Mojatu Reading Magazine Issue R002 by Mojatu Reading Connected

ISSN 2041-8566

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UK £ 2.00

Issue R002

Reading

Cecily Mwaniki

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uBuntu:

Attaining an accomplished life

STOP:

Female Genital Mutilation

Mic Check!

Black Female

Journalists

women & Education • ACRE launched • 8 Myths about meat • Investing in yourself

Valentine Nkoyo

I am because I believe READ | WRITE | ADVERTISE @ www.mojatu.com

Editor’s Welcome Dear Readers, Thanks very much for your support in the hugely successful first issue of Mojatu Reading Magazine issue R001. Your fantastic response has motivated us to launch this second issue R002. Your overwhelming support guarantees that Mojatu Reading Magazine has a great future! A big ‘THANK-YOU’ to you all! In this edition, Mojatu Reading Magazine addresses the core issues of education, self development, skills enhancement, health and relationships. ‘Learn how to invest in yourself wisely’ is a fascinating article about self-fulfilment and self-investment helping you to be motivated and effective hence accomplishing much more and being efficient and highly productive! As we prepare to celebrate the International Women’s Day which will be marked by CMNetwork Women’s Event in Reading on March 8th, the magazine recognises women’s achievements across the world by carrying out interviews on success and resilience shown by women in business, publishing, education and media. Read about it in the ‘Mic Check!’ article, see the small business support and esteemed break through articles. CMNetwork has joined Mojatu Foundation and other organisations in committing to combating gender inequality and elimination of abuse suffered by thousands of women through female genital mutilation (FGM) in the UK and abroad. We have joined the campaign against this serious issue as in our FGM article. We believe you will join us as we embark on this battle. We will feature interviews from FGM campaigners, experts and seasoned activists in our website and across our issues in UK. Watch out for this! Cecily Mwaniki Editor, Mojatu Reading Magazine

Editorial

Contents Education & Training Investing In Yourself Wisely

International Women’s Day 2014

Supporting Health and Education

Academic Support

Mic Check! Black Female Journalists

Why learning, mentorship and uBuntu

matters in attaining an accomplished life

News Acre launched

Community Chat`bout steps up

Ghana Independence Special

Kenya Nottingham Welfare Association 16

Faith & Spirituality I am because I believe Getting back on your feet 8 ridiculous myths about meat consumption and health

Female Genital Mutilation to end now

Business & Financies Something every parent should do Common traps to avoid when claiming

Cover

Valentine Resianto Nkoyo in her informal wear, Maasai attire

Graphic Designers: George Evangelos Bompetsis | Robert Borbely | Maria - Tereza Tzelepaki | Alin Margineanu

Read online: www.mojatu.com/magazines Subscription: £24 per year including postage | subs@mojatu.com A: 167 Alfreton Road, Nottingham, NG7 3JR T: 0115 845 7009 M: 07516962992 / 07984825482 Facebook: www.facebook.com/mojatu Twitter: www.twitter.com/mojatu1 Printers: Mojatu

IT: Dennis Monari | Daniel Wardle Accounts / Admin: Penny Cooper penny@mojatu.com

Health

Sales & Marketing: Mary Peter | Christine Nyaga

Arts & Culture

Group Editor: Frank Kamau – frank@mojatu.com Editor: Cecily Mwaniki – reading@mojatu.com Associate Editor: Norma Gregory - norma@mojatu. com

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Education & Training

Investing In Yourself Wisely If a man empties his purse into his head no one can take it away from him. An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest. Franklin Benjamin The fast-changing nature of the world not only has a negative side but also a positive one: it opens new possibilities. Many things that weren’t possible before become possible today. For instance, it’s now possible to have a location-independent (and even time-independent) career. You don’t have to stay at the same place all the time. Seeing such opportunities, however, requires you to keep learning. You must keep yourself up to date with the new way of doing things. Many people invest in financial instruments such as real estate and mutual funds, but forget to invest in their self-education. As the quote above says, however, investing in your self-education is actually one of the best (if not the best) investments that you can make. The investment here takes two forms: time and money. You should invest both time and money in upgrading yourself. Don’t hesitate to do that because it’s a good use of your resources. Here are four reasons why it’s important to invest in your self-education: 1. It helps you stay relevant. We live in a fast-changing world. That, unfortunately, means that your skills and knowledge could get obsolete faster than ever. Being in the field of information technology, this is a reality that I face every day. Many of the techniques I learned a few years ago are no longer in use today. Therefore, if you want to stay relevant, there is no other choice: you must constantly upgrade yourself. You must pay the price of learning and relearning. 2. It helps you see new opportunities.

3. It fulfils you. Self-education gives you not just external rewards but also internal ones. It feels good to reach your full potential. It gives you inner satisfaction to be the best person that you can be. 4. It increases your capacity to help people. Upgrading yourself will benefit not only you but also those around you. Why? Because it increases your capacity to help people. The fact is, you can only help others with what you have. So the more you have, the more you can help. Some people find it easier to spend money on things like meals than on their self-education. Don’t be that kind of person. Instead, make your self-education a priority. You might not feel the benefits right away, but believe what Benjamin Franklin said: An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.

by Cecily Mwaniki | www.cmnetwork.co.uk | 07828 307 997

Reading

International Women’s Day Action for small businesses

International Women’s Day is celebrated on 8 March every year. Countries across the world mark the day by celebrating the achievements and inspiring the next generation of women. I’ve always celebrated International Women’s Day, usually by attending a church service. However this year I was delighted to receive an invitation to an evening of networking in aid of Utilivu Women’s Group and Creating Better Futures and organised by CMNetwork. Those that know me will know that I’m passionate about enabling more women to follow their dreams and set up their own businesses. I heard recently that men are 2-3 times more likely to own a business in the UK (OECD Entrepreneurship at a Glance Report) and that if women were setting up and running businesses at the same rate as men we could have an additional one million entrepreneurs (The Women’s Business Council Report – Maximising Women’s Contribution to Economic Growth). Closing the entrepreneurship gender gap is something I am passionate about. Put simply, we’d be stupid to ignore the huge potential that women have to offer, and as country the economic benefits of having more women in business could be enormous. I also know from talking to other women who run their own companies

that getting support is vital. That’s why a networking event on International Women’s Day is so important. Over the past six months I have also set up a Reading Based Women in Business Network to enable women with established companies and those starting up to link up, share expertise and above all support each other. If you are looking to start a business, no matter how small, or have ‘seen it, done it and got the T-shirt’ I’d love for you to take part. A message from VickyThis International Women’s Day, Victoria has announced a new

opportunity to encourage young women in Reading to get involved and learn more about politics. She launched the opportunity at the CM Network event ‘Women of Purpose’. Victoria is giving young women aged 18 - 25 the chance to apply for a shadowing scheme with her. The aim of the scheme is to encourage more young women to get into politics, and also to help local young people boost their CVs with extra work experience. On International Women’s Day, Victoria also called on employers to consider taking on female shadows and work experience students in all fields where women are underrepresented. Victoria said that the timing of the shadowing opportunity will be flexible, allowing the placement to fit around education and/or employment. Places are limited, so any interested parties should get in touch with Victoria at info@ victoriagroulef.co.uk Victoria said “women are still under represented in so many jobs, from politics and science to engineering and law. I want to do more to engage young women in politics and I hope this experience will give a few local young women the opportunity to do just that.” By Victoria Groulef

