1 BLACK HISTORY MONTH LO RE M IP SU M Grassroot Communities AWARDS
Content Forward ...................................................................... 3 FGM Myth Busting Guide ....................................... 4-5 Lifetime Achievement Awards ............................... 7-8 Community Education Awards ........................... 9-10 Inspirational Young People’s Awards ................ 11-12 Positively Integrating Young People Awards .......... 12 Volunteering Awards .............................................. 13 Bringing Communities Together Awards .......... 14-17 Fighting Gender-Based Violence & FGM Awards .. 18 Positively Integrating the Seniors’ Award ............... 19 Artistic, Wellbeing & Mental Health Awards ........... 19 Sponsors ............................................................ 20-21 Community Journalists ........................................... 23
We all know the need for and importance of celebrations and more so to our health and wellbeing. Celebrating each other and oneself is one thing we don’t do so well and especially the grassroot communities. However, in an effort to building resilience for our health and wellbeing, James Momoh from the Talking Therapy service of Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust took the grassroot communities through a series of four sessions on the need of celebrations and especially self-celebration. In this, he challenged everyone to celebrate themselves at least once a week even When no one else celebrates them. Following on that, it was only fitting that we honour grassroot communities with awards giving on different categories as we celebrate Black History—perfect timing.
As you open the pages of this booklet, you will come across men and women, young and seniors who have been honoured with awards and certificates for the impact they continue to make in our communities. They may never know or even be told how much difference they make in supporting people better manage their health & wellbeing, but all that does not go unnoticed hence the awards they receive this evening.
Thank you to Connect Reading for reaching out to the wider community for sponsors of the different categories being presented this evening which includes; Bringing communities Together, Volunteering, Positively Integrating Young People Young People In
The Community, Positively Integrating Seniors In The Community, Promoting Health & Wellbeing Through Art, Lifetime Achievement, Inspirational Young People, Community Education For Health & Wellbeing. The sponsors include; Business International Network (BNI), Connect Reading, Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust, Libera Voice, Holybrook Associates, Reading Borough Council, Fearless Youth Association (FYA), Utulivu Women’s Group, Alliance For Cohesion and Racial Equality (ACRE), Utulivu Women’s Group.
Thank you to the Reading Mayor, Cllr Rachel Eden for continuing to positively amplify grassroot communities’ voices through many different and innovative ways. This includes but not limited to; sponsored walks and inspiring talks. Thank you too to Reading Borough Council and Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust for the continued initiative of connecting with the grassroot community in order to make the greatest impact on Health & Wellbeing of the communities they serve. Lastly, thanks to Evangeline Karanja for leading the team running the Wellbeing Hub under ACRE, Utulivu and Mojatu in compiling this booklet and making the awards giving evening for the grassroot communities in celebrating the BHM a reality. We hope to do this bigger and better next year and the years to come.
Cecily Mwaniki.
Forward
4 1 What is FGM? • FGM involves harming or removing all or part of the external female genitalia. • It has been illegal in England and Wales since 1985. • It is recognised as a human rights violation and harms women and girls in many ways and has no health benefits. 2 Is it religious? • It is not a religious practise; the Bible and Quran have nothing to do with it. 5 Are there any complications? • There is a range of physical, emotional and psychological complications of FGM • Physical complications includes: risk of infection, painful periods, pain passing urine, higher risk of still birth, pain during sex or unable to have sex • Psychological problems may include: low selfesteem, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health issues 3 Which countries practise FGM? • Women across the globe are affected by FGM, taking place in areas of Africa, Asia and the Middle East. • Women and girls with FGM now live in countries all over the world, including the UK particularly among members of migrant communities 4 What are the different types of FGM? • Type 1: Clitoridectomy- involves the partial or total removal of the clitoris • Type 2: Excision- involves the partial or total removal of the clitoris and the labia • Type 3: Infibulation – involves the narrowing or stitching of the vaginal opening • Type 4: Any other harmful procedures such as pricking, stretching and cauterizing. Female Genital Mutilation: A MYTH BUSTING GUIDE
5 8 Is FGM the same as male circumcision? • No, it is not the same. Male circumcision has some health benefits, whereas FGM has no medical benefits at all. • There is no damage to the penis during male circumcision whereas there are long lasting detrimental impacts of FGM. 9 Can we condemn someone else’s cultural traditions? • FGM cannot be justified by arguments of cultural tradition • Culture is something that should be celebrated, and is not something that brings harm and pain • Losing the tradition of FGM will not destroy culture but maintaining it will harm those who undergo it 6 Is it an African Problem? • Not all African countries practise FGM • It is also practised by communities outside of Africa, including some Christian communities in the United States • FGM is a gender- based violence issue that can impact everyone. 10 Is FGM just a women’s issue? • FGM is rooted in patriarchal tradition where men benefit by sending or collecting money for their daughters to be cut and turning a blind eye to it • It is important for men to understand this practise as abuse and challenging traditions to end this unnecessary harm to women and girls 7 Is it safe when performed by a medical professional? • In whatever setting FGM occurs, it is still detrimental to the health of the woman or girl. • Some risk factors may be slightly reduced through a sterile environment and knowledge, there is still no medical benefit to FGM • The long term psychological and physical consequences remain the same. www.mojatufoundation.org info@mojatufoundation.org 07759 927671 | 01157846666
Workshop
Lifetime Achievement Awards
Everett Marshall for Services to the Elderly Everette Marshall, born in Guyana, South America, has been in England for over 55 years, and I have enjoyed serving my community. Working with the elderly and young people. I am currently a volunteer at the Golders Lunch Club.
