Say NO to Tribalism 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. 3

™

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

Vol. 5 no. 3

I remember when I was looking for work at a construction site after dropping out of school. The discrimination I faced almost broke my spirit. People were chosen to work according to which part of the country they came from. When it was time to be paid, some people got more money than others—this was all done on tribal lines. I faced that tribal discrimination. There are many qualified young people looking for jobs, training or financial assistance,

“Stop tribalism”—the message is loud and clear on Groove Award winner Eko Dydda’s T-shirt. Eko, as most of his fans call him, has decided to take the peace campaign from his neighbourhood of Mathare into other areas of Nairobi and eventually, throughout Kenya.

hy did gospel singer Eko choose the peace campaign out of the many charitable activities he could involve himself in?

IN THIS ISSUE

“I was born and brought up in Mathare, one of the major slums here in Nairobi. The destruction and loss of life I witnessed after the last general elections left me broken. I lost a number of friends. I saw good friends turn into enemies overnight. Everybody treated everybody else with suspicion. There was tension all over. It has taken time for things to get back to normal.

continued on page 3 Vol 5 No.

Your free poster! A tragic

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Musi C to fight tribalism

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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, Cynthia Cheruto, Diana Lee-Smith, 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, Henry Koské, Katherine Moir, Harrison Muriuki, Martin Ngugi, Sherry Odeyo, Benjamin Ondiege, Nkrumah Ondiek, Tony Siema Photographs Eko Dydda, Pauline Maina, Katherine Moir, Sarah Radoli, Tugela Ridley, ILRI, IRIN, Macquarie Marshes Environmental Trust, www.sxc.hu, US Army Corps of Engineers, www.en.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 667747 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. 3

EXPRESSIONS

Dear Readers,

Sometimes young people feel they have to wait until adulthood to play a role in making change happen. But that’s not true! This issue is filled with ideas on how young people can do something to create better lives and a more honest and tolerant society. We hope this issue fills you with ideas on how you can get involved! The cover story is inspiring. Eko Dydda is a great role model for all of us. We hope you’ll enjoy reading this Stamp out story and talking corruption! about it with your classmates, friends and families.

they can do to stop this vice. Start an anticorruption campaign by getting others in your school and community involved too. What would happen if everyone in the country got serious about kicking out corruption?

The ideas and skills needed to promote peace are topics in this issue too. I’m fighting When we all live in peace, so much corruption! more is possible! So, go ahead, get How about you? involved by persuading others around you to say no to violence, tribalism and other forms of harm and hate. You can make a bigger difference than you may think!

Extend your thinking about corruption and the harm it brings by showing the poster to others and asking them to tell you about their experiences of corruption. Ask what they think

Let us hear your ideas and comments too. Send us an sms on 0722-667747 or 0733-960757 or email us at info@YoungAfricanExpress.net Check out our Facebook page (search for Young African Express) and add your voice too. Just go for it! WRITE TO THE EDITOR Young African Express PO Box 1202 – 00606 Nairobi

We say…

Can you imagine what it would be like if you didn’t have one hand? Or if you were blind? How would it feel and how would you want people to treat you? Some students of Makini School shared their thoughts with us. Zena Kipkenda, 13 Class 8 Hobbies: Singing, playing the keyboard and surfing the internet

f I were disabled in any way, I would want to be treated like any other person and be supported in everything I do. My elder sister is deaf and we love her and show her that she can make it in life just like other people. Mistreating the disabled will only make them feel dejected and they will not be confident to go for their dreams. I would advise those that despise the disabled to stop—if something happened to them they wouldn’t want to be treated that way.

Rene Sossion, 13 Class 8 Hobbies: Playing football, swimming, cycling We are all equal regardless of our appearance so everybody should be treated equally. I don’t know anybody who is disabled and if I did, I would treat them the way I would want to be treated. Disability is not inability. I have seen several disabled people rise to the top in their careers. It is not the person’s fault that they were created that way so do not discriminate against them. Chris Waiguru, 13 Class 8 Hobby: Reading the bible At church I see a guy whose skin is covered with sores. He leads a normal life but girls avoid getting close to him. If I were his friend, I would play with him and advise him not to be too concerned about what other people say because you can’t please everyone. I always wonder how the girls

Naomi Kiniti, 13 Class 8 Hobby: Singing Some parents are to blame for the disabled being mistreated because they incite their children not to interact with them. They should let them play together because the disabled are not outcasts. If I were disabled, I would want to be treated like a normal person living a normal life because I also have a future. The disabled should look on the positive side of life and not let anything hinder them from running after their dreams. There is a renowned surfer, Bethany Hamilton, whose arm was bitten off by a shark while she was surfing. That didn’t stop her from doing what she wanted. would treat him if he was their brother. I would want to be treated fairly and respected. The disabled can also become great people like Henry Wanyoike, who is blind and has risen to become a famous athlete.

Vol. 5 no. 3

EXPRESSIONS

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

Musi C to fight tribalism continued from page 1

but unfortunately, many are turned away because they do not belong to this or that tribe.

they can participate in shaping a good future for our country.

While growing up, none of us cared The youth feel where any of our friends came frustrated from. We played together because they just as if we walked out Why are h, ut yo e have no one of the same house in the th we, Eko stress le op pe es the nee g to turn to morning. At some point, in w allo d for the y g outh to be on al us for advice, that was lost, and as de vi united. to di ? jobs or guidance. Without we matured, we started tribal lines good mentors in society, many looking at tribes. someone persuaded our local actors to get involved in irresponsible talk with our young people, we would behaviour like drinking, taking drugs I took it upon myself to see great changes in the way they and mugging. bring the youth in my neighbourhood approach life. Artistes are not simply together. The youth have been entertainers but can also be great People don’t know how to approach blamed for many of the bad things educators. the youth. That is why I have taken that happen in society. But it’s the the initiative to make a difference in powerful people in society using them I also make sure that the youth in my own small way. When to spread resentment. That is not the my neighbourhood participate in I want to talk with kind of environment we want to live Yo u may not income-generating activities. We the youth concerning in. I’m campaigning against tribalism. be an A st u dent collect garbage around Mathare, tribalism and its The response I am getting from youth in class, but yo u c and also hold modelling effects on society, who want me to visit their schools to a n be an A st u dent in competitions for girls. I approach them talk about the importance of unity in meeting the chall e n before football diversity is encouraging. Now that the g e s of life an d beco me To promote local talent, I tournaments, giving referendum is with us yet again, I tell ver y crea tive. have a young man in my them word from youth who are of age to make sure neighbourhood burn my music CDs the scriptures. If they have their voter’s card so that so that I have copies to sell. He does such a good job that I promote him to work with my fellow musicians, who our e We’re the ones who determin are happy with his work. do to e hav future generation so we kly. quic something now, and See this T-shirt I am wearing? I Tracy Nyokabi ati Bah at ls Gir didn’t buy it from a shop. Another Girls High School le! enterprising young man comes up with rsib reve is nge cha Climate have been working to designs and colours. For something hiri Onc eta Lorr unique, I direct potential clients to him.” reduce climate change. This Garden of the eate recr say can to e We hav y is what the My message to youth is, no Eden. It only takes a step. about it. matter where you are, believe in Carol Coaches yourself. Don’t allow yourselves to ate, think big. clim k Thin be misled by money into spoiling take us, with here Climate change is ila Chek She ht your lives. Be happy with what oug we that war ld it up as a wor you have and God will bless you. girls! to fight. Editor: Thanks for your wisdom, ja Kan Faith

Quotable quot es

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. 3

staying healthy

Going vegetarian Do you have friends who don’t eat any meat, fish or eggs? Your friend is a vegetarian. Vegetarianism is a diet that does not include meat.

lthough vegetarianism originated as a religious practice, it has become popular for both economic and nutritional reasons. There are 2 main types of vegetarians:

1. lacto-ovo-vegetarians—diet excludes meat but includes eggs and dairy products

2. vegans—diet excludes all animal products, even dairy, eggs and honey A strict vegan diet could lead to nutritional deficiencies, most importantly in teens, who need nutrients to fuel growth, particularly protein and calcium.

