Mojatu Nottingham Magazine M014

mojatu

Nottingham connected ISSN 2041-8566

Issue M014 UK ÂŁ 2.00

Community

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Nottingham

Exclusive Interviews: Deputy Lieutenant Veronica Pickering Richard Renwick MBE: Carnival Jacob Atem: Lost Boys of Sudan

Improve body & mind: 7 Habits of Mental Toughness 10 Benefits of Coconut Oil

Festival Edition Hyson Green Cultural Festival Nottingham Carnival

Win ÂŁ100 when you send money to Nigeria - pg 35

Editor’s Welcome

Welcome to the Mojatu special festival issue and get ready to party! Nottingham’s exuberant multiculturalism is channelling the best of the celebrations this summer. The inaugural Hyson Green Cultural festival will be on the 9th August followed a week later by the massively popular Nottingham Carnival. See the interview with Richard Renwick (Carnival Chairman)This special edition is full of stories and photos of celebrations and exuberance.

Contents News & Sport Exclusive Interview with Veronica Pickering 4 Eleven Eleven Eleven - WW1 in Nottingham 7 Holding Hands Unity Day held in St Ann’s 8 OMA women group in Nottingham celebrated 10-11 Black Job Seekers Guide Launched 13 'Time to Change’ Nottingham 14 Taken Too Soon 16-17

Carnival Special Nottingham Carnival

Read the joys and experiences of the first black woman Deputy Lieutenant, Veronica Pickering. Mojatu has set aside a special section to recognise graduates in our community and a section for dedicating messages of congratulations. Read the heartfelt messages sent to relatives, friends and supporters. Jacob’s story on the ways in which desperate and bedevilled situations can turn to success and raise aspirations, underscores the theme of Mojatu magazines and operations.

Festival Special

On page 7, we give you information on the perspectives of the First World War period from people whose family memories tell the story from countries outside Britain.

11.11.11 - the date and time the war officially ended, 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month, 1918.

Faith & Spirituality

Don't forget to check out information on the Black Jobseekers Guide which was recently launched.And finally, Africa got talent! – watch the incredible dance moves of African children dancing to authentic African music.

Business & Finance

Enjoy the festive season and remember to grab the next issue of Mojatu!

Managing Editor:

Hyson Green Cultural Festival

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Community Scotsman finds love in Kenya Graduates Recognised Kenyans Celebrate Madaraka Send Money Back Home FREE Princess Diamond Okonkwo`s Birthday

‘Lord of the Flies vs. Lost Boys of Sudan’

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Health & Food 10 Proven Health Benefits of Coconut Oil

7 Habits of Remarkable People

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Cover

Veronica Pickering

Valentine Nkoyo – valentine@mojatu.com

Editorial

Group Editor: Frank Kamau – frank@mojatu.com Managing Editor: Valentine Nkoyo – valentine@ mojatu.com Graphic Designers: Robert Borbely | George Evangelos Bompetsis Contributors: Valentine Nkoyo | Kris Gunnars | Richard Close | Dr. Tabani Ndlovu | Michael Henry | Louis Dos Santos | Mohamad Abubaker | Stefan Pidluznyj | Ebrima Jawo |Edwin Ubah | Audrey Leach IT: Zsolt Paroda | Denis Negreba Photos: Olajuwon Williams | Maggie Ndungu | Beejer Accounts / Admin: Penny Cooper - penny@mojatu.com Marketing: Kevin Price - kevin.price@mojatu.com News & Comments: - news@mojatu.com

Non Executive Directors: Delroy Brown - delroy.brown@mojatu.com Dr. Tabani Ndlovu - tabani@mojatu.com Getting the magazine Online @ www.mojatu.com/magazines Subscription @ £24 per year including postage subs@mojatu.com Address: Mojatu Foundation Publications 167 Alfreton Road, Nottingham, NG7 3JR T: 0115 845 7009 M: 07516962992 Facebook: www.facebook.com/mojatu1 Twitter: www.twitter.com/mojatu1 Printers: Mojatu

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News & Sport

Exclusive interview with Deputy Lieutenant Veronica Pickering Veronica Pickering was the first black woman appointed as a deputy Lieutenant Nottinghamshrie. Born in Kenya, she is a fine example of a person dedicated to the community and the voluntary service while working with individuals, businesses and charities within and beyond Nottingham.

Taking time off her tight schedule, Veronica shared her exclusive story with Valentine Nkoyo and Maggie Ndungu of Mojatu Magazine at her home in Nottinghamshire.

When were you appointed?

In May 2013 and although so much has happened in little over a year to make it feel like a lifetime ago, I still feel very much like a new appointee.

What does the role of Deputy Lieutenant entail?

To explain the role of the Deputy Lieutenant perhaps I should talk a little about the role of a Lord-Lieutenant, are the Queen`s personal representatives within the counties of the United Kingdom and as such they have a primary duty to uphold the dignity of the Crown. They endeavour to encourage an atmosphere of co-operation amongst business, charity and voluntary organisations and take a keen interest in the social life of their county. In addition, a Lord-Lieutenant has many official and civic duties such as arranging visits of members of the Royal family and escorting royal visitors; presenting medals and awards on behalf of the Queen and advising on Honours nominations as well as leading the local magistracy and liaising with local units of the armed forces to name but a few. The Lord-Lieutenant appointsand is supported by a Vice LordLieutenant and Deputy Lieutenants.

The present Lord-Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire, Sir John

Peace, appointed me as a Deputy Lieutenant (DL) and as a DL I am expected to deputise for Sir John at certain official functions such as citizenship ceremonies, to attend official celebrations such as those for the Queen’s Birthday or historical or military anniversaries and I was recently invited to take tea at Buckingham Palace at one of the Queen’s garden parties.

I am also encouraged to connect with a diverse range of organisations and businesses within and outside Nottinghamshire. This helps forge links and foster cooperation and support between them and bringing together business and industry with charities and voluntary organisations, the arts and educational establishments.

What does connecting Nottinghamshire mean?

This is about representing, promoting and raising the profile of Nottinghamshire in other counties and on occasions, internationally.

Can you tell us about your career?

My career has been and continues to be in child protection.

I have been a children and families social work practitioner within Child Protection for over 30 years, working directly

Nottingham connected with children and their families from different cultural backgrounds. I have advised the judiciary on complex child protection matters often incorporating diverse cultural and religious concerns. I have worked with UNICEF, Save The Children UK and other NGOs and governments in Africa and Europe. I am also a consultant to student support services at Nottingham Trent University and sit on the board of various arts organisations What motivates you to help, mentor and support others?

It’s something I have always done quite naturally in my dayto-day personal life and professionally as part of my work as a social worker but mentoring has, in the last five years, become more of a defined professional role for me as I have been asked to provide individual and group mentoring to those in the spheres of business and of education. This said, I do still continue to offer help and support, informally, to those around me because I suppose it is just part of me, I do it without thinking. It also helps to be lucky enough to have a husband who offers me the kind of support that I need but who, on occasion, is able to stop and remind me to take time for myself, “You are not at work now” he will often say. In relation to my being a DL, although it is not part of the duties and there is no official connection between my professional life and being a DL, there are occasions where there is a crossover, where one role is mutually beneficial to the other.

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most successful business deal or an athlete who perhaps shattered a world record, for a social worker successes are not measured in personal triumphs but rather the way that one’s interventions may positively affect the lives of the children and families with whom one works and often those around them like ripples on a pond.

In terms of personal achievement I would probably say that my greatest have been to remain focussed on my career path, which started in child protection some 30 years ago, and to remain positive having worked with families and children in some of the most difficult circumstances imaginable.

Certainly one of the most rewarding aspects of my work over the years has been helping to reunite families who have become separated for a multitude of different reasons with some of the most challenging work I have undertaken being helping to develop resources for children and families in refugee camps.

So the most successful thing in my career would have to be still enjoying my work 30 years on.

Who has been the biggest impact in your career?

To try to name one person would be impossible I have had many very good mentors along the way who have helped me become qualified, acquire my degree and have generally pushed me along. I have been blessed with help and support of so many throughout my career not least my friends and family. Again I would have to mention my husband who, in addition to practical and moral support, has always been there for me to use as a sounding board for my plans and ideas. A “that’s a good idea” response encouraging me to press on and a “do you think that’s a good idea?” response usually encouraging me to think some more.

One person, however, deserving of special mention would have to be a guy called Tom Gamble who lives near to here and who encouraged me to enter social work. I was young, about 17, and was still thinking about the best path to follow. Tom was a magistrate in Nottinghamshire and the head teacher of a local school at the time and I knew him and his family well. When I suggested that I might like to become a social worker he was very enthusiastic, “This would be a very good thing Veronica” he said and promptly wrote my first ever job reference! I met Tom recently and reminded him of our conversation that day and reflected upon what an impact his encouragement and support had had on my life.

What would you say has been the most successful thing in your career?

Unlike a businessperson who is able to point to their

What made you go into this career?

I started doing voluntary work when I was still in school and when I attended the local church.

When I was at school, aged 14, I didn’t have much interest in schoolwork, I was busy with other things and I was a promising athlete. I was far more interested in the athletics track and wanting to compete than being in the classroom and had little idea about what I might want to do when I left school. Quite by chance my school became involved in ‘doing good in the community’ and as part of this program, one of the things I was asked to do at this time was to deliver food to some elderly local residents, who couldn’t get out of their homes.

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News & Sport Can you tell us the best things about Nottinghamshire?

I am very passionate about Nottinghamshire, which I love for many reasons. There are lots of great people and I love the extremes of the surroundings and environments. There are the forests for which Nottinghamshire is world famous set in remarkable countryside all within a very short distance of fantastic and vibrant city life. In addition the county has a great artistic, cultural and sporting heritage, which attracts visitors from all around the world, it is also has a history of attracting multicultural and multi-ethnic communities, which have helped to shape the county we see today.

