Can you change the world ? by Young African Express

PR I N S T 1 ED O ITU UC V TE AT E N

YA YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

Vol. 5 no. 2

™

L e a r n i ng fo r a b e t t e r l i fe

Is there anything happening around you that makes you sad or angry? Be it the destruction of forests, poverty or even the litter in your neighbourhood, are you doing something about it or are you just waiting for someone else?

or Wambui, Noah and Njuguna, the suffering of the poor in Kenya due to lack of proper healthcare is what makes their hearts hurt. But instead of just feeling sad about it, the 3 friends decided to be the change they want to see in society in their own small way. “We sat down together and explored what we could do,”

1 0 2 p u rld C

Vol 5, No. 2

Chanuka Express vote d one of the “world’s top 25 educ ation programmes ” by Unesco Wor ld Conference

says Wambui, a 4th year medical student. “We settled on forming Afya Kenya Foundation because we felt we had the competence, the goodwill and most importantly, a reason!” adds Noah, also a medical student. Using their own savings plus money donated by family members, they launched the foundation in January 2009 as a charitable trust. They bring quality healthcare to the rural and urban poor through free medical camps and public education.

One year later, it is hard to believe that what started as a common concern has now accomplished so much. oup. The r gr tries pe ore With theupguidance h 4 counof othe eams sc it T w . s p u e o r g r g g a dt ir t 8 n e s a e h r t r re a inne Group p stage, thefoundation’ tries in ls. The w stage. goaDr her couns patron, u t o d o r n g e a t h e s u t h o w a ock In t ch of wins, dr o the kn M.W. s play ea n tconsultant oa ber ofWarambo, countrie up goes the num o r n g o h group y d r e e s r v a in e is fo eac points b ced countrysurgeon, and a team t like th of played ar ch a l games la ing Pld—tota mes won e by mak second-p ag st ga p l consultants Gand volunteers, Pts W—tota mes drawn o the grou A GD track of l ga

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IN THIS ISSUE

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YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

CREDITS Publisher Jacaranda Designs Ltd Technical Advisers Experts from our sponsors Executive Director Susan Scull-Carvalho Creative Director Peta Meyer Art Director Katherine Moir Senior Editor Helen van Houten Writers Lola Aragon, Pauline Maina, Peta Meyer, Katherine Moir, Sarah Radoli, Susan ScullCarvalho, Julia Wanjeri Graphic Designers Samuel Gachie, Susan Mbula Makaa (lead designer), Katherine Mamai Artists Bella Kilonzo, Katherine Moir, Sherry Odeyo, Donald Omondi, Benjamin Ondiege, Nkrumah Ondiek, Tony Siema Photographs Mohamed Ali, Noor Ali, Pauline Maina, Vincent Mayanja, Sarah Radoli, Jenny Rollo, Audrey and Patrick Scales, Patrick Wameyo, Afya Kenya Foundation, Uganda Red Cross Society, www.sxc.hu, www.wikipedia.org Contacts info@youngafricanexpress.net subscription@youngafricanexpress.net marketing@youngafricanexpress.net Website: www.youngafricanexpress.net Printed in Nairobi, Kenya Jacaranda Designs Ltd PO Box 1202–00606 Nairobi, Kenya Tel: +254 (0)20 374-4737 Fax: +254 (0)20 374-9171 Cell: +254 (0)722 667-747 Email: info@jacaranda-africa.com Copyright© Jacaranda Designs Ltd 2010 Young African Express is published by Jacaranda Designs Ltd, under a registered trademark. All rights reserved. While every attempt has been made to verify all facts, instructions and procedures, the publisher claims indemnity against results of any nature whatsoever arising from the application/s thereof. Readers are encouraged to contribute. They must include a self-addressed envelope if they want their materials returned; we cannot be held responsible for loss or damage. The editor reserves the right to alter materials in any way deemed necessary. Young African Express is not responsible for unsolicited material. All articles and material submitted must bear the contributor’s name if they are to be used by Young African Express. The opinions expressed in this newspaper are not necessarily those of the editors and publishers of Young African Express.

Thank you for “adopting a school” by sponsoring subscriptions for others. Diocese of Lodwar • James Finlay (Kenya) Ltd • Kitengela Glass • Malewa Ranching Initiative • Nairobi Pentecostal • Tara Consultants • Nicky Blundell Brown • VVOB education for development • AgriFRESH Kenya Ltd • Hopcraft family • Ole Moi Yoi family • Braeburn School

Vol 5. no. 2

EXPRESSIONS

Dear Readers, The UN-HABITAT State of the World Cities Report 2008/2009 estimates that in the next 20+ years Africa’s cities will more than double in size and most of their population will be young. We already face conflict over water, land, food and jobs. We’ll certainly face more conflict in our future, so let’s learn how to handle it now!

threat. When people feel unfairly treated, we often look for someone to blame and start lashing out at others— biased by gender, tribe, religion or cultural and income differences. Education is the best solution when it comes to resolving conflicts!

Did you know most conflicts arise from misunderstandings, ignorance, intolerance and greed? It’s true. Conflicts also arise when people feel their access to natural resources (such as land or water) and economic opportunities (such as jobs or business loans) are under

To resolve conflicts, one important solution exists: EDUCATION! What we learn and how we use it is the key to a better life. What are you learning that will help you reduce future conflicts? How are you using what you learn to find positive solutions? How can each of us get our neighbours, friends and family to talk about and learn how to avoid future conflicts—and create a better life? We like hearing from you so please send your comments to 0722-667747 or 0733-960757 or email us at editor@YoungAfricanExpress.net

WRITE TO THE EDITOR PO Box 1202 – 00606 Nairobi

We say…

Don’t we all love holidays? Which is your favorite holiday time and what are some of the things that you will do? Some pupils from White Cottage School had

these pleasures to share with us.

Mary Gathoni, 14. Class 8 Hobbies: reading and dancing.

Risper Wambui, 13. Class 7 Hobbies: swimming, singing, dancing and running.

y favorite holiday is December because we attend family get-togethers where I get to catch up with my cousins. Next December, I plan to have a good time with my family and catch up with my brothers. I will also be doing some personal studies and my mum will motivate me because she is a teacher. I think the most important holiday is Kenyatta Day, because it honours our first president. My birthday is also on the same day so I get to have a good time too.

uring the holidays we get to enjoy our hobbies and do extra work on weaker subjects. I love the December holidays because they are very long so I get to visit many places. In the next holiday, I will be going to church and relaxing at home. I will also study for 2 hours every morning. Jamhuri Day is the most significant holiday because it’s the day when Kenya attained its independence. Benson Muiruri, 13. Class 7 Hobbies: playing football, writing articles and typing.

Rufus Thairu, 14. Class 8 Hobbies: playing football, swimming and learning.

or boarders like me, holidays are the only days we spend with our family, do recreational stuff and relax. I love Labour Day because I spend a lot of time with my family and friends. Over the holidays, I will be revising, visiting the Bomas of Kenya and attending church. Jamhuri Day is an important day for Kenyans because we learn how we got independence.

olidays give us time to stay with our parents and meet new people. My best month is April because my birthday is in that month and my dad is usually at home then. His work involves a lot of travelling. I will also be visiting my grandparents, revising and attending church. Kenyatta Day is a significant holiday because during that time we learn a lot about our first president.

Vol. 5 no. 2

Anger at what she saw around her inspired 15-year-old Pritika Kapila of Premier Academy in Nairobi to write this poem. It won her 2nd Prize in the Junior Talent Category of the National Inter School Poetry Competition in February 2010.

An Elegy for Kenya It started as a shadow. A dark silhouette as the comforting sun died. Sinister darkness. It was hate. Bitter, fierce, brutal and passionate Fueling the assassins onwards— They could almost taste their revenge. From village to village they hunted, Ringing screams, crackling flames Men, women and children’s lives they stole, The angry thieves in the night. Their weapons glinted, each stained crimson. The blood was their trophy, Trophies for murderers. Light fell upon the land Illuminating the chaos, the despair A battlefield filled with smoke Veiling scattered corpses. One village bore the dismal blemish of the massacre. Here, lay a beheaded infant There, the mangled form of its mother. The smell of smoke, the stench of death hung heavy in the air.

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

EXPRESSIONS

continued from page 1

the foundation has organised 9 medical camps in several parts of the country. Through the camps people who seldom see quality medical care have the opportunity to get treatment and health education. The foundation has also organised blood donation and breast cancer screening and testing drives, launched an HIVtesting campaign and initiated a school deworming programme. “Worm infestation is a common problem in sub-Saharan Africa yet it is easy to prevent through good sanitation, proper food preparation and regular deworming,” says Noah. So far, over 12,000 children from schools across the country have benefited from the deworming programme. But it has not all been easy. Convincing the communities that their healthcare is free and gaining credibility as capable health workers has been some of the founders’ major challenges. “When we started off, some people thought we

Noah during one of the medical camps.

were not competent because we were all students. Also, some consultants ask to be paid yet we are all working on a volunteer basis,” says Noah. Sponsorship too has been lacking. Thus the founders sometimes find themselves having to run the foundation out of their pockets and the goodwill of their parents and patron. “We would love to serve more people and cover more ground, but we are limited by a lack of funds,” says Noah. “It has been challenging but where there is a will, there is indeed a way and we are pushing ahead.”

