nottingham City Council, BEST Builds, CITB Construction, Job Centre Plus, NEXT, Vision Apprentices, Right Track, Central College, New College Nottingham and apply for live vacancies. Careers professionals will be on hand to provide impartial advice (so remember to bring along your CV).

Representatives from both the National Careers Service and National Apprenticeship Service will be on hand to assist with job applications and visitors will also be hearing

The Roadshow provides an unrivalled skills experience, displaying a wide range of apprenticeship jobs on offer and providing access to expert impartial advice.

More information can be found at: www.nottinghamcity.gov/apprentices, www.fueltd.co.uk, facebook/NottmApprentice & twitter@NottmApprentice.

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Nottingham What is National Apprenticeship Week?

National Apprenticeship Week is co-ordinated by the National Apprenticeship Service and is designed to celebrate Apprenticeships and the positive impact they have on individuals, businesses and the wider economy.

The objectives of National Apprenticeship Week 2014 are to:

progression routes, including Traineeships.

“

••Increase awareness, understanding and demand for Apprenticeships.

••Celebrate Apprenticeship talent, skills, achievements and successes.

••Promote all Apprenticeship levels and

The Big Conversation – N2net Dear Business Owner, We support and advise businesses and work hard to ensure that council policy supports your business to grow.

It is critical that we fully understand the issues, opportunities and barriers that businesses face in the current economic climate.

With this knowledge we can serve as the voice of local businesses and ensure that our services respond directly to your needs.

The survey will only take a few minutes of your time and can be accessed through Mojatu’s website at: www.mojatu.com / n2net.org.uk Or call us on 0115 845 7009 and request for N2net details.

National Apprenticeship Week 2014 is from 3rd to 7th of March 2014 and the overarching theme for this year is Great Apprenticeships.

...Great businesses are made by apprentices and Apprenticeships lead to great prospects...

It is about demonstrating that Apprenticeships are great for businesses, personal careers and creating opportunities for both employers and apprentices.

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mojatu

Education & Training

Mic Check!

Interviews with black female journalists presenting from the ‘frontline’

by Norma Gregory

Some say that a woman with a voice, a mic and a plan can change the world.

Others think this could be true even without a mic…

As a working journalist myself at Nottingham News Centre, I wanted to know how the roads of three ambitious, inveterate, black, female broadcast journalists, working in Nottingham, crossed in their unique, media journeys.

I spoke to Christine Belle of Kemet FM, Reya El-Salahi of BBC Radio Nottingham and Carol Hinds of BBC East Midlands Today, to explore their experiences and share with Mojatu readers, their powerful and persuasive stories carved within the once exclusive boundaries of the UK media industry.

Yes, as Bob Dylan said, “Times They Are a Changing”….

Reya El-Salahi, Radio broadcaster, television presenter, writer and journalist How did you get into the media industry?

I used to get really annoyed with the presentation and representation of how people from dual/mixed heritage were presented in the media.

This pushed me to change that by working in Journalism.

When you were younger, what other jobs were on your horizon?

I did loads of stuff before I became a Journalist. When I was 18, I wanted to be a Social Worker but after work experience, I found this the most depressing job I have ever experienced!

However, I have always been interested in people. Other than that, I just wanted to have a sweet shop to eat all the sweets!

Describe your educational background I grew up in the Middle East and came to the UK. I hated my comprehensive school and didn’t do very well in my GCSEs. I did better in my A-Levels and then studied Sociology at Nottingham University and then did a Postgraduate study in Broadcast Journalism at the London College of Communication.

What challenges have you faced over the years as a black female journalist?

My challenges have been more around not being white than being female. I have found that my peers are offered work on a far wider scale, something that I am constantly fighting against.

But sometimes being passionate about something can also work to your advantage. For example, I sometimes relate a story in a different way because of my cultural heritage so there are bonuses for being unique!

Who would you like to interview?

I would have liked to interview Nelson Mandela but would love to interview the Director General of the BBC and put to him my questions and experiences as a black women working in the media industry.

Carol Hinds , Journalist and Presenter, BBC East Midlands Today

What made you become a journalist?

I am from a family that is dominated by careers in education (my father was a teacher) and law, so journalism was not a natural choice for me at a young age. My work experience began when I answered an advert in a local newspaper seeking volunteers to work on a local hospital radio station. I have also worked on Radio Preston and BBC Radio Humberside. This really wetted my appetite for journalism.

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Nottingham What are the perks of the job as a Broadcast Journalist?

I have three main duties: presenting, producing and reporting.

I really enjoy reporting as there are loads of opportunities to be at the heart of the story with people. I didn’t go into journalism to be famous.

What I really love is storytelling and within the black community, there is a strong story-telling tradition.

What did you study at university?

I studied Literature and History and then did a Master’s degree at the London School of Economics and a Postgraduate Certificate in Media and TV Journalism at Preston Polytechnic, now part of the University of Central Lancaster.

What irritates you?

When I go on a job and I am ignored by a receptionist.

It’s the moment when he/ she realises that I have come from the BBC, then it’s suddenly like, “Oh, I’m sorry, how can I help you?”

This makes me laugh but it’s really sad, I think. I am not naive to think that the media industry is not without its prejudices but on the whole, I have had a good working life in broadcasting.

Who has been one of the most inspiring interviewees you have met?

It is not always the rich and famous but the person who has overcome an illness or achieved success through determination and effort.

Christine Belle, Presenter with independent Nottingham radio station Why choose Journalism as a career?

As a student, I chose to study English & Drama. After drama school, I attended Sussex University and fully expected to enter the teaching profession. But I fell out of love with teaching (insufficient patience) and needed to find something else to do.

Have you always loved reading and writing?

I have always loved narratives, reading novels, newspaper articles, writing poems and short stories so after a stint as a cinema usherette and cashier (an opportunity to access narrative through the medium of film), I found myself working with a collective of writers and community activists, presenting performance poetry. I’ve written stage and radio plays and worked as a Literature Development Officer for Nottinghamshire County Council.

Tell us about your media training experience The BBC provided training in radio journalism. I have also worked as a radio researcher and freelancer as well as presenting a Nottingham African Caribbean radio show called Back-A-Yard for many years.

How do you best prepare for an interview?

You cannot, through preparation alone, construct the perfect interview. It took me a long time to learn this! The only thing you can do is be prepared but most importantly, be ‘in-themoment’. Being able to ask questions, listen and respond to interesting answers and keep going even if – at an

outside broadcast - a pigeon decides to poo on your head.

This does happen!

with a whole new generation of digital, ‘tech-savvy’ audiences.

How important is representation in the media?

And finally, please tell us your top 5 tips for aspiring journalists and presenters

Experience tells us that for the BME community to relate our diverse, often complex stories, in whatever form, we have to first take ownership of our stories and be prepared to challenge misrepresentation in the media.

1. Learn to know who you are through life and work experiences 2. Know where to separate the subjective from the objective 3. Search for the truth in every feature 4. Know your audience and promote engagement 5. Earn money, have fun and enjoy!

How do you think Nottingham’s Creative Quarter could benefit the African Caribbean and BME communities?

The continuing development of the Creative Quarter in Nottingham does not ensure BME communities opportunity. For that to happen, we have to engage with it and have an organised plan to launch and to sustain our cultural narratives. We also have to make best use of new technologies, to connect

If you feel inspired to work in Journalism and want to find out more, contact: Reya El-Salahi @ www.reyatv.com.

