SKY Magazine Issue 14

To take the pledge, visit the SKY Hub at Arcades or our Facebook Page.

This year is finally coming to an end, and we are all excited, and I know we all learnt one or two things from this year, like learning how to say no to things that aren't our character, and knowing how to stay true to ourselves.

Now I know we are all excited for the New Year, but before we can get into it, there are certain things or habits we need to leave behind in 2022, be it toxic friend ships, procrastinating, laziness, negativity etc. we are leaving these things behind so we can create room for better things in 2023.

Tell yourself; in 2023, I am finishing everything I started. I am well aware of what I can and can’t do and will work to my potential. I can't do everything today, but I can take one small step every day.

Now, this issue has super cool must-read articles, with my favourite article being Letter to my 14-year-old featuring one of my all-time favourite ladies in the music industry Bombshell Grenade, aka Mfumu Kadzi. Just from her name, you know she’s all about being the BOSS. I’m so excited to know what this boss lady has to say to her 14-year-old self.

What about the career corner, you ask? This article features Zambian shoe designer Nelly Mwisa Liyena of CORA SHOES. If you’re a shoe lover or designer, you’ll need to read this and get some inspiration.

GET THE LOOK is serving everything Christmas, cosy and cute, so don't worry about what outfit you’ll pull up with at the family gathering or chill with friends because we got all the ideas for you to try to recreate and look good in this article.

If you are a music lover like me, check out the SKYMAS playlist populated by SKY girls. What better way to get into the Christmas spirit than with Christmas music and a 12 days Christmas challenge.

There are so many exciting articles in this issue, and the ones I listed out are my faves now, go on read the mag and head over to SKY's socials to let us know what your favourite articles were.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS WONGANI KANGWAI MUCH LOVE

GOODB YE 2 022

THINGS SK Y GIRL S A RE LEAVING IN

1. Unrealistic To-Do List

The unrealistic expectation of creating a long to-do list and being overwhelmed and doing nothing.

2. Insecurities

Feeling inadequate is most definitely remaining in 2022.

3. People pleasing feeling compelled to make others happy, even if it costs our own happiness.

4. Working Without A Schedule

Set aside 5 -10 minutes each day to roughly plan the day so that you are more productive.

5. Self-doubt

Sis, we are always meant to stay true to ourselves; self-doubt should never dim your light.

. The Previous Grade

Every year we start a new grade and we should be excited to start a new chapter.

9.Unproductivity

7.Too Much Complaining Or Excuses-Number one success killer.

8.Thinking About Other People's Lives

In this new year learning new things and being productive is the goal. We aim to be content yet still aspire for more.

Other people seem to have better things. We aim to be content yet still aspire for more.

10.Sleeping Late Or Inconsistent Sleeping Time

No more rushed mornings; we set the tone right each day.

AND HELL O 2023

THINGS SK Y GIRLS ARE CA RRYING IN TO

1.Confidence

Trusting your ability, qualities and judgement. 2023 we are facing the world with confidence.

2.Family Were building stronger relationships with loved ones.

4.Taking up a Side hustle

3.Positive Attitudes

No matter the situation, we face it with a positive attitude.

No more procrastination; it’s time to secure the bag. Use your passions and hobbies to make some coinin your free time by selling thrift or baking on weekends.

5.Good memories

Creating more memories with our loved ones and documenting them with photos, videos, and/or journal writing.

6.Healthy Friendships

We are learning to respect and trust each other - the sistahood is real!

7.Staying true to ourselves

We are allowing our individuality and uniqueness to shine through throughout the year.

8.Drinking More Water More energy, hydrated skin and detoxifying our system is the goal.

9.Taking Care Of Our Whole selves when we look good, we feel good.

We’re inside and out.

90s Edgy Look

A 90s look in 2022 is as easy as putting together dungarees, a windbreaker, a pair of socks and platform shoes. Recently, this has become the “go-to” look for throwback-themed parties, as well as an essential to those who prefer to be comfortable while having fun at the mall or the cinema.