The violence, the inhumanity, the shame of every Kenyan today Recorded in the wet earth, Where the tell-tale scars of the battle remained, Of feet, of bodies, of weapons imprinted forever into the soil. Remembered by red rivers, Ones of blood—not water. Tears running down Kenya’s face; Her pride, dignity and united spirit shattered Hacked by crimson weapons … And now we wonder … is this truly the past? Or does this evil lurk somewhere in hearts? Lurking like a shadow, The one that darkened as the comforting sun died.

To help them raise more funds, the foundation launched Art for Afya. This is an art and music expo, held every last Wednesday of the month, to raise funds for the foundation’s activities.

school deworming Wambui helps a child during a e on worms. mor for programme. See page 4

The friends still want to do much more. “Our dream is to open the Afya Kenya Foundation National Hospital. A hospital that makes quality healthcare accessible to the poor through a cost-sharing insurance system,” says Wambui.

You can be part of the Afya Kenya Foundation by volunteering in any of their camps or by donating old clothes, shoes or medicine. For more information visit their website www.afyakenyafoundation.org

Attention Educators: Follow the colour codes for curriculum links Expressions: English language and literacy Staying Healthy: Health, hygiene and nutrition Practical Science: Maths, science and technology

Our World: Civil society, social sciences and human rights Business and careers Going Green: Agroforestry, home gardens and environmental conservation Critical thinking, puzzles and brainteasers

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

Vol 5. no. 2

staying healthy

Worms? Uugh! what worms? D

id you know that intestinal worms are a common cause of poor school performance? Intestinal worms are parasites that infect humans, living and reproducing in the intestines. These worms may get into your body if you drink contaminated water, eat vegetables grown in contaminated soil that have not been washed well, or eat raw or poorly cooked beef or pork.

These 2 kinds of worm are among the most common worms parasitic on humans:

Tapeworm

few days ago, Julia went to visit her friend Faith but found that she was not her usual cheerful self. When Julia asked what the problem was, Faith described how she was feeling. “I have no appetite because all food smells bad. My tummy doesn’t feel good. I feel bloated and I have gas. I seem to either have diarrhoea or be constipated. I am not sleeping well. I feel nauseated much of the time. I cough and have fever and chills. I feel weak and tired and I’m quite nervous.” “That’s a whole lot of things to be feeling at the same time. Some of those symptoms sound as if you’re suffering from malaria. But instead of guessing, you’d better visit a doctor and find out what is really wrong before you get worse.” At the doctor’s, they found that Faith was not suffering from malaria but that she was infested with worms.

Two types of tapeworm infest humans—Taenia saginata, the beef tapeworm, lives part of its life cycle in cows, and Taenia solium, the pork tapeworm, lives part of its cycle in pigs. A person gets infested with tapeworm either from eating contaminated pork, beef or fish or from coming into contact with infested animal faeces and not practising good hygiene. People who like eating meat that is not well cooked are at a higher risk of becoming infested by tapeworm. Adult tapeworms grow to 5–10 metres and live for up to 20 years.

The tapeworm hooks onto the intestine at the head end (left). Segments, called proglottids, at the tail end break off and pass out of an infected person or animal in faeces, where they may be ingested, completing their life cycle.

Roundworm

Of the many kinds of roundworm that infect humans, the most common form has the scientific name Ascaris lumbricoides. It causes ascariasis in humans. People get infected by eating fruits and vegetables grown in soil infested with worm eggs. An adult roundworm is about half a metre long. Because these kinds of worm usually infect the digestive system first, they cause digestive problems such as abdominal discomfort, bloating, bloody stools, diarrhoea, constipation, gas and vomiting. These symptoms are similar to those of a number of common diseases, so if deworming tablets don’t seem to help it is best to consult a doctor, who will carry out an examination to determine if you actually are infested with worms or are suffering from something else.

ecially infests humans, esp orm that frequently ndw rou and of nks e dri typ r taminated foods, Pinworm is anothe parasite found in con l ina not est int are all but sm s a anu children. It is discomfort around the s cause itching and 13 mm long. to 2 out ab the ground. Pinworm y onl are h threat. Pinworms usually a serious healt (or es as schistosomiasis ans cause such diseas hum on a worm). s ine rm (Gu wo sis tic Other parasi ) and dracontia lminthiasis (hookworm he s, asi nti pha ele bilharzia),

How can you prevent worm infestation? • Wash your hands with soap and water after visiting the toilet and before handling any food in the kitchen. • Thoroughly cook your meats, poultry and seafood.

• Thoroughly wash your fruits and vegetables before eating.

• Always drink water that has been boiled or treated with water purifying tablets. • Eat garlic and high fibre foods, as they help prevent worm infestation. • Avoid swimming in contaminated lakes, rivers and streams.

• Take deworming tablets every 6 months. These tablets are inexpensive and found in every chemist shop.

Vol. 5 no. 2

COMMON DISEASES

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

! d e t a n i m a t n Co Every day after school Amina walks down to the shallow brown river near her village to collect water. Like Amina, a lot of her neighbours meet there every day with their jerry cans. Sometimes even local farmers’ cows go there to drink. This is the only source of water in the area and the villagers use it for cooking, drinking, washing and general household chores.

I HADN’T SEEN HER FOR AGES, SHE’S SUCH A CITY GIRL NOW!

SO, WHAT WAS SHE WEARING?!

I DON’T FEEL SO GOOD!

• Typhoid is a serious illness caused by Salmonella typhi bacteria deposited in water or food by a human carrier, then spread to others when they swallow the contaminated food or water.

• Typhoid patients can contaminate the water supply through their stool, which contains a high concentration of the bacteria. • Typhoid fever is treated with antibiotics.

mina likes going to collect water because she gets to meet a lot of people there. It is the best social place. But for days now Amina has been feeling unwell. At first, she thought she was just tired and that the feeling would pass. But instead of feeling better, she seemed to be getting worse. She rarely felt hungry and couldn’t finish her food; she kept having headaches and her whole body ached. When Amina told her mother how she felt, her mother told her to go to bed early and asked her sister Faida to go to the river instead.

they boil the water most of the time, but that sometimes they can’t afford fuel or she’s too busy.

The following day Amina felt so nauseous that she couldn’t face breakfast, so she left for school with an empty stomach.

With the antibiotics and her mother’s care, Amina slowly recovered her health. After 4 weeks, she was able to go back to school and to resume her daily task of collecting water. From then on, however, her mother ensured that the family drinking water was always boiled first.

By mid-morning, she felt so sick that, after several trips to the toilet with a bad stomach and feeling sweaty and clammy, she went to the teacher. The teacher took one look at Amina and realised that she was not faking an illness. Amina’s best friend, Wandia, accompanied her home, and her mother, alarmed, took her to the local clinic. At the clinic the doctor examined Amina and, after finding out what her symptoms were, she asked where the family got its drinking water. Amina explained that she got it from the same place as everybody else in the village. The doctor then asked Amina’s mother if she used purifying tablets to treat the water or if she boiled it instead. Amina’s mother explained that

Typhoid, the facts

The doctor ran a blood test, then prescribed antibiotics for Amina. She explained that Amina was suffering from typhoid and that most likely she caught it from drinking contaminated water. She said that it was very important that water is boiled before it is drunk to kill the bacteria that cause typhoid, and she advised good hygiene, especially when handling food.

Use the sun to make water safe

If you can’t boil your water, sterili se it by putting it in a clear container (like a clean plastic bottle ) an d leave it in th e sun for at least 6 ho urs.

• Approximately 3–5% of patients become carriers of the bacteria and can pass the disease to others even after they are cured.

The symptoms • Poor appetite • Headaches

• General aches and pains • Fever (39–40 °C)

• Weakness and fatigue • Diarrhoea

• Abdominal pain

Typhoid symptoms develop slowly and can be confused with those of other diseases. See a doctor if your symptoms don’t clear up. Don’t be like Amina and wait till you are really sick.

Avoid typhoid

• Wash your hands before preparing food, before eating and after using the toilet

• In the kitchen, follow this rule to make sure your food is safe—“Wash it, peel it, cook it or forget it”

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

he most common way in which HIV is transmitted is through sexual contact with an infected person. The virus can enter the body through the lining of the vagina, penis, rectum or mouth during sexual relations.

HIV is frequently spread among users of injected illegal drugs because the syringes or needles are contaminated and shared among users. It is also possible to come into contact with infected blood in a clinic or hospital, if a healthcare worker accidentally gets pricked by a contaminated needle or any other medical instrument. This seldom happens, though.