E: carol.hinds@bbc.co.uk Listen to Christine Belle on the Mid Morning Show, Kemet FM www.975kemetfm.com or call 0115 9701 461.

For journalism workshops see page 28 E: info@nottinghamnewscentre.com

Education Support Available Mojatu is an innovative media company, that is keen to use information to help individuals and communities, leverage on the opportunities that exist.

We offer guidance and support on: •• Essay, reports and proposal writing •• Masters and PhD application support •• Proofreading •• Expert advice from top class students on academic excellence •• Preparation on how to make fantastic presentations •• Guides on how to access funding and scholarships globally •• General guidance on what to avoid when conducting academic research in the United Kingdom Education in the United Kingdom can be fun and stress free, without having to compromise on the rigour that results in academic excellence if students access support early enough and make adequate preparation to meet the various requirements in different universities.

Our goal is to guide people to make their first step towards a successful career.

Contact Mojatu today: 0115 845 7009 jobs@mojatu.com 167 Alfreton Road, NG7 3JR

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mojatu

Education & Training

Why learning, mentorship and uBuntu matters in attaining an accomplished life

By Dr Siyanda Mkweli

About the writer:

Dr Siyanda Mkweli works as a Systems Manager in a Health Informatics Service (HIS) for a local NHS organisation. In this write-up he shares his views on some of the values that drive him.

Dr. Mkweli is a former University of Zimbabwe lecturer in Structural Geology who over the past years re-skilled and moved away from the lecture room into management in the NHS. He was recently awarded the national NHS Mentor/ Coach of the Year, 2014. He received this prestigious award in a very colourful event held in central London by the NHS to celebrate leaders at all levels in health and social care.

The awards recognise leaders who have done brilliant work in improving patient care and experience; individuals who had gone the extra mile to motivate and inspire their peers, and provide exemplary leadership. In accepting the award Dr Mkweli is quoted as saying, “My 10 year old son asked me that having won the regional award what will happen if you win the national award, is the international award next ... maybe this is a lesson on how the NHS has become international�

In 2013, Dr. Mkweli had won the NHS East Midlands region, Coach/Mentor of the year award.

Nottingham Using skills appropriately

The modern world poses many societal challenges, some of them insurmountable and yet a great many of them conquerable. In life however, the challenge is to separate between the two and then use appropriate tools and knowhow to either negotiate around the obstacles or overcome them. Whilst obstacles and challenges have always been there in all human history, one is tempted to conclude that the modern world introduces more complex and more diverse challenges. Consequently, these challenges are more pronounced within those age groups that have not known any other world except the modern one. There is just no other experience to call upon!

I am particularly reminded of a CNN news article that I once saw on television. A two year old was struggling to open the pages of a magazine … wait for it …he was trying ‘a drag and slide’ with his fingers on the cover page, with the hope that other pages will slide in as the others slid out!! Who can blame him, he was using the skills that the modern world had taught him and that was his skill set developed from his experiences. Before you misunderstand me there is nothing wrong with this modernity, but this skill set on its own will fall short for this toddler! My belief is that we all owe it to each other in developing a more holistic understanding of our world. This is where I believe societal challenges, conquerable or not can be mitigated or overcome.

Learning through community

A recent piece of research

by Barclays reveals and makes some very startling conclusions concerning the age group that has only known the modern world.

• “School leavers are entering the workplace struggling to adapt to basic entry level jobs because of inability to perform simple tasks” • “More than 43% of business leaders surveyed said young people failed to properly understand how long to take for breaks or how often to take them” These observations may be easily glossed over yet they reveal something significant about how this particular age group is developing. The challenge is as much for this age group as it is for all of us. In a modern world where all is “cool” it can sometimes be difficult for one to lift up their hand and say “I need some input into my life”. I learnt to raise my hand much earlier on in my life. Without the helping hands and assuring voices of others, I am all too aware that my life could have turned out very differently. In particular, I learnt that in order to make any meaningful contribution to one’s life and society one must incorporate the authentic African philosophy of uBuntu that says, “I am because we are, We are because I am”.

This, together with my faith in God, informed and anchored my approach to life. My strong belief in that I am a better person when those around me also become better has meant that my gravitation into mentor/mentee – coach/ coached relationships came natural.

13 Inspired and empowered

Perhaps an understanding of some of my life milestones may help place things into perspective. In high school I was inspired by my teacher to consider a career in Geology, four years later I was working for a mining company as a Geologist, with an honours degree in Geology under my belt. Whilst studying for my first degree, one of my lecturers convinced me that I had all it takes to become a fine academic. Another six years on, I was standing in front of an international audience fully engaged with respected earth scientists, with a voice that could be listened to and a PhD to my credit.

Academia was not an end in my career path. I found myself in the UK without a job, having failed to secure a previously offered academic position in one of the local Universities.

Once again, with incredible support and advice from those around me I re-skilled and re-established myself a few years later as a competent IT professional and today I am a respected manager in IT.

The uBuntu philosophy

You are better when others around you are better

All the time I never lost sight of the uBuntu philosophy, realising that I am better, when others around me become better too!

From this I have found it easy to venture outside my normal work responsibilities, determined to see others around me become everything that they can possibly be. With assistance from my employer and a few individuals that I have identified as enablers in my life, I made myself available as mentor/coach to others to help focus their career paths and general skills in dealing with life. Outside work I do similar activities on a voluntary basis in various communities.

Why this story?

I believe my story shows how our lives can be shaped and refocused by people around us. With such inputs into our lives, our journeys in life can tack trajectories that were never in our dreams or plans. The important thing is never to stand still no matter the challenges - keep pursuing all possible paths that come your way. It is easy to view life and think those that make it are those that have got it all figured out. My experiences suggest otherwise, you can achieve, you can become something for as long as you are determined and are willing to adapt, learn new skills and accept there are others who have trod the same paths before you. Whilst the ultimate responsibility lies with the individual, never underestimate the power of a nurturing voice and a guiding hand.

Dr. Mkweli’s video explaining why he won his category is available on this link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQ7IDycpLDs See more about his community and voluntary work at www.milloservices.co.uk

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mojatu

News

Recognising the achievements of Black Community Activists

by Michael Henry Communities Inc. have produced a resource documenting black community activism in the East Midlands, over the last 60 years and copies are now available to order by organisations working with young people.

The brochure, designed to inspire the younger generation to get involved with their communities, has been widely acclaimed.

Nottingham based poet and author Pitman Browne says: “ I have just been looking at the artistic and colourful way you have designed the brochure. I like the map of the East Midlands region. Powerfully illustrative, telling me that you did quite a lot of whistle-stop-promotional-tours across the region. All of us involved in this must surely be full of gratitude!”

The project was funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund for the East Midlands and took over a year to complete. Communities Inc. Director, Shamsher Chohan says, “It’s been really great to recognise the achievements of ordinary black people doing extraordinary things!”

Shamsher Chohan

Copies of the brochure can be ordered at: blackcommunityactivism.org.uk or by calling Communities Inc. on 0115 9101469.

Food Bank support for local people in Nottingham City Centre

by Natasha Hughes A food bank has recently opened at Springs of Life Christian Centre (SOLIC) that will provide emergency food parcels to help local people overcome short-term crisis, with sufficient food to feed an individual or family for three days.