I remember taking food to someone during my school lunch break for the first time and being shocked to learn that there were people who were completely isolated, unable to leave their homes and who did not know when the next person would visit them. I was horrified actually, and it made me feel very sad. Every time I took food around the people appeared so happy and really wanted to talk and I felt happy that I was helping someone. I have no doubt that this for me was where my interest in helping people as a career was born.

I have many emotional ties to Nottinghamshire I met my husband and was married here, just down the road in a nearby village actually, and our first child was born in the county. In addition to the fun and happy memories, of course, there are also some difficult ones. I was here as a young person in the 1970s and unlike today, equality was not on the agenda with racism not unusual in the UK but I guess the challenges I had to overcome then made me a stronger person and taught me how to deal with some of life’s difficult situations.

How was your childhood growing up here as a young woman of the African origin?

Although there were few black families within the community in which I lived in Nottinghamshire, the families that there were, tended to very supportive of one another and despite being one of only a handful of black children at my secondary school, I didn’t really find it that difficult to fit in, I suspect this may have been due in part to I think that people are greatly motivated by their feelings and my being quite athletic and fairly good at sports generally for some it’s the buzz one gets from helping and supporting which may have helped me find acceptance. others, which provides the motivation to do it again, and How has your role been received in Kenya, being the again! first black woman to become a DL? There is a good feeling to be had from success, even if that People have been pleasantly surprised and very success is just making someone happy and if that success is supportive. It is not widely known about in Kenya but it putting a family back together, that feeling is even greater. is something people are starting to talk about. My close I think that the good feeling one gets from helping others, family and friends in Kenya are delighted and were very becomes part of the reward and motivates one to carry on. excited to learn that as a DL I had the great honour to meet I know that might sound a bit crazy because people these Kenya’s first lady, Margaret Kenyatta. So that was really days don’t seem to have enough time for their own lives great and I really have to thank the Lord Lieutenant for that and needs but the truth is we always seem to be able make opportunity. time to do some of the things that give us pleasure and if that happens to be helping others then surely everyone’s a What are your future career plans? winner! So I guess that is what I try to do but often it is still My plans are to continue my work with children and hard work and sometimes I feel I need to escape and get young people and to do more work in this area within some time to relax.

Nottinghamshire.

What are your biggest challenges?

As a DL I hope to promote the needs of young people and I am not naturally an academic and sitting down and their families Bringing together business communities studying for my degree and post grad qualifications and voluntary organisations with a view to encourage as a mature student, whilst juggling family and work partnerships and a greater awareness of our community’s commitment was quite a challenge but I still have the needs, especially here in North Nottinghamshire. appetite to study and hope, possibly in the near future, to be able to set aside time to study for a PhD.

News

Nottingham connected

ELEVEN ELEVEN ELEVEN GLOBAL STORIES AND REFLECTIONS WORLD WAR I CENTENARY Eleven Eleven Eleven

Is a Heritage Lottery funded community history project delivered by Nottingham City Museums and Galleries in partnership with Nottingham City Homes.

A diverse group of volunteers have been working with Nottingham’s cultural communities on this project which looks at World War One from a new angle. They have recorded family memories and personal perspectives in order to tell the story from countries outside of Britain.

The project’s title comes from the date and time the war officially ended – 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month, 1918.

TRENT TO TRENCHES EXHIBITION As part of Eleven Eleven Eleven a diverse group of volunteers have created a series of films to capture the global story. These films are currently being shown in the Trent to Trenches exhibition at Nottingham Castle Museum & Art Gallery.

TRAVELLING EXHIBITION AND EVENTS PROGRAMME As well as the films, Eleven, Eleven, Eleven has created a touring exhibition and an events programme, which will visit community venues across Nottingham from August to November 2014.

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OBA For more details visit: L www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk

ST WOR ORIES AN LD W D RE FL AR I CENT ECTION S ENAR Y

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News & Sport

Holding Hands Unity Day held in St Ann’s St Ann’s was a hive of activities this Saturday 2nd August as people came together during the Holding Hands Unity Day. This is the single biggest community event ever to take place in St Ann’s where people enjoyed the packed activities, music, food, activities, games and stalls. The event brought together people from far and wide and was climaxed by all those present holding hands and feeling a part of a bigger family. This symbolised togetherness and unity in diversity.

Refugee Forum Community Grants Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Refugee Forum have launched a scheme where they are offering small grants to support new and emerging communities who do not currently receive funding from Nottingham City Council. The grants have been made available as part of the city council’s ‘Communities of Identity’ funding and applications close on 8 September. Refugee Forum has also launched a new website which is more users friendly. Visit www.nottsrefugeeforum.org.uk

Creativity AIDS Recovery The Wells Road Centre provides treatment for individuals with mental health difficulties who require secure accommodation. The hospital comprises five wards and a range of facilities to aid patients’ recovery and rehabilitation.

We have a long tradition of using creative activities to support recovery. There is a thriving poetry group and patients have won awards. Songwriters, rappers and guitarists enjoy developing their skills and expressing themselves through music in the music studio.

Patients create artwork in our workshop and we are currently in the process of recruiting an Art Instructor.

In addition we arrange regular in -reach workshops for patients by local artists, musicians and arts organisations to provide variety and inspiration.

As well as our indoor space we are in the process of developing a large outdoor area and there are opportunities to create sculpture and artwork.

Recently, patients identified music, food and art as crucial to their cultural identity. As a result we plan to invite local artists and tutors to deliver workshops addressing these areas.

If you are interested in collaborating with us or applying for our Art Instructor post please contact Alex Biglands, Occupational Therapist on 0115 9691300 ex 10507.

Art Technical Instructor

We l l ’s Road Ce n t re Per manent Band 3 An opportunity has arisen for a Band 3 Technical Instructor to work 9.5 hours a week to deliver art opportunities for patients within a Low Secure setting. You will support patients to engage in art making and work with existing Occupational Therapy staff to deliver individual and group art activities in line with safety and security procedures. The role requires you to be enthusiastic about the value of art to recovery and wellbeing.

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Nottinghamshire Healthcare is one of the country’s leading mental health and learning disability service providers, employing over 6000 staff to provide these services over more than 100 sites.

The Low Secure and Community Forensic Directorate offers a clinical service to the whole of Nottinghamshire, employing over staff. The Low secure service is based at the Well’s Road Centre and offers Recovery focussed interventions to males and females with a mental disorder and/ or learning disability. The part time Technical Instructor post will be based and work closely within the Occupational Therapy department. In addition we have established links with community resources.

You will have an NVQ level 1 or equivalent in art and GCSE/GCE or equivalent in English and Maths and be computer literate. You will have IT skills relevant to producing art. You will have good communication skills and be able to manage your own workload under guidance. You will be able to work with policies and procedures and have a positive attitude to working with mentally disordered offenders. You will actively promote equality and diversity

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For further information please contact Alex Biglands Occupational Therapist 0115 9691300 ext: 10507 Closing date 22nd August

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Sudanese community Nottingham helps members keep fit

by Mohamad Abubaker

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

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

NOW ENROLING

(For September 2014 Academic Year) Construction Training: We are now

recruiting for the following diploma levels 1,2 & 3 • Painting & Decorating • Bricklaying • Plastering • Carpentry & Joinery • Plumbing • Building Maintenance

ESOL

(Entry Level 1, 2 & 3 and L1&2)

Adults with Special Learning Needs

• Independent Living Skills • Horticulture / Conservation

Higher Education Courses:

• Access to HE Diploma (Business) L 3 • Leadership & Management L4 & L5 • Business Management level 4,5,6 & 7 • Human Resources Management level 7

Other Courses:

• Fa shion & Design L1 & L2 • Teacher Training Level 3, 4 & 5 • Functional Skills (English & Math) Entry to L 2 • CYQ Award in Fitness and Physical Activity L1

IT & Computer Courses

• Award in Using ICT – for new users • European Computer Driving License (ECDL Extra level 2) • Higher Professional Diploma for IT Practitioners (Level 4)

Loans are available for all 24 + learners for level 3 courses *Free if on eligible means tested benefits, except £10 admin fee

For more Information:

TEL: 0115 9101455

CARLTON ROAD NOTTINGHAM NG3 2NR Email: info@ccn.ac or visit our website: www.citycollegenottingham.com

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News & Sport

mojatu

OMA women group in Nottingham celebrated Organizacao da Mulher de Angola (O.M.A.) is the Organization of the Women of Angola What are you passionate about? I am passionate about culture, art and family.

Where are you from?

I was born in Malanje, Angola before moving to the Netherlands and subsequently to the UK. Tell me a bit about what you do. I have been in various professions in my life. However, I have now decided to take a course in Art and Design at the New College Nottingham. I am looking to turn my passion into a career. This course is helping me to find it easier to identify where my talent lies, and I will be able to take it forward. I work part time to take care of my finances.

Tell me about OMA Nottingham, when it was founded and why it was founded. OMA as an organisation has been in existence since the late 1970's. However, OMA was established within Nottingham in 2012. When I moved to Nottingham in 2005, I was fortunate to meet many women from Angola. I believe there is great strength when women are united. There are many good things that we can accomplish together such as raising awareness of issues that affect our community. Also, by working together we can empower our women and ensure that the values that we have been brought up with and culture will stay intact within our community even though we are living within the UK. It is important that women of all ages learn from each other and OMA allows us to help women in matters of profession, family and individual.

celebrate our culture and its people. We always have food and music, because that truly gets our people together. We give master classes to our women in all sorts of topics to help empower them. We also offer assistance to women individually should they need our help.