Vol 5. no. 2

hiv and you

It is possible for infected pregnant women to transmit HIV to the foetus during pregnancy or at birth. This risk can be greatly reduced if the mother takes anti-HIV drugs during pregnancy or has an early delivery by Caesarean section (a surgical operation by which the baby is delivered through an incision in the mother’s abdomen and uterus). If both of these measures are taken, the risk of the baby getting infected is reduced to between 1 and 2%. HIV can be passed to babies via breastmilk. However, mothers with HIV are advised to breastfeed if they cannot afford formula milk or cannot sterilise water and baby bottles. Before AIDS was widely known, it was possible to get infected through blood transfusions. Nowadays, this is extremely rare as blood screening and heat-treating techniques to destroy HIV in blood products are required procedure at hospitals.

let’s go upstairs, i know where there’s an empty bedroom.

mmmh ...

angel, you know i love you. let me prove it. just because i’ve done it before does not mean i have to do it with every guy, okay?

come on!

but i love you! don’t you love me?

i said no!

everything changes after you’ve had sex with someone. i don’t think our relationship is ready for that yet.

te Only through intima blood ed ect inf h contact wit you can ids flu y or bod contract HIV.

come upstairs with me …

come on, i know you’ve done it before. you’re no virgin. so why not with me?

okay, angel you win.

now i know why i love you. you’re always honest with me.

but ...

from You CAN’T get HIV or ng, chi tou hugging or tears, , eat sw g tin get from ng or or drops from coughi Even n. ski r sneezing on you els tow ls, nsi ute re if you sha e sam the use , ing dd and be e sam toilet or swim in the Vswimming pool with HI l wil you , ple peo infected . ed ect inf e com be NOT

i don’t want to, ron. let’s stay here.

i think we should stay here.

Story by Peta Meyer Art by Bella Kilonzo

go Many wrong beliefs d on se ba e ar at th around e a ignorance. They caus don’t lot of confusion and sick. help those who are

come one, let’s go and dance.

do you think sex is proof of love? it is not. and if you love me as you say you do, you wouldn’t try to blackmail me!

TALK ABOUT IT! do you think angel is right to refuse sex with ron? what does her behaviour say about her sense of self-esteem? what does ron’s reaction say about his?

Vol. 5 no. 2

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

bodyworks

. . . p ! u t i g g n n i i k and li G r ow When boys and girls enter puberty, they experience many different changes that leave them scared and confused or just embarrassed much of the time. With puberty, most boys and girls grow taller, stronger, heavier— and moodier. Then there are those changes that depend on whether you are a boy or a girl. he male and female reproductive systems do not become active at birth, unlike the respiratory and digestive systems. The human reproductive system begins to function at puberty. The time varies between boys and girls and also among individuals, because we are not all the same.

When the reproductive system starts working, it affects all other functions in the body—for example, the development of secondary sexual characteristics, which include growth of pubic hair. Let’s have a look at the similarities between male and female reproductive processes. Some of the body changes that both boys and girls go through during puberty are nearly the same. Both gain weight and grow pubic hair, but not necessarily in the same way. Since each of us has inherited different genes from our parents, how we look as we mature will not be the same. What you read here is just a guide of what to expect as you grow.

adulthood puberty childhood

Gi rls

your hipbones widen. Many • Your body beco mes curvier and but wider hips only mean that girls think they are getting fat, an. wom a you are maturing into nger but they do not show • Your muscles get bigger and stro the way they do in boys.

with a small swelling under the • Breasts start developing, first with time. nipples; they then grow bigger

lly about 2 1/2 years after • Menstruation starts (this is usua r parts of your reproductive breasts develop), after all the othe ing together. system have matured and are work Some girls fallopian tube get excited ovary about uterus endometrium starting their period, cervix bladder while vagina others are urethra with d fille vulva anxiety and confusion. Female reproductive system ts her period, she might Abo ut 6 months before a girl star vagina. This should not cause the from notice a clear discharge has a strong odour or causes any worry, unless the discharge have an infection—see a doctor). itchiness (which might mean you es one of the ovaries and During ovulation, a tiny egg leav is towards the uterus. If the egg travels down the fallopian tube ches atta and us uter the els to fertilise d by a sper m cell, it trav it slowly develops into a baby. to the wall of the uterus, where

Body changes in girls and boys

Boys

• During puberty, boys also gain weight and their shoulders get wider. • Your muscles also start to get stronger and bigger. • Your voice gets deeper, though sometimes the pitch may be high and at others, low. With time, your voice will sort itself out. • The penis grows longer and wider, while the testicles get larger. • Hair grows on your face—beard, moustache and sideburns. But these won’t be the same for everyone. It all depends on the genes you inherit.

n’t attach. When this happens, If the egg isn’t fertilise d, it does e lining that was built up in the uterus sheds the extra tissu e, and the unfertilised egg tissu preparation for the egg. Bloo d, na and out of the body. This leave the uterus thro ugh the vagi on ever y month until the woman process is menstruation. It goes s. reaches menopause, when it stop

• Sometimes boys get an erection when they become nervous or excited. Sometimes it just happens. This can be a bit embarrassing. To control it, try thinking about something really boring. It is natural to have wet dreams while sleeping. The wet stuff is semen and you have not wet the bed. This is a normal part of growing up.

bladder seminal vesicle

vas deferens prostate gland urethra

Cowper’s gland

erectile tissue

epidydimus

glans penis

testicle (testis) scrotum

Male reproductive system

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

Vol 5. no. 2

LIVING RIGHT Being healthy is your own responsibility and it affects every aspect of your life. The 3 elements of body, mind and spirit have to be in balance for you to enjoy a healthy life. You make choices every day that can help you achieve that balance. Good health starts with a healthy body, so good nutrition is essential. “You are what you eat”, so eat food from all food groups. Also care for your body by exercising every day, through playing a sport or simply walking around. And give it enough rest—sleep for at least 8 hours a night. To care for the well-being of your mind and your spirit, encourage positive thoughts and attitudes. Practise giving and receiving forgiveness, love and compassion for yourself and others. Finally, remember to laugh and not take life too seriously!

What is good health?

hat does being healthy mean? Is it simply “not being sick”? According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social wellbeing”. So to be healthy, you have to take care not only of your body, but also your mind and spirit. By Peta Meyer and Donald R. Omondi

ONE AFTERNOON . . .

MAYBE. BUT IF I SEE SOMETHING WRONG AND DON’T DO THE RIGHT THING, EVEN THOUGH I CAN, THEN I WILL HATE MYSELF.

Healthy living plan

• Eat a healthy diet • Exercise regularly • Get enough sleep • Respect yourself and others • Look for the positive in every situation

LET’S PRETEND WE DIDN’T SEE IT.

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO? I’M GOING TO TALK TO KEN AND GIVE HIM THE CHANCE TO RETURN IT OR PAY FOR IT. THAT WAY HE CAN CHOOSE TO DO THE RIGHT THING TOO.

Among the many Kenyan secondary school students who got their KCSE results in March were 200 girls who wrote their exams in the hospital maternity ward, their newborn babies next to them.

hy would a girl choose to become pregnant in her final exam year? In many cases a teacher was responsible. Maybe the girl feels flattered when a teacher shows special interest; maybe she thinks it’s a shortcut to good grades. Often, the girl has been raped and is too ashamed to report it.

LOOK, IT’S KEN, THE CAPTAIN OF THE RUGBY TEAM. HE’S SOOOO COOL!

CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?! KEN JUST STOLE SOME ALCOHOL!

Schoolgirl mothers

STEALING IS WRONG. WE HAVE TO REPORT IT. BUT HE’S THE MOST POPULAR GUY IN SCHOOL. HE’LL HATE US!

WAIT, I’M COMING WITH YOU!

Teachers are not allowed to have a sexual relationship with pupils. It is against the law and a betrayal of trust. Don’t be alone with anyone—not just a teacher—who makes you feel scared or uncomfortable. If you are asked to go for extra tuition, bring a friend with you, saying your friend needs help too. Don’t be afraid to say “no”. If someone in authority asks you to do something that you know is wrong, simply refuse. Say it clearly, then leave the room and tell someone. Always tell someone—a friend or the school counsellor who will know what to do.

Call the hotlines below for more advice.

• Childline Kenya tel: 116 • Liverpool VCT One-2-One Hotline 0800 22 11 121 • Action for Children Uganda 0800 111 333 or 0800 111 222 • ANPPCAN-Tanzania (51) 152243

Vol. 5 no. 2

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

Human rights

Understanding child labour “Wish I went to school too,” Mary murmurs as she puts a kettle on to boil. Mary works as a house help although she is barely 12 years old. After losing her parents a year ago, Mary has been forced to fend for herself. Did you know that child labour, like children working as house help, is a form of child abuse? Child labour is any work that is harmful to the child’s health or the child’s physical, mental, spiritual, moral or social development. It is also any kind of work that interferes with a child’s education, as in Mary’s case. A child is anyone under the age of 18 years.

Some of the causes of child labour in our society are: Poverty, causing parents to send their children to work to add to the small family income Peer pressure, causing children to drop out of school to take on manual labour jobs and make a little money like their peers Cultural practices, like early marriage, forced especially upon girl-children

Death of parents, leaving orphans with no one to provide for them Corruption, allowing farms and big industries to employ children

Do you know other causes of child labour?

Is helping around the house child labour? No. Children’s participation in work that does not affect their health and personal development or interfere with their schooling, like helping parents around the home or assisting in a family business to earn pocket money outside school, is good because it moulds the child into a productive member of the society. And also, just as children have rights, they have responsibilities in the family and the community in which they live.

There are no rights without responsibilities. What are your responsibilities as a child?

If you, or someone you know, are facing child labour call this toll-free helpline: 116

DO THE

RIGHT

Do you love animals? Does it make you sad when someone hurts an animal?