Education & Training

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Supporting Health and Education and Building Self-esteem in 2014! Our self-esteem or what we think our self-worth is, affects pretty much all of the decisions we make as individuals, within our families and in our various communities. Esteemed Breakthrough sees the activities and actions that contribute to greater self-esteem as essential for all. The charity serves as an advocate for the less privileged. With its core mission to help build the self-esteem of individuals and communities through better health, education and more opportunities for wealth creation, there is no doubt about the positive impact it is making in the lives of many. The Reading based charity, which has an international focus, was officially launched on 1st December 2013 at the Holiday Inn Hotel in Reading. At the launch event, which was very well attended, the charity officials highlighted key projects and activities, particularly related to health and education that the charity had embarked on and how these were helping to empower individuals and communities. Esteemed Breakthrough’s efforts to help improve health (physical, mental and emotional) and education, building self-esteem in the process, continue in 2014. The first priority for this year was to provide some very much needed warm blankets for new mums and babies at the Kariru Maternity Centre in Kenya. Projects Director, Cecily Mwaniki visited the Kariru Maternity Centre in January, taking with her, funds to purchase a dozen much needed blankets for new mums and their new born babies. Cecily visited the Maternity Centre on a busy day, and was present at the Centre during the birth of four new babies. Deep gratitude for the love, care and support has been expressed by the Head of the Centre. Whilst warm blankets for new born babies and their mothers may be taken for granted by many of us, many women and babies in various communities do not have this privilege. This presents a risk of new babies and their mothers developing ill-health very early on after a birth. Esteemed Breakthrough believes that every individual has a greater chance of a better self-

esteem when they are in good health. One project at a time, the charity is committed to offering the chance of better health to as many individuals as possible. Other projects by Esteemed Breakthrough to improve health and education in 2014 include supporting hospitals in needs, orphanages and local and international schools. A key focus is to continue with its efforts to help complete the development of the Kleefe Primary

School library building in Ghana, West Africa, and to provide stationery to pupils who are unable to afford these. The stationery provided are used by local community leaders to encourage pupils to do well, by giving them out as a reward for progress, emphasising on the importance of education. Locally, Esteemed Breakthrough focuses on supporting other charities that have a similar agenda, that is, where their help in health and education will contribute to better esteem and wealth creation. Chair of the charity, Alison Awuku sums up the charity’s motivation in a few words as follows: “Every effort we make in building self-esteem will build us up as individuals and will contribute to stronger families and communities and will make society much more pleasant”. To find out how to be a part of this great initiative or simply, if you have a question or would like to make a contribution, please Email: info@esteemed.org.uk, Visit: www.esteemed.org.uk or Contact: 07901 662412. By Alison Awuku

Nottingham Education & Training

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Academic Support One of the biggest tasks that bewitched international students in the United Kingdom is the cultural shock they face in the way and manner the educational system here is structured. While the home students find it relatively easy and a continuation of what they have always known, international students find it very difficult to cope as they first have to struggle to understand the tutors and they the situation is further complicated when asked to conceptualised all the academic sessions and lectures in final essays and reports.

‘…for me it was a case of a complete change since in my country, we are used to be given very long lectures where the lecturer takes time to teach us all we have to know and then we read and write examinations based on what we have been taught… here we are made to write essays between 1000 and 12,000 works an herculean task I never prepared for…’ - John Amadum

‘..I was always told that the education in the United Kingdom and other part of Europe was easier, now I know I have been misled… if I had any idea of the challenge I was going to face here, I would have prepared better and get a lot of writing support before setting out to school here’ - Li Cheng

The three excepts here reflect a very wide range of opinion gotten from students across the country at various times they were asked about their opinion on how they were able to cope with the academic challenges they faced when they came to study in the UK. Some students even complained about the challenges they had processing their admissions in to post graduate degrees but all agreed that though they faced these challenges, education here has transformed their lives but wished they got support early. By Joshua Adedamola

‘I know my family will be disappointed by the grade I got from the school here in the UK, though I tried hard to understand and excel, the beginning was very tough, I found it hard to write the personal statements and even when I finally got the admission I almost gave up and went back home because this is far from what I expected, the educational system here requires independent and critical thinking, though I am proud I now know this but I wish I had gotten enough support and guidance earlier’ - Unknowen

Education Support Available Support Available Mojatu is an innovative media company, that is keen to use information to help individuals and communities, leverage As part of the contribution of Mojatu, an innovative media on the opportunities that exist. outfit that has been keen to using information to help individuals and communities leverage on the opportunities We offer guidance and support on: that abounds. We offer guidance and support on: Essay,reports reportsand andproposal proposalwriting writing •••Essay, • • Masters and PhD application support • Masters and PhD application support • • Proofreading • Proofreading Expertadvice advicefrom fromtop topclass classstudents students academic •••Expert onon academic excellence excellence Preparationon onhow howtotomake makefantastic fantastic presentations •••Preparation presentations Guideson onhow howtotoaccess accessfunding funding and scholarships •••Guides and scholarships globally globally Generalguidance guidanceon onwhat whattotoavoid avoid when conducting •••General when conducting academic academic research the United Kingdom research in the in United Kingdom Education funfun and stress Education inin the theUnited UnitedKingdom Kingdomcan canbebe and stress free on the rigour free, without withoutcompromising having to compromise on that the result rigour inthat academic when students access support early results in excellence academic excellence if students access support enough and make adequate preparation to meet thethe early enough and make adequate preparation to meet various requirements in the different Universities. various requirements in different universities. Our goal is to help develop people and in that way make a Our goal is to guide people to make their positive impact in the society.

first step towards a successful career.

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

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Education & Training

Mic Check! Interviews with black female journalists presenting from the ‘frontline’ by Norma Gregory

Some say that a woman with a voice, a mic and a plan can change the world. Others think this could be true even without a mic… As a working journalist myself at Nottingham News Centre, I wanted to know how the roads of three ambitious, inveterate, black, female broadcast journalists, working in Nottingham, crossed in their unique, media journeys. I spoke to Christine Belle of Kemet FM, Reya El-Salahi of BBC Radio Nottingham and Carol Hinds of BBC East Midlands Today, to explore their experiences and share with Mojatu readers, their powerful and persuasive stories carved within the once exclusive boundaries of the UK media industry. Yes, as Bob Dylan said, “Times They Are a Changing”…. Reya El-Salahi, Radio broadcaster, television presenter, writer and journalist How did you get into the media industry? I used to get really annoyed with the presentation and representation of how people from dual/mixed heritage were presented in the media.

This pushed me to change that by working in Journalism. When you were younger, what other jobs were on your horizon? I did loads of stuff before I became a Journalist. When I was 18, I wanted to be a Social Worker but after work experience, I found this the most depressing job I have ever experienced! However, I have always been interested in people. Other than that, I just wanted to have a sweet shop to eat all the sweets! Describe your educational background I grew up in the Middle East and came to the UK. I hated my comprehensive school and didn’t do very well in my GCSEs. I did better in my A-Levels and then studied Sociology at Nottingham University and then did a Postgraduate study in Broadcast Journalism at the London College of Communication. What challenges have you faced over the years as a black female journalist? My challenges have been more around not being white than being female. I have found that my peers are offered work on a far wider scale, something that I am constantly fighting against.

But sometimes being passionate about something can also work to your advantage. For example, I sometimes relate a story in a different way because of my cultural heritage so there are bonuses for being unique! Who would you like to interview? I would have liked to interview Nelson Mandela but would love to interview the Director General of the BBC and put to him my questions and experiences as a black women working in the media industry. Carol Hinds , Journalist and Presenter, BBC East Midlands Today

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

Reading

What are the perks of the job as a Broadcast Journalist? I have three main duties: presenting, producing and reporting. I really enjoy reporting as there are loads of opportunities to be at the heart of the story with people. I didn’t go into journalism to be famous. What I really love is storytelling and within the black community, there is a strong story-telling tradition. What did you study at university? I studied Literature and History and then did a Master’s degree at the London School of Economics and a Postgraduate Certificate in Media and TV Journalism at Preston Polytechnic, now part of the University of Central Lancaster. What irritates you? When I go on a job and I am ignored by a receptionist. It’s the moment when he/ she realises that I have come from the BBC, then it’s suddenly like, “Oh, I’m sorry, how can I help you?” This makes me laugh but it’s really sad, I think. I am not naive to think that the media industry is not without its prejudices but on the whole, I have had a good working life in broadcasting. Who has been one of the most inspiring interviewees you have met? It is not always the rich and famous but the person who has overcome an illness or achieved success through determination and effort.