The founder of 3 cooks along with Delores John and Brenda Neal operating out of Cintra Park. 3 cooks provide meals and companionship for the elderly. I would like to see more help given to the elderly and disabled. I would also like to dedicate this honour to my late friend Dee who passed after a long illness.
WHAT INSPIRES ME? INSPIRED BY PEOPLE
I was inspired to start Reading Caribbean Express at a time when Reading Caribbean seemed incredibly quiet. I’d had my two sons; they were growing up and I wanted to do something for myself. I enjoyed writing, I enjoyed Community. My home ground was West Reading. And so, Community was everything.
The inspiration! I give thanks that I’ve always felt in my spirit, the need to join the dots in our community, as our parents did before us. My grandparents Agatha and Ronald Walker and Aunt founded the Globe. My Mum’s Cousin Adele Patience for writing four volumes about life from Germany to Jamaica. And more than anything else my mother inspired and encouraged me to start and continue Reading Caribbean Express News.
Yvonne Yew for Services to Journalism & Community Activism
Lifetime Achievement Awards
Don Chandler for Services to Music & Culture
Don Chandler is the Music Industry Specialist and Musical Director (MD) for the Reading Reggae Collective at CultureMix Arts. He is a Grammy award-winning music producer and bass guitar player. As a passionate advocate of promoting roots reggae music in the UK Don’s mentoring gives young people with outstanding talent opportunities to become music industry professionals.
Don leads the Artist Development programme and is the producer for reggae artist Jnr Watson and the project coordinator and MD for the Reading Reggae Collective. He is the industry tutor for the Music Academy, and the keynote lecturer for the CultureMix Arts work experience programme.
Chad Cudjoe
Celebrating the last Cricketer of the Windrush Generation still playing with over 50 years of contribution to Berkshire and Local Cricket.
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Community Education Awards
Empowering communities through education for Health and wellbeing
Chukuemeka Obiorah
My name is Chukuemeka Obiorah and I have been volunteering and participating with Utulivu in the Wellbeing Hub in regards to Mental Health Awareness. My passion when it comes to Mental Health is all about reclaiming your life and recovery so that you can live a meaningful life. I have worked as a Support Worker for a care home for people with learning disabilities and also as an Out of Hours Crisis Worker as part of the Breathing Space.
I have used education to help throughout my recovery from attending the Compass recovery college back in 2016, attending Utulivu Let’s Talk sessions and doing my own research and reflections on my own journey which led me to create a series of 8 shows dedicated around positive support networks and how that helps someone throughout their recovery journey. Now I have the pleasure of Working as a Recovery Worker as part of the Compass Recovery College coproducing and facilitating workshops, delivering outreach work and connecting with communities to promote what Compass does and how we can help communities become aware of what mental health is and how it can affect individuals and communities alike
Charles Stephen
Charles is an entrepreneur, public speaker and personal development coach. His mission is to inspire and educate communities especially those from ethnic minority backgrounds to excel and thrive physically, mentally, economically and socially. To achieve this Charles has been working in collaboration with various community groups, grassroot organisations and statutory bodies among which are Utulivu Women Group, ACRE, We Men Group, Lifespring Church, Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust and His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service.