How do you support your work? We support our work through many Angolan women like me that volunteer. OMA in London also supports our work. We also work with local organisations to support our work.

Why was it important to celebrate the Africans women’s day on 12th July? It is important to celebrate the Africans women's day because it is a positive event, as it highlights the strength of our women. Many African women in the past and present have or are still experiencing difficult challenges. It is important that we draw on the uplifting sides of the African woman to empower each other and to give strength to continue being a force of good in society.

What has been the most successful thing you’ve done in your career? I am starting a new career.

The most successful thing I have done now, is to be able to showcase my art work in various exhibitions.

Receiving positive feedback from those who have been exposed to it has made me proud. To know that my work is appreciated, makes me happy as I'm able to share my passion and art with the world.

What is your role in OMA Nottingham? I am the president of the OMA organisation in Nottingham. I lead the organisation here in Nottingham, and ensure that we are doing a good job.

What has been the most challenging thing in your career and how did you overcome it? I have been a hairdresser for many years, I started in my 20's.

Unfortunately, my wrist suffered an injury and I have had to stop my career within hairdressing. With no other qualifications to start a new career, I have had to start again. I have since spent many years in college to build up qualifications to be in a new career. I have overcome my injury and gained the motivation to enter into a new direction because of my faith in my Heavenly Father and the family and friends I have been blessed to have in my life.

What kind of activities do you organise? We organise events to raise awareness about issues in our community such as diabetes. We organise events to

What’s your message to women of African origin living in the UK? Smile every day, nothing is impossible. Smile because you are in control of your life.

Nottingham connected Smile because you love yourself. Smile because you are helping those around you. Smile because you are hardworking. Do not be ashamed of your origin, embrace the positives of your culture and uphold good values. Set a new standard for the African woman. Let's create a positive image to the world of what it is to be a great African woman by setting the example. Hard work and love and faith in God is what

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will bring us true happiness. May you find strength and smile everyday.

What do you like doing in your free time?

For anyone that knows me I do not really have free time. However, when I do get some time I love decorating my home, painting or travelling. Relaxing and spending time with my friends and family is something that appreciate.

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News & Sport

Changing lives in Greater Nottingham: Groundwork Greater Nottingham

Groundwork Greater Nottingham has been at the heart of positive change in the local area.

Working mainly with young people, they help communities find practical solutions to the challenges they face. They are currently running a number of schemes for young people. One of them is the Dig In Stay Out (DISO) programme.

already engaged in work said that "if it wasn't for Dig In Stay Out, I would have definitely been back in prison or I would defiantly be heading that way".

One current employer said that “the DISO programme is a worthwhile initiative (which) I would certainly recommend to other employers"

DISO is funded by the Big Lottery. It is focused on helping young people, aged 18-24 get back to work. The project is targeted at male ex-offenders who are returning to live within Nottingham.

Audrey Leach, DISO project manager said that "The project starts by working with young people in prison and then provides training and support to get them to jobs”.

“The project is offering 40 six months jobs. To date we have got 24 young ex-offenders into jobs and it’s great to see the progress people have made.

We've had a lot of support from employers in the community too but are always looking for more businesses that would like to offer work experience or a job to our trainees". This Groundwork project is also offering traineeships in a wide variety of sectors including maintenance, horticulture and construction.

The project is already impacting positive change on the trainees. One of the recent trainees who is

Jo Bradley-Fortune, Executive Director, thanking employers and employees on DISO programme Employers' Breakfast which was hosted by Groundwork "thanked businesses that are hosting our trainees and employing some of the young people."

Groundwork has also got other projects aimed at getting young people into work or training aimed at the 16 or 17 year olds with 1 GCSE or less or those aged 18 -24 years and are unemployed!

To learn more about DISO and to either join the program or hire a young person, please contact Audrey Leach on details below.

Audrey Leach | DISO Employability Co-ordinator Unit A, Tennyson Hall | Forest Road West, Nottingham, NG7 4EP Tel: 0115 978 8212 | Fax: 0115 978 7496 E-mail: audrey.leach@groundworknottingham.org.uk Web: www.groundworknottingham.org.uk Dig In Stay Out Programme Lottery funded to enhance the employment prospects of young prison leavers Twitter: (@DISONOTTS)

Nottingham connected

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Black Job Seekers Guide Launched Communities Inc have produced a Jobseekers Guide to help young black people secure a job. Funded by the Nottingham Building Society, the guide was produced as a response to young black people informing us that existing job seeking resources are confusing and difficult to navigate.

The guide covers three key barriers in securing a job, helps young people searching for jobs and teaches them how to best complete an application form and how to make the best impression at interviews.

Michael Henry, Director of Communities Inc said “We have provided copies of this guide for a number of local job fairs and it’s great to see that its one of the few things that young black people actually pick up. With its colourful appearance it doesn’t feel as threatening as other available resources and you definitely can’t miss it!”

Young black people that helped to create the guide said they found it visually appealing and to the point.

For the electronic version, please go to www.communitiesinc.org.uk/ young-black-job-seekers-guide-launched

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News & Sport

Respect Mental Health Patients 'Time to Change’ Nottingham ‘Time to Change’ has been launched to help deliver a change in perspectives on mental health. The programme is to end the discrimination faced by people with mental health problems. It is led by a partnership between two national mental health charities, Mind and Rethink Mental Illness.

The project is run by African Institute for Social Development in partnership with the national umbrella body, African Health Policy Network (AHPN).

This mental health anti-stigma programme aims to much more to do to reduce discrimination against people with mental health problems in this country. The project shares experiences of mental health, stigma and discrimination in churches and other community group areas using African performance arts including roleplays, poems and monologues.

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mental health issues is Rastarella and Okalekan who are a husband and wife living in Nottingham.

In sharing their experiences, Rastarella, a Trinidanian community and events organiser noted that “When I met my husband in 2005 he was so accepting. We discussed boundaries and he made me feel safe. I could always tell him if I wasn’t feeling well and he would give me a hug. There was never any judgement. He supports Anyone me in every way, at home, with the can children and in the work I do in e experienc Nottingham. My husband has been alth an important part of my recovery mental he . and with his support I’ve been able m le b o r p e label to achieve great things.”

Forget th n - just liste

By presenting these pieces they challenge perceptions about mental health. Groups of project volunteers engage members of church and community congregation and gatherings in social contact – a meaningful conversation where someone with experience of mental health problems shares this with someone without.

This makes a real difference to reducing stigma and discrimination of mental health.

One of the beneficiaries of positive relationship in understanding challenges faced by those experiencing

Juma Amdani, of African Institute for Social Development noted that “Such understanding only happens where people are accepting and are willing and able to talk about mental health issues without prejudice.

People’s lack of understanding and unfounded fears can be just as destructive as the mental health problem itself.

Fear and reservations among sometimes make Africans and Caribbean’s afraid of talking about mental illnesses.”

Deryck Browne, Research and Policy Officer of AHPN noted that "There needs to be a keener focus on the risk factors for mental health in African communities, such as immigration issues, financial problems and employment. Addressing these factors should be a key element of any strategy to improve mental health and wellbeing."

To get more information about Time to Change in Nottingham, contact African Institute for Social Development or call +44(0)1158540516. You can also email admin@africaninstitute.org.uk or you can also visit them at New Brook House, 385 Alfreton Road, Nottingham, NG7 5LR. On national level or for those interested in more information online, please go to www.ahpn.org.

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Nottingham connected

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African Communities Information Advice Project Launched New Brook House | 385 Alfreton Rd | Nottingham, Nottinghamshire NG7 5LR www.africaninstitute.org.uk | 075 7260 4343 | info@africaninstitute.org.uk Contact us today if you would like more information or referrals.

African Communities in Nottingham are benefiting from new information and advice project which will be ran by the African Institute for Social Development.

The project was launched following the understanding that Africans in Nottingham and the UK in face many barriers in accessing mainstream services. Such barriers include language, lack of information, social exclusion and cultural differences.

This is especially for those Africans coming from Europe who do not fit into the readymade structures such as employability, training, skills transfer, information about policing, health, education and other related barriers.

The project aims to improve lives of Africans in Nottingham by providing them with the relevant information, signposting them to appropriate services and sources for support. The project will also identify ways in which to push where necessary, assisting individuals to make the necessary contacts.

A variety of activities are being held to raise awareness and build relationships with African community organisations and provide outreach advice sessions in partnership with their community volunteers, assisting them to increase their capacity to support their own members which involves some evening and weekend working.

This project is improving the accessibility to services by all members of African communities living in Nottingham, through the provision of information, advice, signposting

and support to individuals and their community organisations.

Regular meetings are held at the African Institute office and other appropriate venues used by African communities in Nottingham to publicise the services offered. Sessions are held in multiple African languages to help increase the ability of the attendees to understand what services and support is available.

The project provides basic information and advice relating to statutory and voluntary sector services, and where and how to access them. It also refer Africans to appropriate service providers, where necessary supporting the process of making contact on their behalf by telephone, in writing or in person.

Assistance with necessary paperwork to enable service users to access services, including making appropriate applications and claims as required.

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News & Sport

Footballers & celebrities come together for those

‘Taken Too Soon’ by Stefan Pidluznyj An event to raise awareness about the dangers of gang and youth violence took place at the appropriately named Inspire Stadium, home of the Real United football club, on July 13th. ‘Taken Too Soon’, the annual day of remembrance, was attended by a host of former professional footballers, celebrities and members of the public.

The main attraction was a match between a Notts Legends side, featuring the likes of Michael Johnson, Kevin Pilkington and Mike Edwards, against an all-star team which saw members of the chart-topping band Rudimental and Nottingham-born Michelin-starred chef Tom Sellers.