Christine Belle, Presenter with independent Nottingham radio station Why choose Journalism as a career? As a student, I chose to study English & Drama. After drama school, I attended Sussex University and fully expected to enter the teaching profession. But I fell out of love with teaching (insufficient patience) and needed to find something else to do. Have you always loved reading and writing? I have always loved narratives, reading novels, newspaper articles, writing poems and short stories so after a stint as a cinema usherette and cashier (an opportunity to access narrative through the medium of film), I found myself working with a collective of writers and community activists, presenting performance poetry. I’ve written stage and radio plays and worked as a Literature Development Officer for Nottinghamshire County Council. Tell us about your media training experience The BBC provided training in radio journalism. I have also

worked as a radio researcher and freelancer as well as presenting a Nottingham African Caribbean radio show called Back-A-Yard for many years. How do you best prepare for an interview? You cannot, through preparation alone, construct the perfect interview. It took me a long time to learn this! The only thing you can do is be prepared but most importantly, be ‘in-themoment’. Being able to ask questions, listen and respond to interesting answers and keep going even if – at an outside broadcast - a pigeon decides to poo on your head. This does happen!

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

to happen, we have to engage with it and have an organised plan to launch and to sustain our cultural narratives. We also have to make best use of new technologies, to connect with a whole new generation of digital, ‘tech-savvy’ audiences. And finally, please tell us your top 5 tips for aspiring journalists and presenters 1. Learn to know who you are through life and work experiences 2. Know where to separate the subjective from the objective 3. Search for the truth in every feature 4. Know your audience and promote engagement 5. Earn money, have fun and enjoy! If you feel inspired to work in Journalism and want to find out more, contact: Reya El-Salahi @ www.reyatv.com.

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

E: carol.hinds@bbc.co.uk

The continuing development of the Creative Quarter in Nottingham does not ensure BME communities opportunity. For that

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

Listen to Christine Belle on the Mid Morning Show, Kemet FM www.975kemetfm.com or call 0115 9701 461.

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Education & Training

Why learning, mentorship and uBuntu matters in attaining an accomplished life By Dr Siyanda Mkweli

About the writer:

Dr Siyanda Mkweli works as a Systems Manager in a Health Informatics Service (HIS) for a local NHS organisation. In this write-up he shares his views on some of the values that drive him. Dr. Mkweli is a former University of Zimbabwe lecturer in Structural Geology who over the past years re-skilled and moved away from the lecture room into management in the NHS. He was recently awarded the national NHS Mentor/ Coach of the Year, 2014. He received this prestigious award in a very colourful event held in central London by the NHS to celebrate leaders at all levels in health and social care. The awards recognise leaders who have done brilliant work in improving patient care and experience; individuals who had gone the extra mile to motivate and inspire their peers, and provide exemplary leadership. In accepting the award Dr Mkweli is quoted as saying, â&#x20AC;&#x153;My 10 year old son asked me that having won the regional award what will happen if you win the national award, is the international award next ... maybe this is a lesson on how the NHS has become internationalâ&#x20AC;? In 2013, Dr. Mkweli had won the NHS East Midlands region, Coach/Mentor of the year award.

Nottingham Using skills appropriately

The modern world poses many societal challenges, some of them insurmountable and yet a great many of them conquerable. In life however, the challenge is to separate between the two and then use appropriate tools and knowhow to either negotiate around the obstacles or overcome them. Whilst obstacles and challenges have always been there in all human history, one is tempted to conclude that the modern world introduces more complex and more diverse challenges. Consequently, these challenges are more pronounced within those age groups that have not known any other world except the modern one. There is just no other experience to call upon! I am particularly reminded of a CNN news article that I once saw on television. A two year old was struggling to open the pages of a magazine … wait for it …he was trying ‘a drag and slide’ with his fingers on the cover page, with the hope that other pages will slide in as the others slid out!! Who can blame him, he was using the skills that the modern world had taught him and that was his skill set developed from his experiences. Before you misunderstand me there is nothing wrong with this modernity, but this skill set on its own will fall short for this toddler! My belief is that we all owe it to each other in developing a more holistic understanding of our world. This is where I believe societal challenges, conquerable or not can be mitigated or overcome.

Learning through community

A recent piece of research by Barclays reveals and makes some very startling conclusions concerning the age group that has only known the modern world. • “School leavers are entering the workplace struggling to adapt to basic entry level jobs because of inability to perform simple tasks” • “More than 43% of business leaders surveyed said young people failed to properly understand how long to take for breaks or how often to take them” These observations may be easily glossed over yet they reveal something significant about how this particular age group is developing. The challenge is as much for this age group as it is for all of us. In a modern world where all is “cool” it can sometimes be difficult for one to lift up their hand and say “I need some input into my life”. I learnt to raise my hand much earlier on in my life. Without the helping hands and assuring voices of others, I am all too aware that my life could have turned out very differently. In particular, I learnt that in order to make any meaningful contribution to one’s life and society one must incorporate the authentic African philosophy of uBuntu that says, “I am because we are, We are because I am”. This, together with my faith in God, informed and anchored my approach to life. My strong belief in that I am a better person when those around me also become better has meant that my gravitation into mentor/mentee – coach/ coached relationships came natural.

11 Inspired and empowered

Perhaps an understanding of some of my life milestones may help place things into perspective. In high school I was inspired by my teacher to consider a career in Geology, four years later I was working for a mining company as a Geologist, with an honours degree in Geology under my belt. Whilst studying for my first degree, one of my lecturers convinced me that I had all it takes to become a fine academic. Another six years on, I was standing in front of an international audience fully engaged with respected earth scientists, with a voice that could be listened to and a PhD to my credit. Academia was not an end in my career path. I found myself in the UK without a job, having failed to secure a previously offered academic position in one of the local Universities. Once again, with incredible support and advice from those around me I re-skilled and re-established myself a few years later as a competent IT professional and today I am a respected manager in IT.

The uBuntu philosophy

You are better when others around you are better

All the time I never lost sight of the uBuntu philosophy, realising that I am better, when others around me become better too! From this I have found it easy to venture outside my normal work responsibilities, determined to see others around me become everything that they can possibly be. With assistance from my employer and a few individuals that I have identified as enablers in my life, I made myself available as mentor/coach to others to help focus their career paths and general skills in dealing with life. Outside work I do similar activities on a voluntary basis in various communities.

Why this story?