Preppy Vibe

Introduced in the 17th century and later popularized in the 1940s by the iconic Marylin Monroe, today, the flannel is without a doubt one of the most afforda ble and versatile pieces. So, if you’re looking for that cool preppy vibe, throw it onto a pair of blue jeans, skirt, dress or jumpsuit, and you're good to go!

Cool Girl

The puffer vest, printed denim pants, crew neck top, chunky sneakers and fresh bucket hat combo! This is the quintessential cool girl style. A current trend in the streetwear world, perfect for a mild day.

It’s the festive season and what’s more exciting than dressing up and experimenting with style We asked co host of Wawu That’s My Dress stylist and

to get us through the season in the ultimate self

Christmas Vibes

Turn your old Christmas sweater into a fashion statement by rocking it with pants/skirts and sneakers. What better way of staying cosy while looking highly eccentric? And it’s perfect for the season - both festive and rain appropriate.

The IT-Girl OMG! Don’t you just love how pink pops on all shades of skin? Especially for darker toned skin - sis you blessed! Simply pairing a pink polo shirt with pink bottoms will have you feeling like the it-girl. Whether rocked with a nice purple purse or this chic blue coat, pink is BOLD, so do not be afraid to colour block.

Giving Glamorous

You can never go wrong with wearing a sparkly sequin dress, a pair of shiny stilettos and a clutch for an accessory to bring out the stunning glam girl you are on the red carpet at that special dinner or party. Nothing screams opulence more than this!

model Mulenga Chileshe for fashion tips

expression through fashion

By Lincia Mabo

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT VAGINAL HEALTH

Vaginal health does not have to be complicated and it starts with understanding ourselves and our bodies We bring you an article to ensure you maintain and adopt good hygiene measures down there Here are tips on dos and don’ts and an exclusive Q A from Dr Teladia discussing how to care for your vagina

Tips

Wash daily

Wash the vagina with clean, warm water. Use gentle, fragrance-free soaps around the vulva to ensure no harsh chemicals enter the vagina.

Healthier lifestyle

Avoid too much sugar as it contributes to a change in the vaginal pH when consumed in excess.

Period hygiene

Change your sanitary towels regularly. Keeping them on for too long could cause odour and infections.

Underwear care

Change your underwear daily, and avoid tight-fitting underwear, as this leads to a disturbance in the healthy vaginal pH that may lead to an odour or infection. As boring as it sounds, cotton undies are the best for you.

Hydration is key

Drink lots of water to constantly flush out your system, maintaining a healthy bacterial flora.

Manage pubic hair

Whether to shave or not to, is a personal choice. Pubic hair protects the vulva from bacteria, but some believe it causes moisture and opt to remove it. This really is a personal choice.

Avoid douching

Douching refers to the washing of the interior of the vagina with water and other mixtures. Douch ing products are mostly found in stores, but your vagina is self cleaning! Douching can force harmful bacteria deeper inside your body and cause a severe infection.

belief

vaginas are supposed

smell like flowers and per fumes it’s normal for your lady parts to give off a distinct scent The idea that you’re supposed to smell sweet down there and

Dr Teladia: Each vagina has a unique scent. Some females, if not most, may feel particularly self-conscious or embarrassed about their distinct odour but rest assured it's normal for a healthy vagina to have a slight smell. The question is, 'is my vaginal odour normal? Or raise for concern?'

The vagina and the area around it (vulva) contain a healthy bacterium. When this bacte ria is disrupted or disturbed in any way, it leads to a strange odour. Particularly, one that may be a little different from your normal vaginal odour.

Dr Teladia

SKY

Dr Teladia: if you’re unsure of what is causing an unusual odour, seek medical attention. Also, look out for severe symptoms, like: an unusual discharge accompanied by a strong unusual vaginal odour; fever; bloody discharge; pelvic pain etc, all may point to an infection.

Dr Teladia: strong or foul-smelling/ unusual vaginal odour. Irregular vaginal discharge (greenish, whitish/ cottage cheese appear ance). Itching around the vulva. Burning sensation when urinating.

SKY What causes vaginal odour?

SKY Which signs should we look for to know the pH balance is off or something is wrong?

