The Peponi Post 2M October 2017 by Peponi School

The

Peponi Post

Michaelmas 2017

News from across the Peponi community

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In 1960, Muhammad Ali, then called Cassius Marcellus Clay, won the gold medal in the light heavy weight boxing competition at the Olympic Games in Rome. Despite being only 18, he won all four of his fights. In the final he defeated threetime European champion Zbigniew Pietrzykowski. This victory led him to a career that went from strength to strength peaking in 1970 with the so called Fight of the Century where Ali would fight against the other undefeated heavy weight of his time, Joe Frazier. Sadly Ali was to be defeated but would re-challenge Frazier in 1974 where Ali would win and begin his second reign as Heavyweight Champion. Ali retired from boxing in 1979 but fought two more fights before eventually stopping in 1981. He fought in 61 fights, lost only five – only one of those by a knockout. I am not a great boxing fan and have a natural dislike for the sport – but there can be no doubt that Muhammad Ali deserves recognition as one of the greatest boxers of the twentieth century or even ever. My admiration of Muhammad Ali does not really come from boxing – I know little about it and could not distinguish the skills required to become as good as somebody like Muhammed Ali. However, it was what Ali did outside his sporting career where I believe he deserves real attention and perhaps his legacy will have a greater meaning to human society than his winning in the ring. Ali’s boxing career played itself against a backdrop of racial segregation in the United States of America. His Olympic Gold medal – won in 1960 – was both prized and valued by the boxer. It is said that he wore the medal whilst he slept. One day, however, sickened and angry, at a particularly bad spate of racism in his home town of Louisville, Kentucky, and a particular instance where Ali and a friend were refused service in a restaurant because of the colour of his skin, Ali throw the medal into the Ohio river. The story is inaccurate and it is likely that Ali simply misplaced the medal but there is no doubt that he suffered at the hands of racist thinkers. The story does, however, begin to shed light onto his life and actions in the civil rights movement throughout his boxing career and a long time after. Ali, who died last year, was a controversial and important figure in his life time. Known as the greatest for his prowess in the boxing ring he was lionized for his campaigning out of it. He refused to fight in Vietnam risking jail and millions of dollars. His reasoning was typically forthright. He said: Why should they ask me to put on a uniform and go

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ten thousand miles from home and drop bombs and bullets on brown people in Vietnam while so-called Negro people in Louisville are treated like dogs and denied simple human rights? He was a man who had a profound sense of duty and service to others describing it as the rent you pay for your room here on earth. Whether Ali throw his medal in the river or not, he was proud of that medal; it was a symbol of achievement yet it meant nothing to him when compared to his burning anger at the racism and injustice he believed permeated his country and beyond. Later years saw Ali’s health deteriorate but his commitment to fighting injustice never wavered. He worked hard in many areas. In 1980 he came here to Kenya and convinced the government to boycott the Moscow Olympics in a protest against the Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan. He travelled to Iraq before the Gulf War and negotiated with Saddam Hussein to release American hostages. It was a controversial action and he received much criticism from leading American politicians. In 2002 he became a UN Messenger for Peace and spent some time in Afghanistan. His work in the world of civil rights for all citizens of the United States was spectacular, powerful and successful. He sadly suffered with Parkinson’s disease – after his diagnosis he worked closely with actor Michael J Fox to raise awareness and fund research for a cure. Muhammad Ali had a profound understanding of what it meant to be a person in society. As a converted and committed Muslim he loved god but had a view of religion that should resonate in a school such as ours – rivers, ponds, lakes and streams - they all have different names, but they all contain water. Just as religions do - they all contain truths. With his ideas – what are your truths, what are you paying as rent for your time on Earth, what will your legacy be – Muhammed Ali may have retired as one of the world’s greatest boxer but his legacy is one of truth, justice and a lasting impression on what it means to be of god. Mark Durston Headmaster

From the Director of Studies

From the Head of Year 10 & 11

I am overwhelmed by how quickly the first six weeks of term has flown by. Our pupils have played cricket, football, tennis, rounders and basketball matches; competed in swimming galas; run in three different cross-country events; debated the effects of modern technology and the denial of the holocaust; travelled to Ol Pejeta, Nzau, Paradise Lost, Penta Flowers in Thika and the Ngare Ndare Forest; visited university fairs, written their personal statements and started their UCAS applications; and ... you can see why I am staggered by the energy of Peponi pupils.

As Head of Years 10 and 11, I would like to draw your attention to two upcoming events that affect not only the IGCSE years but the whole School.