Real United’s under 14s and under 18s take on their Notts County counterparts while Real United Ladies played Mansfield Town Ladies. Other notable attendees included the High Sheriff of Nottingham, Graham Cartledge, Radio 1’s DJ Friction, and television presenter Alison Hammond.

Though we may not be the most formidable football club in the East Midlands, what we do is substantially important in bringing people together and creating a high-profile event for such an important cause.”

The day was of special significance and poignancy for Trish Bergan, whose son Jerome Eugene was stabbed to death yards from his home in Strelley in December 2002, aged 27. Mrs Bergan, a campaigner for the charity Support After Murder and Manslaughter (SAMM), delivered an emotional speech before the game She said: “I lost my son 11 years ago when he was stabbed to death with a 10-inch hunting knife. The perpetrator robbed my son, his mobile phone, his jewellery, his money, but that wasn’t enough. They took out a knife and plunged it into my son’s neck. No mother should ever have to bury a child. It is the most tragic and devastating thing that can happen.”

Her speech was followed a minute’s silence in memory of those who have lost their lives to gang violence, with their names read by Pastor Nathaniel Ameyaw.

Roger Henry, executive officer and manager of the football club, who was responsible for organising the event, was pleased with how the day was supported.

Roland Ash, chairman of the Real United said that “the day was about the commemorative aspect with regards to the young people

Nottingham connected

News & Sport

17

who have, been taken too soon, due to crime and violence”.

Young people need to have more positive role-models to be able to look up to and steer them on the right road.”

The clubs ambassador and former Lord Mayor of Nottingham, Cllr Merlita Bryan, echoed this view, adding: “We’ve got to try and help young people who are drifting into crime, and address the cause of these problems.

Tom Sellers said that “we can make society and the youth of today aware of the issues, the more success we’ll have.”

Michael Johnson who played for Notts County, Birmingham City and represented Jamaica on the international stage noted that “events like this are really important in raising awareness and getting across the message that knife and gun crime is unacceptable in all forms because football is highly influential."

Kevin Pilkington, thet Notts County’s goalkeeping coach also shared this sentiment, adding: “Football’s massive. Everyone plays football so it’s great that people come together.

It’s a release for young people and they enjoy playing the sport.”

Going back in time, Nottingham achieved notoriety for its perceived high level of gun and knife crime leading to the unenviable reputation as “the gun capital of the UK” with elements of the tabloid press dubbing it “Shottingham” and “Nottingun”.

However, Rudimental’s Kesi Dryden believes that these problems are not confined solely to Nottingham. “To be honest, I think it’s more of a UK issue. We’re from London and there’s loads of trouble in the different boroughs.

Sheriff Cartledge also took an optimistic view on the current situation, adding: “Knife and gun crime is reducing in the city. But there’s more work to be done across the whole country.”

The event was sponsored by, among others MercedesBenz of Nottingham with Mojatu providing the website, www.therealunitedfc.co.uk and marketing (design, print and social network).

Jaimie Laws, Mercedes-Benz VIP Programme Manager, is looking forward to a “bigger and better” event come next year. “We’re going to really push this as far as we can. We’re just glad everyone could come together and do it for Taken Too Soon and get involved in such a great cause.”

Visit www.therealunitedfc.co.uk to get more information about the "Taken Too Soon" annual event and to learn more about the actions and the history of the football.

18

News & Sport

Gambians in Nottinghamshire celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr - Koriteh

by Ebrima Jawo

Gambians in Nottinghamshire celebrated Eid Ul Fitr on Monday 28th July 2014.

They joined other Muslims and communities globally in celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr, which is known as Koriteh in Gambia. Koriteh activities are symbol of joy and festival for Muslim families.

Excellent sunny weather added to the joy and lustre of The Gambian community in Nottingham who, together with other Africans, streamed into the Sneinton Hermitage Community Centre. The festival was full of colour and laughter complemented by the beautiful African attire full of colour worn by almost everyone including toddlers.

Koriteh, which comes at the end of every Ramadan, is a significant religious ceremony observed at the end of the month long fast. Traditionally in the Gambia, in the morning of Koriteh, men wear their new gowns, whilst women wear theirs as well before they head off to a brief praying session at mosques and selected sacred places.

Children dressed in the best attended the prayer hall with parents and other family members to celebrate the two significant Rakka prayers.

The prayers were led by the deputy Imam Tijan Janneh.

Imam Janneh asked attendees to “Be virtues of brotherliness and support for one another. During the Ramadan many may have reformed their behaviours and follow the teachings of Muhammed S.A.W, but this must continue even after Ramadan.”

Imam Ratib Baba Njie echoed this by urging the attendees to deep into their pockets to do something for their community. “Help establish a base/centre that could be used as a cultural centre and mosque as we are always faced with challenges in getting a venue to mark occasions like this one”.

Zakat Ul Fitr was collected and later distributed to the poor and needy.

Ebrima Jawo is the Secretary of The Gambian Welfare.

mojatu

News & Sport

Nottingham connected The make-up of Nottingham’s population shows the city as a welcoming haven attracting different ethnic groups, who contribute to making this city a rainbow city. While this is celebrated, it is important to remember that its not always rosy. As immigrant numbers increase, there are concerns around housing provisions, schools, health facilities and the effect on people’s overall well-being.

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Celebrate Nottingham

Embracing difference and cultural diversity As Nottingham successfully hosts cultural festivities, one cannot help but marvel at the rich cultural mix that makes up its residents. Latest figures show that of the 308,700 people who call Nottingham home, 35% are of a BME background, a whopping 16% increase from the 2001 census figures!

difference and bridging communication links helps dispel some of the initial misconceptions resulting in very rich inter-cultural relationships characterised by new experiences in cuisines, dress as well as life experiences. As the city hosts the carnival and festival, these events act as an important conduit to bring people together, showcase different cuisines, bring a celebratory mood in the city and build communication bridges. The celebrations bring people together and must be taken Lack of exposure to different as an opportunity to foster cohesion cultures and communities often and attempt to cultivate an undermeans that there may be myths being peddled around about these standing of the showcased cultures. different communities. Experience The rich ethnic diversity of Hyson however shows that opening up to Green and Radford comes alive in Apart from infrastructure-related concerns, ignorance plays a big part in heightening concerns about new arrivals. Think for example on how you would react to someone so different from you moving in next door to you! If your new neighbour is different from you, speaks a different language and has a very different cultural or religious outlook, it is not uncommon to be apprehensive at first.

the festival, manifested through the different stalls showcasing varied merchandise and allowing for interaction between people from different backgrounds. The celebrations should be promoted as a vehicle for cultural exchange, as a bridge to unite communities and as an attempt by the participants to add their mark on this city’s history.

They are a cry for recognition, for an opportunity to make a cultural contribution to the city’s colourful life.

So to those of us who have been at crossroads on how to reach out and explore other cultures, the festivities offer an opportunity to be inquisitive and immerse ourselves in Nottingham’s rich cultural melting pot!

Dr Tabani Ndlovu is a senior Lecturer in Marketing at the Nottingham Business School where he lectures in International Marketing focusing on culture. He is also a visiting Fellow at the Estonian Business School and ESC Dijon in France. Outside academia, Tabani runs a successful consultancy business offering strategy advice to SMEs in the East Midlands. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Directors (IOD) and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

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News & Sport

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Faith & Spirituality

Nottingham connected

Nottingham Carnival

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Notts_Carnival

tuntum.co.uk/carnival

Image of the Carnival

2014 bigger better bolder music & festival & carnival parade

headline acts

5 amazing Music Zones Starts at 2pm Castle with top DJs Gate, City Centre. and International Arriving at Carnival Site Headline Acts including 4.30pm Sir John Holt

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Funfair, craft stalls, bungee trampolines, giant inflatables, world foods, bar.

all in one big day!

Sunday 17 August

Forest Recreation Ground, Nottingham.

ÂŁ2 Entry - Children Free (under 11yrs old)

Main Sponsors:

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mojatu

Carnival Special

the Carnival

with Richard Renwick MBE Richard Renwick, the chair of the Organising Committee for the Nottingham Carnival answered some questions put to him by Mojatu Magazine on the importance and relevance of the Nottingham Carnival.

The Nottingham Carnival is a significant injection into the local economy as thousands of people spend substantial amounts of money at the carnival site and also in the city centre when viewing the parade. The multiplied effect of this spend on the local economy is massive. There are specific opportunities for local stallholders and other businesses to benefit from this windfall of economic gain.

The political, economic and social environment has changed significantly in recent years and many activities that were once grant funded have either ceased to exist or are now having to make a charge. In addition a lot of the Council’s services that used to be provided free are now being charged for and at an economic price.

Only 40% of this year’s carnival budget comes from grants, the rest has to be earned from stall holders fees, sponsorship and advertising. This is a significant shift from the past when most of the income came from public grants and other support from the local authority.

Nevertheless, we continue to be grateful for the support from Nottinghamshire Police whose services have been provided free of charge.

This year the carnival has lost over £20,000 of sponsorship income and as a result some hard decisions had to be made to save the event. Firstly, we had to find an additional source of funding and that is where unfortunately the £2 charge comes in and secondly we needed to make some financial savings and that is why we decided to cancel the Saturday.

I do not think the £2 will discourage people from coming. At the Carnival site we offer fantastic value for money entertainment with over 30 musical acts and djs, a vibrant funfair, lots of food stalls, etc culminating with Sir John Holt performing on the Main Stage. In any case, the real carnival, the fantastic colourful parade is entirely free.

This year we have had more stall applications than ever before and surprisingly the applications have been pouring in since we announced the performance by Sir John Holt.

Unfortunately, many stallholders have found Saturday to be a quiet day for earnings and see the Sunday as making up for this. The price for a stall at the Nottingham Carnival is the cheapest amongst Caribbean carnivals in the country.