When should one see a doctor?

Contrary to the popular

that

to

people promoting certain foods and drinks to achieve this are very misleading

By

Dear Bee,

BOMBSHELL

You just passed grade 9 and were crowned the first princess in the Miss All School pageant. I can't tell you how proud I am of you. But, most credit goes to Mom for shaping your dreams, encouraging you to work hard, and ensuring you're doing well at school. I can tell you she is still our role model because she will continue to amaze and amuse you with how strong she worked being a single mother.

Growing up with your grandparents isn’t all sunshine and rainbows but trust the process. Waking up early in the morn ing, especially during the rainy season like it is now, feels like a punishment. I know it’s not easy dressing around 40 chickens, but the reward for whoever dressed the most chickens from your grandparents is worth it. This experi ence will teach you to be very competitive and hard-work ing. You may not have everything you want, like the latest barbie dolls, but continue making memories you will cherish forever. Continue playing, going in the bush to catch mice and getting chased by snakes. You will come to love every single bit of it and appreciate it. Growing up is bittersweet yet beautiful, my dear.

You are so happy and full of life! Continue listening to music, dancing, drawing and experimenting. Spend time designing, sewing chitenges and focusing on what makes you happy. At the moment your relationships with your friends are great! I’m glad to let you know that these friends will stick with you through thick and thin. Despite being a tomboy and a bit of a bully, you will learn to stand your ground and not let anyone push you around. Despite being made fun of for being skinny and people calling you ‘chicken legs’, continue holding your head high. You are a fighter, so keep doing what you do best. You can achieve anything you set your mind on. Never let them get to your head. Concentrate on your hobbies to keep your mind off the negativity.

My final message is: to always put God first and follow your heart and dreams. No one should ever limit what you can and cannot do. No one can tell you you’re not beauti ful because God made you in his image. You are a queen!

By Trust Mulenga

PlaylisT

Hey SKY babes It s good to have a great playlist that will pull at your heartstrings and put you in the Christmas spirit So here are our top Christmas songs playlist Get ready for some old classics and some banging positive vibes too

All I Want For Christmas

Top of our list is a classic that you have proba bly heard in school plays or at church Christmas carols; yup, it's Silent Night. This one really reminds you of the birth of Jesus.

Santa Tell Me

In 2014 Ariana released a gem for Christ mas, and it was instantly catchy and had such a vibe. Santa Tell Me is such a favourite feel-good song.

Twelve Days Of Christmas

Can you remember all the gifts of all the days in this song? Are we the only ones who wondered what a “Partridge in a pear tree” is? Google the lyrics and tell us if you can sing it without them afterwards. This is definitely a family favourite.

10

Jingle Bell Rock

A catchy tune sounds like one you sing along to as you make Christmas cookies.

Make It To Christmas

Our second pick is Mariah Carey’s, All I want for Christmas. This song is probably the greatest of all time, and it’s a fave! Although listening to the Ariana Grande version is good, the original is a feel-good song that puts you in a festive mood. But, of course, you could listen to them both!

One that many people don’t know about, but it is one of the great ones; where has it been hiding? We don’t know, but we love it. It's Make it to Christ mas by Alessia Cara.

Jingle Bells

“Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, jingle all the way!” This one is such a “knock-on-your-door” Christmas carol. It is a family favourite and is good for Christ mas morning!

Silent Night 1 2 3 4 5 8

Feliz Navidad

Lastly! The one, our parents probably sing at the end of a Christmas party to sign off Christmas. A part of it is not in English, but the older we get, the more we start to understand what the song actually means; yes, you guessed it! Feliz Navidad, the catchy part in Spanish simply means "Merry Christmas’.

We put this together from our fave picks let us know on our socials what some of your favourite Christmas songs are we would love to see your playlist

Mistletoe

Another fan favourite is Mistletoe by Justin Bieber. This one is just so cute, and we love it.

Christmas Tree Farm

Ahh Taylor Swift can do no wrong.