I believe my story shows how our lives can be shaped and refocused by people around us. With such inputs into our lives, our journeys in life can tack trajectories that were never in our dreams or plans. The important thing is never to stand still no matter the challenges - keep pursuing all possible paths that come your way. It is easy to view life and think those that make it are those that have got it all figured out. My experiences suggest otherwise, you can achieve, you can become something for as long as you are determined and are willing to adapt, learn new skills and accept there are others who have trod the same paths before you. Whilst the ultimate responsibility lies with the individual, never underestimate the power of a nurturing voice and a guiding hand. Dr. Mkweli’s video explaining why he won his category is available on this link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQ7IDycpLDs See more about his community and voluntary work at www.milloservices.co.uk

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News

Acre launched

By Victor Koroma

Alliance for cohesion and racial equality

strong representation from Reading

(Acre) was launched at a community

Borough Council and other statutory

event billed as Diversity Day on the

organisations. The Worshipful, The

This event was

Mayor of Reading, Councillor Marian

initially meant to be part of Black

Livingston gave the welcome address

History Month celebrations. However,

and

during

consultation

Shiyanbola, a motivational speaker,

events and meetings leading to its

community activist and Winner of

establishment,

the Pride of Reading Award. Other

October 2013.

the

several Acre

identified

the

guest

speaker

was

need to celebrate the diversity of Reading

and

the

contribution

BeBrave – a group of young dramatists put on a powerful performance on the key themes of Understanding Dyslexia;

the

different communities have made to

performances

multi-faith society. The organisation therefore

committed

itself

Reading

121

from

event

was

registered host

community

organisations

Many thanks to our partners

delegates

who supported us at the

and

Borjad

Orchestra (RASPO).

attended

voluntary

artists

young

Reading All Steel Percussion

its contribution to Black History Month. launch

and Chuks Tabé; and the

celebrating Diversity day every year as The

Respect

Other contributions included

its rich tapestry as a multi-ethnic and has

and

for Difference / Diversity.

event: Betheli Services | Taxi

Drivers’ Association | Utulivu Women’s Group | Enrych | speeches included a contribution by

SEAP | PACT | Field Network | British

Councillor Tony Page, Deputy Leader

Red Cross (Reading) | AutAngel|

of Reading Borough Council.

NHS (Maternity).

Community

contributions

the

event included:

What is Acre? Victor Koroma (General Manager)

‘Nepalese Babu or Nepalese Boy’:

and Harish Raichura (Treasurer) gave

the key note address and introduced

Nepalese

Cultural

dance

and

performed by Prabhat Thapa, who has Down Syndrome and uses dance as a means of expressing himself.

what Acre was set up to do. Acre is a community led organisation with a mission to ‘Promote Equality

Delegates were put through the

and

Community

paces of ‘Indian Stick Dance’.

Reading’.

was

Cohesion formed

in from

Reading

amalgamating Reading Council for Racial

• A support network for signposting

Equality (previously a satellite partner

individuals to public services

of the Commission for Racial Equality)

and representative community

and the Sakoma [Togetherness] BME Forum (a partnership of community organisations) to develop a pan-equality voice representing the 9 protected characteristics defined by the Equalit y Act 2010 ; and to provide a collective 1

approach towards the engagement, integration and empowerment black and minority communities in Reading. The key objective for promoting equality will be achieved through the creation of an Equality Alliance with the aim of carrying out the following functions: • A pan-equalities communication channel between protected strand communities and statutory service providers • A leading body in pan-equalities expertise 1 Age, Race, Sex/Gender, Disability, Transgender, Sexual Orientation, Marriage or Civil Partnership, Pregnancy & Maternity, Religion or belief and paying due regard to socio-economic factors as triggers for discrimination.

organisations. • Advocates of diversity and cohesion • Training specialists on meeting responsibilities for equality provision for all 9 strands • A platform for in formation sharing. Acre aims to deliver its community engagement, integration and empowerment through the following activities: • Promoting good community relations and em bed tolerance, integration and community cohesion. • Promoting cultural activities that embrace and celebrate Reading’s diverse cultures • Engage with young people to raise awareness of their role in society • Recognise the achievements of individuals and community groups • Encourage and promote effective community leadership

• Build trust in local institutions

Membership of Acre Acre two types of membership and provides an opportunity to keep abreast of local events and issues on

equality

membership

and

cohesion.

options

are

Both

free

charge. 1. Community/Voluntary organisation 2. Individual Associate Membership Detailed information about Acre and its membership can be obtained from the following sources: Contact the office: 1 St Giles Court Southampton Street Reading RG1 2QL 0118 951 0279 info@acre-reading.org Visit our website: www.acre-reading.org Like us on Facebook: www. facebook.com/ACRE.Reading.org Follow us on Twitter: @acrereading

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Community

Chat’bout up

Steps

The Marcus Garvey Centre in Nottingham plays host to a number and variety of events and happenings and on the 29th January it proved the ideal venue for an event titled, Step into your Future intended to encourage BME (Black and Minority Ethnic) young people, 18-24 to take up apprenticeships. This was one of a series of events leading up to National Apprenticeship Week, and taking place in different venues around the city. The Nottingham City Council is supporting these events three of which are being delivered by FUEL (First Universal Enterprises Limited) and two by ACETS (Afro-Caribbean Education & Training Service). The Marcus Garvey event was the first and had an unusual aspect, as young people were central to the planning, marketing and delivery of the event. The young people are all part of participation network called Chat’bout who are making a name for themselves by providing a platform for representation of the voice and views of young people in a number of areas. The network currently consists of young people who are keen to make a contribution, gain experience and influence services. They aim to reflect the needs of young people who might not otherwise be heard. All current members have support in pursuing their own interests and career choices. Carys Bowen-Jones 20, is training to be an Events Manager at New College Nottingham and played a pivotal role in developing and overseeing the event. Carys said: “More events are needed in Nottingham to encourage young people to take up careers as not enough is being done in schools. A new approach is needed to provide information, advice and guidance which will enable young people from BME groups to access the opportunities available. I gained insights from the event about how much young people want to engage but don’t always have the information they need”.

Asked about whether the event had proved useful to her, Carys commented that, “event’s organisers at my stage of training usually have to act as Juniors. Trust was placed in me to take a lead role and it was

good to have the responsibility and experience of being in charge”. The other members of Chat’bout were on hand to book people in to the event. to escort people around, run workshops, and even provided cupcakes! Music was provided by Soundbox and goodie bags were sponsored by Groundwork Trust Nottingham. The next BME apprenticeship event will take place in Bulwell on 7th March at the Red Lion Community Centre. This has been organised by FUEL. There are further events in Sneinton and the Meadows and a final event organised by Chat’bout on the 28th March at the Victoria Leisure Centre. A conference focusing on employment for BME young people will take place at Nottingham University Campus on 5th April, organised by Inspiring Greatness and will launch the Community Partnership Forum. For more information about Chat’bout and the other Step into your Future events, email reach.outcomes@yahoo.co.uk or call 07804 493182.

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Ghana Independence Special A tribute to Dr. Kwane Nkrumah by Kwame Osei March 6th is poignant day in Ghana and the African continent as a whole. The day marks the birthday of the independence of the state of Ghana, led by its first president, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah who was voted The African of the 20th century by the BBC Africa listeners’ poll. This article presents a summarised version of the exclusive feature of what Dr. Nkrumah acheived for Ghana. Despite the attempts by some sections of Ghanaian society to rubbish and downplay the colossal achievements of this great man, a great many things can still be attributed to his visionary leadership and personality. Dr. Nkrumah also did a lot for Africa and for the African people. Ali Mazrui, a highly respected African historian said once that , “Nkrumah was a great Afrikan but not a good Ghanaian”. However, Ghanaians can see the handwriting of Dr. Nkrumah on all their institutions and infrastructure in Ghana today. Part of Osagyefo’s grand vision for Ghana was to take it into the industrial age and make the country self-reliant and self-sufficient in all areas of nation building and development and take the country from an enslaved colonial economy to an economically liberated one. In 1962 in a radio address to the nation entitled Work and Happiness: Ghana’s Seven Year Development Plan Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah launched a massive industrialization drive. Kwame Nkrumah was also well aware that without industrialization, Ghana was going nowhere. The vision for this grand scheme was founded on the Volta River Project, a huge project that sought to explore Ghana’s vast bauxite reserves to process it into aluminum. As such, Nkrumah orchestrated the Akosombo Dam to be built which at the time was a colossal undertaking. The Akosombo Dam was not only meant to spearhead Ghana’s industrial revolution, but it was also to supply other Afrikan countries in the sub-region with cheap electricity, giving further credence to his Pan-Afrikan ideology. In addition to industrialisation, he was also instrumental in growth of agriculture, health, education and other social and economic sectors in the country. Having taken over from the colonialists, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah was diligent in initiating steps towards growth of the modern day Ghana. As we celebrate another Ghana Independence Day, let us take pride in the work Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah did for our country. Long Live Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah!