Girls especially need to be careful about their diet because they lose iron during menstruation. Before you go vegetarian, you need to educate yourself. Make sure you include these key nutrients in your diet: iron, calcium, protein, vitamin D, vitamin B12, zinc. Good sources of iron include black beans, black-eyed peas, soybeans, Fats, oils, sugars, salt 2−3 teaspoons

Proteins Dairy products, dairy substitutes 2−3 servings Vegetables 3−5 servings

Proteins Legumes, nuts, seeds, eggs 2−3 servings Fruits 2−4 servings Carbohydrates Breads, rice, pasta, potatoes,cereals 6−10 servings

The vegetarian daily food pyramid A serving should fit in the palm of your hand. For liquids, a serving is about a cup.

Keep it fresh Kip and Sunila had been clea ning their classroo m before clas ses began. Whe n their Scien ce teacher, Mrs Maingi, arrived, Sun ila was coughing. M rs Maingi as ked the class why th ey thought S unila was coughing. Tom said it was be cause of the cold weather whi le Kip said dust in the classroom ha d caused it. “I think we should learn a bit about ventilation,” said Mrs Mai ngi. entilation is the movement of air through a room, with fresh air coming in and stale or polluted air going out. In a properly ventilated room, air moves around the room, and the temperature and humidity remain at a comfortable level.

Infectious illnesses such as colds spread more easily in an enclosed space, like a classroom or office.

Good ventilation prevents unpleasant smells, the build-up of dangerous gases like carbon monoxide in smoke from cooking fires—a major cause of respiratory diseases—and the growth of mould, dust mites and mildew, which may cause asthma and other allergic reactions.

Excess moisture damages painted surfaces, electronic equipment and furniture. The damp gs Air in buildin may cause can be food to even more rot, leading polluted to digestive than the air problems outside, even like al cities. in big industri diarrhoea.

chickpeas, lentils (ndengu), pumpkin seeds and nuts. Include green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale. Remember to eat your fruits and broccoli, which are high in vitamin C to help absorb the iron. Vegetarian diets provide sufficient protein so long as a variety of plant sources are consumed. Good sources of plant protein include soya beans, amaranth, brown rice, nuts, peanut butter, vegetables and black beans. Lacto-ovo vegetarians can obtain their vitamin B12 from dairy products and eggs, while vegans can only obtain it from fortified foods and dietary supplements. Calcium is important for building your teeth and bones. Since vegans only eat plant foods, they need a lot of spinach, kales, soya milk and fortified orange juice in their diet to supply calcium. Vitamin D helps us absorb calcium. Our bodies make vitamin D from sunlight and we get it from dairy products and eggs. Vegans should have fortified soya milk, cereal grains and mushrooms.

Advantages of proper ventilation warm, stale air cool, fresh air

ventilation Naturalnatural ventilation

Better health. When people are in a

room for long periods, like Kip and Sunila in their classroom, open windows and wall vents supply clean air, reduce room temperature and remove pollutants and moisture. Even in cold weather, open the windows briefly from time to time.

Improved learning. Good air quality in schools can reduce absenteeism caused by illness or allergies and makes us more alert—improving our ability to concentrate and our performance. We need good air to get good marks! If you feel sleepy or have a problem breathing in class, it may be caused by the lack of fresh air. Discuss with your class how you can improve ventilation in the classroom.

Vol. 5 no. 3

d i a t s Fir

First Aid

for wounds and burns

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

The Heimlich manoeuvre

Most wounds, cuts and burns are minor and you can treat them simply at home. However, if the injury covers a large area, get medical help as soon as possible.

ere are some general rules for dealing with minor injuries, such as a cut, a burn or choking.

How to dress a wound • Stay safe. If you are not the victim, make sure you wear gloves to avoid contact with someone else’s blood.

• Clean the wound with running water. Wash the skin around the injury with soap. Don’t worry if soap gets into the wound. Rinse it thoroughly to rid it of any dirt and soap.

• Bleeding. A little bleeding is OK as it helps flush dirt and other contaminants out of the wound. If the bleeding continues, the first step is to plug the hole, as blood needs to clot to start healing. Put pressure on the wound with gauze, to promote clotting.

If blood soaks through the gauze or towel, add another layer—don’t take off the gauze, as this could cause more bleeding.

Keep the wound elevated above the heart. Doing so slows the flow of blood.

Use pressure points. Pressure points are where blood vessels run close to the surface. Direct

pressure on these blood vessels will help stop the bleeding. Press on a point between the heart and the wound. Common pressure points: • Arm between shoulder and elbow • Groin area along bikini line • Behind the knee

• Cover the wound only if it is likely to come in contact with clothing or dirt. Close cuts less than 2 cm long with bandages or plasters. If you can’t pull the edges of a cut together easily, the wound may need to be stitched by a doctor.

How to treat simple burns

Step 1. Cool the wound immediately by running it under clean, cool water for 10 minutes. If running water is not available, soak the wound in cool water for the same amount of time. Step 2. Apply a small amount of burn ointment. Use only enough to cover the wound.

Such a complicated name for something as simple as choking! If a choking person is not able to cough or speak, that’s when to perform the Heimlich manoeuvre immediately. These few steps could help save someone’s life: • If the choking person is sitting, get them to stand. • Stand slightly behind the standing victim and place your arms around the victim’s waist. • Make a fist with one hand and place your thumb toward the victim, just above the belly button. • Grab your fist with your other hand. Deliver 5 upward squeezethrusts into the abdomen. This will make the diaphragm move air out of the victim’s lungs, creating an artificial cough. • Repeat the Heimlich manoeuvre until the foreign body is expelled.

Step 3. If the skin is broken, dress the wound using gauze or sterilised cloth to loosely cover the wound. Remember, air needs to reach the wound, so dress it lightly and secure it with medical tape or a knot. Step 4. Give painkillers if needed. Monitor the burn site for pus or other signs of infection. See a doctor if this occurs.

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

ear is the main reason why most people don’t want to be tested for HIV. They’re either afraid of being seen going into a testing centre, because of social stigma, or are afraid of getting a positive result. Others think that they are simply not at risk. Because HIV is associated with sex, young people also fear that others, particularly adults, will learn they are sexually active if they are seen getting tested. However, remember that “information is knowledge” and so, no matter what the result is, you’re better off knowing your status so you can take control of your life. Use the knowledge you gain from testing as a tool for prevention in the future.

Vol. 5 no. 3

hiv and you

HIV tests are of 2 types:

Rapid test

Tests the level of antibodies in the blood. It’s the test most commonly used. A small sample of blood is taken from a finger and the results are ready within 10–15 minutes. If the 1st test is negative, no further tests are done. If the 1st test comes out positive, a 2nd test is performed for confirmation. If the 1st and the 2nd produce discrepant results, a 3rd test is carried out.

The limitation of this type of test is that, since the body takes about 3 months to produce antibodies (incubation or window period), a test done during this period may not produce accurate results.

Laboratory test

Checks the presence of the HI virus. It’s 100% accurate. It also uses a blood sample, which is sent to the laboratory for analysis. Results are ready in 2-1/2 hours.

Counselling is an essential part of the testing process. Whatever the test result, trained youth-friendly counsellors at VCT centres will provide guidance, support and information. Test results are totally free and totally confidential, so nobody needs to know, unless you want them to.

Contact h Hotline One2One Yo ut 1 12 0 0800 72 Safarico m (Free from a line) am–8 pm Weekdays: 8 am–4 pm 10 Weekends: enya.org ek on e2 on www.

how stupid!

look, leon, isn’t that your friend omari? he’s at that new testing place …

maybe he is there for an hiv test …

Story by Peta Meyer Art by Bella Kilonzo what’s the point of knowing if you have hiv, sylvia? if you’re doomed, better not to know.

hiv isn’t a death sentence. haven’t you heard of arv s ?*

they would think i’m sick and start talking!

or maybe they would think you’re being grown-up and responsible—i know i would. besides, you could test negative. have you ever thought of that?

why is an hiv test stupid? i think it’s a good idea! young man, you know your girlfriend is talking sense.

later ...

you’ll never get me to a testing centre. what if people saw? my chick made me go for testing. i was also scared like you.

who says i am scared!!

what is up with those guys!