This Half Term, we recommend that our pupils take a breather. Research shows that the average teenager needs 10 hours of sleep a night; and the good news is that sleep debt, can be repaid. In addition, there is good evidence that holidays boost health and well-being and positively affect work performance. While idleness is often considered a vice, there is growing evidence that there are benefits to ‘doing nothing’. Electrical activity in the brain appears to solidify certain kinds of memories during rest. It is not uncommon to experience a sudden flash of insight when engaged in mundage activities. Ultimately, we wish all our pupils and their families a safe, relaxing and happy break from school. Michelle Mathews Director of Studies dos@peponischool.org

History and Culture Trip to Russia and Northern Europe

Charity Event This year’s Charity event will take place over two afternoons at the end of this term. The first afternoon will be a Charity Fete where each tutor group will be running fun money-raising stalls for everyone to enjoy. This will be the final chance for each tutor group to raise money as I would like all pupils to be raising money throughout the term so that they can hopefully contribute a minimum of 2000/= each pupil. Dr. Du Bois’ tutor group this break time held a very successful bake sale to raise money. The money raised by each tutor group over the term and at the Charity Fete will allow them to enter a triathlon in the final week of term. Each tutor group will enter a team of three to swim, cycle and run their way to victory. We also encourage individuals to enter the Iron Athlete event where they take part in all three disciplines by themselves. Years 9 and 10 will also have a less serious triathlon so as many pupils as possible are involved in the fun. The tutors and pupils are currently thinking up fun ideas for the fete stalls and I would like to ask all parents to be as supporting as possible. Encourage your child to do jobs at home and if they ask to do chores around the home to raise money please be generous with your rewards. I do understand that all our children should be helpful at home without payment but the charities we support are all excellent causes.

History Tour 2018

RUSSIA—Moscow and St Petersburg FINLAND —Helsinki

SWEDEN—Stockholm

ESTONIA

Tallinn

DUBAI Shopping Desert Dinner Rollercoasters

The History tour this year is going to be an absolutely fascinating one! In the Easter holiday we have organised an historical tour of the two main cultural cities of Russia: Moscow and St Petersburg. From Russia, we will also be travelling to Helsinki, Tallinn, Stockholm and Dubai. The History pupils will witness first-hand the history involved in the Russian Revolution, World Wars I and II and the Cold War from their IGCSE and A Level courses, while those not taking History as an academic subject, but who have a fascination for world history and culture, will find these countries captivating. You do not have to be a History student to appreciate the charm and culture of Russia and Northern Europe. This really is a trip not to be missed. If you are interested and have not yet contacted us please email Mr. Ogodo or Mrs. Nightingale who will be very happy to answer any questions. Claire Nightingale Head of Year 10 & 11 HoY10&11@peponischool.org

3 Taken from the New Yorker

From the Headmaster

September 22nd, according to the American Tolkien society, was Hobbit day. Only in America could they have such a day – a day set a side to celebrate Hobbits – but are they worth celebrating – I am not sure but the books in which they are immortalised perhaps are. Hobbits are beings from the imagination of JRR Tolkien, beings who are small, who live in Middle Earth and who, unbeknownst to themselves, are among the bravest, most generous and most courageous people of their Age. Tolkien’s main characters and Hobbits are, of course Bilbo and Frodo Baggins. Saturday was the birthday of both Baggins. Frodo being born on September 22nd 2890 and Bilbo being born 78 years earlier on the same day. There is some debate around the actual date because the middle earth calendar does not synchronise well with the Gregorian one. In the Lord of the Rings it’s Frodo the Hobbit who goes into the face of a fire to destroy evil. Frodo has inherited a ring from Bilbo and – thanks to wise counsel from Gandalf the Grey – Frodo is encouraged to take the ring from the shire. The ring is one of many powerful rings – but this one was the one – forged in the fires of mount doom by the dark lord Sauron. The inscription on the ring – written in the language of Mordor called Black Speech – it says: One ring to rule them all, one ring to find them, One ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them. Frodo’s mission is to destroy the ring in the fires of mount doom and the book sets out to describe the adventures of Frodo and his companions. It is his faithful companion Samwise Gamgee who supports Frodo the whole way, and – at times, like Simon of Cyrene, carrying Frodo when Frodo is unable to walk under the burden. It was Simon who carried the cross for Jesus as he was taken to his crucifixion. Tolkien paints a fabulous picture of a land he created. He invented people, creatures, characters, languages and gave them life – I have only read the book once when I was at school but the images of the Shire, the Misty Mountains, and the Land of Gondor are fixed in my mind as though they are real. Tolkien invented the Elfish language – which scholars are still trying to master. His characters – laced with good and evil – are