Dr. Kwane Nkruma

Empowering women in Reading

Utulivu has successfully two weeks ago completed a series of Empowerment programme which was positively received. The ladies felt well equipped to better develop their projects and business ideas. Despite the funding challenges, the ladies offered to pay for the venue and refreshments for the time being until further funding is secured so that the programme continues. As such, the next session has been arranged for the last Thursday of May. Look out for more updates on this. At last spring is here and gardens have begun to show life. As part of the empowerment programme, we will be opening our gates to our community garden on the Easter Bank Holiday weekend. Again look out for more information on this. Call us: 07828 307 997 Visit www.utulivu.co.uk

Community

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

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

Through member elections in 2013, the KNWA has a fully elected executive office, with Patrick Mutula as Chairman; Assistant Chair being Joseph Nuturunga; Secretary, Michael Turunga; Mr Kefuga as Treasurer as well as Youth Representatives. There are around 100 registered Kenyan members, who meet on a monthly basis and contribute at least £10 per month to support the funding of the organisation. “There are well over 500 Kenyans in Nottingham who we are encouraging to become members of the KNWA and to support community cohesion as it is cultural for Kenyans to support each other. This was the reason the KNWA was formed, to try to bring together what we used to do.” said Michael Kioko, one of the founder members of KNWA. Kioko added, “The real challenges for Kenyans in Nottingham is not being aware of what is available to them, in terms of resources and organisations that can help and recognise who we

are. On a more sensitive note, some Kenyans have issues with immigration, housing and training. The KNWA aims to assist individuals and families in need, particularly through family bereavement.” “Our goals for the future are to support our young people and encourage them to aim high and to build the KNWA according to the members’ needs” said Joseph Joseph Moseti. “We need to see more highly qualified Kenyan business people with potential to succeed.” The KNWA invites companies to sponsor Kenyan cultural events in Nottingham so that visitors can attend for free. “We celebrated Kenyan culture such as Madaraka Day at the Marcus Garvey Centre, Nottingham on the 1st June 2013 and gain sponsorship from the Kenyan Embassy to hold a free event like Mashujaa Day (Kenya’s Heroes Day), held on the 28th October 2013 at the Bulwell Academy, Nottingham. Everyone is welcome.” If you would like to join the Kenya Nottingham Welfare Association contact Patrick Mutula on: 07576 848781 or go to their website at: www.knwa.org.uk or www.facebook. cpm/KenyaNottinghamWelfareAssociation

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

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Kenya@50 Students’ Conference 25

Nottingham connected

The Kenya High Commission, UK in 23 Nottingham connected collaboration with Coventry University hosted a celebration of Kenya@50 student conference on Saturday 8th February 2013. The event was a Technology, Prof Jacob Kaimenyi, CEO of Higher Loans 6. Sugar Can Give You Cancer 10. It Ain’t The Fat… It’s SUGAR That Raises continuation of the Golden Jubilee Celebration Education Board (HELB) Charles Ringera, Dr. Disease Lukas Cancer is one of the leading Your Cholesterol and Gives YouRev. Heart and was exclusive to Kenya Studentscauses across UK. Njenga CEO Heart for the City and other dignitaries. For many decades, people have blamed saturated fat for of death worldwide and They addressed major topics heart disease… which is theaffecting #1 killer instudents the world.in However… is characterized by uncontrolled Themed Skilled Manpower, the conference was UK such as the role of student Diaspora in Kenya’s new studies are showing that saturated fat is harmless and growth and multiplication of cells. predict how many lives could be saved through multi-issue This trial has been funded by the Wellcome Trust and the definitely for the many students and development, in education and insteadinvesting evidence that NOTits fat,reforms, may be one of Insulin is one of the key hormones mass mediasuitable campaigns that target theKenyan most important Planet Wheeler Foundation. If lives areshows saved on sugar, the scale underlying causes of death.atThe predictions of the DMI- Kenya thegrowth. model predicts, this approach should become ain the organisations looking the fast-paced growth leading drivers of heart disease via harmful effects in regulating this that sort of effects ofthe immigration and investment businesses with of LSHTM model are very promising and this research behas that high priority foraim governments the developing world.students to fructose onacross metabolism. For this reason, many scientists believe having is experiencing. It highlighted the progresswill that the of empowering and encouraging published in The Lancet later this year. The model predicts If similar five-year campaigns are implemented in 10 African Studies show that large amounts of fructose can raise constantly elevated insulin levels (a consequence of sugar been achieved in campaigns Kenya through the development achieve ambitions. that comprehensive could reduce child mortality countries, the modeltheir predicts that one million lives should be triglycerides, small, dense LDL and oxidized consumption) can contribute to cancer. In addition, the by 16% to 23% in low-income countries, depending on the and modernisation of essential infrastructures and saved. This process would, for the first time, place mass media LDL (very, very profile of the country. The cost life-year saved is also bad), blood insulin andrepayment increase metabolic problems associated with sugar consumption campaigns inare the mainstream of public healthand interventions, policies. With graduates inper the United Kingdom During the raise event, an glucose amnesty for HELBlevels loans lower than any currently available health intervention.another potential abdominal obesity… in as little as 10 weeks. These a known driver of inflammation, cause of based on robust scientific evidence. struggling to find stable employment, the conference was announced for UK based professionals who hadare all major risk factors cancer. Multiple studies show that people who eat a lot of was a refreshing tonetesting to hear speakers DMI and LSHTM are now the professional predictions of the received support from the HELB during their studies in for heart disease sugar are at a much higher risk of getting cancer. model in a real-life setting in Burkina Faso, a country that motivating the youths. Kenya. Mr. Ringerabyrequested the delegates to spread supported a Engagement strong which combines high child mortality with a localised media Will Snellthe | Director ofthe Public &education in Kenya word on need for enhancing environment, permitting a cluster-randomised trial. The trial 7. Due to its Effects on HormonesDevelopment and the statistical association | Development Media International involves broadcasting health messages to seven geographic The conference consisted of presentations by by repaying theirsugar loans and enabling new generation of Brain, Sugar hasareas Unique between www.developmentmedia.net | will.snell@ areas,High chosen at random, and H.E. seven control for 2.5Fat-Promoting years. the Commissioner Ephrhaim Ngare, professionals and entrepreneurs be developed through Effects consumption and(0)20 the 3058to1631 The evaluation, which includes baseline and endline mortality developmentmedia.net | +44 Cabinet Secretary ofwill Education Science better education. surveys with a 100,000Ministry sample size, be the most rigorousand Different foods can risk of heart disease. evaluation ever conducted of a mass media intervention. have different effects on our brains and the hormones that control food intake. Studies show that fructose doesn’t cause satiety in the brain or lower the hunger hormone ghrelin nearly as much as glucose. Over time, because the calories from sugar aren’t as fulfilling, this can translate into an increased calorie intake.

8. Because it Causes Massive Dopamine Release in The Brain, Sugar is Highly Addictive Because sugar causes a large release of dopamine in the brain, it can cause addiction in a lot of people. The problem with sugar and many junk foods is that they can cause massive dopamine release… much more than we were ever exposed to from foods found in nature. For this reason, people who have a susceptibility to addiction can become strongly addicted to sugar and other junk foods.

9. Sugar is a Leading Contributor to Obesity in Both Children and Adults The way sugar affects hormones and the brain is a recipe for fat gain disaster. It leads to decreased satiety… and can get people addicted so that they lose control over their consumption. Not surprisingly, people who consume the most sugar are by far the most likely to become overweight or obese. This applies to all age groups. One of the most important things you can do if you need to lose weight is to significantly cut back on sugar consumption.

