GALENTINES IS OUR TH I NG SCHOOL
BACK TO STUDY TIPS
OUR thing
Self-love, Friendship, Confidence
OUR thing
Smoking, Loneliness, Insecurities
SKY is a community of teen girls. We are all about being true to ourselves and what we believe in. We make choices that are true to us. And in the community, we support each other, helping each other to stay true to the things we want in our lives, and things we don’t want in our lives.
Does SKY sound like a community you want to be a part of?
Then, we got you girl! All you have to do is take the SKY Pledge. This is a promise that you make to yourself.
Take the SKY Pledge online by going to any of our social media platforms
@SKYGirlsZed on Facebook and Instagram or visit the SKY Hub located at Arcades Shopping Mall. Once you take the SKY pledge, you get a pledge number and SKY wristband; this is confirmation that you are now a SKY girl and part of the sisterhood! Your pledge number helps you take part in exclusive competitions for SKY girls, and the wristband is your personal reminder to stay true to yourself.
SKY girls have access to so much fun and great content, plus you will receive exclusive event invitations and participate in awesome competitions and win amazing prizes. So what are you waiting for? Take the SKY pledge, and let’s connect!
I pledge to be true to myself and what I believe in I will trust my choices and I will not let anyone else determine who I am
Success making friends and dancing
That’s My Thing
Jealousy gossip and smoking That’s Not My Thing
I will make choices according to my character I will rise to meet my SKY
To take the pledge, visit the SKY Point at Arcades or our Facebook Page.
I’m still in the new year glow, and the Love and Light issue promises to be the very thing that we need to be our best selves right from the start. There's lots to think about and lots to look forward to! What lessons did you learn? What will you do differently? And most important of all, what do we want to achieve this year? If you’re like me, the list is looooong guy’s ah!
For me, Love and Light means finding ways to love myself by appreciating the things I'm good at and trying my best with the things I need to be better at. It means being the light in the lives of others by showing kindness, being helpful, and celebrating their victories with them. The holidays are over, guys; it's wild! School has begun, fortunately, this issue brings tips and tricks on getting organized for the school year, boasting of making it stress-free and fun for a change mwe. I don't know about you, but I'm dying to try them. We’re in it now, so why not enjoy it?
Guys, it's the month of Love! With a focus on our real friends, let's show them we care by doing something special for them this Galentines (valentines); watch out for some fun ideas on making the 14th of February truly lit. On the flip side, regarding "romantic relationships" are we a thing or a situationship? Are we even ready for this kinda thing? Either way, break-ups can happen in any kinda relationship; the number of times I've been hurt by human beings AGH! I can't! If you can relate to this struggle, check out the list of ways to deal with heartbreak. Hot girl summer lovelies (yes I know we’re in rainy season but you know what I mean)!
As we think about what to wear on our dates, whether with a boy or girl pal, let “Get the Look” act as a guide. Picture these two extremes; Barbie's hyper-feminine, pretty-in-pink aesthetic vs. fun but feminine tomboy styles. I think this is dope!
Successful women can be a great guiding light for those of us still searching for ourselves and for those of us seeking inspiration. Chisanga, Jayne Mazimba, Killa, and countless others show us that success is not magic; we need to make clear determinations, take action and persevere if we want to achieve our dreams - we must be intentional about what we want. Don't be lazy! Let's go!
Girls, do we even think about youth day? We really should; it's our day, after all….For now. Through this issue, let's get inspired about this special day and think about ways to help other youths. What are we passionate about?
Speaking of passions, learn how to make the best brownies in the world! What a perfect gift for your loved ones. Then, put your own decorative spin on this classic dessert. Yum! Remember, only You know what makes You happy, so follow Your heart! Even if you're scared, believe you can! If you are surrounded by haters, push on babes! The article “Overcoming fear” is a must-read! It's about “feeling the fear but doing it anyway!”
Bye, for now, lovelies, and don't forget to stay true to yourselves.
MY thing
Sewing, creating content, collecting stationery
my thing
Racism, judgmental people, hate speech
Tatiana
MY thing
fashion, dancing, good vibes
my thing
washing, bad vibes, negativity
Lincia
MY thing
Sports, creativity, current affairs
my thing
Idle mind, unproductivity, smoking
MY thing
reading, binging shows, family
my thing
procrastination, breaking gel nails, early mornings
Zhane Cunningham
Music, ice cream, movies MY thing
my thing
bullies, smoking, fake friends
Susy Thomas
MY thing
Dancing, reading, swimming
my thing
bad influencers, fake friends, negativity
Chileshe
MY thing
Crocheting, art, sleeping
my thing
loud noise, sweet popcorn, sleeping late
MY thing
Make up, eating, good vibes
my thing
Waking up early, procrastination, movie spoilers
Alice Phiri Mfula Kachalla Mabo Wankumbu Phiri Joyti ChhatlaniThe Trendometer
Hey girls check out our list of Top Things and Not our Things collected from SKY Girls just like you through our social media and collection point Then get in touch and tell us what your thing is and what s not your thing is this month
Galentines Day dates
SZA’s SOS album
Netflix series: YOU season 4
Celebrating and Supporting Women
Load Shedding Putting other Queens down
The Rain Season
Term 1 Exams
DSTV shows
We’re not about situationships over here; they're messy. It’s good to be ready and sure of what you want. Be confident in your decision! Are you looking for something serious? Know what you want from this.