real, tangible and full of life. The Lord of Rings is an epic novel. One of born from an incredible imagination. Hobbits aren’t the only people who came from the imagination of Tolkien. Elves, dwarves, orcs, ents are all elaborated described. Tolkien’s first book – The Hobbit – was published in 1937 and the sequel – The Lord of the Rings – followed in 1955. It took Tolkein over 12 years to write the epic and his publishers would not fully release it until six years later. Many academics have tried and failed to link the story with influences in Tolkien’s life – were the dark and characters based on the Nazis in Germany, was the Dark Lord Hitler. The industrialisation of Isengard was thought to have been the changes in central England during the industrialisation of Birmingham in the 1930s. The ring itself is thought to be an allegory of the atomic bomb dropped on Japan in 1945. Many writers have looked deeply in to the Christian themes portrayed throughout the story line – the portrayal of good and evil – rich and poor, elitist social structures even race focused arguments have all littered essays written about the books. Tolkein himself denied many of the arguments, he made this clear when he said to a critic of his work “I don’t like allegories.” Whilst there is no doubt that Tolkien was influenced by events that occurred in his life – Tolkien was born in South Africa in 1892, lost both his parents as a child, he had a scholarly upbringing, he was soldier in the Battle of the Somme in 1916, a code breaker in the Second world war and eventually he become a professor of English Language and Literature at Merton College, Oxford – he clearly and simply enjoyed his imagination. For me the world of Tolkien’s imagination, while it doesn’t exist, nonetheless speaks volumes about virtue to the world that does exist. To imagine is not to be removed from the world, but is to be fully embedded in the world. Tolkien borrowed imaginings from many cultures and peoples, and turned them into something that will last centuries. He made two statements that – for me – sum up his message to us – All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost; the old that is strong does not wither, deep roots are not reached by the frost. And if more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.

UVI Biology Trip to Ol Pejeta which included a 5am wake up which we all dreaded, but being told about a visit to the Chimpanzee sanctuary immediately lifted our moods. We then used whatever time we had left to charge our phones precious battery and enjoy our dinner, which I don’t think a single person could’ve complained about. There was no time to mess around and the group quickly settled into bed with our masai blankets after a strenuous day of travelling and activities. At 5am the next morning we woke up to the news that Dr. Mulanda and one of the security officers had gone missing. After this quick scare, we soon found the duo fast asleep in their tents, much to the amusement of the group. We arrived at Ol Pejeta after a fatiguing 4-hour bus ride from school. The sun was already bearing down on us and considering we had arrived late we knew we had little time to spare. After being introduced to our guides at the camp and relieving ourselves of our luggage, we quickly set off to visit one of the local farmers; whose crops had been destroyed by hippos and elephants. He explained that the animals had gained access to his farms through the river passing from the conservancy and that his appeals to have the pathway fenced had been unanswered. He however praised Ol Pejeta Conservancy management for providing him and other local farmers with a drip irrigation system to help support his crops during periods of drought that were apparently extremely frequent in the region. He went on to elaborate that the provision of such benefits are helping to maintain a firm relationship between locals and the conservancy.

We set off to the sanctuary, and upon arrival we were briefed on the chimps’ behaviour and to beware of a certain individual called Max; who had a tendency to throw objects as well as faeces at spectators. We were told some horrendous stories about how the chimps had been held captive in zoos, kept as pets and subjected to animal testing. After this emotional talk we helped remove sticks and rocks from the fenced perimeter of the chimps and, shortly after, the chimps were let out into the holding. For many of us it was our first time seeing chimpanzees and our reaction to seeing them was one of awe and amazement. They’re behaviour was so similar to ours; this being reflected in the fact that 96% of human DNA is shared with chimpanzees. After taking several pictures with the chimps and watching them being fed oranges and bananas, we were then instructed to head back on to the bus and carry on with the rest of the activities planned for the day.

After this informative talk, we hiked back to our campsite where we were treated to biscuits and popcorn; which Dr. Mulanda was thrilled to have after an exhausting day under the sun. We then headed off to our showers, which truth be told, were a completely new experience to us considering the manner in which we were shown how to load our buckets of water. After getting brief break in which we got to rest and recuperate, we were informed of the plan for the next day;

As part of the topic of Conservation, pupils were exposed to the following objectives: the threats to the biodiversity of terrestrial ecosystems; the reasons for the need to maintain biodiversity; methods of protecting endangered species; and methods of assisted reproduction, including IVF, embryo transfer and surrogacy, used in the conservation of endangered mammals.

UVI Biology Trip to Ol Pejeta continued ...

We proceeded to go and see Sudan, the last male northern white rhino. His entire species had been poached by people who craved his horn so badly they would do anything to get it. Mwango, one of the guides, told us a deep heartfelt story about Sudan; how Sudan had been rescued from south Sudan after watching his whole family poached, how scientists were trying to save his species using an IVF method and the complications surrounding it, as well as the emotional connection he personally felt with Sudan, and the difference we as the youth could make so that future generations would be able to enjoy what we had experienced. This personally affected me and made me think about the destruction we as humans have caused. He then made us promise to share Sudan’s story so as to raise awareness of the great rhino. We were then shown into Sudans’ holding and were each allowed to take a picture with him. It truly was an honour to touch and see Sudan and one I’m sure we all will cherish for the rest of our lives.