Charles is also a co-host of Lifetime Success Seminars, which conducts a series of seminars biweekly to raise awareness, educate and inspire communities in matters of personal development. Charles is a husband and a father. He lives with his family in Tilehurst, Reading.
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Community Education Awards
Empowering communities through education for Health and wellbeing
Cllr. Alice-Mpofu Coles
Alice Mpofu-Coles is a researcher, an elected Local Councillor for Whitely Ward, Reading and an advocate for social justice. Alice researches young immigrants in the UK and also communitybased research projects.
Alice received an excellence award prize in recognition of your outstanding contribution to Race Equality, the University of Sanctuary, and Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion within the University of Reading, including high-profile keynote presentations, and to several Participatory Action Research projects with the Whitley Researchers and VSO organisations which have produced a significant impact.
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Inspirational Young People’s Awards
Ryan Obure
Ryan is 13 years of age and an outstanding student who has been consistent in achieving exceeding grades in every subject from the moment he stepped into a class. He puts 110% into everything that he does, no matter how small the task is. His biggest passion is football and has been since he was three years old. He aspires to be the best version of himself in everything he does and consistently works on growing and advancing himself in every area of his life. In the process, he has inspired his peers both in and out of school.
During covid, Ryan was a pillar of support to his peers and reached out to his friends to support them with the various mental and emotional challenges they were facing during that difficult period. It is because of such efforts that he has been recognised by Utulivu. He joined various community talks organised by Utulivu and used them as an inspiration to progress his desire to support his peers. The way he sees it is, if we Unite and support each other, we will be able to get through the pandemic or any challenge together.
He hasn’t stopped there, he has initiated various programmes at his school that tackle issues such as diversity, loneliness, mental health, equality, and belonging given awards. Today, we also acknowledge him for the tireless work he is doing for his peers and for constantly looking for ways to be the change he wants to see.
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Inspirational Young People’s Awards
Kathy Githinji
My name is Kathy and I’m 13 years old. I first heard about Utulivu from my mum (Josephine) and my aunt (Lilian), they would bring me to different events like gardening, and sometimes I would go to Utulivu meetings.
One day I was asked to write an article about the gardening we did during the lockdown and it was published in the Mojatu magazine. My big inspiration is my mum as I hope to grow up and be as hard-working and loving as she is. Utulivu is a wonderful community and I admire the topics and subjects that are discussed.
I would really like to see a change in the community by engaging different age groups and giving them awareness, encouragement and empowerment.
Positively Integrating Young People Award
Soccerkids Football Club
Celebrating the great work the coach and the team of young kids contribution to football.
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Volunteering Awards
Nyasher Browne
Hi, my name is Nyasher Browne. I am a bright soul with a big heart, living in my newfound light and power after healing. I am a soul of many talents with being an author at the forefront of my portfolio.
I am inspired by the power that I have within myself that I was never aware of. As I have healed it has become brighter and stronger allowing me to see, feel and be who I am and supposed to be. In the community, I would like to see more people being able to get the help and support they need to overcome their troubles so they can learn to be able to cope with life using newfound strategies that are helpful to them. In turn giving them the strength to always be able to help themselves and others around them, even if that means reaching out. If this becomes a success of ours all the good will trickle down to others helping to build an inclusive and mellow community for us all young, old, and in between. Utulivu women’s group/ACRE has allowed me to shine and give my voice the space it deserves to share my story and put my healing work into practice by being able to help educate, advise and support others who are part of the utulivu and ACRE community.
Tombe Tombe
Hello everyone, my name is Tombe. I started volunteering for Utulivu because of the wonderful Cecily and my dear mother Mary. I felt that I had to give something back to the community, big or small. Participating in the weekly zoom meetings gave me an opportunity to connect with some of the people from the community. I have learned, laughed, and warmly engaged with some of the people who make the community what is. I would like to thank everyone involved, Thank you.
Stella Muiruri and Shalom Adebanjo-Akers
Shallom and Stella were both great volunteers at Utulivu Thursday conversations. They continue to be valuable members of the community.
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Bringing Communities Together Awards
Reading Sudanese Community
What is the vision and mission of the group? Organise cultural, educational, and social events. Classes and activities to meet the needs and improve the quality of life of all members. Recognise and celebrate the many different faiths followed by the people from Sudan. We meet once a month, and the next meeting is on 1/11/2022
How has your group helped your members? Help Sudanese refugees and their needs as they arise.
What would you like to see more of in the community? To establish contact with all groups and agencies involved in the provision of services, aid, and assistance to Sudanese people in the UK.