• To behave in a way that helps the family and community live in unity and harmony

THING

Teach other people about animals. Show them how to treat them. Start with your own family, especially your younger siblings.

• To respect parents, other members of the family, members of the community and people who are older than you

• To serve the community with your talents and abilities • To preserve and strengthen positive cultural practices

Promoting kindness to animals

People often mistreat dogs out of fear. Tell them that when they make dogs scared, they are likely to bite people.

Discourage people from selling or keeping wild animals as pets. Many are mistreated and some become dangerous.

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

Vol 5. no. 2

our world

Floods and mudslides

n the recent past, some parts of the world have experienced extreme weather conditions, such as snowstorms (caused by extreme cold temperatures), and wildfires (caused by excessive hot weather over long periods), floods and mudslides.

Floods

Many places around the world have experienced floods because of heavy rainfall. The rain has caused rivers to burst their banks and even break dykes that have been built to keep the excess water from human settlements. The recent floods in Kenya came after the long drought. In early March 2010, parts of western and northern Kenya experienced heavy rainfall for one week. Bridges were washed away, roads and crops destroyed and lives lost by floodwaters. Mandera, a place that normally receives little or no rainfall, was hit by heavy rains. The stream that passes through the town and drains into the River Dauwa burst its banks. In doing so, it flooded settlements situated as far as 60 km south of Mandera town.

With rains and floods come mudslides. Mudslides have become common in many parts of East Africa because forests have been cleared to make way for farmland and human settlements. Deforestation means that there are no trees to stop the earth from sliding downhill whenever it rains heavily or if there is an earth tremor. When people cut trees so they can cultivate and build homes, the soil becomes very loose.

The scene of the mudslide in Uganda—what was once the trading centre of Nametsi.

In March 2010, torrential rains in Bududa District in eastern Uganda caused a series of mudslides that left at least 83 people dead and many others missing. Land on the Ugandan side of the slopes of Mount Elgon just broke off from the tops of the hills, carrying cattle and goats and the little vegetation along the way. A health centre constructed using concrete collapsed and a church where people went to seek refuge was also swept away.

More than 1000 people took shelter at Bukalasi Primary School. Most lost everything.

Mudslides

Ewaso Nyiro River burst its banks after heavy rains in Isiolo and Samburu Districts.

A disaster is a sudden destructive event that can affect human life, the environment and even the economy of a country. A natural disaster can happen in form of a tsunami, an earthquake, mudslides (also called landslides), and floods. In most cases, disasters cause great loss of human life and destroy the environment.

In 2008, West Pokot District experienced torrential rains that caused landslides that killed at least 14 people. Most of the victims were school children who were caught unawares as they slept or read in their huts. Nobel Laureate Professor Wangari Maathai blamed the mudslides, especially in the Kenyan highlands of Mount Kenya, on environmental degradation and deforestation.

by Benjah Ondiege and Katherine Moir

If you’re a cyclist, remember that the rules of the road apply to you.

Don’t cycle on the pavement, If the vehicle in and always use hand signals front of you is turning, do not when turning. try to overtake.

If a vehicle has stopped in the road in front of you, check what is ahead of it before passing it.

If you don’t have good brakes, dismount and push your bike down hills.

Vol. 5 no. 2

Reading is fun

Note from the storykeeper This is a story from the Kingdom of Buganda. In the days when my story takes place, Buganda was ruled by the mighty Kabaka. He was all-powerful and his word was law. None dared question his decisions or disobey his commands, but he was a good ruler and the people were contented. The Kabaka’s council, the Lukiiko, gave the Kabaka the knowledge he needed to make wise decisions.

The Blacksmith of Written by Tom Nevin Illustrated by Robin Miranda

bring down their prey. Farmers came to exchange bags of grain for Walukaga’s hoes (jembes). The farmers had great faith in the tools, knowing they had been forged with skill and care and made with the strongest metals, ensuring they would not easily wear out but be good for many seasons. Women brought him their best beer, their finest bread and their most carefully made clothes. They traded for the sharp and longwearing knives he made, the pots and cauldrons that would never tip over or crack from the heat of the fire.

eople from all over Buganda came to Walukaga the blacksmith to buy the metalware he made. Hunters brought meat and skins in exchange for his excellent spears and arrowheads. Not only were they as sharp as a razor, they were also perfectly balanced. Hunters knew that when they threw spears or shot arrows, they would fly straight and true, certain to

Oh yes, Walukaga was by far the best blacksmith in all the kingdom of Buganda. This fact, of course did not escape the attention of the Kabaka. He called on the talented blacksmith frequently to provide him with items that were needed for the Royal Household. The Kabaka had at least 100 wives, and they too had Walukaga provide them with metal utensils for cooking and general palace housekeeping. The Kabaka gave his favoured wives gifts of rings and bangles, crafted by the inventive blacksmith. Walukaga enjoyed working for the Kabaka, who always generously rewarded his fine craftsmanship. Walukaga grew wealthy and lived well.

ut troubles began for Walukaga one day when he was called to see the

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

Kabaka on a very urgent and important matter. The blacksmith hurried to the Royal Courtyard and bowed low when he was brought before the king. “Blacksmith,” the Kabaka boomed in his important Royal Voice, “I have a problem that only you can solve.” Walukaga waited silently. He hoped the problem was not too great and beyond his capabilities. The consequences of failing the Kabaka were too dreadful even to think about. The Kabaka clapped his hands. Into the throne room hobbled a young man with one leg missing just below the knee. He moved along by holding onto 2 sticks with both hands, but his movements were clumsy and his progress slow. “This is my eldest son, Jamala,” said the Kabaka” looking sadly at the crippled young man. “He was trampled by an elephant and the doctors had to remove his leg. You are the best blacksmith in Buganda. You must make him another leg.”

Walukaga was stunned. He had never heard of such a thing, never even thought about making a man’s leg! “B-but, great Kabaka …” he stammered, greatly alarmed at the enormity of the task the king had given him. “Silence!” roared the Kabaka. “Go now and do as I say.” The blacksmith knew that any argument could cost him his head. He ran home as fast as he could and contemplated the problem the king had bestowed upon him. For hours, Walukaga stared at his own leg, feeling its shape. He began to think there just might be something he could do. Calling on the young Jamala, the blacksmith carefully measured his good leg

continued on pg 12

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS The Blacksmith of Buganda continued from pg 11

then hurried home to begin work. After a week of forging and shaping, the leg was ready to be tried on. Jamala was delighted when the metal leg was fitted onto his stump and tied securely in place with thin strips of antelope hide. He could clump up and down the room without his sticks! “Thank you, Walukaga, thank you,” he cried. Limping out as fast as he could go, he went to show his father. A little later, Walukaga was again summoned into the Kabaka’s presence. “This is a very good thing you have done, blacksmith,” congratulated the king. “To show my gratitude, you shall have 20 of my finest cows, which you may choose yourself from the Royal Herd.” That very day, Walukaga proudly drove home 20 fine, fat cows.

Reading is fun

ot long after this episode, Walukaga was again brought before the Kabaka. Also present in the great throne room were the members of the council, the Lukiiko. The Kabaka sat on his throne and smiled down at the blacksmith. “I have another job for you, blacksmith,” he said, pointing to a great heap of metal stacked against a wall. “Over there!” A heap of old spears and arrowheads, pots, hoes, trinkets, worn down ploughshares, and all manner of metal things were piled high. Mightily puzzled, the blacksmith said nothing, knowing the Kabaka would soon get to the point. “You have done well, making arms and legs out of metal,” said the Kabaka, “and we are impressed with your skills.” He regarded Walukaga for a long moment and then continued. “We have come to the conclusion that if it is possible for you to make parts of a body, there should be no reason why you should not be able to make a whole person.”

bout 2 weeks later the king again sent for Walukaga. This time, he wanted the blacksmith to make a new arm for one of his wives, who had been attacked by a crocodile while washing the Royal Clothes down at the riverside. The enormous reptile had grabbed her arm and tried to drag her into the river. Luckily she was saved by some of the other wives who were nearby at the time. But sadly, her arm had been bitten off at the elbow.

Walukaga gasped. He stared at the king, scarcely able to believe the words he was hearing.

Walukaga knew this was a far greater task than the leg, but knowing better than to argue he went home to study the problem. A week or so later he was back to strap a metal arm onto what was left of the bitten one. Although it was nowhere as good as her real arm, the woman wept with gratitude for the help it gave her. The king, of course, was pleased. Again he rewarded the clever blacksmith with a further 20 cows.

The poor blacksmith stared at the Kabaka in disbelief. “Go now,” the king commanded. “Have my metal man ready for me in no more than 20 sunrises from today.”

The king went on: “I am not talking about a statue. I want you to make a living man. One who breathes and talks and eats and fights. One who has blood running in his veins.” He pointed to the pile of scrap metal. “There is all the material you will need.”