After having any questions we had answered by the presenter, we were taken to one of the herds of cattle where we herded them and watched them get disinfected and washed. This was followed by helping moving cows in the mobile ‘bomas’. However this came to an abrupt halt as a group of white rhinos seemed to approach, meaning we had to leave swiftly, a relief for us as we were being roasted in the intense heat! Subsequently, we went to see Baraka, the blind rhino I mentioned earlier, and were given the opportunity to feed him carrots and touch his spectacular horn. We also learnt that he had adapted to using his sense of sound to progress with life and that his acute sense of hearing made him very sensitive to noise and easily scared. This was then followed by yet another visit to the chimp sanctuary and to say a goodbye to our friends! After yet another staggering, privileged experience we were taken back to camp where we prepared for our penultimate meal of the trip–pizza! The next morning we got a slightly lenient wake up time of 8am, and with everyone excited to go back home we were introduced to archery. After having a few turns each, it was quickly established that Nazaaha was our best archer. Finally we headed off to the last activity of our stupendous trip; BMX. After being shown around the course, we were all timed to see if we could break the record on the track. Albeit in vain, we were all sweaty and exhausted after having so much fun. We returned back to camp, filled the buses with our luggage and took off for home after what was a fun-filled, thrilling and, quite honestly, an experience we all will keep dear to us for many years to come. Raihan Jiwa UVI, TR, Chala

Following this remarkable experience, we were then told to pay the fee for visiting Sudan; by cleaning up his dung! Almost 50 kilos of dung needed to be put into the tractor for disposal. We got to work quickly, knowing we had no time to waste as the stormy clouds looked over us. We took turns as a group in scooping up the rhino dung, everyone getting the opportunity to fulfill their dreams! After this sensational experience we headed back to the tented campsite and were once again welcomed by biscuits and popcorn! Much to our delight, we were told later that night that we would return to see the chimps and visit Baraka, the blind black rhino, as well as experience a demonstration of how the tracker dogs in the conservancy were used to help locate and find poachers. The next morning we set off at 7am to go see the tracker dogs; each with a particular role in tracking. We spent some time petting them while being informed on how they track down poachers before being shown a demonstration. Unsurprisingly the dog was able to track down Munene in about 10 minutes. Thereafter, we were ushered to a conference room where we were given a presentation on the conservancy in general. We found that they had the largest slaughter house in Kenya; 120 cattle a week slaughtered, and home to 115 black and 31 white rhinos in an 110,000 acre land.

Raihan is in the process of applying to North American universities to read medicine.

LVI Team Building Day

On Saturday 16th September, the Lower Sixth went to Paradise Lost for our team building day. Upon arrival, we were greeted by our guides and instructors for the day before we embarked on a tour of the huge coffee farm. We learned about the two main types of coffee, Arabica and Robusta and why the Arabica coffee is better for us than the Robusta coffee. While there was a large area to be covered and a lot to be learned, we unfortunately had to cut the tour short as we were running short on time. After assembling we were divided into our teams for the day and set off on the activities. One set of groups would start with the actual team building activities while the other was to do some outdoor adventure activities. My group started with the adventure activities and our first challenge was to walk across a small stream on a tightrope. While it was not the most challenging of activities it required a lot of balance and hand eye coordination which appeared to be the strong point of many team members. Upon completing the first challenge, we walked into a nearby cave where the Mau Mau used to meet in secret while fighting for Kenya’s independence. I must admit that the main motive for exploring the caves was to find the lollipops and sweets that the instructors had hidden inside. After collecting all of the sweets and exploring the caves we had some break before completing the next two activities. The first was abseiling where we essentially walked down the side of a cliff while attached to a harness, the aim of this was to conquer your fears, especially those with a fear of heights (including myself), although much to my disappointment I am still afraid of heights. Apart from conquering our fears, we displayed great teamwork when encouraging each other that we would be able to do it when we were too afraid to even step close to the edge of the cliff. Due to the nature of the previous challenges, we only had a few minutes for the final activity which was kayaking. While that sounds like a bad thing, people that are of a similar height to me ran into a problem...we did not fit in the kayaks meaning we had our knees to our chests for the whole time which was not the most comfortable position to sit in considering you would try to paddle only to find that you were on the verge of capsizing. After completing the outdoor adventure activities, the two sets of groups swapped meaning my group was to participate in the team building exercises. The first activity involved trying to catch the finger of the person on your left while the person on your right tries to catch yours and of course, as all games that have a winner go we were extremely competitive and tried to do everything possible to stay in the game.