The food bank is being run by local churches working together with support from Hope Nottingham, which has already established food banks in Beeston and other locations around Nottingham. You can find it at Clumber Hall, High Cross Street, City Centre, Nottingham, NG1 3AX. Food parcels are given to people who have a food voucher.

This is a simple voucher given to them by agencies such as Citizens Advice or Health Visitors. People that bring a voucher are given a warm welcome, a hot drink and a listening ear as well as a food parcel.

They can receive further advice and support so that they can overcome their difficulties, as there can be many reasons why people may find themselves in this kind of difficulty, such as redundancy or bereavement, benefit or pension delays.

By working together, this new scheme can hopefully give people real hope.

For more information: www.hopenottingham.org.uk

Questions for Nigel Adams: 1. Do you have to be a Christian to receive help?

Not at all, primarily we are here to help and support anyone who is in need of our help. Of course, if they wish to be prayed for or seek guidance from God then that support will come naturally.

2. How are you advertising this scheme, not to businesses but to the people who need your help?

We do not publicly advertise the Food Bank as such because we ideally need people to come holding a food voucher which they can receive from help agencies.

Of course if someone were to turn up last minute and was really in need of our help then we would not turn them away, but principally we guide them to seek help from

agencies such as Citizens’ Advice first, and they will then be sent to us if this is the help they need.

3. Where and when does Food Bank take place?

We are here at Clumber Hall, every Wednesday from 10am-12pm. But there are also many other Food Banks taking place in different churches all over Nottingham.

We hope to have a Food Bank open somewhere in the Nottinghamshire area everyday of the week, to be there for people when they need it most.

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Nottingham

George Africanus Heritage Lottery Project

by Norma Gregory

BELONG, a Nottingham based BME organisation, has successfully been awarded a National Heritage Lottery Grant to present the life of George Africanus. The grant of £69,000 was awarded for the 18 month project titled, ‘George Africanus-From Slavery to Freedom and Citizenship,’ and focuses on presenting George Africanus in relation to Nottingham’s history.

Belong is led by Jean-Didier Mualaba and aims to provide valuable integration support for individuals through a variety of support, advice, guidance, training and job-search related activities. The University of Nottingham, Nottingham News Centre, Nottinghamshire Archives, volunteers and members of the Belong team are part of a steering group to support the successful delivery of the community project.

Rosanna Ottewell, Project Coordinator stated: “This project is about an African man who, by virtue of his extraordinary life, would hold a prominent position in any role of honour of Nottingham’s ancestors. He was stolen at the age of 3 from West Africa, robbed of his language, his culture, his community, his home and his family and sold into a life of servitude - yet he went on to become Nottingham’s first Black entrepreneur, owning property, running businesses and taking his place in Civil life by voting in elections and helping to police outbreaks of public disorder.

Our intention is to ensure that people come to know the name of George Africanus and the story of his life and that they take him to their heart as the exceptional man from our local history that he is.

As well as conducting further research into the life of George Africanus, the project’s purpose is to create a website, a touring

exhibition, and literature and learning materials. Members of the community are encouraged to get involved. Training and support will be provided including IT training and assistance to build the project’s website and undertake research at the National Archives, Wolverhampton Archives and the British Library. The Nottingham News Centre will host a series of George Africanus Journalism workshops to train volunteers in magazine article writing, print and broadcast interviewing skills and the opportunity to create a professional portfolio. Selected pieces of writing will be featured in a future edition of Mojatu Magazine.”

For more information about George Africanus email enquiries@belongnottingham.co.uk or visit http://www.diversitynottingham.org.uk/george-africanus http://www. mylearning.org.uk/who-was-george-africanus

Rwandan Kwibuka Flame of Remembrance visits Beeston Town Hall The Kwibuka Flame of Remembrance paid a special visit to the Town Hall in Beeston during its journey across the UK to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Rwandan genocide.

Amdani Juma, Chair of the Nottingham Rwandan Community and a survivor of the Rwandan genocide, visited The Mayor of the Borough of Broxtowe, Councillor Iris White on Friday 21st February with the flame as part of Kwibuka20.

Kwibuka means ‘remember’ in Kinyarwanda. Rwanda’s language is used to describe the annual commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The Flame of Remembrance was lit in London in January and is travelling the UK, passing through Oxford, Reading, Coventry, before reaching Nottingham.

The torch has since continued its journey onto Sheffield, Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle and Scotland before finally arriving in Birmingham on 12th April.

For more information contact Amdani Juma on amdani.aisd@ gmail.com or visit www.kwibuka.org

kwibuka20 Event @ Friday 25th April 2014

11am - 12pm St marys Church High Pavements, Lace Market, NG1 1HN Rev. Christopher Harrison and Rwandan Community

12.30pm - 15pm Nottingham City Council House, Market Square NG1

Lunch, Film and Speeches from Genocide Survivors, the Lord Mayor of Nottingham, the Rwandan High Commissioner, Lillian Greenwood Mp and Cllr Graham Chapman etc.

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mojatu

Community

Chat’bout up

Steps

The Marcus Garvey Centre in Nottingham plays host to a number and variety of events and happenings and on the 29th January it proved the ideal venue for an event titled, Step into your Future intended to encourage BME (Black and Minority Ethnic) young people, 18-24 to take up apprenticeships. This was one of a series of events leading up to National Apprenticeship Week, and taking place in different venues around the city.

The Nottingham City Council is supporting these events three of which are being delivered by FUEL (First Universal Enterprises Limited) and two

by ACETS (Afro-Caribbean Education & Training Service). The Marcus Garvey event was the first and had an unusual aspect, as young people were central to the planning, marketing and delivery of the event. The young people are all part of participation network called Chat’bout who are making a name for themselves by providing a platform for representation of the voice and views of young people in a number of areas. The network currently consists of young people who are keen to make a contribution, gain experience and influence services. They aim to reflect the needs of young people who might not otherwise be heard. All current members have support in pursuing their own interests and career choices.

Carys Bowen-Jones 20, is training to be an Events Manager at New College Nottingham and played a pivotal role in developing and overseeing the event. Carys said: “More events are needed in Nottingham to encourage young people to take up careers as not enough is being done in schools. A new approach is needed to provide information, advice and guidance which will enable young people from BME groups to access the opportunities available. I gained insights from the event about how much young people want to engage but don’t always have the information they need”.

Asked about whether the event had proved useful to her, Carys commented that, “event’s organisers at my stage of training usually have to act as Juniors.

Trust was placed in me to take a lead role and it was

good to have the responsibility and experience of being in charge”.

The other members of Chat’bout were on hand to book people in to the event. to escort people around, run workshops, and even provided cupcakes! Music was provided

by Soundbox and goodie bags were sponsored by Groundwork Trust Nottingham.

The next BME apprenticeship event will take place in Bulwell on 7th March at the Red Lion Community Centre. This has been organised by FUEL. There are further events in Sneinton and the Meadows and a final event organised by Chat’bout on the 28th March at the Victoria Leisure Centre. A conference focusing on employment for BME young people will take place at Nottingham University Campus on 5th April, organised

by Inspiring Greatness and will launch the Community Partnership Forum.

For more information about Chat’bout and the other Step into your Future events, email reach.outcomes@yahoo.co.uk or call 07804 493182.