The blacksmith hurried home from the Royal House, a train of the king’s servants behind him carrying the metal. Walukaga knew the mission the Kabaka had given him was impossible. Making an artificial limb was one thing, but making an entire human being was something else entirely. He stared at the pile of metal objects for hour after hour.

ow, Walukaga was not only good with his hands, he was also a very deep thinker. Even though the task the king had given him seemed hopeless, he knew there must be a way for him to satisfy the king and save his reputation … not to mention his neck! All through the night, the blacksmith wrestled with his problem. It was early in the morning, before the village rooster had announced the arrival of a new day, that Walukaga found the solution to his dilemma. Going once more to the Royal House, he begged for a meeting with the Kabaka. He was not kept waiting long, for the king was anxious to have news of the blacksmith’s progress.

Vol 5. no. 2 “Well, blacksmith,” demanded the Kabaka from his throne. “What news do you have for me?” “Mighty Kabaka,” replied Walukaga humbly. “I have come to ask you for a few more things I need to complete your metal man.” “Tell me what they are, and you shall have them,” said the Kabaka confidently. He was confident that nothing was beyond his power. “I need 100 loads of the ash of human hair and 100 calabashes of human tears. Once I have these, Your Majesty, I will be ready to do as you command.” The Kabaka called out to the Lukiiko councillors: “Tell all the people in the kingdom to shave off their hair, burn it and bring the ash to me. Also, command them to weep as much as they can and bring their tears to me in a calabash.” The councillors ran off in all directions to spread the word of the Kabaka. Throughout the great kingdom of Buganda, people dutifully shaved their heads, burned the hair and collected the ash. They did their best to weep and cry, many even holding their faces over the smoke of the cooking fires to make the tears flow. Even though they collected many tears, they did not fill even one calabash, let alone 100. And even though every man, woman and child shaved their heads completely bald, there was not enough ash to make up one load. One week later the councillors reported that the mission the Kabaka had given them could not be accomplished. The king, greatly saddened by the news, sent for the blacksmith. With terror in his heart and shaking legs, Walukaga reported to the Royal House and stood before the king. But the Kabaka now understood what Walukaga had been trying to tell him. He said with a smile: “Blacksmith, you have asked something impossible of me, just as I demanded something impossible of you. You are a wise and brave man. I have decided that you are fit to marry my most beautiful daughter and join the Lukiiko as a councillor.” Walukaga was overjoyed. The very next week he married into the Royal Family and was appointed to the Lukiiko, where he served with wisdom and great diligence for the rest of his years. A story from Zamani—African Tales from Long Ago, a compilation of myths and legends from across Africa, written by Tom Nevin and illustrated by Robin Miranda. Copyright © Jacaranda Designs Limited

Vol. 5 no. 2

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

agroforestry

Setting up a tree nursery My class wants to grow tree seedlings. How do we start?

ecide where you will put your tree nursery, what trees you want to grow and what methods you will use. Will you grow from seed or from cuttings, grow in pots or in beds? Here are some points to help you set up.

Choosing a good site Your nursery should be

• Close to a good water supply. • On a slight (2–5%) slope.

Nursery size and layout

Size depends on

• space available.

• Make beds about 1 m wide for easy access to seedlings.

• number of seedlings you want to grow. • whether you will use pots or beds.

• Place beds where soil and drainage are best—use rough ground for storage.

Include space for storage, seedbeds, compost and soil heaps, pathways, windbreaks and drainage channels. A good layout allows you to move quickly around the nursery and to reach each plant easily, saving you time and effort.

• Leave about 40 cm between beds for pathways.

soil storage compost empty bed

seedbed path

Make terraces if land is steep

seedling bed windbreak An example of plot layout. The nursery should not be too narrow. Have the long sides running east–west so that the nursery gets even light.

Raised bed with drainage channel If your land is on a steep slope, make terraces. If it is flat, make raised beds and dig channels for drainage.

Growing methods

• From bare-rooted seedlings—plant directly in beds. Good in cool, moist areas.

• A place with good soil or near sources of good soil. Look for well-drained, fertile sandy loam soil.

• From cuttings—plant in pots or beds; move to transplant beds or bigger pots when roots develop.

• Not too windy. Protect seedlings with windbreaks if necessary.

• Easy to reach—ideally, within your school grounds. • Not too close to the beach—sea spray can blow salt into the nursery.

Bare-rooted seedlings • From potted seedlings—plant in small pots or containers. Good in warm, dry areas.

Top tip

ers in Get advice fro m farm the yo ur area. They know local conditions.

What you will need • Water.

• Materials like sand, compost and topsoil for potting mix, and beds.

• From seed—sow seeds in pots or seedbeds. About 4 weeks after the seeds germinate, move healthiest seedlings from seedbeds to transplant beds; thin seedlings, leaving the healthiest.

Potted seedlings

Choosing what trees to grow

The type of trees you grow depends on what you want them for—like fruit, timber or shade—and what species are suited to the soil and climate in your area.

• Pots—black plastic nursery pots, old milk cartons, etc. • Basic tools—spade, rake, panga, jembe.

• Materials for fences or shade structures.

In our next issue— preparing your site, getting and sowing seed.

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

Vol 5. no. 2

ecosystems

UP s and downs of earth

uring your lessons, you learn about geographical features—those places on the earth’s surface that are referred to as locations, sites, areas or regions. These are the things that are shown on maps. Let’s look at the 3 types of geographical features.

Going natural

Natural geographical features include landforms, bodies of water and ecosystems.

Landforms are mostly defined by their surface form and location in the landscape. Mountains, mounds, hills, cliffs and valleys are all landforms, identified by things like slope, rock exposure, soil type, elevation and orientation.

Part of the northern Rift Valley in Kenya. The Rift Valley is one of the world’s largest landforms and can be seen from the moon. A water body usually refers to features such as oceans, seas and lakes that cover large areas of the earth. It may also include smaller pools of water such as ponds, puddles or wetlands. However, features where water moves from one place to another like rivers, streams and canals are not always considered “bodies” of water, but are known as geographical formations featuring water.

What we make Artificial geographical features

are physical features made by people. They include human settlements—cities and towns—and engineering constructions such as bridges, dams and highways. Outstanding examples include the Great Wall of China and the Suez Canal.

An ecosystem is a particular area in which everything, living (like plants and animals) and non-living (like rocks and soil), interacts with everything else. Ecosystems are also geographical features because they are locations (areas).

Let’s get abstract

Abstract geographical features are not physically visible

yet have a location and are often displayed on maps. Politically defined areas such as national boundaries are set by humans but do not appear on the land itself. Geographic features like the equator and the Greenwich meridian appear on maps but not on the planet itself, even though they are located on the planet. You can see the equator on maps, but if you are actually standing on it you can’t see it.

Tropic of Cancer

Greenwich meridian

equator

Tropic of Capricorn

The Great Wall of China is a series of walls extending 8,850 km, built to protect China from Mongol invaders. Building started more than 2,000 years ago but most of the existing walls were constructed 400–600 years ago. Contrary to popular belief, the Great Wall cannot be seen from the moon!

Lines of longitude stretch from pole to pole, lines of latitude span the globe from east to west. They give us a grid so we can find exact locations anywhere on Earth.

Vol. 5 no. 2

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

ecosystems

Kidneys of the earth We

take natural geographical features for granted—after all, they are part of the landscape! But we need to actively conserve some geographical features because of their importance in sustaining life and ecosystems. Can you think of any that we need to conserve? Forests and wetlands, for example, are vital to the health of our planet.

Wetlands

are a unique landform commonly referred to as the kidneys of the earth. Our kidneys clean our blood; wetlands clean our water. They also support all kinds of plants and animals, as well as people living around them. If we do not conserve our wetlands, we endanger certain fish species, such as mudfish and lungfish, which are facing extinction because wetlands are disappearing.

Wetlands are biodiversity hotspots—they support a rich variety of plants and animals, including birds like this egret. Livelihoods will be put at risk because people and animals compete for the little water resources that are available.

Mokoros, traditional dugout canoes, lie filled with morning rain in the Okavango Delta in Botswana, the world’s largest inland delta, fed by the Okavango River. During the annual flood season it expands to 3 times its permanent size. By Katherine Moir and Donald R. Omondi

HIS FERTILISER IS DESIGNED FOR SOILS WHERE HE LIVES, NOT FOR THE SOIL HERE. WHAT’S MORE, THIS IS A DRY AREA. WHY IS THAT A PROBLEM, CONNIE?

WE REALLY NEED CHEMICAL FERTILISER TO HELP OUR CROP!

IN DRY, SANDY SOIL LIKE THIS, THE FERTILISER COULD ACTUALLY BURN THE PLANT ROOTS. OOH-ER, WE DON’T WANT THAT!

Here in Kenya, 90% of the wetlands are not protected and are under pressure from human encroachment. Only 10% are safe because authorities such as the Kenya Wildlife Service conserve them. Wetlands lying below large flower farms can be polluted by the chemicals used on the flowers, posing a grave threat to the survival of some plant and animal species. Also under threat are lakeside wetlands located near human settlements. The areas around the lakes are endangered because climatic conditions have changed, making other places too dry, so both human beings and animals go to these moist, humid places to get the resources they need. They destroy the wetlands in the process.

MY UNCLE IN NYANZA SAID HE’LL BRING US SOME OF HIS WHEN HE COMES TO VIST.