Dating is getting to know the person you like and possibly having an exclusive relationship. It’s the exploration stage; you check out their vibes while dating. Do you get along? Do you have things in common? What are their likes and dislikes e.t.c Commitment is the biggest difference between dating and being in a relationship. You might be gauging your situation. Here are questions to ask yourself about whether you're just dating or treading in relationship territory.
How often are you talking? 1
Sis, communication is key! If you're waiting to hear back from your crush, if he constantly gives excuses for not checking up on you, it could mean you might not be his number one, and that's a RED FLAG! If he's into you, he'll make sure he communicates.
2 How often do you hang out with them?
Think about the time you spend together. Do you hang out 2-3 times a week or once a week? Do they put in the effort to plan dates and spend time with you? This way, you'll be able to tell if their important time is with you or when it's convenient for them.
We ve been talking and going on dates but do we go together REAL BAD We get it girl It s time to clear up those blurred lines and DTR define the relationship so we can jump on the same page with this guy that s giving us butterflies
3 Are you their social media? on
No face, no case, haha. Are you two frequently showing each other off? Whether on the gram stories or main feed, this could help you identify if you are leaning into the relationship territory. If he is not trying to show you off, he may be afraid to commit or does not want to take things to the next level.
If you are ready to be in a relationship there is no other way but to DTR through having a conversation with your crush Whatever the outcome of that conversation you are the PRIZE and don t compromise your standards for anyone queen
A cute skirt with a high-neck shirt is a go-to. Try a matching set; it's really easy and makes you look well put together. Adding a claw clip can change your hairstyle.
Hey girls This season it s time to stand out Valentine s is around the corner and it ll be perfect if you dress a little out of the box Wear what you are scared to wear and don t be shy to bring out your feminine self or accessories like your life depends on It s a fun time baby
aren t all girly
Not all of us can be fully feminine, but it's fun to dip our toes in. A pair of baggy shorts, a tight-fitting tee or long sleeve baggy tee, and sneakers. Add a cute/girly bracelet, sunglasses, and dangly earrings to elevate the look and incorporate that feminine flare.
Let's take it worldwide and have some fun! Harajuku fashion is popular in Japan and is gaining popularity worldwide. Pants in crazy patterns and bold colours. Add accessories like colorful beads, hair clips, and bubbles. Beaded jewelry with little charms and layer your windbreaker with accessories too. Bright colours are the key, and a dramatic shoe and an odd handbag or water bottle will also help shake things up. Don't forget you can DIY! Add stickers and keychains to your stuff, and have fun with the paints. No limits!
We're going back in time, and it's giving! Low-rise miniskirts, low-rise denim skirts, a cropped tank top, cropped zip-up hoodie, or cropped graphic tee. Yup, we're all about the crops over here! You can pair this with sneakers or sandals. Remember accessories! A loud belt, necklace, rings, colourful hair ties, or statement earrings can take a look from level 1 to level 5.
Whether you're going for brunch or a picnic or just want to look good when you go out, try a sundress or a long flowy skirt with a cute crop top. Since it's windy, it would be a good idea to bring a jacket too. Wear a pair of cute platform sandals and a little purse to go with it too.
Hope you have fun with these looks girls show us how you recreated them by tagging us on Facebook
Girl, you got your first period! SKY Girls has partnered with Oky, the period tracking app designed by girls for girls, to share with you all things period. We want you to embrace your period and feel confident about it, so we asked our SKY community to share their first-period story!
I was 13 years old when I first got my period; it happened in January. I remember I wasn't scared because a few months before, my Grandma sat my cousin and I down, talking about how changes will start happening to our bodies, like our boobs were going to start growing. She showed us a pad and said, “one day, you are going to need this”, so we started wearing pads to feel what it's like; we then stopped because it wasn't coming then; and when I stopped, it happened. I remember I was watching TV. I had just knocked off from school. I was in grade 8, and I remember my underwear feeling weird, and I went and checked, and it was my period, so I went to my room, got a pad, washed my underwear, showered, and changed. I was prepared. When my Grandma got home, I told her it had started. My first one was painful; my back started hurting, my stomach started hurting, and all that stuff. Now, I generally don't have painful periods, but that first one was the painful one. It lasted seven days, and my Grandma walked me through every step. And I was at an all-girls school, so they would have frequent hygiene talks about menstrual hygiene. So, for me, I was easily prepared because I had a grandmother and teachers to teach us, so it wasn't hard or scary.
I was 13 years old when I started. I was at a boarding school, which kind of sucks, but that's life. So, I got up to use the bathroom, and as I wiped and then squinted at the tissue and saw: RED!? I cried in disbelief, but it was red. So I called my Grandma, and she seemed excited. I was still confused, but I asked my friend for a pad.
My period came unexpectedly. I was 10 years old when I got my first period, and by then, I hadn't been told about it, either from school or from home. I remember finding some blood on my underwear, and I was so scared I thought I was dying! That's when I went to my big sister, in tears, and no clue, she then tried to explain what was happening to me, but I was still confused. Later I was taken to visit my Grandmother, who explained it to me. I still had a lot of questions (and still do, lol), but at least it felt better to have someone take me through what it all meant and what to do.
I was just 10 years old when I started. I was just sleeping in the middle of the night, and then felt a sharp pain! "Ouch, OK, I'll sleep it off, I guess ."Then "Ouch," there it was again, getting worse. I thought I was being dramatic, so I went to tell my mum. She rolled over, a little annoyed but mostly concerned, and said, "I'll get you a painkiller." She switched on the light, looked at my bum, and said, "I think you've started your period." Oh, what a wild ride for the years to come.