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Ghana Independence Special A tribute to Dr. Kwame Nkrumah by Kwame Osei March 6th is poignant day in Ghana and the African continent as a whole. The day marks the birthday of the independence of the state of Ghana, led by its first president, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah who was voted The African of the 20th century by the BBC Africa listeners’ poll.

This article presents a summarised version of the exclusive feature of what Dr. Nkrumah acheived for Ghana. Despite the attempts by some sections of Ghanaian society to rubbish and downplay the colossal achievements of this great man, a great many things can still be attributed to his visionary leadership and personality. Dr. Nkrumah also did a lot for Africa and for the African people.

Ali Mazrui, a highly respected African historian said once that , “Nkrumah was a great Afrikan but not a good Ghanaian”. However, Ghanaians can see the handwriting of Dr. Nkrumah on all their institutions and infrastructure in Ghana today.

Part of Osagyefo’s grand vision for Ghana was to take it into the industrial age and make the country self-reliant and self-sufficient in all areas of nation building and development and take the country from an enslaved colonial economy to an economically liberated one.

In 1962 in a radio address to the nation entitled Work and Happiness: Ghana’s Seven Year Development Plan Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah launched a massive industrialization drive. Kwame Nkrumah was also well aware that without industrialization, Ghana was going nowhere. The vision for this grand scheme was founded on the Volta River Project, a huge project that sought to explore Ghana’s vast bauxite reserves to process it into aluminum.

As such, Nkrumah orchestrated the Akosombo Dam to be built which at the time was a colossal undertaking.

The Akosombo Dam was not only meant to spearhead Ghana’s industrial revolution, but it was also to supply other Afrikan countries in the sub-region with cheap electricity, giving further credence to his Pan-Afrikan ideology.

In addition to industrialisation, he was also instrumental in growth of agriculture, health, education and other social and economic sectors in the country.

Having taken over from the colonialists, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah was diligent in initiating steps towards growth of the modern day Ghana.

As we celebrate another Ghana Independence Day, let us take pride in the work Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah did for our country.

Long Live Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah!

Dr. Kwane Nkruma

Trent to Trenches: Nottingham Joins Global Commemorations for World War I by Norma Gregory Nottingham City Council joins national commemorations this year to mark one hundred years since the start of World War 1, which began on the 28th July 1914 and ended 11th November 1918. Over 10 million soldiers died, 20 million soldiers and civilians wounded and 8 million people classed as missing. WW1 is deemed as the most catastrophic war economically, socially and politically and now labelled the fifth deadliest conflict in world history.

After years of campaigning, it is now widely acknowledged that over 16,000 African, Caribbean, Asian and non- European volunteer soldiers made significant contributions to the war effort despite being given menial tasks and sub-standard equipment. The British West Indian Regiment fought battles in Egypt, Italy, France, India, Palestine, Iraq, Belgium, and East Africa.

The Lord Mayor of Nottingham, Councillor Merlita Bryan, backed by the Lord Lieutenant of Nottingham, will host an event for relatives of World War veterans. If you would like to find out more email the Civic Office at Civic.Office@ nottinghamcity.gov.uk for information.

Walter Tull (1888 – 1918) A professional footballer for Tottenham Hotspur and Northampton Town.

During WW1 he served in the Footballers’ Battalion of the Middlesex Regiment and fought in the Battle of Somme in 1916. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1917, despite the 1914 Manual of Military Law specifically excluding “negroes and mulattos” from being in positions of command or officers. Tull was killed in action on 25th March, 1918 aged 29, during the Spring Offence in France. His body was never recovered.

References: Lydon, Dan (2011). Walter Tull: Footballer, Soldier, Hero. Collins Educational. ISBN 978-0-00-733637-1.

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mojatu

Kenya Nottingham Welfare Association (KNWA) Kenyans Strive for Success through KNWA

by Norma Gregory

The Kenya Nottingham Welfare Association (KNWA) was inaugurated in June 2011 through the realisation that there was a large Kenyan community in Nottingham, willing to work together to support each other.

Through member elections in 2013, the KNWA has a fully elected executive office, with Patrick Mutula as Chairman; Assistant Chair being Joseph Nuturunga; Secretary, Michael Turunga; Mr Kefuga as Treasurer as well as Youth Representatives. There are around 100 registered Kenyan members, who meet on a monthly basis and contribute at least £10 per month to support the funding of the organisation.

“There are well over 500 Kenyans in Nottingham who we are encouraging to become members of the KNWA and to support community cohesion as it is cultural for Kenyans to support each other. This was the reason the KNWA was formed, to try to bring together what we used to do.” said Michael Kioko, one of the founder members of KNWA. Kioko added, “The real challenges for Kenyans in Nottingham is not being aware of what is available to them, in terms of resources and organisations that can help and recognise who we

are. On a more sensitive note, some Kenyans have issues with immigration, housing and training. The KNWA aims to assist individuals and families in need, particularly through family bereavement.”

“Our goals for the future are to support our young people and encourage them to aim high and to build the KNWA according to the members’ needs” said Joseph Joseph Moseti. “We need to see more highly qualified Kenyan business people with potential to succeed.”

The KNWA invites companies to sponsor Kenyan cultural events in Nottingham so that visitors can attend for free.

“We celebrated Kenyan culture such as Madaraka Day at the Marcus Garvey Centre, Nottingham on the 1st June 2013 and gain sponsorship from the Kenyan Embassy to hold a free event like Mashujaa Day (Kenya’s Heroes Day), held on the 28th October 2013 at the Bulwell Academy, Nottingham.

Everyone is welcome.”

If you would like to join the Kenya Nottingham Welfare Association contact Patrick Mutula on: 07576 848781 or go to their website at: www.knwa.org.uk or www.facebook. cpm/KenyaNottinghamWelfareAssociation

Images of the Mashujaa Day celebration in Nottingham organised by KNWA where local heroes were recognised for their contribution in the community, among them Mojatu Foundation who have consistently supported KNWA and other community organisations.

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Kenya@50 Students’ Conference The Kenya High Commission, UK in collaboration with Coventry University hosted a celebration of Kenya@50 student conference on Saturday 8th February 2013. The event was a continuation of the Golden Jubilee Celebration and was exclusive to Kenya Students across UK. Themed Skilled Manpower, the conference was definitely suitable for the many Kenyan students and organisations looking at the fast-paced growth Kenya is experiencing. It highlighted the progress that has been achieved in Kenya through the development and modernisation of essential infrastructures and policies. With graduates in the United Kingdom struggling to find stable employment, the conference was a refreshing tone to hear professional speakers motivating the youths.

The conference consisted of presentations by the High Commissioner H.E. Ephrhaim Ngare, Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Education Science and

Technology, Prof Jacob Kaimenyi, CEO of Higher Loans Education Board (HELB) Charles Ringera, Rev. Dr. Lukas Njenga CEO Heart for the City and other dignitaries.

They addressed major topics affecting students in UK such as the role of student Diaspora in Kenya’s development, investing in education and its reforms, effects of immigration and investment in businesses with the aim of empowering and encouraging students to achieve their ambitions.