By Thoko Kalinda

God, Creativity, Going all out MY thing

MY thing

Irritation, Careless drivers, Bare minimum

CORA SHOES HAIR

There is something about shoes that makes women happy And there are brands around the world dedicated to ensuring women find their shoe heaven The women s footwear industry is valued at about USD Billion

That s a lot of money One woman in Zambia is tapping into that market here in Zambia

What started out as a way to make money while in medical school is today a Zambian shoe and hair brand that offers every woman luxury. Meet Neli Mwisa Liyani popularly known as Miss Cora.

My day starts with my devotion, responding to messages and emails and then by 8:00am, I'm at one of my two stores and then alternate to the other in the afternoon. I do what I love every day, which is fantas tic! Cora came about due to being broke in medical school in my third year. I was honestly tired of always asking for money from my parents. I always dreamed of having this store of shoes and bags, and as a go-getter, a trait I got from my mom, I envisioned what I wanted my brand to look like. Although I'm currently not practising, I studied medicine in China, and it was during then in 2016 that I established Cora.

When it comes to shoe designing, I do some of it myself as I don't have a designer yet; for others, I get inspiration from other shoe lines. My passion and consistency speak for me; always going for what I want and being authentically myself has helped me break into the market.

My experience has been more valuable than my education because what I studied has nothing to do with what I’m doing now. Still, Cora would not have been built if I did not study medicine or had not gone to China, but getting trained in fashion and design would be a good start for someone looking to start a shoe brand. If passion is a skill/qualification, then that’s all you need to succeed in this industry. The best decision I've made is not giving up and constantly believing in myself to the extent that I know what I’m capable of and not settling for less. On the flip side, not prioritizing my business in one moment and prioritizing my personal growth was the worst decision I made. If I could go back in time, I would be more disciplined with my finances.

What I appreciate most about myself is that I aim to see the good in people and want the best for the next person; procrastination is my greatest weakness.

I’m inspired by Olar Folami, she’s a fashion enthusiast who owns a fashion line that started in Nigeria and is now opening in Dubai. I gain motivation from two quotes "Envision your higher self and begin to show up as her" and "You cannot use up creativity; the more you create, the more creative you become".

My greatest lesson in the footwear industry is comfort over style; there are so many times a shoe is ‘eye candy, but it's not comforta ble. I'd rather have a shoe that looks a bit basic but is totally comfort able, don't let the shoe wear you; you wear the shoe.

I live by one rule when it comes to friendship, I am the friend I want to have, so the way I’m going to treat you as a friend is how I want to be treated. Therefore, I seek friends that are God-fearing, provide safety to be vulnerable and motivate me.

I look forward to building a system, putting my brand on the map through more partnerships, stores and adding more shoes to the line.

My advice to teen girls who want to follow my career path is to start; that's the biggest secret. So many of us wait till something's perfect, but someone is thinking in the same line as you, and they're getting started. Start with selling what you have and where you are, believe in yourself, surround yourself with people who believe in you, encourage you, and use your teen years to build your self-esteem.

In primary school, we had a 'go to work with your parent's day'. I remember two things about that day. The first is how bored I was, and the second is I decid ed I didn't want an office job. It was very difficult for me to sit still at a desk during class, so I couldn't imagine having a career where I would spend all day sitting in an office. When I told my teacher this, he said maybe I could be a nurse or work in a clothes shop. Even at that young age, it didn't make sense to me that someone could box me into two options just from me telling them that I didn't want to work in an office. When I told my parents, my dad said, 'since you like maths, you can be an accountant like me, but you have to work in an office.' I thought, ‘now not only will I have to work in an office, but I’ll also have to do maths all day.’ For the longest time, I thought these were my only options.

Many people aren't this lucky and have to learn for themselves that it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks or says. The only limitations are the fear and the negative thoughts that keep them boxed in their comfort zones.