IT ALSO WON’T DISSOLVE PROPERLY WITHOUT ENOUGH WATER. SO IT WILL BE WASTED ANYWAY. BUT HOW DO WE ADD NUTRIENTS TO OUR SOIL, CONNIE? USE ORGANIC FERTILISERS LIKE COMPOST OR MANURE . THEY’LL MAKE YOUR SOIL LESS SANDY, TOO.

FIND OUT HOW TO MAKE COMPOST ON PAGE 16.

HOLD IT—HIS FERTILISER MAY DO MORE HARM THAN GOOD.

WHY, CONNIE?

LET’S TRY COMPOST! GOOD IDEA! BUT HOWEVER YOU FERTILISE THE SOIL, DO SO CAREFULLY. YOU DON’T WANT IT TO BE WASHED INTO OUR WATER SUPPLY WHEN THE RAINS COME. WON’T IT BE FOOD FOR THE FISH?

NO—TOO MANY NUTRIENTS IN THE WATER CAN KILL FISH! SO USE FERTILISERS SPARINGLY. AND GROW LEGUMES LIKE BEANS. THEY FEED THE SOIL TOO!

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

Vol 5. no. 2

home gardens

I heard that! This socalled rubbish is going to become compost.

She must have been in a hurry! She’s brought her rubbish with her!

Er … how, Mwalimu?

Mkulima Halima will explain. What do you see in my wheelbarrow, class?

It’s a beautiful day at Furaha Primary School. Class 8 is happy to be outside. Mkulima Halima has come to show them how to make compost to add nutrients and texture to their soil..

Garden rubbish.

Hah hah! Compost is made from plant and animal matter that can rot. With it, you can improve your soil.

… and eggshells—and tea leaves …

A lot of banana and orange peels …

Then we won’t have to buy fertilisers!

Yuk! There’s cow dung in the bucket!

Very good! What exactly do we need for compost, Mkulima Halima? Ah, now this is my list of “ingredients”!

• Dry plant waste: twigs, dry leaves • Green plant waste: grass clippings, weeds, soft leaves • Kitchen waste: peels, tea leaves, eggshells, leftover food—no meat or meat products • Manure from poultry and livestock— none from meat-eating animals like dogs and pigs • Wood ash • Water • Long, pointed stick

Loosen the soil to about 30 cm deep. Moisten with water and put it to one side of the pit.

Start with a 10–15 cm deep layer of small Done! branches and twigs. Then put in a layer 30 cm deep of dry plant waste, green plant waste and kitchen waste. Done!

Oh, no, let’s just leave the ash out!

m wide, out 1.2 b a it p r p. If u Make yo and 60 cm dee your g d n il u lo ea, b 1.5 m a wet ar w in o e ll v a li to u yo und ove gro ay. heap ab ter to drain aw wa excess

The class digs with enthusiasm. Many hands make light work—soon ...

Time to start the compost heap ...

Now, will one of you bring some wood ash from the kitchen jikos, please?

That’s a good place. This area is dry, so you must first dig a pit to keep the compost moist.

That’s where it should be! Under that tree.

Now, select a shady spot.

Phew, I’m hot! What next, Mkulima Halima?

Oh no, why did I open my big mouth! Great! Mix ash, manure and some of that soil you set aside. Add a 5-cm layer to the heap. Sprinkle a little water on top. Repeat layers until the heap is about 1.5 m high.

Finally …

Ash reduces acids and adds minerals. I think you can fetch it, young man!

This pile will take • Water the heap every 3 days 4–5 weeks to rot. • Check the compost every 3–4 days. Pull But meanwhile you out the stick. It should be warm, moist and must look after it. a bit smelly. If it is dry, add more water to your heap. If the stick is cool or has white fungus on it, turn the compost (usually after 3 weeks). • Turn the compost upside down and replace the stick. Do not add anything except water. The layers will mix, aiding decay. • When the compost is ready, it will have a fresh, earthy smell and a crumbly texture.

Next issue: The class learns how to prepare their plot for planting.

Hey, great job, kids!

How will we use our compost?

Push the pointed stick in at an angle. It’ll be your compost “thermometer”. Cover the pile with plastic, banana leaves or grass to keep it moist.

We’ll dig it into the soil before we plant. In a few weeks time we’ll build another compost pit so that we always have compost. With this soil food, we’ll grow healthy plants. I can’t wait!

Vol. 5 no. 2

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

practical science

Good & poor conductors of heat

One day Musa watched a handyman fix a faulty electrical switch while standing on one leg. “That looks easy”, he thought.

He lifted one leg, grabbed the wire—and the shock threw him across the room. When he had recovered he asked the fundi how he had managed to avoid an electric shock. “Boy, didn’t you know I have a wooden leg?”

Why do some substances conduct heat and electricity while others do not?

Good heat conductors allow electrons to flow freely from one atom or molecule to another. When a good conductor is heated, its electrons carry the heat, in the form of a charge, through the entire object. If another object that is a good conductor comes into contact with this object, then the charge will also flow to the 2nd object. Insulators on the other hand obstruct that free flow of electrons because they are poor conductors of heat. When a charge goes to an insulator at one point, the charge will only warm the body and stay there because the particles of the insulator do not allow the electrons to flow. The different characteristics of conductors and insulators make both important in our day-to-day life. Conductors have many uses in the kitchen. Our sufurias are made of aluminium, which is a good heat conductor. Copper is used for electrical wiring due to its good conductivity. Silver is also a good conductor but it is more expensive than other metals thus less commonly used.

Baking tins must conduct heat well, oven gloves must insulate your hands. Insulators might be poor conductors of heat but they do a good job of shielding. Where the climate is hot and sunny, you can maintain a cool temperature indoors

by insulating with a poor conductor like fibreglass matting or thatch. To keep your tea hot, you store it in a thermos, which is insulated by a vacuum space to prevent heat loss. When it is cold we wear clothes that will insulate our bodies. Shoes protect our feet from the heat or cold of the ground. To avoid beco ming overheate d by ra diation fro m th e sun, the surface of spacecraft is insulate d by gold fo il. The handle of yo ur co oking pot is wo od or plastic to insulate it an d prevent Wooden pot handles and yo u fro m spoons prevent burns . getting burned. Plastic is also used to insula te electric wires an d sw itches.

Conductors and insulators usually work together. A conductor needs an insulator to prevent the heat or charge from going to unwanted areas. The insulator will always make handling of conductors easier and protect the handler from a short circuit or burn.

“Insulators on the other hand obstruct that free flow of electrons because they are poor conductors of heat.”

= s H Ma - n

+ actio in

ou have heard it before—we use maths every day. Okay, we need it to count our change when shopping, but really, unless you are an engineer or computer geek, who does more than this in their daily lives? Think about it and you will discover many ways in which we use maths. Here are a few reasons to pay attention in maths class.

Keeping time

We use maths to read the time, understand a calendar, plan our daily lives and keep appointments.

Staying in touch

We need a basic understanding of maths to use a mobile phone— and then we can talk, text, surf the internet, and send and receive money.

Speaking of money …

Maths helps us manage our finances, from the smallest handful of coins to the millions we dream of.

Cooking with numbers

Yes, baking and cooking require maths to follow the quantities in a list of ingredients, to double or halve them if necessary, and more.

Getting creative

We need measuring and counting skills for every form of art, whether it is painting, music or fashion design.

In the shamba

We space out crops and seedlings by measuring the distance between planting holes and rows. We also work out how long the plants will take to grow.

What do you want to be?

Many careers require maths. Here are some: • Accountant • Architect • Computer programmer • Medical doctor or nurse • Engineer • Meteorologist • Nurse • Pharmacist • Tradesperson (like carpenter and electrician)

Will you be paying more attention to maths from now on? So will we. We will explore the functions—and the magic—of maths in every issue.

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

Vol 5. no. 2

practical science

Technology fact file When you get on your bicycle, do you ever stop to think how it works? Bicycles are intricate machines, made up of several simple machines working together: pedals, gears, wheels, and brakes. Understanding how a bicycle works is easy because every part of it is exposed, unlike in machines such as cars. You can even dismantle and assemble one without any difficulty—once you know what goes where!

Gears and brakes

Most BMX and mountain bikes have 1 big gear and 5 small ones of different sizes. A gear is fitted with a number of teeth on the edge, arranged to fit into the links of a chain. When you pedal, the chain moves in a continuous circular motion around the

brake cable caliper

tire brake pad

big gear and the smaller gears. When you change the gear while cycling up a hill or down a hill, the derailleur lifts the chain to the appropriate gear. If you want to stop, you squeeze the brake levers on the handlebar. Thin metal cables running to the front and back wheels pull small calipers that cause the brake pads— thick rubber blocks—to press against the wheels. The friction between the pads and wheels generates heat, which minimizes the kinetic energy and makes you stop.

rear gear

chain

back derailleur

front gear

pedal

Bicycles obey the laws of physics like gravity, force and friction. Force makes the bicycle either move or stop. When you push the pedals in a circular motion, you are the engine. The force you exert will make the bicycle move forward, or accelerate. Squeezing the hand brakes exerts a force that makes the handlebar bike stop, or decelerate. Always check the brakes before you start off—it brake lever could be scary if they brake cable don’t work! Why does the bicycle not fall over when you are riding it? Because you are spinning the wheels so fast, creating an anti-gravity force that prevents gravity from pulling you down. To be able to balance your bike, you need friction

How Organise I... do

If you cycle too slowly, your bicycle can fall over—unless you have a helping hand! Speed creates an anti-gravity OLD CAR between MK4 force and increases friction your tires and the ground.

a fundraiser?