*arv s : antiretroviral drugs that prevent hiv from developing into aids.

it’s my life, isn’t it?

TALK ABOUT IT! why does leon react like that? are you sometimes like him, not wanting to know if you think you won’t like the answer? what could be the consequences of such behaviour?

Vol. 5 no. 3

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

bodyworks

Your 5 senses What would your world be like if you couldn’t see, touch, taste, hear or smell? You wouldn’t have the same experiences as others who can do all these things, and life would be a little challenging. How do our 5 senses help us relate to the world around us?

e use our eyes to see. Eyes have iris a complex structure consisting lens of a transparent lens that focuses light in the retina. The retina is covered with pupil 2 types of light-sensitive cells—rods and cones. cornea

retina

fovea

rod cell

cone cell

optic nerve

The rod cells are not sensitive to colour but have greater sensitivity to light than the cone cells. Rod cells help you see well in the dark and from the corner of your eyes. Cone cells, sensitive to colour, are located in the part of the retina known as the fovea, where the lens focuses the light.

our ears consist of the outer, the middle and the inner ear. The inner ear, also known as the cochlea, is shaped like a little spring. It is covered by thin nerve fibres that react to vibrations and transmit impulses to the brain through the auditory nerve. The brain combines the input of both ears and you are able to tell the direction and distance of sounds. The outer ear is shaped a little like a cup and nerves directs sound to the inside cochlea of the ear through a Eustachian tube series of tiny ear drum bones in the inner ear outer ear middle ear middle ear called the malleus, incus and stapes. The inner ear has chambers filled with a viscous fluid and small particles called otoliths. The movement of these particles over small hair cells in the inner ear sends signals to the brain that are interpreted as motion and acceleration. Have you ever travelled in a car going downhill and felt your ears pop? It is the liquid reacting to the change in air pressure caused by the change in altitude. It is this fluid that helps maintain your balance. ear canal

incus stapes malleus semicircular canals

he receptors for taste, called taste buds, are in the tongue, but they are also located in the roof of the mouth, near the pharynx. Your taste buds can detect 4 basic tastes: salty, sweet, bitter and sour, and have nerves that send messages to the brain.

large taste buds small taste buds

Did you know that the tongue is a muscle? Yes! The tongue helps manipulate food in your mouth so you can chew and swallow. The tongue is also very important for speech. Without it, you wouldn’t be able to pronounce words properly.

. . . tha t hu man each being h as a 6th se nse? C an yo u take a guess? so meon have yo u eve Well, r e feeling say to trust heard ? Yes, y yo ur g ut o ur gut is cons ide fe So me p re d yo ur 6th eling eo sense. conscie ple refer to nce, or it as y o ur yo ur in stinct.

Ouch!

Have you ever been pricked by a pin or touched a hot sufuria while cooking? Nerve endings are distributed all over the body and they receive and transmit sensations to the brain immediately. The brain will then tell you to move your hand away from the hot sufuria, or react to nerve cell the needle prick. There are 4 types of sensations that you can identify: cold, heat, contact and pain. The tiny hairs on your skin magnify the sensitivity and act as an early warning system for the body.

he sense of smell goes together with the sense of taste. Smells consist of vapour, which is picked up by smell receptors and transmitted to the brain. The sense of smell is temporarily lost when you have a cold. Dogs are known to have a more sensitive sense of smell than do humans. You may have seen dogs being used by the police to search for drugs at the airport or to catch thieves. olfactory nerve olfactory bulb olfactory neurons (smell receptors) nasal cavity scent nostril

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

Caring for someone with HIV Anybody living with HIV needs to take good care of their health. If someone close to you is affected, help by making sure that they take their medicines on time and go for regular checkups; also, encourage them to sleep for at least 8 hours a day, to take light exercise • Eating well means eating a variety of foods. and to go out and • Eat staple foods, such as cereals and starchy roots (like socialise. Eating healthily is also essential, keeping the body strong to fight opportunistic diseases that may attack when HIV weakens the immune system. A healthy and balanced diet doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated.

potatoes, cassava, yams and plantain) with every meal. • Eat legumes every day. They are a cheaper source of protein than animal foods. • Eat animal products regularly. Meat and fish are good sources of protein, vitamins and minerals; eat them as often as you can afford them. • Eat a variety of vegetables and fruit every day. They supply the vitamins and minerals that keep the body functioning and the immune system strong as they help fight infection. • Use fats and oils as well as sugar. They are a good source of energy and can help one gain weight—important for those living with HIV or AIDS. • Drink plenty of clean, safe water. THE BOOK CLUB DISCUSSES FUNDRAISING.

By Peta Meyer and Martin Ngugi K.

I KNOW! WE’LL SELL SAUSAGES! EVERYONE LIKES SAUSAGES.

GOOD IDEA—BUT NOT PORK . WE MUSLIMS DON’T EAT IT.

OKAY, WE’LL HAVE BEEF SAUSAGES. WE HINDUS DON’T EAT BEEF, YOU KNOW.

YOU PEOPLE ARE SO DIFFICULT! WHY CAN’T YOU ALL BE NORMAL LIKE EVERYONE ELSE?

BIKO, EVERYONE’S IDEA OF “NORMAL” IS DIFFERENT. THAT’S WHAT MAKES LIFE INTERESTING. LIFE WOULD BE BORING IF WE WERE ALL THE SAME!

AND WHAT ABOUT US VEGETARIANS? YEAH, SUPPOSE EVERYONE ONLY LIKED HIP-HOP. THEN REGGAE MUSIC WOULDN’T EVEN EXIST.

OH MAN, THAT WOULD BE AWFUL! I LIKE THAT!

YES! GOOD IDEA!

Vol. 5 no. 3

LIVING RIGHT

LET’S TRY TO FIND A SOLUTION THAT SUITS EVERYONE …

HOW ABOUT SELLING VEGETABLE SAMOSAS? GREAT!

Letter from a

child molester

Wesley Allan Dodd sexually assaulted over 100 boys and murdered 3 before he was finally caught. In prison, he wrote this advice for children.

“What should you do when you’re alone, and someone you don’t know wants you to go with him, or wants you to pull down your pants, or do something else you know is bad? The stranger is bigger and stronger than you, but he is just as scared. He’s afraid you might do something to get him caught. So how can a boy or girl make a grown-up run away when he wants to do something bad to you? Just say NO! Then RUN! A boy said no. Then, before I could do anything, he ran away! I ran too—the other way. I didn’t want anyone to see me chasing him, and I was afraid he’d send the police back to get me. I met another boy—he was only 6. I told him, “You have to come with me.” He said NO and tried to get away, but I picked him up and started to carry him off. He couldn’t get away, but he didn’t give up. He started screaming and yelled, “Someone help me—he’s killing me!” He kept screaming and yelling for help. I was afraid someone would hear, so I let him go and ran. The boy ran too and told someone what happened and the police caught me 10 minutes later. Just say NO! Then RUN! SCREAM—it will scare the bad man away. Get away fast and tell someone what happened. Always tell someone. Be a hero!”

COOL! I VOTE FOR THAT!

From the website http://kids-in-crisis.webs.com

Vol. 5 no. 3

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

Human rights

Of late, green and red have filled our every day in Kenya, all because of a referendum. But what is a referendum anyway?

A referendu m is a process that allows citizens to vote directly to lar approve or reject a particu nt me ern gov c cifi law, a spe policy, a constitutional led mo dification (co mmonly cal our in as or, , nt) an amendme case, an entirely new constitution.