During the event, an amnesty for HELB loans repayment was announced for UK based professionals who had received support from the HELB during their studies in Kenya. Mr. Ringera requested the delegates to spread the word on the need for enhancing education in Kenya by repaying their loans and enabling new generation of professionals and entrepreneurs to be developed through better education.

mojatu

Faith & Spirituality

20

I AM BECAUSE I BELIEVE My name is Valentine Resiato Nkoyo,

I

was born and brought up in a small Maasai village called EorEnkitok in Narok County, Kenya in 1984. Growing up as a young Maasai girl in a big polygamous family wasn’t easy, especially because I was not given equal opportunities compared to my siblings. I was constantly sent home to collect school fees and because my mother could not afford to pay for my fees, I spent a lot of time at home helping her to run the farm and other chores like walking for miles to fetch water and firewood while other children were in school. Each time I was sent home, people pushed me to get married as most of my friends were married off to older men at the age of about 13. I never lost hope because I believed God would make a way for me as I kept praying that I will be the one to save my family from poverty. I got involved in a lot of charity work in our local church believing the rewards for serving God were greater than the challenges I was facing.

I did my Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) first in 1997 and then lost two years trying to join secondary school. I went from office to office but got no help. My elder brother (Ledama) convinced me to go back to primary school for one more year so as to sit for KCPE in 2000 for the third time after staying at home for a whole year. Because I was older than my classmates, they used to call me grandma but this never made lose focus.

Ledama promised that he will pay for me to take a tailoring course after my studies because he was not in a position to afford secondary school fees. Unfortunately he passed away a few months later and this was such a big blow for me and my family. The fear of not knowing how the future would look like affected me so badly that at some point, I felt like it was not worth living. I continued praying and I still had a very strong feeling that I had a call to change my own life and help others escape poverty. I was lucky to get some relatives commited to support me through my secondary education but they stopped paying

my fees two years before finishing my After reciting the poem, we both broke education. down. He vowed to do his best to ensure I got the best out of education! He sold I had to fight so hard to remain in one of his biggest bulls so I could go education and at some point the back to school. frustrations pushed me to write a poem to my father in my mother Unfortunately, I lost my dad several tongue pleading with him to consider months after he vowed to see me have my education as I was a child like the best education. I was very lucky to others. As a teenage girl, I was not allowed to speak to my father directly get a scholarship to finish my secondary education. This was a great achievement about certain sensitive things as I could only do so through my mother. and I did so well and got admission I requested him to listen to me. This is letters to three good universities in the English version of the poem: Kenya. This little poem changed my life Take me to school father and it has continued to have a positive impact on my life and the lives of others.

Take me to school father So I may be like Elizabeth Who drives the red car And who is always happy For was she not a girl like me?

Take me to school father So I may not be like Naserian Who has now five children Strands of wire covered by skin Is what they have for bodies Skinny, scronny, skimpy With teary eyes they gaze Despairingly at their mother Who has naught to offer.

Take me to school father For those children haunt me Will I end up like Naserian?

Whose husband whips her daily?

For is she not his sixth sheep?

And by the way A present from a grateful age mate Why was I born a girl?

To become a symbol of gratitude?

Take me to school father You tell me I will deviate And shame you with bad manners Is rejecting an old man bad manners?

Is declining initiation bad manners?

Is planning my family bad manners?

Is dressing smartly bad manners?

Is being a girl child bad manners?

Take me to school now For the symbol of labour I detest!

The symbol of pleasure I detest!

The symbol of gratitude I detest!

The girl child is mouse no more She is a tiger ready to fight for rights.

“...Growing up as a young

Maasai girl in a big polygamous family wasn’t easy...

Joining the university in Kenya was just but a dream after I finished my secondary education in 2004. Through the support of family and friends from Africa, America and Europe, I managed to join Kabarak University, Kenya in September 2007 after trying for two years to raise funds for my further education.

After two years of my business course in Kenya, I felt I needed a challenge and I decided to take a six month break from my course to study Creative Writing and Film Making.

This was due to my passion for writing and the fact that I believe in the power of words and images in solving most of the social issues facing society. The poem had already worked for me and I wanted to nurture my writing talent to be able to address things I felt were unfair in my community. Efforts to go to America for six months never materialised. During a conference I was presenting at in Nairobi, I met with staff from York St John University (including the then Deputy Vice Chancellor). They later offered me a six month scholarship to study Creative Writing and Film Making.

At the age of 25, I needed to convince a panel of 7 village elders why I needed to

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travel to the UK given I didn’t have friends here and that I was also taking a break to study something different from my business course. They were also worried I would never go back home. I told them there was no other home I knew by then rather than my place of birth. I didn’t have to go to that meeting or justify to anyone why I wanted to leave. I was the only woman allowed in that meeting but I went along as I needed their blessings and never wanted to be an outcast in my own community. I got the blessings from them and came to the UK in January 2009. six months later, I returned home and started a project to help children through the primary school I went to in EorEnkitok village.

Things changed so fast as I started getting visits from the same village elders who were questioning my intentions for travelling and most of them were asking for advise on how we could help the village.

I will soon be embarking on a school project I started 2009 to continue supporting my village Eor-Enkitok. I am also involved in different campaigns and will be working on different community projects through my new foundation.

Each stage of my education was full of challenges. I faced the challenges with courage and confidence knowing that there was light at the end of the tunnel as all I wanted was a brighter future for myself, my family and my community.

I also felt I needed to prove what boys could do girls could do as well. This has continued to inspire me to do good for other people back home and here in the UK. During the six months I was studying in York, I got involved in a lot of volunteering helping with raising funds for other students, raising the aspirations of young

people in schools, working with the local media among other things. The university was impressed with my contribution and performance and awarded me a full scholarship to come back and finish my business degree. I came back to England in September 2009.

Graduating with a first class honours degree, winning different awards and getting a job with an overseas NonGovernmental Organisation in the UK before graduating, is beyond what I imaged I could achieve only five years ago! All the adversities I overcame made me stronger to keep fighting for what I wanted and believed in. Among the awards I have won over the past four years include:

• In 2011,

named The

International Student of the Year for Yorkshire and Humber region in the British Council Shine! Awards, having been chosen from a pool of 1,200 students from 118 countries. www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/yorkshire-living/healthfamily/from-a-maasai-village-to-university-lifein-yorkshire-1-3211641

• In 2011, awarded the C & B Rouse Award by York St John University as recognition for community service, contribution to university life and academic achievement.

www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/9366080.Special_ award_for_York_St_John_University_student/

• In 2010, named The Adult Learner of

the Year for Yorkshire and the Humber region by the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education.

www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/8192498.Valentine_

Nkoyo_wins_award_for_fighting_for_her_ education/

Six months ago, I was approached by a writer who knew about my story and we are currently working on a theatrical play script based on my story. He aims to have a film made based on my story as well.

If I made it to where I am despite the constant knockbacks, young people going through similar situations and difficulties in life can make it as well with a positive attitude to be the change they want to see!

I am because I believe!

Valentine Nkoyo E: vsiato@gmail.com M: +447794372214 W: www.valentinenkoyo.com www.mojatu.com/foundation

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mojatu

Arts & Culture

The Nottingham Connection Writer: Lee Arbouin Review by Natasha Hughes

Book Review

As a synopsis, one might say that The Nottingham Connection is a biographical novel, as it is a compilation of four particular women’s memoirs.

However, it is so much more than that. It is in fact a beautiful tribute to these inspiring women, all of whom have overcome many obstacles in their lives (partly as a result of their Jamaican roots and the deep racism that plagued England during the 1960s).