I started my period when I was 13 years old and didn't know what to do. I felt so scared. I told my big sister about it, and she said to me that you have started your period and are now a big girl, aaahhh! I wasn't ready to grow up. The first thing she did was take me through the steps on how to keep myself, like how to put on a pad, wash my underwear, how often I should change my pad, and how to wrap it up and then burn it. I felt so lucky I had a sister to talk to about this.
I got my period when I was in the 9th grade, and I was the youngest in my class most of the time, so I was aware of what it was by the time I was in grade 7 from other classmates because they had already got theirs. I was about 13. I just didn't know how much pain it would come with; it was excruciating, dealing with exams and trying to understand what was going on down there. You know, being a teenager and puberty, and everything was a bit difficult, you eventually get the hang of it. You are never really ready; you know about it and have an idea because everybody tells you what happens until you experience it for yourself.
I remember when I got it, I was even playing with boys. We were doing somersaults or something, and I went to the bathroom, and it was there. I wasn't scared or anything. I knew what it was, and I told my mum. My mum being the nurse that she is, was like you are going to learn everything. So she brought me charts of a vagina the next day to help me understand what was happening, why I was bleeding, what was going on, and what was being shed. That was my first period.
I was 13 years old when I got my first period. I remember it was a Sunday afternoon right after church. I came home and really wanted to use the loo. That's when I saw it. I was a bit scared but not very scared because I was taught about it at a school when I was 10 years old.
I hurried to my mummy and told her about it. She was very happy for some reason.
Can I jump, run, fall and lift heavy things during my period?
Yes! Jumping, running, falling, or lifting heavy objects during your period will not affect you. In fact, exercise helps to increase your blood flow and may reduce pain and cramping!
Why are some women told not to attend religious functions or prepare food during their period?
There is no medical reason for a woman or girl not to attend religious functions or prepare food when menstruating, but some religions do have rules around this.
My friend said periods have nothing to do with marriage age. Is this true? That’s right! Even after you start getting periods, your body is still growing. Getting married and having a baby before the age of 18 can lead to health problems for you and your child.
What kind of people use period tracker apps?
How should you dispose of a pad?
It is important to dispose of sanitary pads or tampons properly by wrapping them and putting them in the bin or burning them with other garbage for hygienic reasons (just like when going to the toilet) but don’t worry if you forget sometimes – nothing bad will happen.
Can I swim on my period?
Yes! It’s fine to swim on your period.
You can’t use a pad as they absorb water. Use a tampon or menstrual cup instead. Some period underwear can also be worn while swimming.
All sorts of girls and women, including SKY girls! A period tracking app helps you understand your periods better and what is happening to your body. We recommend the Oky app! Oky gives you information to help you feel more confident and in control of your periods.
Other benefits include:
1.You'll become more aware of your general health and well-being.
2.You can understand and manage your emotions.
3.It helps you understand your unique patterns when you're on your period.
4.You can find all the information on periods that you will ever need in the encyclopedia.
Getting your period is normal sis, don't freak out. Instead, take a deep breath and talk to an adult who can help you. And if you want to learn more or keep track of your periods and what is happening with your body, then download the Oky app. The app also provides useful tips on how you can manage your periods. You can download the app from the Google Play store or App Store. You can also download it by visiting www.okyapp.info. And you can also visit the SKY Hub for help downloading the app!
Download the Oky app here:
How are you doing, Chi? Right now, you're either debating between volleyball or auditioning for a musical, but I want you to know that it's ok to do both. Now is the time to do what you love and, in doing so, find your true self.
First off, hair. Don't let what others think or say about it get to you. I know you would have loved to have silky straight hair like some of your friends, but those curls were made to pop. So don't be scared to let your hair down. And yeah, it may be challenging to manage at times, but that crown on your head is gorgeous, and it's a part of who you are. Always embrace your differences and flaws. They are what make you unique and special.
Mum always said you knew who you were the moment you started dressing yourself at the age of three. Remember that quality about yourself. Your mind is a powerful tool, so always be kind to yourself. As girls, we tend to have mean thoughts about ourselves, which can do a lot of harm to our self-esteem and can even have an effect on those around us. So remember to be mindful of your actions, what you say to others, and most importantly, what you say to yourself.
Your body is perfect. Every time you look in the mirror, remember to always tell yourself, "you are beautiful, you are kind, you are loved, and you love those around you" Or you can say, "Tough times never last, only tough people do," whichever fits your fancy. Mornings can be tough so starting the day with a great affirmation always helps to set you on a positive path.
Another thing about affirmations is how much of a boost they give your confidence. It’s actually amazing the amount of theatre work you did before 14. You should be proud of yourself because I'm proud of you and everything you've accomplished. Don't care what others think of you because at 14, everyone thinks about themselves and how others see them. Don't give others the power over your happiness, girl because it's yours.
Oh, and you have style Chi; you are so creative. Don't be scared of it. I know that sometimes things may seem scary, and it's weird to say, but sometimes when we are good at many things, we tend to do nothing. But don't hold yourself back from greatness. Yes, you may not know the outcome but you will never know if you don't try first. Finding joy in the small things you do can help you find the energy to tackle any other significant problems you may face.
I want to end this letter with gratitude. You have received privileges and had luck that others may not have. Remember to be humble and give thanks to those in your life. Pass the positivity forward.