So, what is the difference between a referendum and a general election? A referendum is about issues, not about personalities. A referendum allows citizens to say “yes” or “no” to a specific political question, often of major political significance. A referendum allows citizens to choose the kind of rules and laws by which they want to live and be governed. Referendums are held as the need arises.

You ask, what’s a constitution? A constitution is an agreed set of principles or rules among members of a certain group. The group may be as small as a school club or as big as an organisation or, as is our case, a country. A country’s constitution outlines fundamental principles according to which the citizens of a country want to be governed.

Why is it important for a country to have a constitution? A country’s constitution is important because it

• Defines and gives identity to the citizens of a country • Protects the rights of the citizens

• Establishes government structures, authorities, positions and offices • Determines members’ or citizens’ responsibilities—for example, participation in elections, payment of taxes, monitoring of government programmes • Ensures accountability, transparency and responsiveness of both government and citizens • Provides structures and powers to be exercised in trust for the people • Checks these given powers to ensure that they are not misused • Ensures wealth is distributed for common services that promote individual wellbeing

Sw itzerland is the co untr y w ith th e most referendum s. They are held 3-4 times a year an d alw ays on a Sunday, so met imes together w ith elections. Un der the Sw iss cons titution, referendums ar e necessar y to change any law an d they take place at fe deral, canton an d municipal level.

General elections, on the other hand, are held regularly at fixed intervals. Officials are elected in elections, but not in referendums. Elections give citizens a chance to choose the leaders they want to govern them.

DO THE

RIGHT

Toddlers are famous for their habit of throwing tantrums when things don’t go their way.They still have to learn self control.

THING

Imagine your shock if an adult threw a tantrum. The world would be a noisy place if we were not able to control ourselves.

Self-control

Self control helps us to get on with each other. If you are finding it hard to control your impulses, stop. Think.

What are the consequences? It may be worth doing that homework before watching TV!

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

Vol. 5 no. 3

our world

m s i l a i Colon

Invasio

When studying history at school, you must have learned about the scramble for Africa and the partitioning of it. You also learned about colonialism and invasion. Do these 2 words mean the same thing? MACEDONIA

Sea

spi

Blac k

an Sea

Med

ite

rra

Sea

M ONIAN E

ARABIA

RE INDIA

Pe r

EGYPT

ian

Red

Gul

Sea

Indian Ocean

he dictionary defines a colony as a settlement. Colonialism refers to a period in history between the 15th and 20th centuries, when Europeans established colonies on other continents. Colonies were established — • so colonialists could make profits from trade between the settlement and the home country • to expand the power of their cities back home • so colonists could escape persecution in their own countries • to convert the indigenous population to the colonialists’ religion

The Egyptians, Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans established the earliest colonies. They left their cities and settled in foreign lands that were good for agriculture.

Alexander the Great became king of Macedonia in Greece in 336 BC. He created one of the largest empires in the ancient world, conquering all the lands shown in orange on the map, from ancient Egypt to the borders of India.

While some of the later European colonialists felt that they were helping the indigenous people by bringing them Christianity and civilisation, the results were far from that. Many of the indigenous people were forced to become servants; others were displaced from their homes; many others died from torture.

nvasion refers to a situation where the army of, say, country X enters country Y by force. As a result, country X exploits country Y and gains from it.

In the new co un tr y, ar my X— • conquers the co untr y it inva de s • liberates or es tablishes control over the inva de d co untr y • partitions the inva de d co untr y • gives itself ce rtain privileges in the inva de d co un tr y • Or does all of these things.

For example, Kuwait was invaded by Iraq in August 1990. Causes included economic and political differences between the 2 Arab countries that were once friends. The result was war, destruction of property and loss of lives. An invasion can also be a strategy to end war. In history, hostile neighbour countries tried to keep safe from invasion. The Great Wall of China was built as one such defence mechanism. Other nations made use of natural geographical barriers such as rivers and marshes to guard against invasion. With advances in technology, many countries are using cameras and motion-sensitive sensors to keep alert in case of an invasion, such as on the border between South and North Korea.

An oilfield burns during the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, a modern attempt at colonisation that ended when foreign nations attacked Iraq.

All PSVs should have HAKUNA SHIDA! I HAVE MY WARNING SIGN RIGHT HERE—AVAILABLE EVERYWHERE AND FREE, TOO!

Warning triangle

Put on the road in case of a breakdown

THE ONLY SAFETY BELT I NEED IS THE ONE HOLDING UP MY TROUSERS!

Spare wheel

in case of a puncture by Benjah Ondiege and Katherine Moir

What PSVs should carry

Fire extinguisher All vehicles should carry a spare wheel and a warning triangle. Public service vehicles like matatus should have some extra equipment … and we don’t mean branches!

First aid kit

to treat basic injuries

Safety belt

to protect passengers in case of a crash

Vol. 5 no. 3

Reading is fun

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

bottles from their bin outside into the sack he was carrying. Today there was a boy with him. The boy stared at Sweetie and she stared back, wondering if she should greet him, but just then her mother called, ”Breakfast’s ready”, so she ran back inside, hungry.

BY LEE DIANI Our serialised story starting this issue

“

Episode 1: A chance meeting

Wake up Sweetie, it’s time for school.” The sound broke through Sweetie’s half-disappearing dream. What was it? Something about President Obama inviting her to the White House? Dream on.

with her younger brother and sister, she wondered why their dog Kofi was barking so much. “What’s going on, Kofi? Mum, why all that noise? Are there robbers trying to break in?”

“OK Mum, what’s for breakfast?”

“I think it is just the waste recyclers going through the bin,” called her mother. “You know it is Wednesday.”

“It’s porridge today, uji. I got some more banana jam to put in it. I know you like that. Hurry up.” Sweetie got out of bed and made her preparations for the day. In the bathroom, jostling for space

Sweetie went down to the courtyard to have a look. Sure enough, through the fence she saw a man in ragged clothes emptying

“What are you people doing at school today?” her mother asked, “Anything interesting?” “I have Maths and History this morning and in the afternoon it is football, so that is OK. Football is interesting,” said Sweetie’s little brother, Kepta, but he felt uncomfortable when they all laughed at him. “I am doing Geography and Swahili in the morning and this afternoon we are going on a field visit for Environmental Sciences. You remember you signed the letter for that. I like that subject—and anyway, it is true—going out rather than staying in the classroom does make things more interesting”, Sweetie said, feeling she should support her brother so he did not look too lazy and make her mother worry about him. Maybe she would think he never took his studies seriously enough. “Hurry up and get your school bags. It is almost time to go for the school bus,” said mother, and Sweetie ran. Once outside she went through the gate and started down the road to the school bus stop. Her brother and sister ran ahead, eager to see their friends there. Just as Sweetie reached the corner she was startled to see somebody in the grassy ditch by the pathway. At first she thought it was someone passed out drunk and she was going to cross over the street to walk on the other side. Then she realised that it was a young person her own age—the boy she had not greeted before when he was emptying their waste bin. He was seated quite comfortably, continued on page 12

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

continued from page 11

leaning against a sack and reading a book.

“Ni aje?” said Sweetie politely as she passed. The boy turned his gaze from reading to look at her and at first did not answer. She felt foolish. Then he sort of grunted, “Poa, poa. Mambo?”

Reading is fun “Yes I do,” he said. “I am reading about the importance of separating organic and inorganic wastes so that organics are used properly for soil improvement. Did you know some are even used for feeding livestock if they are good quality, like market or kitchen wastes?” “You mean like at the farm?” asked Sweetie, quite impressed with his knowledge and good way of speaking. “I suppose so,” he replied wistfully. “We do not have a farm, though my uncle talks about starting one near the dump. But I see the goats around the dump picking stuff up, except it is all mixed up with the inorganics and sometimes the goats get sick.”