Contact

Instagram: innersafariquest_ISQ Facebook: InnnerSafriQuestISQ Twitter: @innersafari_ISQ

15

Mulenga Tetiwe

Mutale K Felistus

Chijika Ngalasa

SHA R E WI TH THE COMMUNIT Y HO W YO U STA Y TRUE TO YO UR SEL F

Elizabeth Bwalya

@iza._.bwalya3

“My favorite article is SKY's GUIDE TO AN A�� this article is very important to me because those tips really help me out during the mock exam those are very important tips for a learner in an exam class✨”

Elizabeth @Cutielee

Being true to yourself means knowing who you are and knowing what you want..i stay true to myself by acknowledging myself, Being comfortable w myself, knowing that it's okay to be odd from others,not letting people's negative thoughts bout me get to me and just sticking to what I believe in and what I'm comfortable with...no matter what I'll always be true to myself ��”

Ndanji Jane

@ndanji_jane

“The youngest pilot in Zambia is my favorite Article this is because she gives me the courage to want to venture into so many things that people say is only meant for guy's it is encouraging”

Rodah Chizebuka

Glyniss Lambakasa

Glory Tembo

An advent calendar is a great way to countdown to one of the best holidays of the year Christmas Christmas is all about traditions a great idea to adopt is making an advent calendar because it s a fun activity An advent calendar also helps you keep track of the days and helps you know how much time you have left to prepare or get a Christmas present You can hang it on your door or keep it visible so you remember that you have it

Cut the paper into rectangular pieces and fold them in half, then glue the long ends and set them aside so that the glue dries and they will have an open space that resembles a pocket.

After they have dried, number each pocket created from 1-24 using the pens and decorate them with stickers, glitter glue or whatever items you have available.

Label the top of the manila paper with the words "Advent Calendar" you can include your name or anything else you want to add.

Arrange the pockets in numerical order (for each day of the month) and glue them on the poster board or manila paper, and set them aside to dry

Fill up each pocket with the assorted gifts, making sure there’s one item in each each pocket.

Each day leading up to Christmas, you get to enjoy a treat and read a daily devotion or an affirmation. An advent calendar is a great way to keep track of the days leading up to Christmas, a day to share with friends and family and enjoy. You can create an advent calendar for your friends and family, and each day that goes by, it's a constant reminder that you care for them. Of course, you shouldn't be limited to these options; you could add additional decorations like wrapping paper or any Christ mas-themed decoration to the exterior of your advent calender. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

and glue them on the poster board and set them aside to dry.

Punch a hole using your scissors or pen and pass a string through the calendar and you can hang it on your door; if you do not wish to hang it, you could place it on a table or any visible place.

Charity Phiri

MY thing

Singing, dancing and acting.

my thing

Smoking, late-night parties and gossiping.

My first encounter with SKY was when the SKY activa tors dropped off magazines at my school. From the first time I held the magazine, a dream was born, and that was to feature in the magazine. Since then, I've participated in multiple competitions, and my hard work finally paid off when I got the call that I had won the cover competition. For me, Christmas is all about celebrating Jesus and going to church. Later on, I spend a lot of time with my family.

I had a great day on set; I met new people and made friends, which isn't easy for me to do. The way that the SKY team treated us was so overwhelming; I felt at home because I was around good energy. I'll never forget the moments during the photo session when the SKY team was hyping me up, and we had a little dance party. The times when I had to undo my hair and do it again were exhausting, but I enjoyed it because I learnt that good things have to be worked hard for. So, patience always pays. Sending lots of love to the SKY nation because SKY Girls has helped me stay true to myself. Every time I wear my wristband, it's a reminder to stay true to myself.

Judith Phiri

Dancing, eating and positivity. MY thing

my thing

Bad energy, gossiping and Chikwela.

I participated in the cover competition because Christmas is my favourite time. Being on the SKY cover means so much because I waited a whole year to be a SKY Girl. The months leading to my 13th birthday were gruelling, and I couldn't wait to join the sisterhood. The message that I had won was the first thing I saw when I got home from school.

My favourite thing about SKY is how inclusive it is. SKY caters to everyone and embrace diversity. My experience shooting for the cover of issue 14 was amazing! I got to meet new people and meet new teams. They were very polite and understanding and brought the vision to life. From the hair to the makeup and clothing, everything surpassed my expectations. I enjoyed posing with my new friends Rosaria and Chari ty and taking videos together. Overall, my SKY experi ence was amazing, and I enjoyed the shoot.