Lee Arbouin takes us into the lives of these women, Olga, Madge, Eunice and Lee, herself, leading us through all of their individual experiences from childhood to present day. Her style of writing is coherent, informative, but most importantly personable, allowing her readers to develop a deep bond with the women. Their stories are all full of pain, heart-ache and struggles, but they also convey love (particularly towards their children) and are quite often humorous.

These women, despite their past experiences, are all kindhearted women who have all contributed something to

The cover of the book

The writer, Lee Arbouin

Nottingham at some point in their lives. Their stories are emotive, but also inspirational. It is lovely to see that they have finally received the recognition they deserve.

Real life, personal tales that are so eventful, you would think they were fiction. Well worth a read!

Buy the book at Waterstones Bookshop, Nottingham, Mahogany stall in Victoria Centre, Nottingham or online at Amazon on this link: www.amazon.co.uk/The-Nottingham-Connection-LeeArbouin/dp/1468581910

You can watch the interview on YouTube channel of Nottingham News Centre at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6vprYJfgaA

Review by Gina Thegah

Film Review

‘I will not fall into despair’ is arguably the most resonating message in Steve McQueen’s, 12 Years a Slave.

The gripping narrative follows the true story of Solomon Northup, an African American from the 19th century who after being born a free man, was abducted and sold to slavery.

The biopic cannot be credited without giving great acclaim to actors Chiwetel Ejiofor, Lupita Nyong’o and Michael Fassbender, who showcased spectacular talent, making one feel incredible empathy for the non- fictional characters who suffered such torture.

The poetic script also cannot go unmentioned. It really gives the film a great quality of depth and meaning through the constant references to ‘not falling into despair’; fortifying the overall message of hope and determination.

Although it is a topically sensitive film that may leave some audiences feeling uneasy and others angry, it truly is a must see in many aspects. It is entertaining, thrilling, raw, emotional and above all, it sends out a great compliment to the Africa race as it expresses their strength to overcome overwhelming obstacles. Steve McQueen has truly captured a great story and shared it realistically well.

Lupita Nyong’o, winner of the best supporting actress at the 86th Oscar Academy Awards for her role in 12 Years a Slave.

Read exlusive Interview in the next Mojatu magazine issue

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Nottingham

Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom Review by Pitman Browne Honour our Heroes! It seems as though this film was challenging me to go home and bring along my two sons which is just as well I did. Now, they are coming to terms with the indications ascribed to a journey so great –it is unspeakable!

Film Review

The film from start to middle, opened up a spiral of treasured information to do with the early years of a barrister and activist of passionate speeches –providing an eye-opener to complement what we now know was his final release from prison.

Moral courage at every level! He had to be a strong man to do it. At certain points, I completely forgot that Idris Elba was only an actor. With the help of make-up specialists, he seemed to slow down and age during the film, so at 75 when government ministers met for a face-to-face proposal for powersharing, I was stunned by the agility of his mind; concentration ever so sharp, I thought ya ya ya this guy is ready! He equated their agenda as based on fear of a backlash from millions of Africans yearning for one man, one vote: “I wouldn’t like to be in your position”, he stressed.

Nothing short of a cast of thousands and oh I just loved the dances. Mass demonstrations and the soft velvet symphonic music counterbalanced by the loudest-of-the-loud African bashment!

Naomi Harris, whilst displaying sensational acting skill, brought me close to entertaining the view that Winnie Mandela was not the real hero in this film. Putting it another way, Justin Chadwick, the director, gave precedence to Nelson Mandela at every level of the debate.

Oh, and by the way –I nearly forgot – there is a mistake in the film. Mandela on becoming acquainted with Winnie for the first time remarks, “I know you, your name is Winnie Mandela and you are a Social Worker.” Question: How could he describe her as Winnie Mandela when he wasn’t married to her yet? Her maiden name must have been different before attaining the name ‘Mandela’ at their marriage.

A great film to watch for a great man.

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela 18 July 1918 – 5 December 2013

Jayone’s Beauty Pageant Nottingham will be hosting the third leg of Jayone’s Beauty Pageant, a charity event raising money for the Sickle Cell Society on Saturday 8th June 2014.

There will be a number of auditions held in different areas of Nottingham leading up to this date, with the first auditions tak ing place on 22nd and 23rd February 2014. groups: The pageant consists of three age s old r yea 7-9 •• Mini Madame’s •• Little Miss 10-12 year olds •• Sweet Teen 13-18 year olds

four categories: With each group competing in nt and Represent a Ball Gown, Natural Beauty, Tale Countr y.

Derby and Previous pageants were held in usand pounds tho e thre r ove ed Leicester and rais went to the charities combined. The proceeds raised upon a star.

Wishes4kids and When you wish Leicester in August The grand final will take place in ners from the 2014, where all the previous win different regions will compete. and where to apply, To find out more on the pageant tmail.com email: beauty_pageant2013@ho

or call: 0798 8454 669

Cell Anaemia For more information on Sickle and Sickle Cell Society, visit: www.sicklecellsociety.org

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mojatu

Health

8

ridiculous myths about meat consumption and health

There is a lot of nonsense in nutrition. One of the worst examples is the constant propaganda against meat consumption. Here are 8 ridiculous myths about meat consumption and health.

1. Meat Rots in Your Colon Some people claim that meat doesn’t get digested properly and “rots” in your colon. This is absolute nonsense, probably invented by dishonest vegans in order to scare people away from eating meat. What happens when we eat meat, is that it gets broken down by stomach acid and digestive enzymes. In the small intestine, the proteins are broken down into amino acids and the fats are broken down into fatty acids. After that, they get absorbed over the digestive wall and into the bloodstream.

There’s nothing left to “rot” in your colon.

If you want to know what really “rots” in your colon, it’s indigestible plant matter (fibre)… from vegetables, fruits, grains and legumes. The human digestive system doesn’t have the enzymes necessary to break down fibre, which is why it travels all the way to the colon. There, it gets fermented (rots) by the friendly bacteria in the intestine, which turns it into nutrients and beneficial compounds like the short-chain fatty acid butyrate. This is what keeps the friendly bacteria alive and many studies are showing that feeding these bacteria properly is incredibly important for optimal health. So, meat doesn’t rot in the colon. Plants do… and this is actually a good thing.

Bottom Line: The nutrients in meat are broken down and absorbed way before they reach the colon. However, fiber from plants does ferment (“rot”) in the colon, which is actually a good thing as it feeds the friendly bacteria.

2. Meat Is High in Harmful Saturated Fat and Cholesterol One of the main arguments

against meat is that it tends to be high in both saturated fat and cholesterol. But this really isn’t a cause for concern, because new science has shown both of them to be harmless. Despite being seen as something to be feared, cholesterol is actually a vital molecule in the body. It is found in every cell membrane and used to make hormones. The liver produces large amounts of it to make sure we always have enough. When we get a lot of cholesterol from the diet, the liver just produces less of it instead, so the total amount doesn’t change much.

In fact, in about 70% of people, cholesterol in the diet has negligible effects on cholesterol in the blood. In the other 30% (termed hyper-responders), there is a mild elevation in LDL cholesterol, but HDL (which is protective) also goes up.