Enjoy being a teen Chi! Follow your heart, be wise, and be humble.
“Aim for the moon, and if you miss, you may hit a star."
MY thing
Acting/modelling, volleyball (any sports, really), and making creative pieces of art
my thing
Smoking, being mean, bad personal hygiene
Chisanga Taylor is an Actress, seen in Tiklua among others, a model, self-portrait photographer, visual artist, creative designer, and overall creative. Trained in drama and theatre, she also works as an acting coach, with a mission to help spread the knowledge to those that may not have had the same opportunities. She shows her creativity and passion for art through her self-portrait photo shoots. Artois social media platforms.
Hey hey hey gal pals With Valentine s Day around the corner love is in the air but it certainly doesn t have to be romantic so don’t worry if you don’t have a ‘special someone’ to spend it with You are your special someone or even your girls can be your special someone
Valentines can be completely platonic and a day to spoil all your gal pals and celebrate your female friendships is what Galentines is all about Everybody loves picnics right Well then here’s a guide on celebrating Galentine’s day the SKY girl way
First things first, you need to decide where your picnic is going to be. Usually, most picnics take place outdoor (gardens, fields, etc.) Unfortunately, it’s been raining quite a lot so consider having your picnic indoors to avoid the weather ruining your fun.
Don’t worry; indoor picnics are still fun! You can watch a movie with your girlfriends while you eat. But if you don’t think the weather will be a problem for you, go ahead and find a nice garden to lay down your blanket.
You can’t have a picnic without food, so talk to your girlfriends and agree on what everyone wants to have and who’ll bring what.
To help, here’s a list of things that people usually bring for picnics:
Drinks like assorted fruit juices, lemonade, water, even mocktails!
Mini sandwiches
Baked goods such as biscuits/cookies, brownies
(check on the recipe on page xx), cinnamon rolls, cupcakes etc
Different salads
Fruit boards
Cheese and meat boards
Crackers and crisps
Cups/glasses
Cutlery (Knives, forks, spoons, etc.)
Plates
Jugs (for drinks)
A picnic blanket
Insect repellent (if you have your picnic outdoor)
Feel free to bring different things as well; it's you and your friends' picnic, so you can customize it to how you like it!
If you can't decide who wants to bring what, try putting the different things in a hat, and everyone picks from it. What you get is what you bring. To make things a little more interesting, you could design a food board based on the items you pick or keep what you pick a secret and surprise your friends!
Set up your picnic and have fun!
Lastly, get together, set everything on your picnic blanket, and have a fun Galentine’s day with your girlfriends! Dress up and carry along a speaker to play your favorite tunes or a board game to make things more interesting, and you could even do other things to strengthen your friendships.
Galentine’s picnic activity ideas:
Making tik toks (tag us when you!)
Sharing secrets
Musical statues
Gift exchanges
Charades
Mug/plate or even mirror painting
Anything is okay as long as you enjoy yourselves.
Sisters before misters so wishing you a Happy Galentine’s Day from SKY Girls
Zed to you and your girlfriends
If you’re all about securing the bag you’ll be thrilled to meet SKY big sis Jayne Mazimba She’s an award winning personal finance educator and financial literacy content creator
A three time Bank of Zambia Governor’s Award winner TEDxLusaka Speaker author of Catching Fire mom and in her own words ‘an easy going girl who loves to have fun’ Jayne focuses on the development and marketing of financial products as well as relationship management of key relationships in the public sector she has years worth of experience
One thing I am very particular about is getting enough rest. My alarm goes off at 5:30am, then I do my morning devotion. As I carry out my morning routine, I listen to podcasts. When I get to work, I list the top three things that need to be done during my work day. When I get home, I bond with my son, we have dinner together and I'm in bed by 22 latest.
I attended DMI St. Eugene university, where I double majored in investment finance and marketing, then enrolled in the student exchange program at St. Joseph University in India. I then pursued my Masters in International Business at Greenwich University.
I chose this job because it spoke to what I dream of achieving: the impact my role allows me to have on people's lives. This role allowed me to fit into my passion, and my vision aligned with the company's. I believe in blooming where you're planted; I choose that whatever job I have at that moment is my dream job.
I value experience over education because goals are overrated, and execution is undervalued. It's not so much what you learn, but can you execute it? Young people need to understand that greatness is inside of them!
As a sales-orientated role, anyone looking to join this field of work must be enthusiastic and passionate about selling, be a good communicator, a confident speaker, and analytical.
I would say my keys to success have been consistency and brand image. It's always good to see what you want to achieve early. Your goals will evolve and grow as you change, but know what you want out of the space you're in. After that, look for people you can be friends with in that space. and follow their socials. Pay attention what career decisions they’ve made, and how you can draw inspiration from them.
My greatest strength is my ability to execute plans, achieve set goals, make complex financial concepts, and simplify them. My biggest weakness is that I’m impatient.
Mukwandi Chibesakunda, CEO of Zanaco is my inspiration. Her soft, kind, and highly professional nature ignited my ambition. She became someone I wanted to mold myself into.
To any girls planning on taking a similar career path I would encourage you to do well academically, in sports, and in community work. Create valuable relationships with teachers and community leaders for good references. Research about the industry and look for possible internships in the industry.