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Faith & Spirituality

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

was born and brought up in a small Maasai village called EorEnkitok in Narok County, Kenya in 1984. Growing up as a young Maasai girl in a big polygamous family wasn’t easy, especially because I was not given equal opportunities compared to my siblings. I was constantly sent home to collect school fees and because my mother could not afford to pay for my fees, I spent a lot of time at home helping her to run the farm and other chores like walking for miles to fetch water and firewood while other children were in school. Each time I was sent home, people pushed me to get married as most of my friends were married off to older men at the age of about 13. I never lost hope because I believed God would make a way for me as I kept praying that I will be the one to save my family from poverty. I got involved in a lot of charity work in our local church believing the rewards for serving God were greater than the challenges I was facing. I did my Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) first in 1997 and then lost two years trying to join secondary school. I went from office to office but got no help. My elder brother (Ledama) convinced me to go back to primary school for one more year so as to sit for KCPE in 2000 for the third time after staying at home for a whole year. Because I was older than my classmates, they used to call me grandma but this never made lose focus. Ledama promised that he will pay for me to take a tailoring course after my studies because he was not in a position to afford secondary school fees. Unfortunately he passed away a few months later and this was such a big blow for me and my family. The fear of not knowing how the future would look like affected me so badly that at some point, I felt like it was not worth living. I continued praying and I still had a very strong feeling that I had a call to change my own life and help others escape poverty. I was lucky to get some relatives commited to support me through my secondary education but they stopped paying

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

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

Take me to school father So I may not be like Naserian Who has now five children Strands of wire covered by skin Is what they have for bodies Skinny, scronny, skimpy With teary eyes they gaze Despairingly at their mother Who has naught to offer. Take me to school father For those children haunt me Will I end up like Naserian? Whose husband whips her daily? For is she not his sixth sheep? And by the way A present from a grateful age mate Why was I born a girl? To become a symbol of gratitude? Take me to school father You tell me I will deviate And shame you with bad manners Is rejecting an old man bad manners? Is declining initiation bad manners? Is planning my family bad manners? Is dressing smartly bad manners? Is being a girl child bad manners? Take me to school now For the symbol of labour I detest! The symbol of pleasure I detest! The symbol of gratitude I detest! The girl child is mouse no more She is a tiger ready to fight for rights.

“...Growing up as a young

Maasai girl in a big polygamous family wasn’t easy... Joining the university in Kenya was just but a dream after I finished my secondary education in 2004. Through the support of family and friends from Africa, America and Europe, I managed to join Kabarak University, Kenya in September 2007 after trying for two years to raise funds for my further education. After two years of my business course in Kenya, I felt I needed a challenge and I decided to take a six month break from my course to study Creative Writing and Film Making. This was due to my passion for writing and the fact that I believe in the power of words and images in solving most of the social issues facing society. The poem had already worked for me and I wanted to nurture my writing talent to be able to address things I felt were unfair in my community. Efforts to go to America for six months never materialised. During a conference I was presenting at in Nairobi, I met with staff from York St John University (including the then Deputy Vice Chancellor). They later offered me a six month scholarship to study Creative Writing and Film Making. At the age of 25, I needed to convince a panel of 7 village elders why I needed to

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travel to the UK given I didn’t have friends here and that I was also taking a break to study something different from my business course. They were also worried I would never go back home. I told them there was no other home I knew by then rather than my place of birth. I didn’t have to go to that meeting or justify to anyone why I wanted to leave. I was the only woman allowed in that meeting but I went along as I needed their blessings and never wanted to be an outcast in my own community. I got the blessings from them and came to the UK in January 2009. six months later, I returned home and started a project to help children through the primary school I went to in EorEnkitok village. Things changed so fast as I started getting visits from the same village elders who were questioning my intentions for travelling and most of them were asking for advise on how we could help the village. I will soon be embarking on a school project I started 2009 to continue supporting my village Eor-Enkitok. I am also involved in different campaigns and will be working on different community projects through my new foundation. Each stage of my education was full of challenges. I faced the challenges with courage and confidence knowing that there was light at the end of the tunnel as all I wanted was a brighter future for myself, my family and my community. I also felt I needed to prove what boys could do girls could do as well. This has continued to inspire me to do good for other people back home and here in the UK. During the six months I was studying in York, I got involved in a lot of volunteering helping with raising funds for other students, raising the aspirations of young

people in schools, working with the local media among other things. The university was impressed with my contribution and performance and awarded me a full scholarship to come back and finish my business degree. I came back to England in September 2009. Graduating with a first class honours degree, winning different awards and getting a job with an overseas NonGovernmental Organisation in the UK before graduating, is beyond what I imaged I could achieve only five years ago! All the adversities I overcame made me stronger to keep fighting for what I wanted and believed in. Among the awards I have won over the past four years include:

• In 2011,

named The

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

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

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

• In 2010, named The Adult Learner of

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

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

Nkoyo_wins_award_for_fighting_for_her_ education/

Six months ago, I was approached by a writer who knew about my story and we are currently working on a theatrical play script based on my story. He aims to have a film made based on my story as well. If I made it to where I am despite the constant knockbacks, young people going through similar situations and difficulties in life can make it as well with a positive attitude to be the change they want to see!

I am because I believe! Valentine Nkoyo E: vsiato@gmail.com M: +447794372214 W: www.valentinenkoyo.com www.mojatu.com/foundation

mojatu

Arts & Culture

Getting back on your feet Being determined and hopeful for an education by Mercy Newton Kamau At times our own light goes off, or better still when the oil of our lamps have spilled off and the lamps inside us that light up our way are getting dimmer and dimmer at every blink. That’s when we find that every dream that always seemed so bright before, that seemed so true and real to us is fading away. The alleys that we thought we would take to get us to where we always wished Mercy Newton Kamau, 19 year old from Kenya to be at seem to have to an end. When retrogression is the climate and you just seem to remain where you were when your light started going off. It’s just like when you are visiting a very unfamiliar place and after moving for miles the map that was supposed to direct you gets burned. And that feeling of confusion and disappointment takes its place. That’s the same feeling that doesn’t leave you when you have dark alleys ahead of us. When the lamps that light up our lives starts going off. It’s never the end as we sometimes take it to be. If only we aren’t blind enough to see that there is always someone beside us to provide us with the spark that is to rekindle our lamps. A hand reaching out to us offering to guide us thought the remaining part of the journey. If we are not disappointed enough to realize that we just got to the beginning of something good then that’s when we realize that nothing is lost and this is simply an open end.

ULTIMATE LIMIT You’ll always hear people, parents and also we tell out to others to do their best. Today I want to protest against one just doing their best. Doing the best is never enough and has proven so .its time we changed that to doing the best to the ultimate limit .that should be the new slogan. So many people in the society fail in life, academically, relationships’, families and businesses, later the report they give is ‘I did my best’ and they relinquish their hopes and dreams. The dream of that relationship, business has to be salvaged again. The paroxysm of hope has to be reborn again but its weaning this time has to change. The diet of ultimate limit has to be added in that used one of doing the best. When we are in dark tunnel and the light that was lighting our way is off, just when you seeing your end, we tend to quit and say ‘my end is just there’. And that’s just one big mistake that we make, we don’t want to get to ‘our’ end, we just see its steps away and we just get stranded n stand there The Israelites, when they were running from the Egyptians, they got to their ‘end’ when they just saw the red sea. Behind