Rosaria Kapya ）

Laughing, dancing, acting and photography. MY thing

my thing

Smoking, pollution and negativity.

SKY gives me a sense of relatability because I interact with teen girls facing similar challenges as I am. SKY gives great advice, which significantly built my confi dence and taught me not to care what people think. Earlier this year, I sent a picture of myself in SKY merch and got featured in the SKY Spotted segment. This motivated me to send my TikTok video for the competition.

I love Christmas because my family is very busy throughout the year. This is the only time I get to see everyone relax and unwind. The festive music lifts my spirits, and the ambience is phenomenal. The shoot day was unforgettable! I enjoyed myself like there was no tomorrow! I got to find out who I am because SKY exposed me to so much that I never knew about myself. A big shout out to my SKY fam for this opportunity.

By Alice Phiri

If you’re like me I love Christmas It’s one of those festive seasons that spread good cheer and just seems magical Get yourself into the Christmas spirit with this days of Christmas Challenge One of the best gifts of Christmas is the memories made with friends and family This challenge is a fun way to capture some of those special memories this season

1. Decorate your Christmas Tree!

This is an activity with the fam; get all the Christmas decorations you'd like to use to put up on Christmas and take a snap around the tree together when you're done. Christmas trees can be bought, or even made. You can have a real tree or onc can be made from steel. If your parents allow and you’re feeling particu larly creative, you could even paint a tree onto a wall in your house!

Decorations can be bought, but they can also be handmadethink about making stars out of coloured paper!

6. Spread Christmas Joy

If you have any old toys, books or clothes, you don't need, donate them to the less fortunate. That will surely put a smile on your and their faces. Furthermore, check up on your family and friends you haven't spoken to in a while.

7. Take a Photo with Santa

Go on a Santa mall hunt and take photos with as many Santas as possible.

2. Holiday Craft.

Make a snow globe. Issue 2 of the SKY magazine has a DIY snow globe, which can be made as a thoughtful Christmas present.

3. Play Holiday Music

Get Christmassy with a banging playlist you create with your friends and family. The playlist can have some classics for the old timers - like All I Want for Christmas to something more new like Ed Sheeren’s Merry Christmas. Or just play any bangers that make you feel happy and fuzzy inside! What would make your playlist?

4. Learn a Christmas Carol Carols are a great way of spending time with loved ones. It's fun and really puts you in the Christmas mood.

5. Play Secret Santa Secret Santa is a great way to share the Christmas spirit! It can be done with friends, or family. You can pull names out of a box to know who you’re gifting - remember no one should know who has who (that’s the fun part of it!). And each person has to get a gift for the person they picked. To make it fair, ensure you share a budget i.e. no one spends no less than K20 and no more than K50 for the gift, or it could be you all have to make a gift - you all decide the rules! After opening their present, the giftee has to guess which group member was their secret Santa. Happy gifting!

8. Learn a Christmas Tik Tok Challenge

So many old and new trends are fun to do with your friends and family. Remember to tag us on any you post!

9. Binge your favorite Christmas Movies

There's something about Christmas movies which makes us feel so warm and fuzzy inside.

10. Spend a Day Wrapping Presents

If you are gifting someone take the extra step by packaging the gift in cute wrapping paper and a bow. If you need to learn how to wrap presents, check Issue 8 of the SKY Magazine we got you, sis.

11. Ugly Christmas Sweater Party

What's not to love about an ugly Christmas sweater party encour aging you to come cosy up and celebrate the season. With some cookies and karaoke you'll have a blast - or sing the carols you learned!

12. Christmas Day Cooking

It's no secret that food is the way to everyone's heart. And Christ mas lunch/dinner is that special time for family to come together, appreciate one another and enjoy food! It's an underrated way to show someone how much you love them. And while chicken is always a Christmas favourite, you can explore other food options or recipes, from pastries to main dishes, it'll be so yummy.