Eventually, four of us were left and nobody could catch the finger of anyone else. Our next activity involved a long rope placed in a circle and three tennis balls. The instructors told each team to select one person to pull the rope to get their team’s tennis ball. Each team then chose their strongest member and the activity started. Each team member was pulling as hard as they could in three opposite directions meaning that nobody really got anywhere. Upon one person falling over the game was stopped and the instructors explained that this was a teamwork game, not a competition which forced us to go against our competitive nature and work together to get each team’s ball, one at a time. The most confusing activity involved a story and each round the story would become longer. It started off short and the instructor told us to copy her, we managed that with ease but she also said that the second time repeating the story, certain words were to be replaced by a sound. This again posed no challenge until we went on for around 15 minutes adding to the story which left everyone confused when it came to the part where we were not supposed to actually say the words. The final story ended up being, ‘there was a flea on a bird and a bird in a nest and a nest on a branch and a branch on a tree and a tree on a mountain and a mountain on the ground and the ground could never be seen.’ The final activity of the day was not one that involved so much concentration since by the end of the day we were all exhausted. It was simply to sit in a circle and run to the opposite side if someone in the middle described something you are wearing or a physical feature. It sounds simple when being explained but upon playing the game we realised that it was very easy to run into one another so, in a sense we were supposed to be focusing and paying attention to those around us. The staff and instructors worked very hard to ensure the trip was a success, which it was, the whole year group is extremely grateful to everyone that made the trip possible and we look forward to our next experience. Kieran Darlington LVI, JP, Chala

Year 11 Trip to Penta Flowers

Our year group (Year 11) recently went on a biology fiend trip to observe the technology behind rose growing on a large scale at Penta Flowers. Although the day was extremely hot, we still managed an enjoyable learning experience. In the farm we learned how they have modified and bred certain flowers to attain desirable traits. We then went on to learn how they grow and protect roses industrially. After walking throughout the sweltering heat and humid greenhouses, we got some relief in the nursery when the sprinklers went off. The most fascinating part of the process was when we saw how the different parts could be fused together with a simple silicon tubes (grafting of the scion and rootstock). This is how roses get their perfect balance of beauty and strength.

We finally reached the cold room; everyone eagerly rushed in! This is where the roses are stored, ready to be shipped off to foreign countries. Penta Flowers only supplies overseas countries with the majority being sent to Europe. We were extremely impressed by the farms policy on fair trade, conservation of the environment and composting. At the end of our tour, Mrs Kontos treated us to drinks and snacks; thank you so very much to the Penta Flowers team. Shanay Patel & Rayaan Anjarwalla Year 11, BAW, Elementaita & Year 11, SMN, Chala

Assembly Speeches From UVI Pupils During the summer, I was able to get some work experience at Barclays Bank Kenya in Nairobi. I worked in the Managing Directors office and I was carrying out a research assignment in a field I was particularly interested in; with the theme: ‘Digital disruption in the financial sector in Kenya: How Kenya is leading the way in migrating to a non-cash economy, and the evolution of business models in the financial sector.’ I was able to find out why banks in Kenya see financial institutions in rural areas to be extremely unprofitable and how banks are becoming more financially inclusive through the use of mobile money. It also explained in depth the irrefutable mass growth of M-Pesa as a financial inclusion and poverty alleviation program, how it initially was intended, as a system to allow microfinance-loan repayments at lower interest rates to be made by phone and now it has matured to become a common money-transfer scheme for consumers and businesses operated throughout Kenya. Ultimately my work reflected on how the Kenyan economy is leading the way in migrating to a cashless economy through the use of mobile money.

of idle corporate cash. He proposes policies such as revamping the education system, refining labour competitiveness, bolstering infrastructure and concurrently closing tax loopholes and snowballing marginal tax rates on the wealthy in order to reduce inequality. Although unlike Moghalu, his principle virtues focus more on “optionality, resilience, and agility.” Interestingly, both authors comment on the state of African governments; Moghalu mentions, “The continent’s leaders have all too often conflated strategic vision with rhetoric, slogans or diplomatic resolutions of one sort or the other.” El-Erian also makes it clear that a dysfunctional government bears a large share of the blame for our inadequate economic performance. What we witnessed on Friday as a result of the supreme courts decision did show a somewhat progression of democracy in African countries.