Sweetie’s step faltered. She should get to the bus stop but her curiosity was mounting. “Poa,” she responded automatically then blurted out, “What are you reading?” in English. Immediately she felt silly as he had probably never been to school and probably did not know much English. “I am reading about waste recycling,” he responded confidently and clearly. “It is a United Nations booklet.” “Really,” exclaimed Sweetie. “How interesting. You must know a lot about it,” she went on and then felt embarrassed again as it seemed to be a rude remark about his lowly occupation.

Vol. 5 no. 3

glanced anxiously down the road to see if the bus was coming. He went on, “A lot of those things are useful, of course, and we try to sort them out and sell most of them.” “I’ve got to go,” said Sweetie as she saw the bus coming over the hill. “It was nice talking to you,” she called back as she ran off. She still felt awkward because she had run away as he began to talk about the dirty work he did. And besides, he had really been quite polite and she had even learned something from listening to him talk about his book. She stopped and looked back. “What’s your name?” she called out. “I am Mingu,” came back the reply.

“What are inorganics?” asked Sweetie innocently.

“That is a funny name,” she giggled. “I am Sweetie.”

“Oh, you know, all the other stuff that does not rot. Glass and plastics and cans and old bits of cloth or something like that—even batteries and old pieces of metal people have thrown out.” He thought for a minute as Sweetie

“Bye Sweetie,” he called back. “Your name is funny too but I like it.”

Will Sweetie meet Mingu again? Look for episode 2 in our next issue

Vol. 5 no. 3

agroforestry

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

Preparing your tree nusery Y

ou have planned your nursery and put it in place, now you need to prepare it for planting and sow seeds, if you are growing from seed.

Shade

If there is little shade in the nursery, make a roof using poles and some sort of covering—sticks, banana leaves or shade cloth.

Fence

Put up wooden or wire mesh fences or plant living fences (hedges) to keep out browsing animals.

Soil mix

Mix sand, topsoil and compost together well to make a good soil—one that is light, contains plenty of organic matter, and holds water well but allows excess water to drain away.

Seeds

Buy seeds from reliable sources or carefully collect your own seeds. They should come from good quality parent trees that have the features desired for the type of tree. Collect seeds from at least 30 trees, when the trees are at the peak of seed production. Collect them in dry weather—you don’t want damp seeds. • Store seeds in labelled canvas or paper bags. Do not use plastic as the seeds may get mouldy.

• Certain seeds need to be prepared in some way, like soaking in water, for them to germinate once they are sown. Find out how to pretreat the seeds you have chosen.

Sowing seed

There are different methods for sowing seeds:

• Dibbling—sowing in small holes 3–5 cm apart, depending on the size of the seeds • Drill sowing. Make grooves 10 cm apart, 4 cm deep for small seeds, deeper for larger seeds. Sow seeds evenly along drills and cover with soil • Broadcasting. Sprinkle seeds evenly over the whole bed Once you have sown the seed:

• Cover seeds with soil mix to twice the depth of the size of seeds

• Gently, firm the soil covering the seeds

The bigger the seed, the deeper you plant it

Different types of trees have different qualities

Preparation of beds

In our last issue you learned how to mark out beds 1 m wide, up to 10 m long and with paths 40 cm wide between them. • Remove grass and either add to your compost heap or dig into the soil • Dig over beds, removing weeds. Remove weeds and grass from paths • Add compost, manure or fertiliser to soil if necessary

Seedbeds for wet areas In wetter areas, grow barerooted seedlings in beds. Make raised beds for good drainage.

• Make a frame from poles or stones. Bury about 5 cm of the frame in the ground, leaving about 20 cm above ground.

• Cover the bottom of the bed with 5 cm of rubble

• Add a 2–3 cm layer of ordinary soil

• Fill the bed to just below the top of the frame with your prepared soil mix • Rake soil so that it is fine and free of clumps

• Level the soil, and compact it if it is dry

In our next issue—growing seedlings from cuttings and caring for seedlings.

Seedpots in dry areas

In dry areas, grow seedlings in containers. You can use black polythene nursery bags, banana stems or segments of bamboo, or recycle items like empty cans, milk cartons, plastic containers and plastic bags. • Fill containers with the prepared soil mix, shaking from time to time to shake down the soil • Firm the soil

• Place containers in straight rows

• Sow seeds directly into the containers or in a seedbed, to be transplanted later

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

e keep domestic animals for meat, milk and products like leather and wool but doing so comes at a cost. Livestock use about 30% of the earth’s land surface for grazing. Animal grazing has been a major cause of deforestation in many parts of the world. In dry areas like the Sahara Desert, which stretches over many of Africa’s countries, there are no policies or adequate livestock management systems to control or stop desertification.

During times of drought, we see heartbreaking pictures of dying cattle, mostly in arid or semi-arid areas. Why do people keep so many cattle when the environment cannot sustain them? Is livestock grazing really such a good idea?

Vol. 5 no. 3

ecosystems

The nomadic Tuaregs of the Sahel have for centuries transported salt across the Sahara on camels. Nomadic pastoralism can be a sustainable form of food production in environments too harsh for other forms of agriculture, as long as herds can range over large areas.

ivestock feed on grass and shrubs in the area in which they are kept. As the number of livestock feeding on a particular piece of land grows, the vegetation of that land, as well as the fertility of the soil, decreases. This is because the livestock overgraze on the piece of land, and their constant trampling Though they are mainly browsers, goats are famed for eating almost anything. They can improve grassland by controlling weeds, as long as there are not too many goats in the area.

Livestock grazing also has an impact on wildlife. Removal or trampling of vegetation deprives wildlife and birds of food and cover. Wildlife may be pushed out of an area by livestock. Diseases can pass from wildlife to livestock or from livestock to wildlife. Overgrazing can change the type or quantity of vegetation in a habitat.

to the roots of plants and Sheep graze very close e there are too many in on can easily overgraze if place.

on the ground causes the soil to compact. When it rains or when there is a strong wind, the soil is eroded. When plants are severely overgrazed, root growth stops as the plant’s energy goes into growing new leaves. This is when weeds start growing. Cattle cannot feed on most weeds. Antelope move around while grazing so they do not overgraze an area continued on page 15

Vol. 5 no. 3

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

ecosystems

continued from page 14

hes Environmental Trust Photo courtesy of Macquarie Mars

or cause soil damage. On the other hand, cattle are kept in one area until they have eaten all the grass, then are moved on to another area. Cattle also need more forage than antelope. Because cattle trample vegetation n wetland for long periods Reed beds in an Australia tle. cat g while feeding, zin gra trampled by they cause loss of forage for other animals. Cattle damage wetlands by grazing on the nesting habitat for waterfowl, and by adding suspended solids (faeces and other matter from outside the wetland) and bacteria to the water, which in turn increases the water temperature. Large-scale animal farming may lead to water pollution from animal wastes, antibiotics and hormones fed to these animals, chemicals from tanneries, fertilisers and the pesticides used to spray food crops. The methane produced by ruminants like cows and sheep is a major contributor to global warming.

Most past oralists prefer in digeno us cattle to exotic br ee ds because the in dig eno us cattle ca n en dure perio ds w long itho ut fe e d or wa They are ter. a lso able t distances, o travel so in the long past they stay in a n area lo d id not ng eno ug lasting da h to caus mage. Ho e wever, w pastoralist hile herds con tin grow, the lan d avail ue to able to mo ve thr o ugh is s hrin an d o ver grazing is king more likely to occur.

Indigenous cattle breeds like these beautiful Ankole cattle are adapted to arid regions. As long as they can range over a large area, they do no permanent damage to vegetation.

By Katherine Moir and Harrison Muriuki

LOOK AT THOSE FAT ZEBRAS GUZZLING ALL THE BEST GRASS.

COME ON, WE’RE TAKING OUR ANIMALS TO JOIN THE FEAST!

WHY NOT, LEKUTON? IT’S UNFAIR TO SET ASIDE GOOD PASTURE FOR THE SAKE OF A FEW TOURISTS! THIS IS OUR COUNTRY, NOT THEIRS.