Richard Renwick MBE,

CEO of Tuntum Housing Association Chairman of Organising Committee / Nottingham Carnival

Carnival Special

Nottingham connected

23

Musical Acts UK Soca Champion Triniboi Joocie with live band and support act.

UK Reggae Stars with live band: Annette B, Peter Spence, Lytie, Ministry of Restoration, Ram One, Mellonie Page, Destiny Local acts... GINO, Tasha Dean, Yakil, Scorpiane G, & live Steelpan PLUS... the world famous

15 Local DJs including Reggae Takeover, Black Squad, Gamrock, Trinity, Calvin shostar & many more...

Rubadub, kalashnekoff, Rodney P, Mimms & much more DJ Rudes and more +18 troupes performing their choreographed stage routine

The Big Parade is Leaving the City Centre from 2pm

SIR JOHN HOLT

All of this for just

ÂŁ2

Sir John Holt

Plus: Fun Fair and many other rides, Caribbean and other food stalls, arts and crafts and information stalls, Children’s zone, Arts Tent...etc

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This year the Big Parade will be larger and more spectacular than ever before with more Nottingham based carnival troupes participating. In addition, there will be carnival troupes from Derby, Leicester, the fabulous Rampage from Luton and Notting Hill’s top Carnival Band, Mahogany.

carnival parade

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amazing costumes with a true international feel leaving from Castle Gate in the City Centre at 2pm arriving at The Carnival Site at the Forest Recreation Ground around 4.30pm.

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Community

mojatu

27 Community Nottingham connected

Carnival 2013

See more photos at www.mojatu.com/photos. Buy online or Call 0115 8457 009

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mojatu

Festival Special

A Cultural Festival for all of us!

On Saturday 9th August the “HYSON GREEN CULTURAL FESTIVAL” will be promoting Hyson Green and wider areas of Nottingham with interactive activities that bring different parts of the community together in fun and stimulating ways (sports, competitive games/quizzes, food, sports, arts, music, discussion and other community activities).

The event takes place at Forest Recreation Ground, from 12 - 6pm.

I

t is designed to get groups and individuals who would not normally mix together interacting and getting to know one another (young and old, new arrival and indigenous, different ethnic groups and nationalities etc.). The groups operation and development shall be based on the Collective work and Responsibility Principle.

The proposed events are aimed at all citizens, residents, family, friends and cultures in the communities.

activities to break the barriers and as a tool for interactions across communities within the city.

Team groups have been formed within the group to coordinate different activities during the day.

The event will explore a variety of themes with ordinary residents from established communities and groups mainly in NG7 area (Asians, Black Africans and Caribbean, White British and those of mixed heritage) and relatively new arrivals in the city.

This is aimed at increasing confidence, ability and experience. The group aims to use cultural

Impact this What is the Sociaol u ity project make to r commun

?

Proactive integration and social participation in events on long-term basis

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Fun, adventure and development of friendship and new networks

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More socially integrated community with participants

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Increased social capital in the adult and young people in the area

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More participation by individuals and communities in activities

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Publication of a second evaluation report and development of an interactive website

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Give the community tangible evidence of togetherness, pride and a sense of belonging

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Community engagement show local communities want to participate in activities that tackle social exclusion

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Build stronger communities and tackle anti-social behaviour

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Bringing families, individuals and communities together

Contact

•

Venue: Forest Recreation Ground, Gregory Boulevard, Nottingham, NG7 6HB Call: 07407210806 - 07790818527 - 07946303384 - 07860781106 Email: hysongreenculturalfestival@gmail.com Facebook: /hysongreenculturalfestival Website: www.hysongreenculturalfestival.org.uk

Arts & Culture

Nottingham connected

29

HYSON GREEN CULTURAL FESTIVAL

ACTIVITIES Great Performances by...

Adam Ali

(Sings Islamic Nasheeds)

Zodiac All Stars

(Dance Group)

Ites Band

(Reggae Band)

MuHa

(Ukraine Band)

Eba Sallah

(AfroReggae Band)

4 Flava

(Dancing Group)

+ + Stalls with...

More Performances by...

.La Roma (Roma Community Band) )Oczy Czarne (Polish Band) )ESP3 Band dThe Flamenquit@s (Flamenco Dance) )Nottingham School of Samba

Yusupha Mboob

(Gambian Performers)

.Food, Arts & Crafts, Facepainting gLots of Game activities sCommunity groups sInformation for apprentice jobs

Visit the NG7 VOICES stall to learn more about the Youth Forum Launch between 1 - 3pm!

If you are 14 - 25 yrs and interested for new opportunities visit NG7 VOICES stall to subscribe and get a free Goody Bag!

Your Chance to have A Say!

For further information contact Maxine or Jay, Tel: 0115 9109955

30

mojatu

Community

Mojatu Team joins families & friends of these notable

scholars in congratulating them for their academic achievement Best wishes to you all!

Rev. Ruth Esther Charles

Mr. Mussie Kidane

Annabelle Omae

Peace Kairu

The Sure Foundation Theological College, 2011

Nottingham Trent University, 2014

University of Bradford, 2014

University of Essex, 2014

Degree in Church Ministry

BA Joint Honours Psychology and Business

Criminology & Psychology BSc (Hons)

Degree in Psychology

I am a pastor of the Word of Life Celebration Centre. I have a strong background in Law from Kenya.

Feeling good and excited for Africa. It's time for Africans to invest in Africa.

God strengthened me to University taught me so keep pushing regardless much. It was a tough journey of the many limitations of self discovery which was I faced leading to this filled with doubts but which graduation. Certainly, I conquered attaining 2.1 nothing is impossible with degree.

God.

Pastor Anthony Ngigi

Ifunanya Okoye

Rev. Charles O. Darwin

Patrice Musarurwa

Nottingham Trent University, 2014

University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Enugu Campus, 2016

The Sure Foundation Theological College, 2012

Nottingham Trent University, 2014

Masters in Biblical Studies

BA (Hons) International Relations

Hons in Health & Social care, guidance & counselling I am a senior pastor in Shelter of Elyon Ministries, Nottingham. I thank God for this achievement. I encourage mature students and parents who might be thinking it’s not possible that it can be done. All is possible with God!

Degree in Accounting I am studying a degree in Accounting and hoping to graduate with good grades. My aim is to go into modelling after my course to showcase the African beauty.

- Want to appear here?

I am a senior pastor of the Word of Life Celebration Centre. Strong background in Law from Kenya and holds a degree in Associate Christian Studies, degree in Church Ministry and Diploma in Healthcare. Currently studying a PHD in Theology.

Director of Communications for the African Community Nottingham (ACN).

Going for further studies in MA International Development & Human Security.

Email valentine@mojatu.com your details and photo.

Community

Nottingham connected

31

Scotsman finds love in Kenya:

Shaun weds Melvia

Melvia Wanjiru shed her ‘Single Lady’ title when Shaun Conroy of Glasgow, Scotland walked her down the aisle on Saturday, 26th July 14.

The wedding was marked by two great traditions with Shaun’s Scottish kilt attire complementing the Kenyan ‘Leso bride walk’. The couple were escorted by family and friends who wished them well.

n, the receptio rty arrives at lasgow. pa al id br e rant, G hilst th es singing w of the Calabash Restau Kenyan ladi mani Ki rs M is among them

r & Sister Brides Brothe

The Bride, Melvina with the maid of honour, sister Hannah

Bride Melvina and the Bridegroom, Shaun

Magic mom ent when M elvina Wanjir the 'Leso pa u walks dow th' escorted n by her mum , Elizabeth.

e rles, with th roy e Bride, Cha & June Con Father of th hn Jo , ts aren p 's om ro brideg

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Community

s t n e m e g d e l w Ackno

mojatu

Dedication to

Dedication to

Meja & family

by William Mugo

Meja and family , I just wanted to express my sincere gratitude for the friendshi p and support you have contin ued to show me and my family for all those year s we have know n each other.

We have been to gether through thick and thin and you stood by me when I need ed you most especially when I moved to Notti ngham and had nowhere to go. “If you find so meone who makes you smile , who checks up on you often to see if you’re ok ay, who watche s out for you and wants the ve ry best for you, don’t let them go. Keep them clo se and don’t take granted. People them for like that are hard to find.” You are that friend. I wish you the best as a family and pray that your kin dness and thou ghtfulness will always come ba ck to you in othe r ways.

Dedication to

Ifunanya Okoyeer)

by Dr Uchenna Enem (moth Ifunanya, I send you my love and good luck in your studies and I look forward to your graduation. You motivate me to be the best ns I mother. Ifunanya, you are one of the reaso want to be successful, you are also one of the reasons my life is beautiful. I still see you as a my little girl and I hope you will grow to be our to joy much so bring You successful woman. family and I want the best for you.

Have dreams for yourself and work hard to make those dreams come true. If hard work you is not enough, then fight for it and I know a ming beco of dream your May it. will make I model come true and please remember that way. the of step each you for will always be there s You might be miles away in Africa, but I alway you love I you. for pray feel close to you and Ifunanya.

Viv KK &W. Mw angi

by Bwana

KK and Viv and I send my special regards to their upcoming in luck wish them the best of happiness and you give God May g. weddin something that is it t joy as a family. I hope tha come May the to rs yea y man for you'll cherish e planned for hav wedding day be all that you re. mo lot le who a and Good luck for the future!

Happy wedding day.