However, I believe the biggest gap in both books is insufficient recognition of the problem of productivity—otherwise known However my interest went further than just the Kenyan as the output each worker generates. Without increases in economy. Thus, I concentrated on Africa as a whole. The efficiency, workers can’t get paid more and the economy can’t way I see it, Africa can see itself flourish in the next 30 years expand. And of late, productivity growth has been woefully or ultimately get further away from its targets. Economic light. El-Erian is somewhat more expansive about the issue, development has stagnated in many African economies making (unspecified) structural reforms part of his first prong because they are bogged down by extractive institutions of policy proposals. But he, too, quickly returns his attention inherited from a colonialist past. For illustration purposes, to government budgets, monetary policy and the like, all more what are we doing about our population growth? What are we fun to chew on than the messy business of improving the doing about jobless growth? If you don’t tackle these types of supply side of our economy. problems with a serious approach, you could have a continent whose population has doubled in the next 30 years and you Consequently, as a result of my research I think it is obvious will be left with armies of youth who don’t have gainful that the continents focus, must be directed at cultivating employment. Which ultimately could create social problems. the methods of distribution of scarce resources and further Although if you create jobs at a faster rate than the growth of establishments to discover the capability of their administrative the population, if you create skills and human capital you will structures in efficient resource allocation. I am confident not have this problem because then you avoid The Malthusian that in order to gain economic advancement so as to find Dilemma. Because the more the population grows the more a justifiable economic strategy to unravel the poverty in the strain on resources becomes exacerbated. developing countries, we have to release the shackles on the extractive institutions inherited from a colonial past. Although western societies have beaten the dilemma he has sketched out due to the introduction of science and Rahul Seedhar technology. Kingsley Moghalu challenges conventional UVI, AMD, Chala perceptions about Africa’s journey to evolution in Emerging Africa. Amalgamating strategic economic rational Moghalu’s solutions range from capitalism, human capital, foreign investment and technological innovation. Above all Moghalu believes that the principal solution will demand for the reinvention of the African mindset. On the contrary, El-Erian in The only game in town views it in a very fiscal manner. His ideology enables him to perceive the global economy as a “T-junction”. He labels the path being pursued as “The new normal” which he labeled after the consequences of the great Rahul is in the process recession. This road is what he suggests as a path to worsening of applying to UK based inequality trifecta that including income, wealth, social tensions universities to read economics. and opportunity. The diametrically opposite road enables a surge in productive capacity of the global economy, which he believes will be fueled by new innovations and the deployment

Assembly Speeches From UVI Pupils

Alana is in the process of applying to UK based universities to read anthropology.

Upon telling many of you that I have a passion for anthropology, you would look blankly at me, and then after a moment, ask me ‘what is that?’ In truth, when I first came across the word, I too had no idea what it entailed: Anthropology is the study of humans. It encompasses the evolution of humans from our Hominid ancestors, to the rich diversity of human society and culture across the globe in present day. ‘Why is this useful?’ you may ask. Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to intern for Ol Lentille Trust, an NGO in Northern Kenya, who run mobile clinics where I visited many manyattas in various remote areas. By shadowing nurses, I experienced the Samburu community’s suspicion of state medical interventions This lack of trust in modern medicine has implications for both disease and infection control across rural Kenya. An issue of misunderstanding throughout separate tribes in Kenya has spiraled from colonial East Africa. The Samburu, a community believing they are entitled to all land to ensure their cattle graze, had a conflicting ideology with the British, who had a superior mindset and looked past the culture and integrity of the people they found. Nigel Barley explains this further in his book, The Innocent Anthropologist, where he states that ‘By our lights, the remedies handed out by traditional practices are ineffective or even harmful. So alien to our world view are such practices… that we do not even bother to check their effectiveness.’ Thus, exposed to the Samburu’s herbal remedies I learnt to appreciate the benefits of both traditional and modern medicine, and I believe that an anthropologist is able to bridge meanings in this way between two different cultures: As Barley says in his book, ‘The anthropologist was inevitably cast in the role of the refuter of the view of primitive man.’ People of varying cultures communicate and undergo business with each other all the time. From an economics point of view, by understanding another’s culture outside your own, you are then able to conduct business with another community with respect, awareness and sensitivity, resulting in successful and sustainable dealings.

There is much we can learn from other’s cultures, and thus by comparison, consider what it is to be human. Looking at the remnants of our past allows us to learn of innate human characteristics, no matter who

Olduvai Stone Chopping Tool; A History of the World in 100 Objects.

we are or where we come from. The Olduvai Stone Chopping Tool was discovered by Lois Leakey and is considered one of the earliest objects that humans ever consciously made. It was found in the Olduvai Gorge, in our neighboring country, Tanzania. Discussed by Neil MacGregor in A History Of The World In 100 Objects, the Olduvai Stone tool was chipped eight times, an unnecessary number that he says ‘tells us that right from the beginning, we - unlike other animals - have felt the urge to make things more sophisticated then they need to be.’ This analysis depicts the role of artifacts in providing explanations of ourselves; bringing in the closely related subject, archeology. MacGregor also reveals truths about human perfectionism and its implications for not only how we have improved the tools we use, but our medicine, our language and most recently our understanding of what makes us human. After studying this particular artifact, Wangari Maathai, a Kenyan environmentalist and Nobel Peace Prize winner, assessed that ‘the information we have tells us that we came from somewhere in eastern Africa. We are so used to being divided along ethnic lines, along racial lines, we look all the time for reasons to be different from one each other, but essentially we are all from the same stem, the same origin.’ By studying how man has adapted to the ever changing planet through human cultures, we can then assess the current adaptations taking place amongst our species, and make predictions as to how man’s culture as a whole will change in the future. T. Alana Mann UVI, JP, Jipe