Share with us pics of your Christmas challenges or your own way to celebrate Christmas and maybe we’ll feature you in the magazine Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everybody

by Chanda Chibale

Going out is fun but sometimes it’s not always safe And it seems like it s even more unsafe for girls and women So we asked some women that work at some of Zambia s top leading security companies on how SKY girls can keep themselves safe at all times

Namenda Ngulube

Human Resource Manager at G Force Security

When you are out, do not expose your location online but share it with those close to you, like your parents, so they know where you are at all times. Ensure that you are in a place that isn't secluded and when you go to the bathroom, make sure that someone accompanies you.

If you feel unsafe or are being followed, alert others or call someone as you flee to safety; if you are at a shopping mall, alert security and stay with them until you are picked up. Be aware of your surroundings and pay attention to the people around you.

Haze l L ifuka

Young girls should be careful about what they post online because they can easily be a target and preyed upon; if you share your location or post photos with a noticeable landmark while you are still at the location, you can easily be followed. You don’t have to be in a hurry, you can post these later on, when you’ve left the place.

If you sense you are being followed, you must alert others or yell or shout to get attention. When you are out in public, do not talk about personal aspects of your life, like where you live or which school you go to, because others might be listening, which might put your life in danger.

It is important to have emergency contacts; these are people that you can call in case of anything, and you trust that they will come to your rescue.

Here are a fe w other key safe ty tips th at we think are impor tan t too

If you are walking home, especially at night, don't wear headsets or headphones and avoid being on your phone, it makes it hard to be aware of your surroundings. It will make you an easy target because you will be distracted.

You cannot trust strangers, and if you are approached by one, regardless of their age or gender, you do not have to talk to them; they may be criminals pretending to ask for directions or help. They might send a woman or child so that they seem harmless, but some criminals work in teams.

Always inform someone you trust about where you are by actively sharing your location with them, let them know when you will be home and if you decide to go somewhere else, ensure that you inform them.

Never be too comfortable because you are in a familiar setting; you have to be more vigilant because criminals may know that you frequent the place quite often, and you will be a target.

Purchase a whistle and always carry it with you; you can easily use it to draw attention to you.

Electrical IT Technician at Corvus Limited Solution

By Bwalya Penza

It's already time for 'New Year, New Me', ‘this time, it's going to be different vibes’. But life has its surprises. So how do we stick to our resolutions when we hit a bump in the road?

You know how it is; at the end of the year, you reflect on how things have gone, the ups and downs, some wins, and some regrets. Then, there's that embarrassing moment your friends won't let you forget. You ask yourself, 'What could I have done differently?' Sometimes when the year starts, you say you'll stick it through this time.

It could be starting a study programme, stopping mulomo, or cooling it on the social scene, but then someone hits you up on Snap, and you're like, ‘ya ka last!’ Then, the following weekend there's a ‘ya ka last because the social was just too lit! Pa last, all that momentum from the beginning of the year is gone, and you fall back into old habits.

Trying to stick to your resolutions is exhausting when it seems like a long-term thing, so I switched it up last year. Instead of making New Year’s resolutions, I made a daily commitment to ask three questions at the start of each day and have an answer for them by the time I went to sleep. This might seem a bit weird at first, but this method has worked for me. I’ve shared it with other people who have incorporated their New Year’s resolutions with it, and they are really happy about how well it’s helped them to be consistent with their resolutions.

'How can I grow?'

This question is about whatever areas you want to work on. For exam ple, if you want to be better at debate club, list one or two things you can work on that day, the way you open your argument or the way you close it. Then make time out in the day to practice.

This could be anything, from helping your younger sister or brother with homework to giving a friend advice on a problem they are dealing with. Giving doesn't have to be material.

Look for something to celebrate or be grateful for – the friendships you have, a goal you’ve achieved, there’s so much to be grateful for.

Having these 3 questions in your mind daily helps you be deliberate and focus on what matters to you. Then at the end of the day, before you go to sleep, you have a whole list of things to be grateful for. The more you do this, the more it builds momentum, and you get excited every day about how you can grow, give, and celebrate!

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Hey SKY, what is the best way to stop being friends with a toxic person?