Dedication to

Prof. Roulla Hagen, Chris Crabot & Veronica Pickering

by Valentine Nkoyo My sincere gratitude goes to Prof. Roulla Hagen (Head of MBA NTU), Chris Crabot (Head of International Affairs NTU) and my mentor, Veronica Pickering (the Deputy Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire). Words can not express my joy of studying an MBA at Nottingham Trent University. The support I have received both from the MBA programme leader, the administrators and lecturers to acclimatise to the life of being a student again has been humbling. Just three months into the MBA programme and it has already started opening doors for me. I am now a member of the Institute of Directors, I now have new collaborations and partnerships through the university and I am enjoying learning from a diverse teaching team. I am confident that the skills and experience I continue to gain from studying an MBA at NTU will enable me to be in a much better position to continue supporting women and children through social enterprise.

Having struggled to get an education as a young Masai woman, being given this opportunity means a lot not only to me but to my family, friends and those I work with.

Thank you Prof. Roulla, Veronica and Chris for your support!

Community

Nottingham connected

Dedication to

Mr and Mrs Mamenemuno

by Msoo Dear newlyweds! Through the storms of life, may your love for one anothe r be steadfast and strong. May your marria ge be filled with all the right ingredients: a hea p of love, a dash of humour, a touch of romance, and a spoonful of understanding!

Am sorry I was not able to be part of your bea utiful day. I know you understand you hav e been there every day by my side, I will alw ays cherish our friendship. Thank you for the love and support you have showered me always. Love always my one and only Pok s.

Dedication Condolences to

Mr and Mrs Mutula

by Mojatu Team condolence We at Mojatu send our sincere ily upon the fam his and tula Mu ick to Mr Patr er Mbithe Esth Mrs sad loss of his mother, ily find fam r you and you May Mutula. ugh this strength and peace to go thro htly! difficult time. God Bless You Mig

Dedication to our late beloved mother A poem by Purity Waweru

Naturally when something good happens in our life the first thing we say thank you to our father filled with praise, but we fail to do the same when something bad happens. When I got the news of Mums departure, the last thing on my mind was thank you. I tried but it did not feel right. I was wrong for I should have been grateful for the years we were blessed to have her in our lives. And so I ask for God's forgiveness and mum, now my special angel. Today we celebrate mums life. You are the greatest woman to have walked on this planet. Your kindness, care and love extended beyond your family, you had a big heart and a happy soul that touched many. You always sacrificed for us to be happy.

10 children is no joke but you brought us up with grace. We would not have wanted any one but you and that’s why we are so grateful for picking you for us. Through God you gave us life and love, now with our Lord please watch over us from above. If we forgot to show our gratitude enough for the things you did we are thanking now, and we hope you knew all along how much you Dedication to meant to us. It is heart breaking to watch you lay here but you are in

by Msoo a better place and you will always an Nottingham be in our hearts. You will truly be I wish to thank Keny r you my friends whereve missed by many and especially all community and all ch expressing how mu of ort sh your grandchildren that you soo l fal rds Wo are. t to y you all reached ou much loved and spoilt .we love I appreciated the wa r r huge loss of ou ou of e tim you always till we meet again. the g rin me du laced our tears with dearest Mum. You rep ur in our heart with yo smiles and lightness ched our tou e ag ck pa re ca kindness, your ’s face. a smile to our family heart and brought u! yo k an Th Want to appear here?

Email valentine@mojatu.com your details & photo.

KNWA & Friends

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mojatu

Community

Kenyans Celebrate Madaraka Kenyans and friends of Kenya celebrated this year’s Madaraka Day (Independence day) in style on the 1st of June at the Marcus Garvey Community Centre.

Madaraka Day commemorates the day that Kenya attained it’s full independence in 1963.

Organised by the Kenya Nottinghamshire Welfare Association, the celebrations brought over 100 people together. Food and drinks were in plenty and there was fantastic entertainment from

children’s catwalk, music and dance.

The day started with the singing of both the Kenyan and British National Anthems. The Lord Mayor of Nottingham Councillor Ian Malcolm graced the occasion.

Money trans to AfricaMone transfers to Afri a Community

Nottingham connected

35

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Community

mojatu

Birthday Celebrations

Veronica Pickering's home is well known to her friends for bringing people together. The latest one was for her husband, the painter Roy Pickering's 60th birthday party on 26th July.

Their home was flooded with people from all over the UK. Friends old and new, and many other family friends travelled miles to join in the celebrations. Veronica and Roy know how lucky they are to be living in such an incredible peaceful environment with the beautiful scenery surrounding their home with the sound of birds singing from the nearby forest. The artefacts and paintings on the walls inside their house speak volumes of the respect they have for their dual heritage as a family. Going into certain rooms in the house felt like taking a tour into a beautiful African hut somewhere in Kenya.

Especially for the party a marquee had been erected in the back garden with a proper stage for the live performances and there were two incredible DJs from

Kemet FM , Master G and Charley, who kept the crowd entertained. Food and drinks were in plentiful supply and the atmosphere was fantastic especially with the good weather that allowed people to sit outside the tent where tables and chairs had been well set in between the fruit trees in the back garden.

Roy was also part of the band who entertained the crowd. Other performers included: Gambian guitarist Ebrima Sallar, folk band Hare Today, Soul singer Sandra Reid-Harley, as well as Paul and Jonathan Davy, Andy Hollis, Roy Evans, Steve Payne, Ros Kane and Debbie Cowley.

After the live performance, the lovely music took the crowd to the dancing floor as drinks and food continued to be served. The event turned out to be a great opportunity for networking for most people and the diversity of the people who attended facilitated that.

The warmth and welcome visitors receive throughout their visit is a manifestation of a family that loves people and enjoy serving others.

Community 37 mojatu

Nottingham connected

Princess Diamond Okonkwo Celebrates Birthday in style

By Edwin Ubah (Master of the Ceremony)

14th June 2014 saw the Nottingham Nigerian community come together in celebrating Princess Diamond Okwonkwo’s birthday.

A large crowd turned up at All Souls Community Centre, Ilkeston Road, Nottingham to witness Princess Diamond usher her second year in style. The event was attended by an entourage of Nigerians including the Nottingham’s Igbo Union and Women Association.

The guests were entertained with activities such as passing the parcel, dancing competitions and stage performances by the independent carnival dancers. One of the country's best mobile DJs, DJ Sholley of London, kept everyone entertained, with the young and the old, flocking on to the dance floor.

Mr & Mrs Okonkwo & Kids

Happy Iwan women

Diamond`s mum: Joy & friends

The cake was specially prepared by Diamond’s mum, Mrs Okwonkwo who took time to explain why she made cake of many colours for her beloved daughter. Her love was vividly expressed and greeted with applause and standing ovation.

Mrs Oby, the proprietor of Oby Decorations had decorated the venue wonderfully. The climax of activities was crowned by the selection of the best dancers with both young girl and boy dancers being selected. There was also adult category of male and female dancers. Princess Diamond and the winning dancers were rewarded with heavy wraps of gifts.

Mr Ifanyi Okwonkwo and Mrs Joy Okonkwo - the father and mother of Pricess Diamond thanked everyone for their great support.

Mr BeeJer & family

Mr Uzor & the boys

Dancing procession into the venue

Diamond's & parents

Okonkwos family,friends, Pastor Mark (making V sign and wife)

Parents getting Diamond ready to cut her Birthday cake

Some family friends in attendance

Family, friends & the cakes

Mc, Mrs Akahara, & Mr & Mrs Okonkwo

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mojatu

Faith & Spirituality

‘Lord of the Flies vs. Lost Boys of Sudan’

Exclusive interview with Jacob Atem, ‘Lost Boys of Sudan’ - By Richard Close and Frank Kamau Golding’s book, Lord of the Flies (which is required reading of millions of youth in the western world), is perhaps the greatest literary lie in western education’s history. Now that a few cages have been rattled, let’s challenge the well established, authoritarian, colonial ideals against the experiential backdrop of one of the real life Lost Boys of the Sudan.

The premise of Lord of the Flies is that when the superior authority is removed, the more primitive nature of man (in this case wealthy boys) will take over with false religion, bullying, power struggles, and finally savagery. Also, keep in mind that this work was written in 1952, when South African apartheid was in full swing. This is also written before the Martin Luther King, Jr. American social revolution. The premise of this mindset was that without sound western government authority, we are lost and primitive. But is that really true?

In 1968, 400,000 hippies went to Woodstock, NY for three days of music. The authorities were intimidated by their lack of faith in humans, so they stayed away. The results were: no crimes and two babies. Not to mention that when the U.S. revolted against colonial authority, democracy proved to be the model of the future. If anything, when people rule collaboratively, they seem to have peace. When authority gets too powerful, there is war and chaos.

There is evidence that human nature wants to share and be loved. Let’s reflect on our invention of the global collaborative Internet. Applications like Facebook, Twitter and Wikipedia should all be uncensored madness and savage. Yet the reverse is true. Perhaps our true nature is people collaborating with people in a fabric of loving one another that creates peace. Perhaps the transcendental truth to Lord of the Flies is that it represents more about how colonial power brokers act than about the people they rule.

The second undercurrent of the Lord of the Flies myth is that religions facilitate the separation of power, struggle and persecution. While there can be some truth to this in radicalized religions, in contrast, armies of peace building individuals maintain long term clinics, schools, orphanages, farms, microeconomics, and leadership training around the world. Major reconciliation and peace efforts by religious people have been achieved in Rwanda, South Africa and the U.S. by extensive Christian values, methods and leaders, not a pig head on a stick.

The evidence that the fictional story of Lord of the Flies is a heinous colonial lie is to be found in the ongoing story of the Lost Boys of Sudan. It is true that the UN did step in to help them after a year of wandering from the 2001 genocide. They buried over 5,000 of their friends and family in a 1,000 mile trek to safety. However, the real story of the Lost Boys is how they live today, carrying the burdens of genocide, abandonment and institutionalized racism. Without adult leadership, these young children worked collaboratively as a team using Old Testament tribal rules for a year in the wilderness.