Follow Jayne of Facebook and Instagram @jaynemazimba
Going to the studio, Making music and Eating
MY thing
Bad energy, Dancing, Outings (unless I’m performing)
Hey SKY Here is an exclusive interview with one of Zambia s finest musicians Mark Lukwesa A K A Killa He recently became a TikTok sensation when North American content creator and musician Conor Price collaborated with him The post generated over million views on TikTok and a song that climbed the U S Apple Music Charts We sat down with him to learn more about who he is and how he stays true to himself
What did you want to become when you were a kid?
Killa: From the age of 5, I thought I would be a footballer, but destiny had its own plan
What is your creative process?
Killa: My creative process is a secret, but one thing I can say is I’m fond of night sessions.
What challenges did you face as an upcoming rapper?
Killa: How people receive your music because people want to dictate how you sound. If you're not strong, you'll end up switching up on being true to yourself, and I struggled with that for a while.
Do you ever get burnt out from working too hard? How do you deal with it and find inspiration again?
Killa: Burning out is one of the worst things that can happen.For inspiration, I find inspiration in beats. When people send me new beats, I vibe with that. I listen to pop and soul, and I find inspiration in that type of music.
What do you know now that you wish you knew sooner?
Killa: TikTok is a big help in pushing your music. I used to overlook it and think I was too grown for the platform, but seeing how people grow their fan base, I wish I had believed sooner.
You can listen to Killa’s music on Youtube, Deezer, Mvesesani, Apple music, Spotify and Audiomack and also see his segment on Stay True when he cooked up Chicken stir fry with SKY girl Audrey!
How do you show love to yourself?
Killa: I buy myself things! L.O.L.! Going to the studio is also a form of self-care because I love making music.
What’s your most memorable project?
Killa: Right now, it’s Killa Instinct. I emphasize it now because I feel I will make better content. It's the project that's gotten me to where I am.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Killa: Micheal Jackson, Lil Wayne, and Eminem.
What advice would you give our SKY babes that hope to pursue similar interests?
Killa: First, if you're in high school, finish school! Don't cut lessons or skip school to go to the studio; it’s a terrible experience. Then listen to the music of someone who you consider very good. Try to break down what they are doing, and eventually, you'll develop your own style. Stay away from drugs!
What would you say has been your biggest achievement so far?
Killa: Going global through a recent collaboration gave me such a big boost. Because now I get calls from countries I didn't even know existed telling me they are fans.
Hey SKY babes remember to take time to
Cle a n yo u r room
Fo l l o w a sk i n c a re rout i ne
Go fo r a lo ng wa l k
T a ke 1 5 m i nutes to read
Dr i nk water the whole day
Have a phone free eve n i ng
Create a feel good pla y list
Go to bed 30 m i n utes
e a rl i e r t h a n usual
W rite down 5 t h i ngs
you are grateful for
W riter do w n a letter
to yo u r fut u re self
to show care to your body mind and soul
Bake/Cook something yummy for yourself
Tell yourself
3 positive affirmations
Catch up with a friend
Unfollow social media accounts that you don’t vibe with
Have a dance party with your feel good playlist
Workout or do yoga for 30 minutes
Create a vision board
10 minutes of deep breathing
Watch a comedy movie or show Take yourself out on a date
All around Zambia young people boys and girls have been using their voices platforms and influence to bring about change By advocating for a cause individu als can spotlight their perspective to the wider community and act as a catalyst for change
YANDE BANDA
She is a young advocate for girls' education and equality. Yande’s voice has been heard at huge decision-making platforms worldwide, like United Nations summits, SADC conferences, and even on BBC.Yande was the youngest speaker at the Generation Equality Forum in Paris in 2021, representing the voices of adolescent girls. She received a standing ovation from world leaders, presidents, directors general, laureates of the Nobel Peace Prize, and chiefs of civil society. Yande Banda is a strong believer in the collective and the voices of girls. And because of that, Yande has had opportunities to work with big names, e.g Emmanuel Macron, Michelle Obama, and even Hilary Clinton.
Without advocacy or activism many voices would remain silenced And so in honor of Youth Day we are celebrating young activists who have been an inspiration to many and a voice to the voiceless everywhere
CHILOMBU KABAMBI
is a Feminist and an activist. She believes that human rights are Women’s Rights and she stands by that. She offers therapy sessions to victims of Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) through dance and sports, and also mentors young girls as a form of encouragement. She also advocates for Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR). Our country has high cases of SGBV and the justice system is not efficient, in cases where justice is achieved or not most of the victims are left behind to deal with the trauma of their experiences, so it is important to make therapy more affordable and accessible to victims.
CHAMPESHAMANO is an autism and neurological activista person who speaks on diseases of the brain and spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and muscles. Sophia is very passionate about what she does. And she continues to advocate, raise her voice and spread awareness to others about these issues and conditions on TV and through her social media platforms.
Is one of the youngest girl rights activists in Zambia. Susy, 15, is an Eco-feminist that started her beautiful body online movement at 12!! Susy continues to use her voice in big spaces like the Swedish Embassy, Ministry of Justice, and European Union by taking over their offices to show young girls and women that they can take over big spaces and do absolutely anything. She talks about her activism journey on her socials too!