BUT SENDEYO, WE’RE NOT MEANT TO TAKE LIVESTOCK THERE. THAT’S TRUE, SENDEYO, BUT THAT’S NOT ALL PARKS ARE ABOUT. TOURISTS BOOST A COUNTRY’S ECONOMY WHEN THEY SPEND MONEY TO SEE THE PARKS. WELL,WE DON’T SEE ANY BENEFIT, ALL WE SEE IS WILD ANIMALS GROWING FAT WHILE OURS GROW THIN!

THAT’S NOT COMPLETELY TRUE—OUR UNCLE, FOR ONE, HAS A GOOD JOB AS A GUIDE. WELL-RUN PARKS CAN BENEFIT THE COMMUNITIES LIVING AROUND THEM.

BESIDES,WILD ANIMALS ARE ALSO PART OF THIS COUNTRY. THEY ARE A PART OF OUR HERITAGE AND THE PARKS PROTECT THEM.

AND REVENUES FROM THE TOURIST INDUSTRY HELP COUNTY COUNCILS AND GOVERNMENT TO PROVIDE SERVICES.

THEY HAVE A RIGHT TO PASTURE,TOO. AND MEANWHILE,THEY PROVIDE FOOD FOR CARNIVORES.

HMMPH. I SUPPOSE YOU’RE RIGHT. THE LIONS WOULD BE AFTER OUR GOATS WITHOUT IMPALA TO EAT!

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

Vol. 5 no. 3

home gardens Our compost heap is doing well! But there is lots to do while we wait for it to be ready. Any ideas?

Go for a nice walk?

Today the farmers of Furaha Primary learn how to prepare their plot for planting. They start in the classroom ... A little later …

You showed us a to-do list with some steps …

Good, let’s look at it.

The first plan looks something like this ...

Mine is done!

entrance

After harvesting a crop, we’ll replace it with a different crop, to keep the soil fertile and control pests and diseases. Mwalimu Makena, you’ve left gaps between the beds. That’s wasted space! No, those are paths so we can reach and tend our crops without trampling them.

My aunt has 4 beds in her shamba.

compost

vegetables

So here is our plan …

A good start! You’ve made space for a 2nd compost heap and for storage of equipment. The space for planting is fine, but we need a few separate beds.

hedge to block the wind equipment

We should do that too! And we’ll rotate our crops.

What do you mean?

What crops will we grow?

Quite right. Sparky should ask his aunt for advice on what to grow. We’ll ask Mkulima Halima too. Experienced farmers know what grows well around here.

We need to choose crops suited to arid areas.

Now you will clear all the grass and weeds from the beds and dig them into the soil.

A lot later …

Here’s a rock. Remove rocks and stones and break up any lumps of earth.

Done at last!

Excellent work, class! So we’re finished for now?

Next issue: The class chooses what to plant.

What about trees? We need a windbreak, and we could grow fruit too.

But Mkulima, we don’t want weeds in our soil!

Everyone gets busy … Good day, everyone! First, mark out your beds with these sticks and string. Leave about half a metre between beds for paths.

We have space for 4, I think. Why more than 1?

So we can plant different beds at different times. My aunt ends up with vegetables to harvest throughout the year.

Good thinking. We will choose suitable tree seedlings too. But before we get seeds and seedlings we need to prepare the plot. Mkulima Halima is waiting for us outside.

The class assembles at the plot.

That’s more like it! Yes, we must first plan our plot on paper. All of you, draw a plan showing what you think we need.

Not usually, but these weeds will have rotted by the time you plant, in about 3 weeks. They’ll add nutrients to the soil. This bed’s clear, now what?

Break up the soil 30 cm down using jembes and rakes. Not yet—you must check the fence around the garden and repair any breaks. You don’t want any animals getting in! In the next few weeks we will get seeds and seedlings ready to plant. Right everyone, time for maths!

Vol. 5 no. 3

practical science

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

= s H Ma - n

+ actio in

For sale?

Good news!—that funky new shop in the mall800 has a sale. There’s a = 80 T-shirt you 10 love that costs ksh 800 and the tag says 30% OFF. You’ve got ksh 600 after raiding your piggy bank and borrowing ksh 200 from your sister—will it be enough?

The original price of the T-shirt is x7 ksh 800 so let’s call that 100%; 560you’re actually 30% off means paying 70% of the price, because 100 – 30 = 70. So how much is 70% of ksh 800? An easy way to figure percentages is to divide by 10 first to find how much 10% would be. So 800 ÷ 10 = 80 (you just knock off the matching zeros, you know that already, don’t you?) A LAVA LAMP IS A DECORATIVE LIGHT FILLED WITH A COLOURED, OILY LIQUID THAT FLOWS UP AND DOWN IN THE LAMP. THE GLOWING, MOVING LIQUID LOOKS A BIT LIKE MOLTEN LAVA.

When liquids just won’t mix Why oil and water do not mix

iquids mix when they dissolve in one another. Liquids that do not mix are known as immiscible liquids.

Water and oil are immiscible because of the different charges in their molecules (all matter is made up of these tiny particles). Water molecules are polar—they have a small positive charge at one end and a small negative charge at the other, so the molecules stick to each other. Oil molecules are non-polar—they have no charge. Polar molecules are attracted to polar molecules, non-polar molecules to non-polar. Oil molecules are therefore more attracted to each other than to water molecules, and water molecules are more attracted to each other than to oil molecules.

Immiscible liquids form layers according to their density—how close together their molecules are. Because oil is less dense than water, it will form a layer on top of it. Mercury also doesn’t mix with water but it sinks to the bottom because it is denser.

How oil and water can mix

il and water can be made to mix, through a process known as emulsion. Detergents and soaps are good emulsifiers. If you add soap into a mixture of oil and water then shake it, you’ll notice that the oil disperses throughout the water but does not separate out.

800 = 80 10 So 10% of the cost = ksh 80. 800 = 80 Therefore 70% of the cost is 10(an easy way to 80 x 7 = ksh 560 figure this is 80 8 x 7 = 56 and then add the zeroxat7the end) 56080 x7 560 So if you buy the T-shirt while it’s on sale you will pay ksh 560. Hooray! You’ve got enough. But … your mean sister who lent you ksh 200 is charging you interest of 1% per day until you pay her back! 1% is ksh 2 … that’s not much—or is it? Let’s figure that out in the next issue!

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

n ol Tech

Vol. 5 no. 3

practical science

HoIw ...

t fi l e c a f gy

How a

remote control works

Wouldn’t it be tedious to keep going to the TV set’s buttons to change channels? The remote control saves time and energy—but how does it work?

t uses invisible infrared (IR) light, found in the electromagnetic spectrum, to carry signals. The infrared receiver in the TV or any other device receives pulses of light in the form of binary codes. Binary codes are a set of numbers, 1 and 0, that the microprocessor of the TV can understand. They correspond to various commands such as “power off” or “power on”. Pressing a button such as the “volume up” on your remote control causes it to touch the contact beneath it and complete the “volume up” circuit on the circuit board. The integrated circuit detects this and sends the binary “volume up” command to the LED at the front of the remote. The LED sends out a series of light pulses that corresponds to the binary “volume up” command.

controls do not need to be pointed at the device being controlled because they have more than one LED. Remote controls that work when you point them at the general vicinity of the receiver have stronger LEDs and produce a wider signal.

channels

channel control

volume control mute (sound off )

You can create a budget using 4 simple steps: no signal

signal area

no signal

The IR receiver picks up the signal from one LED within a limited area

So me remotes use ra dio wav es, but they wor k the same w ay . The only difference is that signal s from a ra diocontrolle d re mote control can go thro ugh walls an d around corner s up to about 30 m. The IR needs a clear line of sight an d goes up to 9 m.

Remote controls are also used to control devices such as gates, toys, cars and security cameras. integrated circuit

Inside a remote control

1. Note the amount of pocket money you get and how often you get it, for example, 200 shillings per week.

2. Write down a list of all the expenses you plan to have over the course of the week—bus fare, lunch, breaktime snack. 3. Add up your expenses. If your total expenses are higher than your pocket money, reduce them by: * Removing unnecessary expenses, for example, the after-school ice cream. * Reducing the amount you spend on necessary expenses. For example board the cheaper, notso-fancy matatu to school instead of the brand new, flashy matatu.