Enduring unthinkable suffering, they walked with grit, grace and mercy. The story of the Lost Boys ironically endures after the religious and political persecution in Southern Sudan and into the U.S. for a second wave of classism, racism and literacy challenges to succeed. Their ongoing story speaks mountains of human capacity to press on against injustice.

I first met one of the Lost Boys, Jacob Atem, three years ago in a UN Head Quarters Literacy Conference. We sat side by side listening to dignitaries take credit for their global programs. It seems to me the ones who deserve the credit are the boys whose faith and love for one another sustained them through 1,000 mile and year long trek of starvation and death. Both of us knew these programs are needed, but how one survives abuse from these world events runs deeper than just statistics. Time and again, I meet people traumatized by the horrors of life who have turned into remarkable souls. How do they do it? It is one thing to provide shelter from the cold, another to heal a shattered heart. What can we learn from their story?

Yes, the funding and the UN program are essential.

But the real story of survival transcends any program's glossy brochure. The real story is about how human nature finds meaning and purpose in helping one another.

Nottingham connected An Exclusive Interview with Jacob Atem, Lost boy & Ph.D. Candidate

Faith & Spirituality

39

“The northern forces were constantly following us, so we often hid during the day and walked through the dangerous dark of the night. We were also in danger from the attack of lions. To protect ourselves when we rested, we made a timetable and decided who would sleep while the other was awake. ” When we arrived in the U.S., my cousin Michael went to Nevada and I went to Michigan. For more information see National Geographic Documentary “God Grew Tired of Us.”

Becoming a ‘Lost boy of Sudan’ http://goo.gl/idL1be In 1987, a civil war drove an estimated twenty thousand young boys from their families and villages in Southern Sudan. Eight-year-old Jacob looked around the Gilo River bank. Behind him, bullets rained from AK-47s shot by men in military uniforms. In front of him, crocodiles waited along the bank with open jaws as thousands of young boys ran toward the water.

More than 20,000 boys started walking towards Ethiopia. Most no more than six or seven years old, fled to escape death or life in slavery or induction in the Northern army. They walked a thousand miles through lion and crocodile country, eating mud to stave off thirst and starvation. Wandering for years, half of them died before reaching the Kenyan refugee camp, Kakuma. The survivors of this tragic exodus became known to the world as the “Lost Boys of Sudan.”

Jacob’s tale of personal tragedy and the value of true friendship “When I was about six years old my parents were killed

by Northern Sudanese Arab militias waging war on Southern Sudan. They entered my village killing men and kidnapping the women and children before burning our homes to the ground. That day, I lost my father and several of my siblings. One of my sisters was carried away and to this day is thought to be a slave to an Arab Sudanese family in the north.”

“But I was lucky. Early that morning, I had left with my older cousin, Michael, to take our goats and cows to pasture. When we heard the attack and saw the smoke coming from our burning village, we ran into a nearby forest to hide. For three days, we remained in the forest alone, scared, and hungry.”

The road to becoming a Ph.D. Candidate: Institutional Persecution and Individual Angels On November 11th, Richard Close interviewed Jacob about his experiences within the education systems.

Having arrived in the U.S. at age 15, Jacob is now pursuing a PhD at Florida State University.

Q. Did you feel there was a gap between the curriculum and the emotional experiences you had?

Jacob: “Oh, yes, definitely. It was separate. My little education started in Kenya, so when you do the studies there, the system has pros and cons. In Kenya, you do not have a lot of exams. You only have one big exam at the end of the year. When you come to America, there is a test every two weeks, yet you barely speak English. So you are now trying to catch up with English as a Second Language and you are unable to study the rest of the curriculum, because you get bogged down with English as a Second Language.”

“For example, I was 15 when I came to this country, so I was put in grade 9 as a freshman by age and not by the level of my education. In U.S. law, once you are 18, you graduate from high school. But that does not translate well from African society, especially from where we came from. You might be just getting into High School at 18 when you are immigrating to the U.S.” “This was a challenge for many (Lost Boys of the Sudan).

But I was lucky and had a chance to catch up in three years. But now there is a law that a person must have four years of English to graduate in the states. What do you do if you are a refugee at the age of 17? You’re left with only two years to study English! The story was, it was difficult to study.”

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mojatu

Faith & Spirituality

program would go from 8:00am to 2:30pm. The teachers would stay, because they loved you and care for you. They were patient. I was blessed in high school and college.

Even now I have had to change my PhD, because I do not Jacob: “It was sink or swim. And there were differences in have a mentor. How can you do a PhD without a mentor?” culture getting used to the children in the U.S. here, they My dear friend Jacob bears the horrors of his past within him, however he also carries the love and compassion of did not get it. They may have different trauma (in U.S. many who helped along the way. There are few I can think like children of alcoholics) like I have, but they do not of that could justify anger toward social injustice more get it (what Jacob was dealing with). than him. Yet his deep spiritual faith in human nature to “For example, I was the only minority in my school, and reach out and save and heal others is unshaken. This init was interesting, the words they were using. They are very offensive. 'You are from Africa, you are terrible.' Yeah trinsic nature to love and work together is the real nature of who we are as humans. We have so much to learn from it was difficult, the kids calling you names. And I think our mother Africa and what our true nature really is. that is where the differences came from.”

Q: Did the school curriculum deny that the individual is going through any pain or trauma at all? How did the school handle you? Did you get special counselling? Or was it sink or swim?

“My experience (in the wilderness) wanted to drive me. My experience wanted to educate me, because we used to say in the lost boys that 'education is our mother and father.'

The experience I went through made me who I am today.”

“Many people here take education for granted, especially our age, and over there it is opportunity we do not have, that it is a good thing we have in America, where you have the opportunity. You do not have to walk ten miles to a school. Here it is a matter of sitting on a bus on your behind.”

From Jacob’s interview, it is easy to see how young men of colour are “pushouts” from the educational system.

Yet he also highlights the need for caring teachers or mentors to step in and supplement what our industrial “No rich child left behind” curriculums fail to deliver; the human’s nature to love one another.

Richard Close is the developer of the Global Learning Framework, consultant, learning strategist, speaker and author. Richardclose.blogspot.com. Currently Jacob is pursuing his PhD in Health Services at the University of Florida.

Q. You had people help you along the way. Tell me about mentoring and people encouraging you?

Jacob. “From my foster family, because I was a ward of the state, so my foster parents were key. You are right what we have in life we don’t appreciate. Particularly, parents and teachers that take time and listen to you.

That is the big difference. I have met from high school to college, PhD students that really care personally with you and really put you under their wings to exceed to the next levels. There were a few individual teachers that sat for hours.”

“I feel bad for high school because there is no curriculum that says “Hey this person came from Africa.” This is how we (faculty) are supposed to treat him. No. it is not clear cut. I remember I used to have a lot of questions in class but it became too much. It might be a simple word I want to know, but it seem like everyone in the class knew it because they grew up in this culture. If I asked, people would say “Don’t you know that? We learned it in middle school and elementary school.” I would say “You don’t know my background. I did not have to learn that.”

“So I had to cut back on the questions, because I would feel like I am stupid. If I don’t ask, then I am not doing justice for myself, not learning (reflective pause).”

“There were individual teachers who would spend an enormous time after the school day was over. The

Helping Jacob work in Southern Sudan In 2008, Jacob Atem and Lual Deng founded the Southern Sudan Health Care Organization (SSHCO), a non-profit organisation aimed at establishing a safer Southern Sudan through health care and education.

Watch Jacob’s video story at http://goo.gl/BgxmMA. Currently, SSHCO is a registered Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) with the South Sudanese Government and is authorized to operate in Health Services with the Government of South Sudan (GOSS). SSHCO currently has one clinic operating and serving the people of South Sudan in the village of Maar in the state of Jonglie, just north of Bor.

Faith & Spirituality

Nottingham connected

Better Not Bitter A young woman went to her grandmother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one would pop up.

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the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.

"Which are you?" she asked her granddaughter.

Her grandmother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire, and soon the pots came to boil. In the first pot she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil; without saying a word. In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl.

Turning to her granddaughter, she asked, "Tell me what you see."

"Carrots, eggs, and coffee," she replied. Her grandmother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The grandmother then asked the granddaughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg. Finally, the grandmother asked the granddaughter to sip the coffee. The granddaughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma then asked,

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mojatu

Health & Food

10 Proven Health Benefits of Coconut Oil

Benefits of Coconut Oil 10 Proven Health

By Kris Gunnars

Coconut oil is one of the few foods that can be classified as a “superfood.”Its unique combination of fatty acids can have profound positive effects on health.This includes fat loss, better brain function and various other amazing benefits.

Here are the top 10 health benefits of coconut oil that have been experimentally confirmed in human studies.

1. Contains a Unique Combination of Fatty Acids With Powerful Medicinal Properties Coconut oil has been demonised in the past because it contains saturated fat. It’s one of the richest sources of saturated fat known to man, with almost 90% of the fatty acids in it being saturated. However, many massive studies show that saturated fats are harmless.

The idea of “artery-clogging” was a myth. Coconut oil contains Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) saturated fats unlike other foods like cheese or steak with long-chain fatty acids. MCTs go straight to the liver from the digestive tract, where they are used as a quick source energy or turned into ketone bodies, which can have therapeutic effects on brain disorders like epilepsy and Alzheimer’s.

Bottom Line: Coconut oil contains a lot of medium chain triglycerides, which are metabolized differently and can have therapeutic effects on several brain disorders.

2. Populations That Eat a LOT of Coconut Are Among the Healthiest People on the Planet Coconut is exotic food in the Western world unlike in some parts of the world where it is a dietary staple such as in Tokelauans in the South Pacific. They get over 60% of their calories from coconuts and are the biggest consumers of saturated fat in the world.