KAFULA MWAMBAZI is a young strong feminist advocate who focuses on human and women’s rights. She spends most of her time feeding her passion for feminism by volunteering for Action Aid. Where she volunteers as co facilitator and hub leader of a youth activity called feminist friday. Which aims to provide a safe space in which to mentor and allow young people to address issues using a feminist lens. She handles various projects with Sistah Sistah Foundation such as the feminist festival and feminist march which fuel passion to fight against injustice of young women and girls as other marginalized groups. Her interests include art, reading books, and learning new skills.
is a young reporter with the Children's Radio Foundation in Lusaka, Zambia. She is part of the Unite4Climate Radio Initiative, a project that uses radio to challenge mindsets and shift attitudes around the environment. She strives to build a society where everyone has access to correct information and is well-informed. She is frequently on the ground in Lusaka's neighborhoods conducting interviews with locals to hear about their struggles to obtain enough water or coal for their daily needs. Phiri came in second place in the Plan International: Zambia and Africa Girls Radio Competition in 2017. Beatrice has emerged as a leader in her community, encouraging her classmates and schoolchildren to consider the issues that climate change has brought about in Zambia and what can be done about them.
NAMATAMA LUBINDA is a mental health activist and psychosocial counselor. She is the founder of Thandiwe Mental Health foundation and she is very passionate about mental health and has dedicated her life to spreading awareness and improving the mental health care in Zambia. She is a psychiatry student at Levy Mwanawasa Medical University. She also joined the visionary students initiative educators in launching the children’s code Act No 12 of 2022. She shares her thoughts on mental health on her socials and interviews.
Here is a little quote to motivate you!
“I raise up my voice not so that I can shout but so that those without a voice can be heard”
Malala Yousafzai
Is baking your thing There is nothing like a warm chewy handmade brownie with a fudgy center These handmade brownies are perfect for Valentine s or Galentines Cut them into heart shapes and dip them in chocolate or top them with jolly Valentine s Day sprinkles for the ideal chocolate treat This recipe will undoubtedly make your friends smile Or even your mum dad grandparents aunty really anyone you love
2 cups white sugar
1 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
1⁄2 teaspoon baking powder
4 eggs
1⁄2 cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup butter, melted
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
Preheat the oven to 175 degrees C. Grease a 9x13-inch pan.
Mix sugar, flour, melted butter, eggs, cocoa powder, vanilla, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl until combined. Spread the batter into the prepared pan.
3 tablespoons butter, softened
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup icing sugar
Bake in the preheated oven until the top is dry and the edges have started to pull away from the sides of the pan, about 20 to 30 minutes; cool before cutting
Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to create the heart shape.
Or you could make the shape yourself through careful trimming. You can keep and enjoy the discarded bits!
Voila You’re done Share your brownies with us on our socials let us know how they turned out for you
The theme of this issue of SKY Magazine is love and light So we asked you through our socials to tell us about a friendship date with your best friend as part of our cover girl competition Many of you sent in your entries but our favorite among all the wonderful submissions was from year old Joyce and Niza our winning cover models So here is the winning entry as well as their experience being the cover girls for SKY
I really enjoyed my SKY experience; it was honestly the best. My best friend and I got our hair and our make-up done, and we looked amazing. We got our photos taken, which was honestly so much fun. It's safe to say I love the camera, and the camera loves me. Out of all the fun I had, my favorite part was watching the hairdressers panic as they ran out of time. It was quite entertaining to watch.
This experience has made me realize how important it is to put yourself out there and try new things. I hope you guys will also try to be more open-minded and not let fear stop you from doing things. Look what it did for me, and it can do the same for you.
Last year, towards the end of November, my besties Niza and I decided to go out swimming. The outing was planned in a hurry; hence it was possible that it would rain that day because it was cold that morning. Regardless of the weather, we started our journey and visited the Twin Lia Gardens in Chilanga. To our surprise, it was hot and sunny there, but either way, regardless of the weather, we still planned on enjoying ourselves. The place was not only fancy but quiet, meaning it was practically to ourselves. The food we had was awesome and healthy too. We even had mocktails which made all of us feel so cool. Obviously, swimming was the main thing we did, but we also played in the play park. We took selfies and posted them on our socials.
Perhaps the weirdest thing we did was swim in a pool twice our height, with life jackets. The thrill of almost drowning was amazing and perhaps my favorite part of the event. We had a lot of fun; sadly, it all had to end at almost 18:30 hours. We left together, and honestly, we could all feel the water in our ears and the chlorine in our eyes, but it was worth it.
My SKY experience was wonderful. We shot on a Saturday and I loved my hair so much that I wanted to miss a day of school just so I could have the hair on longer. I go to a convent school, so they don't allow braids. I also loved getting my make-up done; that was my favorite part of the whole day. But I did enjoy every single moment.
SKY is very empowering, and I'm glad we have it here in Zambia. This was my first photoshoot, and I enjoyed it very much. I want to be a model, so this has given me an idea of what it'll be like. This was a wonderful experience, and I hope to do more things like this in the future.
If you want to be on the cover of SKY and have the cover shoot experience then follow us on our socials and look out for our cover competitions
SKY
month of love is here but as we all know vama love vi paya
But don t worry sis If you are going through a heartbreak have ever experienced one or will ever experience one this is the article for you Here are some steps on how to get over a heartbreak
Accepting the situation will help you let go. Just don’t be too hard on yourself; take it one day at a time. If you have to block your ex everywhere, throw away the gifts he gave you, then do so; don't fall back into a toxic situation that doesn't serve you.
It’s okay to cry, sis; wear oversized sweatshirts, sleep in, eat junk food. Allow yourself to express your feelings and let it all out. Just be careful not to stay in this stage for too long. Let it out and move on - there are plenty of fish in the sea!
Venting to a friend, sister, aunty or mum, anyone you feel safe around and is willing to listen. Say everything you want, good and bad; it's okay. Your girlfriends will hold you down. We got you sis.