Islam group
To provide leadership for the Muslim Community in Greater Reading to improve quality of life. Activities include: a guided tour of the mosque, prayer and demonstration and a chance to ask questions. Work with helping others in the community.
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Bringing Communities Together Awards
Kenyans in Reading Family Fun Day (KRFFD)
KRFFD Moto A wonderful community is characterised by the spirit of love and cohesiveness. KRFD brings everyone together irrespective of all differences to promote oneness.
Organisational Aims The Family fun day brings the community together, to give back to the community, and build an inheritance for future generations to enjoy. The organisation is grateful for what the UK country has offered the Kenyan community. The Family fun day is open for all the communities to come and network, and meet each other and for Kenyans from the area in the UK to meet each other. The event in the park has been going on for 7 years and we plan to hold the event twice every year. April and August.
The organisation’s purpose is the promotion of social inclusion for the public benefit among people of Kenyan heritage and their families, who live in and around Reading. Providing opportunities for community awareness, cohesion, and integration through dialogue, sports events, and cultural events. Providing peer support activities to discuss issues around drug abuse, alcoholism, and recreational activities and signposting to other support services. We support each other during: Weddings, Burials, Baby showers, and Medical needs. As part of a social group we meet every two months
Utulivu has been part of this wonderful journey. Utulivu has been a role model to us. The Utulivu leadership has offered us moral support and financial support.
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Bringing Communities Together Awards
Significant Women
The group was started in 2015, by the founder, Salome Stephen Buraganya with our First International meeting in 2016.
Vision and Mission A women’s group organisation that supports healthy family life, for Black and minority ethnic (BAME) women, girls, men, and their families are supported in their efforts to settle down and better assimilate into the larger community. We provide support by raising awareness about mental health, immigration, tackling Gender-based Violence, Domestic Abuse and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).We encourage and support people in their endeavours, such as writing books, business etc.The active social networking organisation Significant Women is made up primarily of African professionals, business owners, and entrepreneurs.
Meetings International meeting once a year/June | Zoom meetings after every 4 weeks
How has your group helped your members? We supported more than 30 families on immigration issues. | We support on Domestic Violence through our Professionals. | Encourage girls and youth on Writing books | Awareness of FGM | Family meetings, We value family, When a family is at peace the level of mental health improves.
What I want to see more in the community: The awareness of many opportunities, particularly regarding how to help people achieve God-given goals. | Prepare the next generation so that they can be more integrated.
How has the Utulivu Women Group inspired/helped you? Utulivu Women are like our Mentors, they support our programmes, encourage us to work harder and provide us with opportunities to learn.
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Bringing Communities Together Awards
Lifetime Success Seminars
Our mission is to inspire people in our community to reach their full potential by applying success principles. Our primary goal is to provide a platform for people to come together and share ideas, experiences, and knowledge. Find ways to apply the assimilated information and gained knowledge to bring about lasting change in their lives. Our Vision is to see people’s lives change, particularly those from ethnic minorities.
Our meetings are held twice a month, face-to-face and via Zoom.
People’s lives are being transformed as a result of these engagements. In the future, we would like to see more collaborations of similar groups working in harmony to bring about long-term change in people’s lives
Lifetime Success Seminars has been collaborating with Utulivu Women group in a number of ways: publicity, mentoring and being a part of these meetings by attending and sharing.
My Name is Stephen Buraganya, I am most inspired when I see people excel and fulfil their potential. This is what motivated me to form Lifetime Success Seminars in 2013
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Fighting Gender-Based Violence & FGM Awards
Project Salama
Project SALAMA is a charity providing relief to those in need that are currently, or have previously suffered from domestic abuse. SALAMA is Swahili for safe, it also means ‘safety’, ‘security’, or ‘integrity’. It translates as ‘peace’ in the following languages, Jewish (Sephardic), Arabic and Hebrew.
Our charity understands the importance of safety within relationships. We offer a safe space should abuse happen in relationships. We also specialise in working with the BAME Community and understanding the impact of culture on all relationships.
Lilian Muhando
She is a community champion, Gender-based Violence (GBV) ambassador and mental health first aider. A great ambassador of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and with a commitment to end it in a generation.
She is the author of one book and will be completing the second one soon. She started writing and learning at the age of 19 years and has gone on to achieve higher education. Her mission is to empower women to get an education.
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Positively Integrating the Seniors’ Award
Golder’s club
The Reading Golders is an open and welcoming group for older people in Reading, with a special focus on the African and Caribbean community.