They are in excellent health, with no evidence of heart diseases. Similar thing has been observed in the Kitavans.

Bottom Line: Plenty of populations around the world have thrived for multiple generations eating massive amounts of coconut.

3. Increase Your Energy Expenditure, Helping You Burn More Fat Obesity is a major health problem globally. Thus, the

sources of calories is critical too because different foods affect our bodies and hormones in different ways. The MCTs in coconut oil can increase energy expenditure compared to the same amount of calories from longer chain fats.

Bottom Line: The medium chain triglycerides in coconut oil have been shown to increase 24 hour energy expenditure by as much as 5%, potentially leading to significant weight loss over the long term.

4. The Lauric Acid in Coconut Oil Can Kill Bacteria, Viruses and Fungi, Helping to Stave Off Infections Almost 50% of the fatty acids in coconut oil are the 12-carbon Lauric Acid. When coconut oil is enzymatically digested, it also forms a monoglyceride called monolaurin. Both lauric acid and monolaurin can kill harmful pathogens like bacteria, viruses and fungi in humans.

Bottom Line: The fatty acids and breakdown products in coconut oil can kill harmful pathogens, potentially helping to prevent infections.

5. Kill Your Hunger, Making You Eat Less without Even Trying Coconut oil can reduce your hunger possibly due to the way in which fatty acids are metabolized, because ketone bodies can have an appetite reducing effect.

It thus has an impact on long term eating habits and could have a dramatic influence on body weight over a period of several years.

Bottom Line: The fatty acids in coconut oil can significantly reduce appetite, which may positively affect body weight over the long term.

6. The Fatty Acids in Coconut Oil Are Turned into Ketones, Which Can Reduce Seizures Ketogenic (very low carb, very high fat) diet is currently being studied to treat various disorders.

The best known therapeutic application of this diet is treating drug-resistant epilepsy in children. This

Nottingham connected diet involves eating very little carbohydrates and large amounts of fat, leading to greatly increased concentrations of ketone bodies in the blood. This diet can dramatically reduce the rate of seizures in epileptic children, even those who haven’t had success with multiple different types of drugs.

Because the MCTs in coconut oil get shipped to the liver and turned into ketone bodies, they are often used in epileptic patients to induce ketosis while allowing for a bit more carbs in the diet.

Bottom Line: The MCTs in coconut oil can increase blood concentration of ketone bodies, which can help reduce seizures in epileptic children.

7. Improve Blood Cholesterol Levels and May Lower Your Risk of Heart Disease Coconut oil is loaded with saturated fats, which raise HDL (the good) cholesterol and change the LDL cholesterol to a benign subtype. Coconut oil has also reduced Total and LDL cholesterol while increasing HDL compared to soybean oil. Coconut oil also improves blood coagulation factors and antioxidant status. This improvement in cardiovascular risk factors should theoretically lead to a reduced risk of heart disease over the long term.

Bottom Line: Studies in both humans and rats show that coconut oil improves important risk factors like Total, LDL and HDL cholesterol, which may translate to a reduced risk of heart disease.

8. Protect Hair against Damage, Moisturize Skin and Function as Sunscreen Coconut oil can serve various purposes that have nothing to do with eating it. Many people use it for cosmetic purposes and to improve the health and appearance of their skin and hair. Coconut oil also improves the moisture and lipid content of the skin. It can be very protective against hair damage and is an effective sunscreen, blocking about 20% of the sun’s ultraviolet rays. It is also used as a mouthwash - oil pulling, which can kill some of the harmful bacteria in the mouth, improving dental health and reducing bad breath.

Bottom Line: Coconut oil can be applied topically as well, studies showing it to be effective as a skin moisturizer and protecting against hair damage. It can also be used as a mild form of sunscreen and as mouthwash.

9. The Fatty Acids in Coconut Oil Can Boost Brain Function in Alzheimer’s Patients Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of

Health & Food

43

dementia worldwide and occurs primarily in elderly individuals. In Alzheimer’s patients, there appears to be a reduced ability to use glucose for energy in certain parts of the brain. Ketone bodies can supply energy for the brain and researchers have speculated that ketones can provide an alternative energy source for these malfunctioning cells and reduce symptoms of Alzheimer’s.

Bottom Line: Studies show that the fatty acids in coconut oil can increase blood levels of ketone bodies, supplying energy for the brain cells of Alzheimer’s patients and relieving symptoms.

10. Help You Lose Fat, Especially the Dangerous Fat in Your Abdominal Cavity Since coconut oil can reduce appetite and increase fat burning, it makes sense that it can also help you lose weight. Coconut oil appears to be especially effective in reducing abdominal fat, which lodges in the abdominal cavity and around organs. This is the most dangerous fat of all and is highly associated with many Western diseases. Coconut oil has been found to have positive impact on obesity, leading to a significant reduction in both BMI and waist circumference. It leads to losing significant amounts of abdominal fat simply by adding coconut oil to their diet.

A note to remember!

If you want to buy coconut oil, look at those with positive and excellent customer reviews. To get the health benefits outlined in this article, you must get organic, virgin coconut oil… NOT the refined stuff.

Also, do your research as people are using coconut oil for all sorts of things with incredible success.

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Business & Finance

mojatu

7 Habits of People with Remarkable Mental Toughness

By Louis Dos Santos

As with all good things, we better start with definitions.

Remarkable mental toughness means “the ability to work hard and respond resiliently to failure and adversity; the inner quality that enables individuals to work hard and stick to their long-term passions and goals”.

Now on Grit! This means “grit almost perfectly describes qualities every successful person possesses, because mental toughness builds the foundations for long-term success”.

For example, successful people are great at delaying gratification. Successful people are great at withstanding temptation. Successful people are great at overcoming fear in order to do what they need to do. (Of course, that doesn’t mean they aren’t scared - that does mean they’re brave. Big difference.) Successful people don’t just prioritize: They consistently keep doing what they have decided is most important.

All those qualities require mental strength and toughness - so it’s no coincidence those are some of the qualities of remarkably successful people.

Here are ways you can become mentally stronger and as a result more successful: 1. Always act as if you are in total control.

There’s a saying often credited to Ignatius: “Pray as if God will take care of all; act as if all is up to you.” (Cool quote.)

The same premise applies to luck. Many people feel luck has a lot to do with success or failure. If they succeed, luck favoured them, and if they fail, luck was against them.

Most successful people do sense that good luck played some role in their success. But they don’t wait for good luck or worry about bad luck. They act as if success or failure is completely within their control. If they succeed, they caused it. If they fail, they caused it.

By not wasting mental energy worrying about what might happen to you, you can put all your effort into making things happen. (And then if you get lucky, hey, you’re even better off.) You can’t control luck, but you can definitely control you.

2. Put aside things you have no ability to affect.

Mental strength is like muscle strength - no one has an unlimited supply. So why waste your power on things you can’t control?

For some people it’s politics. For others it’s family. For others it’s global warming. Whatever it is, you care … and you want others to care.

Fine. Do what you can do: Vote. Lend a listening ear.

Recycle and reduce your carbon footprint. Do what you can do. Be your own change - but don’t try to make everyone else change. (They won’t.)

3. See the past as valuable training … and nothing more.

The past is valuable. Learn from your mistakes. Learn from the mistakes of others. Then let it go.

Easier said than done? It depends on your perspective. When something bad happens to you, see it as an opportunity to learn something you didn’t know. When another person makes a mistake, don’t just learn from it - see it as an opportunity to be kind, forgiving, and understanding.

The past is just training; it doesn’t define you. Think about what went wrong but only in terms of how you will make sure that next time you and the people around you know how to make sure it goes right.

Nottingham connected 4. Celebrate the success of others.

Many people - I guarantee you know at least a few see success as a zero-sum game: There’s only so much to go around. When someone else shines, they think that diminishes the light from their stars.

Resentment sucks up a massive amount of mental energy - energy better applied elsewhere.

Business & Finance

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situation better. (Unless you want to whine about it forever, eventually you’ll have to make it better.)

So why waste time? Fix it now. Don’t talk about what’s wrong. Talk about how you’ll make things better, even if that conversation is only with yourself.

And do the same with your friends or colleagues.

Don’t just serve as a shoulder they can cry on. Friends don’t let friends whine; friends help friends make their lives better.

6. Focus only on impressing yourself.

No one likes you for your clothes, your car, your possessions, your title, or your accomplishments.

Those are all “things.” People may like your things but that doesn’t mean they like you.

(Sure, superficially they might seem to like you, but superficial is also insubstantial, and a relationship not based on substance is not a real relationship.)

When a friend does something awesome, that doesn’t preclude you from doing something awesome. In fact where success is concerned, birds of a feather tend to flock together - so draw your unsuccessful friends even closer.

Don’t resent awesomeness. Create and celebrate awesomeness, wherever you find it, and in time you’ll find even more of it in yourself.

5. Never allow yourself to whine. (Or complain. Or criticize.)

Genuine relationships make you happier, and you’ll form genuine relationships only when you stop trying to impress and start trying to just be yourself.

And you’ll have a lot more mental energy to spend on the people who really do matter in your life.

7. Count your blessings.

Take a second every night before you turn out the light and, in that moment, quit worrying about what you don’t have. Quit worrying about what others have that you don’t.

Your words have power, especially over you. Whining about your problems always makes you feel worse, not better.

Think about what you do have. You have a lot to be thankful for. Feels pretty good, doesn’t it?

So if something is wrong, don’t waste time complaining. Put that mental energy into making the

Feeling better about yourself is the best way of all to recharge your mental batteries.

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Classifieds

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In the Next Issue M015

Don't be like all

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Interview with • Mwalimu George Ben Anthony • Black History Special

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Community

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Community

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