Doing anything to get out of your head during a breakup is a good idea. That's why this is the perfect time to create a new routine; hanging around with friends and having a workout session cause fitness releases endorphins, so you'll feel happier ASAP.
It's time to get your post-break-up glow up! From eating well to feeling good and even looking good. Take time to care for yourself every day (check out pg 16 & 17 of ways to show love yourself), and you never know, it might end up in your own revenge body!
Always remember you are the PRIZE so take your time to heal and find yourself again the right person will come along don t settle for someone unworthy of you We love you sis
However having been a top student since primary school I discovered that you can make any academic level easy with the four Rs Routine Repetition Research and Rest
The route of all my academic achievements has been a good routine. And not just any routine, but a personalized routine. While in my examination classes, I had friends that would often study throughout the night or study from 2AM in the morning up till 6AM. I then thought that was the standard and attempted to do the same, but failed miserably. I then discovered that studying for two hours in the morning and before bed every day worked just as fine for me, and my grades were good. But that doesn't mean my routine works for other people. You must find a routine that works best for you. Try out different things and see what works for you. Your routine must consist of what time you wake up, sleep, study, and other things you may want to include.
Any good routine requires repetition. Therefore, ensure that you build a repeatable study routine. Aside from that, go through certain concepts, topics, and subjects repeatedly over given periods. Especially for subjects you may have challenges with, and for me that was math!
A good way of practicing repetition, especially in examination classes, is to study using past papers, as they help you easily repeat certain concepts.
Research is another key factor to academic success. Research beyond what you learn at school, and utilize resources such as the internet, textbooks, and articles to know more than what you’re taught in class because you never know what your exams may consist of. Good websites for this are YouTube, google search, Eskulu.com, eczpastpapers.com, and many more. Use different resources to learn more than you have learned in school, and ensure to study ahead of your classes for a broader understanding of lessons. Ask your teachers and peers questions about concepts you may have missed or not fully understood during or between lessons. You can also get extra classes or lessons, which helped me a lot.
As much as you would want to build a routine, work hard and get those straight As or study a lot, you also have to get lots of rest. If you overload yourself, your mind stops working efficiently and starts to slow down, and then you can’t remember or learn anything. A healthy mind, in my opinion, is well-rested. So take small breaks between your study sessions, sleep on time and get at least 8 hours of sleep, and try not to overload yourself, this is why you break down all your work, to avoid overload. Add rest times to your schedule/routine to ensure you aren’t overwhelmed. Good luck SKY Girls! Share on our socials any tips that help you study too!
Knowing who we are is important for self expression and self love Take part in this fun activity to learn more about who you are and how to stay true to yourself
1 - Biggest Accomplishment
2 - Greatest Fear
3 - What I love about my life
4 - What bothers me about my life
5 - Favourite way to spend time alone
6 - My favourite hobby
7 - What I love about myself
8 - What I dislike about myself
9 - What I need to work on
10 - My dreams
11 - My biggest regret
12 - My things 13 - Not my thing
It s a new year and so many exciting things are coming up However with this there’s also change Most of you are in a new grade some in an examination year or even a new school Being in a new situation having to figure things out finding a new group of friends can be quite scary You re asking yourself ‘ Will I get the right grades ’ ‘ Will I fit in ’ ‘ What if I mess up ’ ‘ Will I make new friends ’ ‘ Will people like me ’
No worries I’m here to help W hen e ver you feel fe ar just be BRA VE
Break the silence and say the fear out loud
REA SON look at the ‘why ’ behind your fear
ASSESS PLAN make a list of what you can do and develop a plan
VISUAL ISE see yourself succeeding
Embrace the fear and put your plan into action
So how does this work Let s say you re in an examination grade and you re scared about whe th er or not you will do well Follow the BRA VE plan
1.BREAK the silence and say to yourself out loud, 'I'm afraid that I won't pass my exams, and my parents will be disappointed in me.' When you say something out loud, it doesn't seem so bad as when you keep it inside. Now that you've named the fear, go on to the next step.
2.Examine the REASON behind your fears.
'Do I doubt that I can pass?' 'Do I think I don't have the discipline to study?'
3.Once you have the reason make an ASSESSMENT on what you’re able to control and what you can’t. Figure out what you want to happen and make a plan. You can control how much time you put into studying. You can control distractions such as social media & watching Netflix. If you need extra tutoring, ask your teachers for help or someone in your class who understands the subject well. Maybe form a study group with friends.
4.With your plan in hand, spend some time VISUALISING yourself passing the exams. Your brain doesn't know the difference between something you imagine and what’s real, so when you spend time imagining yourself passing the exams, your brain will look for ways to make sure that image comes true.
5.Finally, EMBRACE the fear and put your plan into action.
Fear is just the thoughts you tell yourself about the things you can’t do The longer you keep these thoughts inside the bigger the fear gets
As you learn to speak your fears out loud and take action you will be more confident and experience less fear in your life When the fear does creep in just remember to be BRAVE
Contact details:
Bwalya Penza
info@innersafariquest.com
www.innersafariquest.com
Instagram: innersafariquest_ISQ
FaceBook: InnnerSafriQuestISQ
Twitter: @innersafari_ISQ
Share with me how you put this in practice and how it works out for you Good luck SKY Girl
Hi SKY, I know lying is bad, but sometimes it feels necessary to not hurt my friend's feelings, but I still feel guilty; what should I do?