The same is true with saturated fat, it also raises HDL (the

“good”) cholesterol. But even when saturated fat and/or cholesterol cause mild increases in LDL, this is not a problem because they change the LDL particles from small, dense LDL (very bad) to Large LDL, which is protective. Studies show that people who have mostly large LDL particles have a much lower risk of heart disease. Therefore, it is not surprising to see that in population studies that include hundreds of thousands of people, saturated fat and cholesterol are not associated with an increased risk of heart disease. In fact, some studies show that saturated fat is linked to a reduced risk of stroke, another very common cause of death and disability. When they put this to the test in actual human experiments, making people cut saturated fat and replacing it with “heart healthy” vegetable oils (which happen to lower cholesterol), it actually increases the risk of death.

Bottom Line: It is true that meat tends to be high in saturated fat and cholesterol, but this is not a cause for concern because they do not have adverse effects on blood cholesterol or increase the risk of heart disease.

3. Meat Causes Heart Disease and Type 2 Diabetes Strangely enough, meat

is often blamed for Western diseases like heart disease and type 2 Diabetes.

Heart disease didn’t become a problem until the early 20th century and type 2 diabetes only a few decades ago. These diseases are new… but meat is an old food.

Humans and pre-humans have been eating meat for millions of years. Blaming an old food for new health problems makes absolutely no sense.

Fortunately, we do have two very large, very thorough studies that can put our minds at ease. In a massive study published in the year 2010, researchers pooled data from 20 studies that included a total of 1,218,380 individuals. They found no link between consumption of unprocessed red meat and heart disease or diabetes. Another major study from Europe that included 448,568 individuals found no link between unprocessed red meat and these diseases.

However, both of these studies found a strong increase in risk for people who ate processed meat. For this reason, it is very important to make a distinction between the different types of meat. Many studies apparently showing that “red meat” is harmful didn’t adequately make the distinction between processed and unprocessed meat. Processed foods in general are pretty awful… this isn’t just true of meat.

Bottom Line: Many massive studies have examined the relationship between meat consumption, heart disease and diabetes. They found a strong link for processed meat, but no effect for unprocessed red meat.

In the next issue...

read the rest of the 5 myths

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Nottingham

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) should end now!

Mojatu joins the campaign

It is estimated that as many as 66,000 women in the UK have suffered female genital mutilation (FGM). FGM can only be effectively eliminated through a broad framework of both legislative and educational measures.

by Frank Kamau

This month, Mojatu Foundation is to launch a twelve month campaign focusing on ways in which to support, educate and inform the public and facilitate changes in legislation and policy relating to FGM, both locally and internationally. This is by forming stronger bonds with other organisations and creating a better platform for media coverage and information dissemination on FGM. This will entail joining hands with organisation such as Equality Now and Daughters of Eve who have been working to eliminate FGM in the UK and globally over the last 30 years. We will also look at bringing to the forefront innovative FGM combating strategies such as those adopted by Maasai through initiatives and partnerships with Tasaru Ntomonok Initiative (TNI).

We endeavour to fight in breaking the cycle of abuse through recognising FGM as a serious form of violence rather than something which is ‘cultural’ and which needs to be ‘abandoned’. We recognise that to successfully eliminate FGM, a synergy of actions is needed, including partnerships between government and civil society. This brings together community education, protection measures, justice outcomes and the provision of services to address the health complications.

FGM does not occur in a vacuum; millions of women

who have undergone it, have often experienced other forms of violence. Efforts to eliminate FGM which do not consider its root causes are not enough.

Furthermore, allowing perpetrators to take the lead and ignoring the fact that FGM is rooted in gender inequality means that the foundations for all other forms of Violence Against Women & Girls (VAWG) are not dealt effectively. Our objective is to ensure a world which is free not only of FGM but from all forms of violence and discrimination against women and girls are eliminated.

In the next issue, Mojatu will be carrying stories and interviews with campaigners, expert and seasoned activists for FGM in the UK and in Africa. We believe that FGM can be significantly reduced - if not totally abolished - within a generation.

Leyla Hussein on FGM: “Making sure my daughter wasn’t cut is my greatest achievement.”

Waris Dirie of Desert Flower Foundation, Leyla Hussein – Daughters of Eve and Tasaru Ntomonok Initiative on FGM Read more about Mojatu Foundation FGM activities in exclusive interview in the next Mojatu magazine

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Business & Finance

mojatu

Street Entrepreneur Programme As a social enterprise we want to bring out the best in people (children, young people and adults), both in professional and personal settings through our three core areas of work, in which we develop people through Financial Literacy, (Money Management, Debt Management, Investments) Entrepreneurship (Income Generation, Business Start-up, Business Growth & Employability) and Personal Development (Life Coaching & Professional Executive Coaching & Mentoring).

We deliver tailor made programmes for specific clientele. One such programme is called The Street Entrepreneur Programme that works with people that use the informal economy to generate an income and supplies them with the skills, knowledge and the networks to set up legitimate and ethical businesses.

We have a number of free programmes that will take place this year, some for residents of St. Ann’s

and the Meadows and others for Nottingham City residents.

In addition to this, we use our EVS (Electronic Voting Systems) to make the learning experience more relevant and interesting to help fully engaged and motivated individuals. We also hire and sell our EVS to other organisations to use for training events, conferences, consultations and seminars; anywhere an organisation wants to know what their audiences are saying; to be able to capture that information electronically within minutes.

For more information:

https://www.dropbox. com/s/cnyextwtucn5xrb/ EVS%20detail%20sheet%20 %28dropbox%20link%29.pdf

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Nottingham

Common traps to avoid when claiming expenses Five common mistakes self-employed people make when claiming expenses... ENDS HERE!

By Emily Coltman Is it a nightmare trying to work out all of your business expenses? And do you even know what you can – and can’t – claim tax relief on when you’re preparing your business accounts?

Claiming all food and drink when you’re out and about

When you’re a sole trader or a partner, you’re not allowed to claim the cost of all food and drink you buy when you’re out and about on business. HMRC takes the stern line that everyone must eat to live, and it is less generous with the self-employed in this area than with employees.

You can only claim tax relief on the cost of your food and drink when you’re making a journey that’s outside your normal working pattern, such as going to visit a client who you usually deal with online. HMRC don’t define “normal working pattern” in any more detail, so if you include a claim for the cost of food and drink on this basis, be prepared to justify it to a visiting inspector.

You can also claim “reasonable” costs of food and drink if your business is by nature itinerant - for example if you’re travelling round the country with a mobile children’s zoo - or if you’re staying away from home overnight on business.

Claiming too much in motor expenses

You can claim the cost of making business journeys in your own car, but there are two separate ways you might be able to do this, and a common mistake is to mix them up.

If your turnover is under the VAT threshold (which is £77,000 a year at the moment) you can use what I call the mileage method, which is to add up your business miles and multiply them by HMRC’s approved mileage rates, and claim tax relief on that cost.

The other option is what I call the actual cost method, which is to add up the total of everything you spend on the car – petrol, repairs, insurance, MOT etc... – and multiply that by the business use percentage of the car. You’d work that out by adding up your business mileage and your personal mileage, then taking the business mileage as a percentage of your total mileage. Using this method you can also claim some capital allowances on the cost of the car.

You can’t combine the methods, though. HMRC’s mileage rates are designed to cover the full cost of buying and running the car, so you can’t, for example, claim both mileage and capital allowances.