Hey! Did you read the cover story about the 3 friends who are providing free health OLD CAR MK4 care? Do you have an idea of how you can give back to society? You can organise a fundraiser to finance your idea using 4 simple steps: -

• Team up with an established local organisation The adults in these organisations can have useful advice and also help create more awareness for your cause. • Distribute the funds collected Preferably, give the product (textbooks, foodstuff, etc.) for which the fundraising was organised instead of pthe money collected.

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Let us know how your fundraising goes! sh

OK D BO UN F

• Set the date and venue Choose a date that gives you enough time to prepare and a venue that is suitable for the potential donors or sponsors. Ensure that both date and venue do not conflict with other local events. OK D BO UN F

• Choose a fundraising activity Decide on how much you aim to fundraise and the activity through which you will collect the money. The activity can be a carwash, a bake sale or a bigger venture like a sponsored run or walk. But OLD CAR MK4 remember—bigger ventures require a lot more planning.

You also need to reduce friction in some parts of the bike so that it doesn’t slow you down. So you oil the gears and chains to make them turn easier and prevent them from wearing out.

Bikes and physics

front derailleur chain

between the wheels of the bike and the surface you are riding on. Without it, your bike would slide. A slippery road is more difficult to ride on than a rough road.

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20illin

Vol. 5 no. 2

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

business & careers

Life skills for business

In the year June and Mark have been running their communications bureau, MaJu Communications, they have realised that certain life skills are essential in business. Some, like basic maths and literacy, we learn in school. Others, such as cooperation with other people and decision-making, we develop through personal experience.

People management skills I’m not paying for all these!

I’m sorry, Mrs Ali, I was sure you had ordered 50.

Time management & organisational skills I’m sorry, Ondiek, your photocopies aren’t ready.

Well, we’ve just been so busy.

What! You promised they would be ready today.

Mark has made a mistake with a client’s order. He printed too many copies of a leaflet. Then he remembers that he had been very busy when Mrs Ali placed her order. He hadn’t written down the order when she placed it.

ood communication with clients and colleagues is essential in business. June or Mark need to attend to customers quickly and politely. They also need to listen well and make sure they understand what customers want. Mark did not pay Mrs Ali proper attention. Now he has an unhappy customer—and he and June have lost some money. As business partners, Mark and June work hard on teamwork and cooperation. They know which of them is doing what task. They give each other tactful advice and accept advice from each other. Although June is upset when she hears of the mistake with Mrs Ali’s order, she appreciates the calm way in which Mark handled it. June has better organisational skills but is not so good at dealing with clients.

No sooner has Mrs Ali departed than June has to deal with another fuming customer. June had made a rash promise to Ondiek, even though they were really busy, because she hadn’t wanted Ondiek to take his order elsewhere.

Learning for

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USh

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une and Mark have been making the mistake of taking on every job that comes their way. Now, not only have they got Mrs Ali’s order wrong, they have also failed to do a job they accepted. They are losing money, they are stressed, and they could lose clients. They need to be more organised and to improve their time management skills. June decides to work out a rough guide to how much time it takes to do various jobs. They hope that it will help them manage the number of jobs they take on. They will also be able to give clients a more accurate estimate of when a job will be ready. They decide to make better use of the monthly planner on their wall to keep track of things.

Confidence and coping skills

onfidence is important in running a business. Mark and June believe in themselves, so they are able to deal with problems (like their disappointed customers) and learn from their mistakes, instead of giving up. Their confidence helped them get the loan they applied for recently. They are learning to manage stress when they are busy, business is slow or a client is unhappy.

Critical thinking and decision-making skills

hey may not realise it, but Mark and June have just displayed their critical thinking and decision-making skills. They thought about what had happened with Mrs Ali and Ondiek and how and why they had made mistakes. Then they decided what to do to improve their management of the business. These skills will be very useful to them, as they are in all businesses.

ur ho mework late? Do yo u often hand in yo ese tips. nagement skills with th Impro ve yo ur time ma the time you spend

on each day and ld cou week, list what you do you one e r els Ove how ut 1 of the week, think abo each thing. At the end e. tim have use d the e for each goal. 2 Set goals and allocate tim complete them. tasks off the list as you 3 Keep a “To Do” list. Cross k. to do each day and wee things you would like 4 Make a schedule of

Money management and practical skills

ll business people need to know how to manage money—how to save, borrow, or invest, operate bank accounts, pay taxes and keep records. Using their skills, Mark and June had worked out how much they needed to borrow.

Different businesses require different practical skills. To operate their communications bureau, Mark and June need to understand printing processes and certain computer programs. Mark also uses his creative skills in designing certain jobs, while June uses her accounting skills to keep track of all their transactions and to update their business plan.

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

Vol 5. no. 2

business & careers

s r e n i Tra

coache

If you are into sports, you know that every sport has a coach, whether it is football, athletics or motor-car racing. Coaches give you tips on how to play well and score more points.

Did you know that there are other kinds of coaches? Have you ever heard of a life trainer or a financial coach? Bikundo Onyari is a life trainer. No, he doesn’t give you aerobic or physical fitness classes; he trains you how to face challenges and use them to your advantage.

Patrick Wameyo is a financial coach. He teaches you how to use your money wisely so that you are able to make more. If mathematics is a bit of a challenge to you, then you need a coach like Patrick to make things easier.

Life trainer Bikundo Onyari’s father wanted him to study engineering. His mum wanted him to be a teacher because he helped his siblings well with their assignments. But Bikundo did not want to be that sort of instructor.

teach in a class, but I was going to help people realise their dreams in life. In 2001, I studied for a master’s degree in Social Entrepreneurship and Leadership Development. I learned how to start my own business as a life trainer and how different concepts work around the world.

A life trainer is rather like a counsellor, he political situation in the country as I train people to realise their inspired me to be a lawyer so I could potential in life. I help them find help fight for people’s rights. But I their way by using the skills and dropped out of law class after knowledge that they have at only one semester because You should hand, instead of following law was not my calling. I look into doing careers that are not in line something you got involved in community with their strengths. love. You can make theatre with a programme a career out aimed at getting youth off To be a life trainer, you don’t of a hobby. the streets. really need an office. You need

This can be done in a group situation or on a one-on-one basis. The use of drama, poetry and music is the most effective way to get youth to do something positive for society and for themselves. I would like to have a pool of about 50 trainers. I want to train more people so we can have branch offices all over East and Central Africa. You should look into doing something you love. You can make a career out of a hobby. Start with what you have. It will make you feel great because you can earn from it.

”

To know more: www.andecoaching.co.ke

Financial coach

“T

I talked to the youth about life and politics in general. Many began to change their outlook on life. I had finally found my calling. I was not going to

in respond ing and k c e h c Bikundo ts en from cli

ails g to em

a computer to check emails, book appointments, and, more importantly, set up a website or a blog page where you update your services and market yourself to get clients. A young lady asked if I could help her find a job as an accountant. Through the one-hour chat we had online, she realised that she could work as a freelance accountant. She could just talk to other people online and that way, find someone who needed accounting services without sending an application or waiting for an interview that might never come. Knowing that I have helped someone find their way gives me great satisfaction. Apart from occupational training, a life coach trains youth to be responsible members of society.

You can create any future you want by moving decisively towards the goals you have established – Patrick Wameyo

“A

t Egerton University I was a peer counsellor and also belonged to the Creative Players, where we used drama to both educate and entertain people. My skills in counselling enabled me to secure an internship at the Standard Chartered Bank. My counselling skills came in handy because I was able to talk to clients about their finances and they were able to make informed decisions on how to invest their money. This is what made me want to be a financial coach. I had come across several pensioners who had either used up all their pension money in the first year of retirement or simply got cheated by one of the many get-richquick schemes, which made off with their life savings. I had

Vol. 5 no. 2

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

careers & fun

also come across youth who were given money to pay fees, but had ended up using it all in a night, partying with friends.

We come from different cultures with different ways of doing things, different characters and behaviours that are ingrained from a young age. Once we recognise these perceptions, it is easier to learn to save and let money help us live a comfortable life.

A financial literacy coach teaches people how money is earned, spent and invested so that it brings you more Trying to make an impact as money. It is important A financial an individual is challenging. that you know what the literacy coach I thank one of our local short-term, mediumteaches people how radio stations, which gave term and long-term money is earned, spent me an hour every day for returns are before and invested so that it a month, so I could teach engaging your money brings you more people the importance of in, say, buying shares on money. money and saving so they could the stock market. Taking achieve the future they dreamed a loan to buy shares is not of. Being wealthy is not measured in enough. You have to know how much you how much money you have but in how stand to lose or gain. you earn it and how well you use it. One of the challenges I find in my job is To know more: getting people to accept the concept of www.financialacademy.co.ke financial education. People don’t realise they are making financial mistakes.