Ending any friendship is hard. While you feel the person has wronged you, you may have a partial picture. When you speak to them, acknowledge any positives about the relationship; for example, if they've given you good advice, defended you from a bully, or been there for you in a difficult time. Secondly, make it about you, not them. If you make it about yourself, you won’t have to deal with them defend ing themselves or trying to justify their behaviour. So don’t use fighting words like “I’m tired of chowing pressure every day with you”. Instead, you can say something like, "that situation made me realise I need to concentrate more on my goals and my future.” Or "I'm in a completely different headspace right now, and I need to focus more on myself." If the person still insists or tries to pressure you into remaining friends, tell them you wish them no ill will. Still, this situation is about you, not them,then wish them well and walk away.

What’s up SKY?! I recently got into uni and have a job as well, but I'm struggling to balance both of them; please help.

Uni is very different from school since you have to manage your own schedule & there’s no one telling you what to do and when to go to class, etc. You’ll have to figure out a balance between your job and your schoolwork. Make a schedule for class, study, tutorials, and work, and have the discipline to stick to it. Joining a study group can also help you keep up with your schoolwork, as you'll have a support system. You'll also have to prioritise things like having enough rest, so you're not burned out. Eat well and exercise to have the energy to handle your job and university schedule. Uni isn’t meant to be all work, so try and carve out some time to socialise. You’ll go through a few setbacks before you find your balance but keep at it. You'll get there eventually.

Hi SKY, I really need some advice. Lately, a lot of things haven't been going my way, and I've been angry. How can I be happy despite things falling apart?

We all experience setbacks at some point in our lives. Take a break, be compassionate and tell yourself you did the best you could with whatever information and resources you had. Things don't always work out, but that's not always bad. You could look at the situation differently. Ask yourself what you can learn from it and what you would do differently, then break down your goal into manageable steps that you can work on every day. Also, you don’t have to handle everything on your own. If you have someone to talk to or if you can find support, then reach out. Have mini celebrations - remember to reward yourself even with the small wins – this way, you have something to be grateful for and, therefore, something to be happy about every day.

By Natasha Malama

HAVE YOUR SAY: Is Popularity Important?

Hey SKY Girls!

As you know, SKY is FOR teen girls, BY teen girls. So your opinions and views matter a lot to us because we want your voices to be heard.

Self-expression is important because others get to see the world from your unique perspective and, in turn, get to know you better. It is a way of revealing and communicating who you are and what you believe in. The world learns and appreci ates your values and opinions as you share.

Self-expression also serves as a healthy way to relieve stress as well as a confidence booster.

In this particular feature, we focus on whether or not popularity is important to teen girls. Is it necessary to be liked and accepted by many people? Here are some of the responses and opinions from the girlies on the importance of popularity to them.

@_cutielee_

@itshannahbanda

Popularity isn’t that important ‘cause people end up pretending to be someone they aren’t.

@ruthy_m_l

It is important again it is not. Popularity is impor tant if you are doing it for the right reasons.

@veronicaaa.nk no its not. This is because the more popular you are the more opps you have.

Popularity is important to me cuz then I’ll be recognized even by important people I kinda want to and I might get the chances to do sth really big in life. So I kinda wanna be popular and I’m working on it.

@ms_kisher_360

Personally popularity is both good and bad, it can build and break you. So as for me popularity isn’t good.

@trisha_nkhata

No it not. Because when people are popular, they think they are all that then get distracted by things that aren’t allowed to do because they think it’s cool such as smoking.

@Penji.cx

No it’s not. I’d rather have few friends who like me.

@its_not_liv._

I don’t think it’s important bc as long as you and your friends are vibing and having a good time it doesn’t matter.

@Sherrilbae

No cus u don’t have your peace of mind.

@mukumbageorgina

To be honest, I feel like popularity is in the mind and how one views it explains it’s value, It’s important.

@gr_acie6679

It is cause you get to know people you don’t know and making friends is my thing so!

@_.chipili_

Popular people tend to stir up unnecessary drama so as to stay relevant.

Link with us on our socials and take part in our discussions and send us suggestions of what topics to discuss!