The lunch is always freshly cooked using traditional recipes with special attention to the nutritious needs of older adults.
The group provides seated exercise, activities, speakers and has a lively and friendly atmosphere.
‘My mobile, my friend’ runs once a month and offers people a chance to learn about mobile phones and how to keep in touch with family and friends abroad.
Every week there is also a story-telling session where the attendees can share and listen to one another. Other activities include: Weekly Line-dancing sessions, A Folk Song Choir and A small mature Garden.
Artistic,Wellbeing & Mental Health Awards
Yvonne Booth
Yvonne and Wafula are great artists and showcase their work today to enhance our well-being.
Joseph Wafula Wafula loves art and expresses himself through it. His love for art keeps him busy and creative.
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Sponsor of Community
Award
Holy Brook Associates
Sponsor
the
Libera
Sponsor of Lifetime
Award
Connect Reading
Sponsor of the Volunteer Award
20 BNI - Business Networking International
Education
The World’s Leading Business Networking and Referral Organisation. BNI provides a positive, supportive, and structured environment for the development and exchange of quality business referrals.
of
Fighting Gender-Based Violence & FGM Award. Helping you do things better, so you can do better things.
Voce
Achievement
Made to Measure Consulting Libera Voce (Latin for “free speech”) was originally established to help bring order into businesses and projects, from a range of sectors. The vision remains the same, however. Our specific skills focus on the needs of our clients, with a made-tomeasure approach.
Bringing a better Reading for everyone. Bringing the sectors together for a better environment, better community and better economy. SPONSORS
Fearless Youth Association
Sponsor of the Inspirational Young People’s Award
FYA offers young people who are not in education, employment or training the opportunity to feel a sense of belonging, come together, learn from other young people, and build confidence and skills that can keep them away from violence on the streets.
BHFT -Sponsor of the Artistic, Wellbeing & Mental Health Award
We’re a community and mental health trust, providing a wide range of services to people of all ages living in Berkshire.
Mojatu Sponsors of the booklets
We transform communities and individuals through health, media, training, and engaging initiative thereby enabling them to tackle issues affecting them more effectively.
Connect Reading Sponsor of the Volunteer Award
Bringing a better Reading for everyone. Bringing the sectors together for a better environment, better community and better economy.
Utulivu
Utulivu Women’s Group is a specialist frontline women’s organisation that supports Black,
girls, and their families in Reading and
areas to ensure they are safe, healthy, and have equal access to opportunities
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Women’s Group sponsors the: Positively Integrating young people Award. | Positively Integrating the Seniors’ Award
Asian, Minority Ethnic, and Refugees (BAMER) women,
surrounding
and resources.
22 Free Training ALL COURSES INCLUDECV WritingWork PlacementCareer PlanningSupport with job applicationVolunteering, apprenticeship, or further training HEALTHCAREHOSPITALITYCHILDCARELadies only 16+ May 22Apr 23 utulivuRDGutulivurdgUtulivuRdg0118 3345056 / 0747 0473922 www.utulivu.co.ukadmin@utulivu.co.uk344a Oxford Road, Reading, RG30 1AF
Jobs available in different locations offering: • Paid (Part or Full-time) • Freelancers • Apprenticeship • Volunteering • Traineeship • Internships Requirements • Passionate about digital story telling for local communities • Desire for new and innovative ways of telling stories • Willingness to learn and use new skills, tools & platforms. • Engage in local and social media to get and tell stories and develop relationships Contents you will produce and work with: • Online & social media platforms • Print and digital magazines • Community radio • Periodic newsletters Free training offered: • Solution Journalism • Digital Storytelling • Climate Journalism • Data and AI Journalism • Podcasting • Technical, Audio and Studio skills • Investigative Journalism • Interviewing Skills • Radio Presenter and Producer • Social Media Content Creation and many more Vacancies For Community Journalist & Media Team OfficialFMBRadio fmbradio FMB_Radio fmbradio.com info@fmbradio.com Howitt Wing Building, OfficialFMBRadio fmbradio FMB_Radio 0115 784 6666 fmbradio.com info@fmbradio.com Howitt Wing Building, FMB Radio FMB RadioFMB Radio FMB Radio
utulivuRDG utulivurdg UtulivuRdg 0118 3345056 / 0747 0473922 www.utulivu.co.uk admin@utulivu.co.uk 344a Oxford Road, Reading, RG30 1AF