”

We salute

Mohamed Ali

“When I was growing up, my father always told me, ‘never eat what is not yours’,” says Mohammed Ali, the award-winning investigative journalist. These words became engraved in Mohamed’s mind and formed his dream: to protect the poor.

hen he finished high school, Mohamed went to the Kenya military tryouts, believing that the army would give him the best position to protect the poor. But Mohamed was not selected because he refused to pay a bribe. He tried the Kenya police but came up against the same barrier. Angry to be locked out of his dream career because he refused to bribe his way in, Mohamed decided to be a soldier without a gun.

advice to upcoming journalists: don’t aspire to be like me; aspire to be better than me.

Today, at only 27, Mohamed is among the best investigative journalists in Kenya. He has unveiled numerous corruption cases including corruption at the Track-It Car Company and the Kenya Ports Authority. He has also exposed the drug-trafficking world in Mombasa. Mohamed is not only daring but inspirational and humble too. Though he did not make it into the military, he never Mohamed Ali with the role model award he gave up on his dream. His won from the Kenya Change Generation Campaign.

e Maka monster

mask

The national music festival is about to happen and every school will be competing for an award. To make your school stand out, try including paper or cardboard masks. Masks should help demonstrate what the presentation or story is all about. Try this monster mask.

Things yo u’ll need

• Cardboard box and green paints • Black, red, yellow • String • Scissors • Nee dle • Paintbrush

Step 1

This kind of art is messy, so spread a newspaper on your working surface or work on the grass.

Step 2

Sketch a monster face on a piece of paper. Make it as scary as you can. Give it eyebrows, a nose and a mouth with jagged teeth. Do a big zigzag pattern for the top of the head and make the sides and bottom straight. Copy the monster face onto one side of your cardboard box.

Step 3

Cut out the face. Make 2 holes for the eyes.

Step 4

Paint the head yellow, the eyebrows thick green, the nose black and the eyes red.

Step 5

Apply red paint to the mouth and paint the teeth green. When dry, paint black outlines around all the features. Step 6 Make tiny holes where the ears would be and insert the string from one side to the other to hold the mask in place.

Go wild with your own designs. You can also embellish your masks by gluing on things like wool, feathers and fabric.

puzzles and fun

1 1

2 2

3 3

4 5 6

4 5

How much do you know about reptiles

How much do you know about reptiles and mammals that live in or near the sea? and mammals that live in or near the sea? Across

answers X

� X

�

Suleiman

Suzy

Sospeter

X X

�

28. Each day he moves up 1 m, and then on the 27th day he can leap 3 m and climb out.

Frog jump!

9 x

24 -3 15

Snack Attack: Sospeter lives in the mabati house and snacks on chocolate, Suzy lives in the stone house and eats bananas and Suleiman lives in the mud house and likes popcorn.

�

� X X

X X

�

Puzzle answers

Down

1. I’m a lion of the ocean! Down 2. I’m Thealargest 1. lion ofsea themammal ocean! 3. The I have a shellsea andmammal live on 2. largest 3. Iland have a shell and live on 5. land I have a shell but live in the sea 5. I have a shell but live in 6. They say I’m the friendliest the sea sea mammal 6. They say I’m the friendliest sea mammal

1. I crawl on my belly Across I sun on bathe with my mouth 1. I4.crawl my belly open 4. I sun bathe with my mouth 7. I live in rocky places and open feed insects 7. I live inon rocky places and 8. Large and fierce, I live in feed on insects the polar regions (2 words) 8. Large and fierce, I live in the polar regions (2 words)

Can you spot 10 lizards?

criss criss

-1

A puzzle you can also colour.

Vol 5. no. 2

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

s s cc oo s s rr

Vol. 5 no. 2

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

puzzles and fun

Suleiman, Suzy and Sospeter are friends. They live in a row of houses, but each house is different. Although they have a lot in common, they all crave something different when they want a snack. Work out who likes which snack, and what type of house each lives in, using the clues below.

m at h s

b loc ks

Put your maths skills to the test!

x Sospeter

-3

Suzy

Suleiman

3 Mark boxes that you have eliminated with an . Mark boxes that are correct with a .



cross

RIDDLES

Where do fish keep their money? Sospeter



In a river bank, of course

  criss 

What bone has a sense of humour? Suzy

How many letters are in the alphabet?

The humerus

C X AB X1

Use the numbers 1 to 9 to complete the equations. Each number is only used once. Each row is a maths problem. Work from left to right. Each column is a maths problem. Work from top to bottom.

✘

Clues 1. Sospeter does not like popcorn. 2. Suleiman does not live in the mabati house. 3. The person that lives in the mud house likes popcorn. 4. Suzy likes bananas. 5. The person who likes chocolate does not live in the stone house.

-1

How on earth am I going to get up there?!

Frog j ump!

A frog is at the bottom of a well 30 metres deep. Each day he summons enough energy for one 3-metre leap up the well. Exhausted, he then hangs there for the rest of the day. At night, while he is asleep, he slips 2 metres downwards. How many days does it take him to escape from the well?

Special savings! YAE subscriptions delivered to schools or clubs Email: info@YoungAfricanExpress.net

Note: Assume after the first leap that his hind legs are exactly 3 m up the well. His hind legs must clear the well is not alive? 4 What has 4 fingers and 1 thumb, butSnack Attack: Sospeter lives in him to escape. for X X 



Suleiman

11(count: the alphabet)

5 6

Criss cross

CRAZY BELZO

D BOAR Would you like to send

Bulletin

us a story, poem, joke or picture for the Bulletin Board? Be sure that it is your own creation, and that you haven’t seen or heard it somewhere else. All artwork should be on unlined white paper. Don’t forget to include your name, age and address.

By Bella Kilonzo

How much do you know about reptiles and mammals that live in or near the sea? Across 1. I crawl on my belly 4. I sun bathe with my mouth open 7. I live in rocky places and feed on insects

Across: 1. snake; 4. crocodile; 7. lizard; 8. polar bear. Down: 1. sealion; 2. whale; 3. tortoise; 5. turtle; 6. dolphin

A glove

the mabati house and snacks on chocolate, Suzy lives in the 3 house and eats bananas stone and Suleiman lives in the mud house and likes popcorn.

Down 1. I’m a lion of the ocean! 2. The largest sea mammal 3. I have a shell and live on land

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

Vol 5. no. 2

Civil society

The positive side of conflict

Although Amina and Jamal are twins, they are very different. During their free time, Nancy loves quietly reading novels and magazines, whereas Jamal prefers listening to music and watching movies.

o what happens when Nancy and Jamal happen to be free at the same time? Yes, you guessed right, a conflict is born. When you hear the word conflict, what comes to mind? Conflict is usually seen as a negative thing, leading to violence and hatred. But do you know that conflict is not always a bad thing? In fact, conflict allows people to understand each other better, developing healthy relationships and societies, if it is handled well. Conflict occurs when 2 or more individuals, or groups of people, differ in interests, values, or aims. Since

we are all born unique, we are bound to have disagreements with each other from time to time. How we deal with these conflicts is what determines whether our differences turn out to be positive or negative conflicts. Positive conflicts produce useful results, like: • Achieving solutions to problems together

With Nancy wanting a silent environment for her favourite pastime, reading, while Jamal wants to listen to loud music in between watching movies, how can the 2 turn their differences into a positive conflict? Discuss their options with your class.

• Building cooperation between people • Increasing our awareness of ourselves and the people around us • Developing deeper understanding and communication skills among people

BUT TEACHER, WE’RE LOSING OUT ON OUR STUDIES!

WHEN ARE WE GOING TO RECOVER ALL THOSE LESSONS?

Story by Pauline Maina Art by Bella Kilonzo YOU GUYS BETTER WORK FASTER OR YOU’LL BE HERE FOREVER.

YOU HAVE TO WORK VERY HARD, NOT ONLY IN CLASS BUT ALSO OUTSIDE CLASS, TO SURVIVE!

... THEY WILL NEVER GET THE WORK DONE. BESIDES ALL THE CHILDREN HAVE TO TILL THE SHAMBA— IT’S PETER AND ASHA’S TURN NOW. BUT YOU ARE DENYING US THE CHANCE TO STUDY AND PLAY. WHAT ABOUT THE RIGHT TO FREEDOM FROM LABOUR?

CHILDREN NEED ADULT GUIDANCE ...

HOW AM I EXPLOITING THEM? IF I DON’T FORCE THEM TO WORK ...

... BUT THAT DOES NOT MEAN YOU CAN EXPLOIT THEM LIKE THIS!

PETER AND ASHA CAN STILL WORK ON THE FARM BUT NOT DURING LESSONS.

I’M SORRY. RUN AND CATCH UP WITH YOUR CLASSMATES. AFTER CLASS, WE CAN SET A TIMETABLE TO GUIDE US.

THANKS, WATOTOMAN.

YOU SURELY SAVED THE DAY, WATOTOMAN! THE WORK MUST NOT BE DONE AT THE EXPENSE OF THEIR RIGHTS.

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The Young African Express is published by Jacaranda Designs Ltd, PO Box 1202 - 00606, Nairobi, Kenya. Tel: +254 (0)20 374-4737. Registered at the GPO as an educational magazine. The throu Young Africa gh your schoon Express l by contais now The throu Young Africa cting in Uchum gh your i super marke schoon Express ts and l by contais now shops cting in Uchum Tel: + , Or subsc i super 254 (0)2 marke ribe Exp t

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