Hey sis, we know that people usually lie to protect someone’s feeling but, it doesn’t really help, and remember the truth always comes out. It's like putting aloe vera on a wound that needs stitches. It may be soothing at first, but without the proper treatment (the truth), the wound can get worse and even get infected. For example, a lot of people are conscious of how they look. So, if your friend asks you if they are getting fat, and you have indeed noticed that they are putting on weight. Instead of lying and saying ‘no,' try this: ‘Why did you ask this? Has someone said something, or do you feel that your clothes don't fit you as well as they used to?' This can then spur on a conversation about how your friend feels about gaining weight and how it's affecting her confidence. This gives you the chance to talk to your friend about self-confidence and self-esteem coming from your own thoughts and opinions about yourself. Telling a white lie may seem like the right thing to do, but there's a reason you feel guilty afterward because you know that if you were in your friend's position, you would want to know the truth, no matter how badly it would hurt. A white lie is a story we tell ourselves that it is better for someone else to hear than the truth. But who are we to decide how someone else deals with the truth? By doing this you're controlling a situation and not giving your friend the chance to handle the situation with all the facts and information. When you get used to telling 'white lies,' it can start building to a point where you won’t be able to tell the difference between a 'small' white lie and bigger full-on lies. So just stick to the truth but be kind in the way you share it.
Please help.
Hi sis, I don’t envy your situation. Being a parent means having to be the bad cop sometimes and sharing unpopular opinions. Your mum has wisdom and experience to share, so perhaps the first thing to do is hear her out. You’ve been going out with this guy for 6 months, so your mum has formed an opinion based on her observations and what you say about him. Let your mum explain to you what she doesn’t like about him and then make an honest assessment of whether or not what she says is true or coming from the point of a protective parent. If the reasons are valid, you can make a better-informed choice of whether or not you want to continue with the relationship. If you decide that you do want to continue, don't keep it from your mum.
Tell her why you like him, why you have been with him for 6 months, and why you're staying in the relationship. Even if she still doesn't approve, she will respect the fact that you're open and honest with her.
Hey SKY! I'm always talking about my depression, but people think I'm just seeking attention. How do I open up about my struggle without seeming that way?
It's important to feel able to express your feelings, emotions, and vulnerabilities. It should be applauded and not kept to yourself.
I understand that it comes off as attention-seeking; however, many times, we don't always ask for attention in the way that another person might. Expressing your feelings, emotions, and thoughts does not make us any less deserving of help, and it doesn't mean that we should be dismissed as just attention-seeking. At that moment, we need that attention and support; if we get it, we may feel more able to talk about our feelings next time and ask for help sooner. I wish to guide you to reframe it as care-seeking or accept that we all need attention from time to time; please continue reaching out for help.
Reach out to people who care for you and can offer you support. If the people you reach out to feel overwhelmed, then consider calling lifeline Childline Zambia on 116 or 933, which is a toll-free line. Alternatively, if you feel you can not find the right people, seek professional help from a mental health professional. What also helps is journaling and writing how you feel. Be as expressive as you want in the journal and check in with how you feel, what emotions you feel, and what thoughts you have. Talking to others does help, and the answer is not how you should do it but rather finding the right people who will understand you. Be willing to get guidance and support when offered.
Hey SKY girls! How do I overcome the trauma that comes with being a victim of bullying?
Trauma comes in many forms. Trauma is an emotional response to a terrible life event. Bullying causes trauma which is difficult to forget and equally difficult to express when it is caused. We often suppress our feelings and suppress emotions to avoid confrontation followed by embarrassment. The trauma of bullying does not fade away as life goes on. It just finds different channels to let out and pops up in an unusual manner and unexpected situations. Overcoming bullying trauma is a journey, and the following can help.
• Understanding and Acknowledging – Identifying the event as bullying and interpreting the trauma thereafter is an important process.
• Reframing the idea of 'self-worth' – Usually, people who experience bullying are likely to feel worthless and incompetent and develop a poor self-image. It is important for you to acknowledge your self-worth and start believing that you deserve good things and are worthy of happiness.
• Closure and Control – Trauma of bullying might appear in the poor self-confidence of a person. Try taking control of your life by understanding that whatever happened was in the past. Understanding that, accepting and moving on while establishing complete control over your life and being in power over everything around you will help you find closure by defusing the feelings of helplessness.
• Seek professional help. If you feel overwhelmed, see a professional mental health care specialist to guide you through the above steps and many more tools.
Most importantly, remember that you are not defined by another person's worth and value of you. You are the most unique version of yourself, as there is only one you. Be kind to yourself, be brave in yourself, and be you.
Are you a teen girl who is passionate about being true to yourself and wants to have an active role in helping shape SKY Girls Zed?
Lend your voice to a community that wants, needs and values your contributions. We are in search of teens with the best vibes, mind, attitude and heart to be part of an exclusive team. If you are outgoing and outspoken we would like you to be part of the Teen Advisory Board (TAB).
The Teen Advisory Board members are the eyes and soul of SKY, they know what’s going on around the community and share ideas that would be great for SKY! They inspire the SKY brand and activities by contributing to content development, research and providing feedback on all things SKY, to make sure we give nothing but the best! Most of all, they can reach out to SKY sistahs and encourage them to stay true to themselves and join the SKY sisterhood.
Interested? You can apply by completing an online application form that you can find on our social media pages. Or visit the SKY Hub at Arcades Shopping Mall and apply in-store. Applications are accepted until 12th March, 2023.