Assembly Speeches From UVI Pupils In my early teenage years I came to truly learn of the flagrant corruption that is prevalent in my home country of Uganda and Africa as a whole. One does not have to look far to see the effects corruption has on the continent; Kenya was recently ranked the third most corrupt country in the world according to a PWC survey. What is even more damning is the fact 72% of the Kenyans surveyed believe that law enforcement is incapable of tackling the issue. A recent report done by Transparency International has shown that 75 million Africans have payed bribes in the last year. Many of these were made for basic services that were desperately needed. Whilst I in no way believe that these are issues unique to this continent, the seemingly nonchalant attitude of lawmakers, law enforcers towards tackling issues needs to be changed . Therefore I intend on remedying the failure to uphold the law by studying law at university.

officials. I completely understand that it is impossible for a fair system to not incorporate discretion, because not every legal case is as common as another however it is the excessive use of arbitrary power especially in law enforcement that ultimately allows corruption to grow. If this continental pandemic is going to be effectively and sustainably tackled I believe we as Africans must live by the adage “To those who much is given. Much is expected.” .The African Upper Middle Class have to ignite a change in the collective attitude towards corruption. We should desist from praising the wealthy individuals but rather the ethical ways in which they became wealthy.

For it is only through shifting the general mind-set that has come to accept corruption as inseparable, in the pursuit of In the hopes of studying law I read the “Rule of Law” by Tom wealth in this continent to one that truly appreciates the Bingham over the summer holiday. In the book he examines deteriorating power it has on us can we rid Africa of the the meaning of an overly used phrase “the rule of law”. He elements that allows corruption to fester . argues that it is not a doctrine but rather the foundation of all fair societies. I would like to touch upon one of the core Dave Nziza principles of the “The Rule of Law” that I believe more than UVI, ADB, Magadi any other explained in the book can solve the problems faced by this continent. Lord Bingham believed and I quote “Questions of legal right and liability should ordinarily be resolved by application of law and not the exercise of discretion”. The over exercising of discretion is fundamentally opposed to the principle of equality because discretion allows for decisions to be made on a case by case basis and without uniformity. The lack of uniformity in decision in making in areas of governance such as policing guarantees corruption in Africa because the Dave is in the process of applying enforcement of the law should be standard and universal, hence when it is not, human beings who generally want to have to UK based universities to read their events go their way are encouraged to manipulate public law.

Child Protection & Safeguarding Children in the 21st century are confronted by a myriad of immense challenges that need to be addressed in order for them to have the opportunity to thrive and attain best outcomes. It is through realisation of their varied potentials that children will grow and develop into dependable adults, prepared to make meaningful contribution to society in the years ahead. Therefore, the safeguarding and protection of children from all forms of violence, exploitation, abuse and neglect, as enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, is vital for their overall wellbeing and for posterity. As UNICEF observes, the economic and social costs of doing nothing to prevent violence, exploitation, abuse and neglect of children are profound and far-reaching. In light of the foregoing, this write-up is intended to raise awareness on the various forms of abuse that children are

susceptible to, and to appeal for vigilance from every adult in the Peponi community of staff, parents and guardians, as we partner to continue providing a safe environment for children. While it is often categorised as physical, sexual or emotional abuse, it is fundamentally more likely to be rooted in a need for love, care and attention. Clearly, neglect in whatever form, is just as damaging to a child as any other form of abuse and all due care needs taking to keep children off harm’s way. We have the moral and legal obligation to be alert to signs of abuse, and act appropriately to prevent abuse and appropriately respond to concerns or disclosures regarding abuse. Collins Kaunda Designated Safeguarding Lead & Housemaster of Magadi ckaunda@peponischool.org

October

2017

Week 6B

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Inter House Art Exhibition Opens 8:00am • 1st XI Cricket v Premier Academy (H) 1:30pm • Open ‘A’ Rounders v Premier Academy (A) 3:30pm •U17 Boys’ Football v Braeside School (A) 3:30pm • 1st XI Boys’ Football v Braeburn Garden Estate (A) 4:00pm

Colts ‘B’ Cricket v Premier Academy (H) 1:30pm • Colts Girls’ Basketball v Aga Khan (H) 2:30pm • Colts Boys’ Football v Premier Academy (H) 3:00pm • Colts ‘B’ Rounders v Braeburn Imani (A) 3:30pm • Reception for New Parents 6:30pm to 9:00pm

Year 9 Academic Convocation in Ngare Ndare Begins • Colts Boys’ Football v Greensteds (H) 1:30pm • Peponi Invitational Swimming Gala 2:00pm • Peponi ‘B’ Tennis v Hillcrest (A) 3:30pm

Colts ‘B’ Rounders v Braeburn Garden Estate (H) 2:00pm • Peponi ‘A’ Tennis v Rosslyn Academy 4:00pm

Week 7A

Year 11 Biology Field Trip 8.15am to 1:00pm • Colts ‘B’ Rounders v Aga Khan (H) 2:30pm • Colts ‘A’ Rounders v Braeside School (A)3:30pm

Year 9 Academic Peponi ‘A’ Tennis v Convocation in Ngare ISK (A) 4:00pm Ndare Ends