Not claiming business use of home

If you work from home as part of your freelance business, whether that’s all the time or just occasionally, then you may

well be able to claim some of the running costs of your home as costs of your business, so reducing your tax bill.

For more information, check out this video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8FsUIZpAKU

Treating non-employees as staff

Unless someone is actually on your payroll as an employee, the cost of taking them out for a thank-you for their work counts as business entertaining. That applies even in the case where a friend or family member helps you in your business and you don’t pay them cash. They still don’t count as an employee.

You should include these costs in your business’s accounts, but the business can’t claim any tax relief on them – and if your business is registered for VAT then it can’t claim back the VAT on the cost of business entertaining either.

Not keeping all receipts

When you spend your own money on costs for your business, the business can still usually claim tax relief on those costs, but only if you’ve kept a record of them – so don’t lose your receipts when you pay for business expenses with your own cash.

Also make sure you file all of your receipts properly. Using an online accounting system - such as the Expenses area in FreeAgent - should help you track all of your receipts, and you can save save even more time by photographing them on your iPhone and uploading them directly into FreeAgent’s mobile site.

Claiming expenses can be a confusing issue for many small businesses and freelancers. So make sure you don’t risk paying the wrong amount of tax and making the wrong decisions about your business by not including the right costs in your accounts.

Emily Coltman FCA is Chief Accountant to FreeAgent, who provide an award-winning online accounting system designed to meet the needs of small businesses and freelancers. Try it for free at www.freeagent.com

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mojatu

Education

Write Right! Community Literacy Improvement Writing Skills Focus 4: Homophones

Do you often get words that sound the same confused? Do you think that nobody notices when you write right instead of rite? Did you notice that the three words in the previous sentence (write, right, rite) sounded the same but have different meanings?

What are homophones?

Try to learn the correct usage for these typicaally confused words:

Homophones are words, which sound the same but are spelled differently.

Homophones

How can we sort out problems with word usage?

The truth is we need to read more quality writing: in books, newspapers, academic papers, dictionaries, and good websites. Check a dictionary to clarify the meaning of words you are unfamiliar with, as using the incorrect word can be embarrassing on job application forms and business documents.

Looking for support?

For support with checking, editing and proofreading contact Curuba Education Services on 07451 087 057, visit www.curuba.co.uk or email: info@curuba.co.uk for individual tuition and language support at prices you can afford. Write Right!

Example of usage

Their/ there/ they’re (they are)

The carnival revellers danced to their Soca music.

Go over there and fetch the rice.

Are you sure they’re coming to the party?

Accept /except

I accepted the invitation to the wedding.

Everyone got a turn to throw the dice, except Thomas.

I can write a letter for my job application.

“Are we going the right way?” asked the back-seat driver.

The funeral rites lasted one hour.

The boy sang his favourite song to his father.

The lifeguard threw the buoy in the river to save the drowning man.

Write/ right / rite

Boy / buoy Compliment / complement

They paid her lots of compliments for her beauty.

The sweet wine complements the sticky pudding perfectly.

Stationery / stationary

The wedding invitation was stationery (noun) the bride-to-be was searching for in the card shop.

I drove into a stationary (adjective) vehicle.

Story / storey

The journalist wrote a great story.

The office was at the top of the six storey building.

Its /it’s

The dog wagged its tail.

It’s going to rain.

Licence / license

The police officer examined my driving licence (noun).

The pub landlord was licensed (verb) to sell alcohol.

Practice / practise

I finished my dance exam practice (noun) with ease.

I practised (verb) my piano.

Principle / principal

Eating pork is against my principles.

I was sent to the Principal’s Office for being cheeky.

Whether /weather

I can’t decide whether to have yam or dumpling.

I dream of Caribbean weather.

Writing Your Life Story and Writing for Radio 31st March, 11-1pm Basic Journalism 31st March, 6.30pm-8.30pm

Journalism workshops

Press Releases and Newsletters

28th April, 11-1pm

Interviewing Techniques and Media Law

28th April, 6.30pm-8.30pm

Practical Magazine Production

26th May, 11-1pm

Interviewing Techniques and Media Law

26th May, 6.30pm-8.30pm

Magazine Article Writing Basic Journalism

30th June, 11-1pm

30th June, 6.30pm-8.30pm

Cost: £30 per workshop in advance. £35 on the day.

Discount

28th July, 11-1pm

28th July, 6.30pm-8.30pm

for groups of 5 or more.

Photo Journalism Basic Journalism

29th September, 11-1pm

Hourly one-to-one training available on Tuesdays at 10am /11am /12pm /1pm Cost: £49 per hour.

Social Media for Marketing Your Writing

Interviewing Techniques and Media Law

29th September, 6.30pm-8.30pm

Photo Journalism

27th October, 11-1pm

Practical Magazine Production

27th October, 6.30pm-8.30pm

Interviewing Techniques and Media Law

24th November, 11-1pm

Basic Journalism

24th November, 6.30pm-8.30pm

Website Content Writing Basic Journalism

15th December, 11-1pm 15th December, 6.30-8.30pm

All workshops are Level 3+ and take place on Mondays at 167 Alfreton Road, Radford, Nottingham NG7 3JR. Certification: ‘Certificate of Achievement’ given at the end of each session.

Booking: training@nottinghamnewscentre.com Online: www.nottinghamnewcentre.com/training Tel: 0115 8713819 / 07984 825482

29

Nottingham

Starburst Parent Support Organisation Young people in Nottingham are being encouraged to consider an Apprenticeship as the fastest route for getting into business, in the wake of an announcement that the city is bucking the national trend in take-up with levels of placements far outstripping the national average.

Local mum of two, Anika Vassell, has developed an innovative way in which to support parents of teenage children. Through her interactive workshops, Anika teaches parents the skills they need to get their teens exam ready and motivated to improve academic performance.

Anika Vassell The workshops are happening in Nottingham and around the East Midlands.

For further information and bookings: info@starburst-ess.co.uk wwww.starburst-ess.co.uk

Anika, a psychology teacher, has worked with children for more than twenty years. She launched Starburst ESS ( Educational Support Services), which is a company focused on furthering the academic, personal and social well-being of children and young people. She has now brought together a team of professionals, focused on helping struggling students by providing parent workshops in Nottingham and around the East Midlands.

With national statistics indicating that our children and young people are the unhappiest in the industrialised world, and with new figures from the Prince’s Trust demonstrating that nearly three quarters of a million children are feeling that, “They have nothing to live for.”

Anika believes that the skills parents learn in these workshops will help teens to reduce ‘self-defeating attitudes’ and behaviour whilst supporting them to feel responsible and in control of their futures.

Millo Couples Retreat 2014

Why should I sign up for a Couples Retreat?

Strong marriages create supportive family environments that are conducive for personal growth and development.

Time and intimacy, key ingredients in any marriage, have become scarce commodities to many couples.

Make a fresh start!

“It Takes Two” 3 - 5 October 2014

We provide you plenty of space to chat, laugh, relax, reflect, replenish or take a leisurely walk in a beautiful enviroment with your loved one.

Organised by Millo Services CIC Favours Nottingham Centre 153 Andover Road Bestwood Nottingham NG5 5FD

Eastwood Hall Hotel Nottinghamshire

© Millo Services CIC 2014

Email: info@milloservices.co.uk Tel: 0784 611 4907 Web: www.milloservices.co.uk

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

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