them were their enemies fast coming to cuddle them, and in front of them was the red sea, they saw their end. But look what happened, the only thing that God wanted and asked of them is not just to see their end but to get to their end. He asked Moses to go touch the wall of their dark alley, their end. He manifested Himself and began their journey just when everyone thought that the journey was over. Its time we stop seeing the end so near and step at the end. Do your best to the ultimate limit, and when that is done, relax the wall is opening. Stop preparing yourself to die in that situation and start preparing yourself to see the light. Your creator, who controls the kismet, is coming to make the walls of the closed tunnel open for you. Your end will be the beginning of something great. The great sun rays will shine down on your fading dreams and make them a reality. All you got to do is do your best to the ultimate limit and get to the end, and then you’ll realize it was just an open end. Many people get discouraged in life a lot after comparing themselves with others. When they rank themselves and find that they are so much below them they start mourning and asking themselves why’s that have no end. Be forget that if everyone was at the top, the universe wouldn’t run. We also need people at that the world can stand. Just as we have different lives, born uniquely, then the same we have different potentials. My life requires a certain level of lubricant for it to run smoothly, yours requires a different one. Just like you can’t tell me to be a singer, no matter how much training you offer me. But I have friends who can really sing and music is taking them to great levels. And I, I need something different for me to get to another level. That shouldn’t intimidate me. All you have to do is know what you can do your potentials and work it out to the very end. Whatever potential that you have ,no matter how minor it may seem its all that is required for total exploitation for you to be considered successful. The bible says that ‘He who went down to the deeps of the sea rose up’ above the sky. Don’t complain when you are down, when your ‘end’, seen end is getting so near, down there where you are temporally may contain the pressure required to push you up so high and maintain you there. Maybe there lessons that you needed to learn from there in order for you to survive at the top. And if you went straight up, you’d fall down again to learn them. If only you would try get to the other side of your problems, the positive side, then you’d realize that God actually loves you so much to make you go through now than later in your life. Those troubles that you have now help you form a coating, so that when such similar storms come your way, you’ll know what clothes to put on and how to handle it. If only you took the previous one positively since you were not busy enough just complaining.

Just in anything that you do, do your best to the ultimate limit. You might not have the chance to do it again! God bless you!

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Millo Couples Retreat 2014

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Health

ridiculous myths about meat consumption and health

By Kris Gunnars

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

1. Meat Rots in Your Colon Some people claim that meat doesn’t get digested properly and “rots” in your colon. This is absolute nonsense, probably invented by dishonest vegans in order to scare people away from eating meat. What happens when we eat meat, is that it gets broken down by stomach acid and digestive enzymes. In the small intestine, the proteins are broken down into amino acids and the fats are broken down into fatty acids. After that, they get absorbed over the digestive wall and into the bloodstream. There’s nothing left to “rot” in your colon. If you want to know what really “rots” in your colon, it’s indigestible plant matter (fibre)… from vegetables, fruits, grains and legumes. The human digestive system doesn’t have the enzymes necessary to break down fibre, which is why it travels all the way to the colon. There, it gets fermented (rots) by the friendly bacteria in the intestine, which turns it into nutrients and beneficial compounds like the short-chain fatty acid butyrate. This is what keeps the friendly bacteria alive and many studies are showing that feeding these bacteria properly is incredibly important for optimal health. So, meat doesn’t rot in the colon. Plants do… and this is actually a good thing. Bottom Line: The nutrients in meat are broken down and absorbed way before they reach the colon. However, fiber from plants does ferment (“rot”) in the colon, which is actually a good thing as it feeds the friendly bacteria. 2. Meat Is High in Harmful Saturated Fat and Cholesterol One of the main arguments

against meat is that it tends to be high in both saturated fat and cholesterol. But this really isn’t a cause for concern, because new science has shown both of them to be harmless. Despite being seen as something to be feared, cholesterol is actually a vital molecule in the body. It is found in every cell membrane and used to make hormones. The liver produces large amounts of it to make sure we always have enough. When we get a lot of cholesterol from the diet, the liver just produces less of it instead, so the total amount doesn’t change much. In fact, in about 70% of people, cholesterol in the diet has negligible effects on cholesterol in the blood. In the other 30% (termed hyper-responders), there is a mild elevation in LDL cholesterol, but HDL (which is protective) also goes up. The same is true with saturated fat, it also raises HDL (the

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

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

is often blamed for Western diseases like heart disease and type 2 Diabetes. Heart disease didn’t become a problem until the early 20th century and type 2 diabetes only a few decades ago. These diseases are new… but meat is an old food. Humans and pre-humans have been eating meat for millions of years. Blaming an old food for new health problems makes absolutely no sense. Fortunately, we do have two very large, very thorough studies that can put our minds at ease. In a massive study published in the year 2010, researchers pooled data from 20 studies that included a total of 1,218,380 individuals. They found no link between consumption of unprocessed red meat and heart disease or diabetes. Another major study from Europe that included 448,568 individuals found no link between unprocessed red meat and these diseases. However, both of these studies found a strong increase in risk for people who ate processed meat. For this reason, it is very important to make a distinction between the different types of meat. Many studies apparently showing that “red meat” is harmful didn’t adequately make the distinction between processed and unprocessed meat. Processed foods in general are pretty awful… this isn’t just true of meat. Bottom Line: Many massive studies have examined the relationship between meat consumption, heart disease and diabetes. They found a strong link for processed meat, but no effect for unprocessed red meat.

In the next issue See the other remaining 5 myths

Reading

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) should end now! Mojatu and Cmnetwork joins the campaign It is estimated that as many as 66,000 women in the UK have suffered female genital mutilation (FGM). FGM can only be effectively eliminated through a broad framework of both legislative and educational measures. by Frank Kamau

This month, Mojatu Foundation is to launch a twelve month campaign focusing on ways in which to support, educate and inform the public and facilitate changes in legislation and policy relating to FGM, both locally and internationally. This is by forming stronger bonds with other organisations and creating a better platform for media coverage and information dissemination on FGM. This will entail joining hands with organisation such as Equality Now and Daughters of Eve who have been working to eliminate FGM in the UK and globally over the last 30 years. We will also look at bringing to the forefront innovative FGM combating strategies such as those adopted by Maasai through initiatives and partnerships with Tasaru Ntomonok Initiative (TNI). We endeavour to fight in breaking the cycle of abuse through recognising FGM as a serious form of violence rather than something which is ‘cultural’ and which needs to be ‘abandoned’. We recognise that to successfully eliminate FGM, a synergy of actions is needed, including partnerships between government and civil society. This brings together community education, protection measures, justice outcomes and the provision of services to address the health complications. FGM does not occur in a vacuum; millions of women

who have undergone it, have often experienced other forms of violence. Efforts to eliminate FGM which do not consider its root causes are not enough. Furthermore, allowing perpetrators to take the lead and ignoring the fact that FGM is rooted in gender inequality means that the foundations for all other forms of Violence Against Women & Girls (VAWG) are not dealt effectively. Our objective is to ensure a world which is free not only of FGM but from all forms of violence and discrimination against women and girls are eliminated. In the next issue, Mojatu will be carrying stories and interviews with campaigners, expert and seasoned activists for FGM in the UK and in Africa. We believe that FGM can be significantly reduced - if not totally abolished - within a generation.