ABRSM Theory Examinations 2:00pm • U17 Boys’ Football v Oshwal Academy (A) 3:00pm

Cross Country Squad depart for St Andrew’s, Turi 11:00am • Open Girls’ Basketball v ISK (A) 4:00pm

Week 8 Week 9A Week 10B

St Andrew’s Cross Country Championships • 2nd Quarterly Reports Emailed to Parents • Half Term Begins 4:00pm

20 Mashujaa Day • KSF Age Groups & Relays Oshwal Mombasa

Braeburn Imani U15 KSF Level 2 Gala Football Tournament Makini School • KSF Level 2 Gala Makini School • ISK Cross Country Meet 9:00am • Colts Girls’ Basketball v BGE (H) 9:30am • 1st XI Boys’ Football v French School (H) 10:00am • Open Girls’ Basketball v French School (H) 10:00am

21 KSF Age Groups & Relays Oshwal Mombasa

22 KSF Age Groups & Relays Oshwal Mombasa • LVI Parent-Teacher Meetings DML 5:00 to 7:00pm • Boarders Return by 7:00pm

Term Restarts 7:45am Colts ‘A’ Cricket v Premier Ac. (A) 1:30pm • Colts ‘B’ Rounders v Oshwal Ac. (A) 3:00pm • Colts Girls’ Basketball v Hillcrest (A) 3:00pm • Colts Boys’ Football v BGR (H) 3:00pm • Colts ‘A’ Rounders v Premier Ac. (A) 3:30pm

1st XI Cricket v Premier Ac. (A) 1.30pm • U17 Boys’ Football v Brookhouse (H) 3.00pm • Colts ‘B’ Rounders v Premier Academy (H) 3:30pm

Colts ‘A’ Cricket v Hillcrest (A) 1.00pm • Colts Girls’ Basketball v Rusinga (A) 3.00pm • ‘A’ Tennis v ISK ‘B’ (H)

Peponi School

Michaelmas Term

Peponi School Cricket Tour to England, July 2017

25th June to 5th July Players Sajan Thakar – Captain Shay Shah - Vice Captain Sasha Corcoran - Wicket Keeper Gian Warah Sarju Kotecha Rohan Seedah Pranav Sumaria Reyan Vora Chiran Vekaria Aman Vasisht Rahul Shah

Tour Objectives • Players transition from the junior level to the senior level. • Exposure to deferent playing conditions. • Team bonding with seniors and juniors. Schools Visited • Uppingham • Stowe • Kingswood Bath

• Kings School Bruton • Giggleswick Martin Suji Cricket Coach

www.peponischool.org

Be Sun Smart

We are so delighted to announce the launch of our new website: www. peponischool.org; please do let us know your thoughts. Please follow us on twitter: https://twitter.com/peponi_school Please follow us on facebook:

Sun exposure in adolescence greatly increases the chances of developing skin cancer later in life. While the Australians have pioneered skin care awareness, with SunSmart Schools, it is high time that their message filtered across the world to schools in areas with high levels of ultraviolet radiation exposure. As we approach the short-rains and experience the temperature build-up that comes with this season, please make sure that your child has a water bottle, sun cream and a Peponi School peaked cap (available from Haria Uniforms, Sarit Centre). For more information, please visit: https://www.cancerwa.asn.au/prevention/sunsmart/ sunsmartschools/

https://www.facebook.com/peponischool/

Calendar Dates MICHAELMAS 2017 Boarders Return: Monday, 28th August Term Begins: Tuesday, 29th August Half Term Begins: Friday, 13th October Boarders Return: Sunday, 22nd October Term Restarts: Monday, 23rd October Term Ends: Friday, 8th December HILARY 2018 Boarders Return: Sunday, 8th January Term Begins: Monday, 8th January Half Term Begins: Saturday, 10th February Boarders Return: Sunday, 18th February Term Restarts: Monday, 19th February Term Ends: Friday, 23rd March

TRINITY 2018 Boarders Return: Monday, 17th April Term Begins: Monday, 16th April Term Ends: Friday, 29th June

Contacts Should you need to contact the School, please email both the Head of Year and your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Housemaster/ mistress, using the following addresses: For all academic matters please contact the Director of Studies dos@peponischool.org For all Sixth Form matters please contact Mr David Kimani ho6@peponischool.org For pupils in years 10 and 11 contact Mrs Claire Nightingale HoY10&11@peponischool.org For pupils in Year 9 contact Ms Mercy Wambugu HoY9@peponischool.org

Chala House chalahouse@peponischool.org 0722 434 863 Elementaita House elementaitahouse@peponischool.org 0735 270 575 Jipe House jipehouse@peponischool.org 0733 690 395 Magadi House magadihouse@peponischool.org 0701 210 840 Senior Girls Boarding House seniorgirls@peponischool.org Senior Boys Boarding House seniorboys@peponischool.org In the event that you need to contact the school urgently, please call the main office.