Parts of a typical remote control

The essential parts involved in sending signals are buttons, button contacts, an integrated circuit and light-emitting diodes (LED). The LED at the front of the remote control sends pulses of light to the device being controlled. The IR receiver, at the front of the receiving device, sees the signal the remote control sends when you point it towards the device. Some remote

Hey! Do you find it hard to keep track of how you use your pocket money? What you need is a budget. A budget is basically a plan of how much money you have coming in and how you spend it.

LED power

...budget my pocket money?

LED

4. If your total expenses are less than your pocket money, you are ready to start saving!

NOTE: Keep revising your budget every time you get more money.

Vol. 5 no. 3

business & careers

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

Planning your business

When Mark bumped into his old school friend Salim, he asked how his business making wedding DVDs was going. Salim complained that he was not getting orders because his rivals had better equipment so their DVDs were more polished. “I need money to upgrade my equipment, but where can I get it?” he asked. Mark suggested that he and June could give Salim some advice and the 3 friends got together at the communications bureau the next Saturday. THIS PLACE LOOKS SO BUSY! YOU GUYS MUST BE DOING WELL.

Finance

“We opened a bank account,” chipped in Mark, “and applied for a loan. We had some help from my uncle so we only needed a small loan, but we still worked out what the interest on the loan would be—we didn’t want to end up spending all our money on repayments!” “You both obviously have a flair for business!’ said Salim. June laughed. “Not flair so much as good advice from my mum and Mark’s uncle,” she said, “and now we can pass it on! This is what you need to know…”

How to get financing “So, June, it looks like you and Mark are doing well! Can you tell me how you planned your business?” “Well, Salim,” June replied, “we had to consider various things. First we worked out what skills we needed for our business, and what the labour requirements were.”

Skills and labour needs

“That part I know,” smiled Salim. “For my business I need skill in recording videos, editing them and copying them onto DVDs. I knew I had the creative skill to film a video in an interesting way. I learned all about editing from a friend and through experience. It takes many hours, so—if my business grows, I’ll need another person to help.”

Know how much you need. Work out your expenses, including only the most necessary things to start with. A lender has to be confident that you can and will pay them back. A business plan enables them to see that your business is practical.

The cost of borrowing

“Work out how much you will need to repay each month before you take the loan,” advised June. The cost of a loan or credit is called interest. The interest is added to the amount borrowed or the worth of the goods. It is a percentage of the loan or the credit. The lender sets a date by which the money should be repaid (or goods should be paid for). The whole amount owed may be paid at once, but more often the lender and borrower agree on payment in regular (usually monthly) instalments. To calculate interest, you must know:

The principal—the amount being borrowed

The interest rate—the fee charged by the lender

Sources of finance

Loan—a su m advanc ed by a len der, to be paid back over an agreed perio d of time. The len der charges a fee for the loan in the for m of interest. Lenders ma y be banks, microfinance organisa tions, frien ds an d relatives. Lending institutions may ask for securit y—so mething like a title deed or logbo ok that the len der will keep if th e borrower fails to pay their de bt. Credit acco unt—an acco unt with a business or a bank that allows a borrower to obtain go ods an d pay for them later. Cred itors also charge interest.

Investor—so meone wh o puts money into the business in return for a share of it.

Grant—a fixed su m of money that does not have to be paid back. So me go vernme nt agencies an d foundations off er grants for business start-ups. Th e receiver of the grants will us ually have to acco unt for how the money has been used.

The time duration—the agreed length of time over which the loan must be repaid, for example, 12 months. Salim wanted a loan of Ksh 30,000 at an interest rate of 12%, payable over 24 months. Work out the interest on Salim’s loan: Principal = Ksh 30,000 Interest rate = 12% Time duration = 24 months Principal x interest rate = interest 30,000 x 0.12 = _______ Now work out how much he will pay the bank in total: Principal + interest = total 30,000 + _______ = _________ Work out how much he will have to pay each month: Total amount ÷ number of months (time duration) = monthly payment ________ ÷ 24 = ______ see page 23 for solutions

Salim realised he could afford the interest so he decided to apply for a loan from Biashara Bank.

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

business & careers

Vol. 5 no. 3

We salute

You could be an

McDonald Mariga Wanyama

Meet Martin Ngugi, a professional illustrator and graphic designer who looked beyond the challenge of being born with a disability...

“ Iin Molo. At Tumaini we were

went to Tumaini primary school

used to seeing children who are challenged in one way or another. The only time we realised we were different was when we went out for interschool functions like sports and debate. From an early age, I admired my cousin, who is an artist-cumdesigner. Because of him I became interested in studying graphic design and fine art. I later joined Joytown Special School in Thika. There I met my mentors, Mr Munyoroku and Mr Wanyoike, who encouraged me to develop my artistic skills despite having short arms. I was the only student who took up art classes in form 3. My fellow students laughed at me, but they also asked me to draw cards for them.

if an engineer comes to me with an assignment, I find out how an engineer would present the work and make sure I come up with something close to what they visualise. I then sketch the artwork, scan it, and add colour. I use the latest computer graphics programs. After I have sketched, I normally ask some children to identify what I have drawn. If they cannot, my work is not satisfactory, and I go back to the drawing board. Soon I would like to make 3D animations. I am also interested in mural painting, collage, sculpture and mosaics. I am grateful to Miss Gillian Scott Kellie, who helped my parents with my fees from primary school to college.

”

CAREER FACTS • Diploma/degree course in graphic design—areas of stu dy: - Corporate identity - Advertising - Pro duct packag ing - Illustration - Graphic reproduction - Typography

Currently, I face different challenges. People sometimes stop and stare and feel sorry for me, confusing me for a beggar. One time an old man walked straight up to me, handed me a hundred shilling note and told me that times were a bit tough, otherwise he’d have given me more. When a client gives me work, I first do my research by visiting art galleries and the internet. I must produce work that is to the liking of my different clients. For example,

At only 23, McDonald Mariga is proving that Kenyan footballers can play in the big leagues and make history while at it. Mariga joined Serie A club Internazionale, commonly known as Inter Milan or Inter, in January 2010. He is not only the first East African to play in the Champions League but also the first to be part of a Champions League-winning team. Son of former Harambee Stars leftwinger Noah Wanyama, Mariga was born with a ball at his feet. While still in high school, he played for Ulinizi Stars, moved to Tusker FC and eventually to Pipeline FC. He was also part of the Kamukunji High School football team that won the national championships in 2002 and 2003. Since 2005, Mariga has played for European teams in Sweden and Italy. In January 2010, Mariga was set to sign for the English Premier League side Manchester City, but he failed to obtain a work permit in time. However, when one door closed, another opened. Missing this opportunity resulted in Mariga signing up with Inter Milan.

Young African Express was so impressed by Martin’s talent that we employed him—you can see his work on page 8 (Fiona comic).

Mariga made his debut for Inter in the Coppa Italia Semi-Final against Fiorentina in April and scored his first goal for Inter in the same month.

Vol. 5 no. 3

HE T ET ME

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

careers & fun

E V E NT

Mak

Sock

puppets

Why is it that socks get lost one by one, so that you end up with several single socks and no pairs? And when you manage to keep a pair, they get holes. Turn your sock frustration into fun with puppets made from all those solitary or holey socks.

Phanice Shamalla, who studied literature and linguistics at Moi University, now runs her own business as an Events Organiser.

“The

first event I organised was for the Kenya Medical Association. It was a big challenge. I was working alone and had to attend to about 350 guests and 50 company sponsors. My employers were impressed with my job and suggested that I venture into events organising.