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

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

mojatu

Business & Financies

Something every parent should do So the inevitable happens and you go through the probate process For England Wales these are the main steps to be taken: 1. Value the estate and speak to the deceased’s banks and other financial organisations to establish whether you need a grant of representation (or confirmation). A Will usually has several sections:

If you only do one thing to take care of your legal affairs you should write a Will. If you don’t have a Will, then 1. First we must establish the identity laws created in 1837 and 1925 will of the person making determine who gets everything you the Will own. As you might expect, these laws don’t recognise things such 2. Then cancel any as living together amongst other previous Wills as you modern ways of living. So, if don’t want two valid ones at the same time you live with someone and then die, your estate - which 3. Appoint people to manage might include your house your affairs after death - your will go to relatives NOT the Executors live-in partner. It’s even 4. Make specific gifts if you wish worse for children in 5. Pass on everything you own – these circumstances called your estate because the court may take them 6. Arrange Guardianship for any children into care before under the age of 18 deciding who 7. Exclude people if you wish will raise your 8. Add any other important matters such as children. Trust management 9. Wishes – where you can add your wishes for your funeral and other related matters Writing such an important document can seem daunting, but it doesn’t need to be because there are professional Will writers offering their services in the Reading area who will take care of it for you. The only requirement for making a legal Will is that you are over 18years of age and also ‘have capacity’ to make a legal and valid Will, this is something that we can certify using a court ruling called Banks v Goodfellow (1870). Once the Will is written it must be signed by the person making it and it must be witnessed by two people who also sign the document (this is called attestation), only then is it valid and can be legally used.

By David Screen

2. If you do need a grant of representation, complete the relevant application and Inheritance Tax form - the Inheritance Tax form will vary depending on whether or not the estate owes Inheritance Tax. 3. Send the forms to the Probate Registry and HM Revenue & Customs 4. Pay whatever Inheritance Tax is due. 5. Attend in person at a Probate venue to swear an oath. 6. Wait for the grant of representation (or confirmation) to arrive in the post banks and other organisations will ask to see this before they allow access to the deceased’s assets. 7. Pay any debts owed by the estate and then distribute the estate. Of course you might wish to have some amusement with your Will like the client who left a gift of £1 to his former employers to buy a book on manners…

David Screen Willwriter RG2 Willwriters Get details, colors and images from www.rg2willwriters.co.uk Lead Consultant: David Screen Telephone: 0118 907 9205 – if we are not in the office your message will be texted to us immediately so we can get back to you Email: enquiries@rg2willwriters.co.uk Twitter: @RG2Willwriters

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Common traps to avoid when claiming expenses Five common mistakes self-employed people make when claiming expenses... ENDS HERE! By Emily Coltman Is it a nightmare trying to work out all of your business expenses? And do you even know what you can – and can’t – claim tax relief on when you’re preparing your business accounts?

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

When you’re a sole trader or a partner, you’re not allowed to claim the cost of all food and drink you buy when you’re out and about on business. HMRC takes the stern line that everyone must eat to live, and it is less generous with the self-employed in this area than with employees. You can only claim tax relief on the cost of your food and drink when you’re making a journey that’s outside your normal working pattern, such as going to visit a client who you usually deal with online. HMRC don’t define “normal working pattern” in any more detail, so if you include a claim for the cost of food and drink on this basis, be prepared to justify it to a visiting inspector. You can also claim “reasonable” costs of food and drink if your business is by nature itinerant - for example if you’re travelling round the country with a mobile children’s zoo - or if you’re staying away from home overnight on business.

Claiming too much in motor expenses

You can claim the cost of making business journeys in your own car, but there are two separate ways you might be able to do this, and a common mistake is to mix them up. If your turnover is under the VAT threshold (which is £77,000 a year at the moment) you can use what I call the mileage method, which is to add up your business miles and multiply them by HMRC’s approved mileage rates, and claim tax relief on that cost. The other option is what I call the actual cost method, which is to add up the total of everything you spend on the car – petrol, repairs, insurance, MOT etc... – and multiply that by the business use percentage of the car. You’d work that out by adding up your business mileage and your personal mileage, then taking the business mileage as a percentage of your total mileage. Using this method you can also claim some capital allowances on the cost of the car. You can’t combine the methods, though. HMRC’s mileage rates are designed to cover the full cost of buying and running the car, so you can’t, for example, claim both mileage and capital allowances.

Not claiming business use of home

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

well be able to claim some of the running costs of your home as costs of your business, so reducing your tax bill. For more information, check out this video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8FsUIZpAKU

Treating non-employees as staff

Unless someone is actually on your payroll as an employee, the cost of taking them out for a thank-you for their work counts as business entertaining. That applies even in the case where a friend or family member helps you in your business and you don’t pay them cash. They still don’t count as an employee. You should include these costs in your business’s accounts, but the business can’t claim any tax relief on them – and if your business is registered for VAT then it can’t claim back the VAT on the cost of business entertaining either.

Not keeping all receipts

When you spend your own money on costs for your business, the business can still usually claim tax relief on those costs, but only if you’ve kept a record of them – so don’t lose your receipts when you pay for business expenses with your own cash. Also make sure you file all of your receipts properly. Using an online accounting system - such as the Expenses area in FreeAgent - should help you track all of your receipts, and you can save even more time by photographing them on your iPhone and uploading them directly into FreeAgent’s mobile site. Claiming expenses can be a confusing issue for many small businesses and freelancers. So make sure you don’t risk paying the wrong amount of tax and making the wrong decisions about your business by not including the right costs in your accounts.

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

mojatu

Education

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

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

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

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

Journalism workshops

w w w . m o j a t u . c o m

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

Example of usage

Their/ there/ they’re (they are)

The carnival revellers danced to their Soca music. Go over there and fetch the rice. Are you sure they’re coming to the party?

Accept /except

I accepted the invitation to the wedding. Everyone got a turn to throw the dice, except Thomas.

Write/ right / rite

Boy / buoy

I can write a letter for my job application. “Are we going the right way?” asked the back-seat driver. The funeral rites lasted one hour. The boy sang his favourite song to his father. The lifeguard threw the buoy in the river to save the drowning man.

Compliment / complement

They paid her lots of compliments for her beauty. The sweet wine complements the sticky pudding perfectly.

Stationery / stationary

The wedding invitation was stationery (noun) the bride-to-be was searching for in the card shop. I drove into a stationary (adjective) vehicle.

Story / storey

The journalist wrote a great story. The office was at the top of the six storey building.

Its /it’s

The dog wagged its tail. It’s going to rain.

Licence / license

The police officer examined my driving licence (noun). The pub landlord was licensed (verb) to sell alcohol.

Practice / practise

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

Principle / principal

Eating pork is against my principles. I was sent to the Principal’s Office for being cheeky.

Whether /weather

I can’t decide whether to have yam or dumpling. I dream of Caribbean weather.

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Reading

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Utulivu Women’s Group Thanks for your continued support for nearly 10 years!

Your donations and volunteering support has enabled us to make a difference in many lives.

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Supporting women is supporting a nation for Women Hold up Half the Sky!

To donate or volunteer contact: Tel: 01189 515 776 Mob: 07828307997 Email: utulivucoordinator@live.co.uk Website: www.utulivu.co.uk Utulivu Women’s Group P. O. 555 Northumberland Avenue, Reading, Berkshire, RG2 8NX

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Leverage your unique strengths and be inspired and empowered to incorporate them in your life’s skills. Inspired and empowered people bath in their inspiration: • • • • •

Cecily Mwaniki

Achieve health and wealth Build strong family and social networks Advance your career Become a more positive ‘you’ Remove the obstacles holding you back • Become an asset to your community • Develop your personal success plan

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relationship dilemma and Financial well-being. She founded ‘’UTULIVU’’ organisation which got the Queens Award in 2011 for voluntary service. Her motto in life has always been ‘Aspiring To Inspire Before I Expire’. She is happily married with two children

NOTICE TO ALL UNIVERSITY LOANEES Pursuant to HELB ACT 1995, SECTION 15 (1) and (2) a penalty of Kshs.5,000/= has been levied for each month or part of the month that has remained unpaid since maturity of the loan. Accounts that are currently not active regardless of previous partial payments also attract the penalty.

For repayment contact HELB on: Email: diaspora@helb.co.ke or call +254711052000/259/270/315 18th Floor, Anniversary Towers, University Way, Nairobi P. O. Box 69489 -00400, Nairobi M: +254 711052000 T: +254 202278000 To achieve

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