The worst experience I had was recently when I was robbed of my laptop and cell phones along with all the contacts of all my clients. Luckily, I wasn’t hurt. Competing against already established businesses is a challenge because they have most of the corporate clients. Financial institutions are also not willing to lend you money if your business has not been operating for a number of years. My starting capital came from my own savings. My family and boyfriend also supported me financially.

After about 3 months, when my contract was ending, I had learned a lot about organising events. I did market research on what was needed in running such a business. My mentors encouraged me. While freelancing for Quantum, where I was marketing their training services, I got many contacts since I was dealing In 3 years, I have organised with the clients first-hand. Luckily, conferences for the Surgical Society when my contract of Kenya, the ended, these would be Kitale Gender I never enjoyed maths my clients because they Empowerment in school, but now that Programme and already knew me and had seen my good work. I have to keep records, the Kenya Dental Association among maths has become Being self-employed others. is both scary and interesting. exciting. I realise Apart from running that it brings out my my business, I also creativity. In the beginning, you have do freelance journalism to supplement to do everything yourself because my income. I am currently writing 2 you cannot afford to pay people to books: “Writing a business plan” and work for you. You run the errands, “Having an events planning business”. keep your records, make contacts and respond to clients’ emails. I never If you really want to do something, enjoyed maths in school, but now that you can—if you put your heart into I have to keep records, maths has it. There is no limit to what you can become interesting. achieve.

You can use your educational background as a stepping stone to start a new career and have a bright future!

What yo u need • Paint an d • Sock paintbrush • Scraps of felt • Cardboard an d fabric • Glue • Needle, thread • Wool an d pins

What you do

Flatten Cut a circle of out the fabric as wide sock. as your sock to be the inside of the mouth.

a slit in 3 Cut the sock at

the point where the mouth will be.

a semi5 Cutcircle in

contrasting fabric and sew on for the tongue.

4 Fold in the

edges of the circle of fabric, pin in place on the bottom of the sock and sew on.

6 Stuff the

sock with rags or other old socks and squash into the shape you want.

fabric and 7 Cut Put your hand in sew on for 8 the puppet and eyes, or paint eyes on. Sew on bits of wool for hair or fur.

Make ears or accessories (like sunglasses) from cardboard or cloth and sew or glue on.

slide your fingers through the slit into the pockets formed by the mouth fabric. Wiggle them around as your puppet talks.

Fingers fit through the slit in the socks behind the sewn-on circle.

Based on the Sock-Muppet from www.instructables.com.

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

Vol. 5 no. 3

puzzles and fun

or Fun f

Test your knowledge of animal classification by matching each animal to their characteristics. (Some characteristics are shared by more than one animal.)

I have 6 legs legs I have 2

Yo u

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air and

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5 Help mother hen get to her eggs!

12 20

• The numbers in each row add up to the totals on the right. • The numbers in each column add up to the totals at the bottom. • The diagonals add up to the totals opposite the right-hand corners. • Fill in the missing spaces with numbers between 0 and 9.

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22 9 9

Was that easy? Here’s a harder one.

Spot the 7 differences

I am cold-blooded

I have feathers

Vol. 5 no. 3

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

puzzles and fun

CRAZY BELZO

By Bella Kilonzo

The terms in the list below are

N A S P

K M N A O L Fischer.S I C R O T

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Would you like to send 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.

35 31 35 • A gecko is a reptile—it has scales, lungs and a spine and is cold-blooded. Geckos lay eggs but some snakes and lizards give birth to live young.

19 31 30 19

5 1

11 30

0 5 3

A flea and a fly in a flue Said the fly, “Oh, what shall we do?” Said the flea, “Let us fly!” Said the fly, “Let us flee!” So they flew through a flaw in the flue.

Fred fed Ted bread, and Q S F N K O Y I TedEfedL Fred bread.

T V W L

• A beetle is an insect—it has 6 legs, an exoskeleton and neither lungs nor gills, lays eggs and is cold-blooded.

27 11 22 27

• An elephant is a mammal—it has hair or fur, a spine and lungs, gives birth to live young and is warm-blooded.

22 28

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22 9 22 9 0

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30 30 30 24 12 24 24

Puzzles solutions 24

D A C

from our business section. See if you can find them in the grid. Starting at the red letter, move up, down and sideways (but not diagonally) to find the terms. The first has been done, now continue the path from where it ends.

T V

Solutions: Interest = Ksh 3,600 Total amount owed to bank = Ksh 33,600 Monthly payment = Ksh 1,400

Answers from page 19

• A salmon is a fish—it has scales and fins, a spine and gills, lays eggs and is coldblooded. • A hadeda ibis is a bird—it has 2 legs, feathers, a spine and lungs, lays eggs and is warm-blooded.

Animal classification

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

Vol. 5 no. 3

Civil society

How tolerant are you?

WOAH! HE IS UNTIDY—HE DOESN’T CARE WHAT HE LOOKS LIKE.

by looking for common values in your different beliefs and practices.

Tolerance does not mean: Accepting behaviour that breaks social laws, like stealing, bullying or harming others in other ways. Such behaviour should not be tolerated.

What is tolerance? Tolerance is willingness to recognise and respect the differences that exist among people. Basically, tolerance is treating others the way you would like to be treated. Tolerance means: Respecting other people’s beliefs and practices and always trying to understand other people.

Rejecting unfair stereotypes. Always trying to discover common ground between yourself and others

epting “Tolerance is about acc , not are ey th people for who vio ur.” ha be d ba g about acceptin

Nurturing tolerance To build your tolerance level you must resist the impulse to reject things you don’t understand. Don’t allow yourself to be caught up in stereotypes. If you don’t understand why another person looks or does things differently, ask them why before you jump to conclusions. Keep an open mind and be willing to change your opinion.

Test your tolerance level! What do you think of the following people? 1. A boy wearing a torn sweater a. I wonder if everything is okay with him. b. His family must have serious financial problems. c. He is untidy and cares little about his appearance.

3. A classmate who rarely finishes her homework a. She might not have a good study environment at home. b. She must hate school. c. She is so lazy.

2. Your neighbour, who likes music that you consider boring a. His taste is very different from mine. b. He must be suffering from some disease. c. Anyone who listens to such music is an idiot!

Points: a = 2, b = 1, c = 0

HEY, EASY ON THOSE KIDS!

PICKPOCKETING IS A CRIME! THEY SHOULD BE LOCKED UP!

5–6 points: very tolerant 4 points: fairly tolerant 2–3 points: equal levels of tolerance and intolerance 1 point: not very tolerant 0 points: intolerant

WHAT? BUT THEY ARE UNDER AGE! HOW CAN YOU DETAIN THEM TOGETHER WITH ADULTS? THAT’S AGAINST THE LAW.

OH! SO YOU WOULD RATHER I LET THEM WALK AWAY UNPUNISHED? THEY ARE CRIMINALS!

Story by Pauline Maina Art by Bella Kilonzo

FORGIVE US OFFICER, IT WON’T HAPPEN AGAIN.

SHUT UP AND STOP WRIGGLING OR YOU WILL ALSO BE PUNISHED FOR RESISTING ARREST!

PLEASE CALL OUR PARENTS.

DO YOU KNOW THAT WHAT YOU ARE DOING IS AGAINST THESE CHILDREN’S RIGHTS?

PLEASE HAVE MERCY ON US. WE WERE ONLY TRYING TO GET SOME MONEY TO BUY FOOD. SHE IS RIGHT. YOU CAN ALSO DETAIN AND WARN THE CHILDREN AGAINST FURTHER VIOLATIONS, AFTER WHICH YOU WILL FREE THEM OR WAIT FOR THEIR PARENTS OR GUARDIANS TO COME FOR THEM.

I SHOULD HAVE LISTENED TO HER ... WE WILL CALL THEIR PARENTS.

ISBN 978-9966-33-080-2

NO PROBLEM—BUT REMEMBER, HUNGER IS NO EXCUSE FOR THEFT.

THANKS, WATOTOMAN.

YES, THANKS.

Learn

Adopt-a-School: give 50+ youth a chance in life!

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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.

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