When street kids grow up

AP

KE

IO

When street kids grow up ...

M

Back on the street, Daniel met missionaries from the Catholic Diocese, who wanted to know if any children were interested in going back to school or getting vocational ns, ria est he g training. decided to try again. ed on t Daniel in p h t y

“I was a difficult child who wanted to do things my way. I never welcomed discipline. One day, I ran away from home so I could be independent,” says Zephania, who ended up on the streets of Nakuru.

ted ns prohibi

en fo

Stop.

Pedestria s may not use destrian road.

Yield and give Pe is Slow down ffic in or cross th tra and bring way to all u intend Slow down complete a e road yo to th le hic ve eed into to join. stop. Proc ly when on junction do so. safe to sure it is

de.

Cross Co

Green llow the

Stop

ahead Hazard must proceed r

Look and listen.

Your free poster! ar

ment ne

IN THIS ISSUE

the pave

d traffic an around for k 3. Look all right, look left, loo m ok listen. Lo How far away fro . right again vehicles? any you are e!

Arrive aliv

traffic there is no ross the 5. When ac lk straight near, wa road.

ped in the

UK

ldre to keep chi

R

what edestrians

d listening looking an 6. Keep u cross. while yo for traffic

ty oad safe

n safe on

as develo

“We went to the Mwangaza Rehabilitation Centre for about 9 months, where we received vocational training. We could come and go as we pleased but had to complete the training.” continued on page 3

t nd to lef Sharp be should slow driver

warning

The down.

“I was a difficult child who wanted to do things my way ... I ran away from home.”

Zephania crossing hildren

rn No U-tu y not

ma Vehicles go in the Stop—c be children in turn and n. y it directio and look There ma w down Speed lim st not opposite Slo is a. n are sig mu the Vehicles ren. This ols, d ild ee ch sp r e th out fo near scho exceed d n. un sig fo e th orts usually shown on that ds and sp n shows playgroun This sig d limit is fields. the spee r. ou 50 km/h

route shortest oss.

Take the aight acr —go str

til , wait un is safe to

o wa oac ,n icle les ht of appr veh nd hic a a Ve ve rig u are and stop o a h If y rner in, d. t co turn em. a o r tree o r th gt a s aitin ait fo w is w

The drive me caution. with extre

crossing Children

on 2. Stand the kerb.

General

D

Zeph and Dan with some of the Nakuru youth they work with— Lincoln Bwire, Dickens Oduor, Job Kariuki, Duncan Musilya and Joseph Odhiambo.

What do street kids do when they grow up? eet Zephania Owino and Dan Ochieng, co-founders of the BluG Outreach Program. They are former street children who today help mentor other street children to become productive members of society.

N

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

Vol. 5 no. 5

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

road? Th ssing the way. as right of

s s…

OF

™

“When the city council askaris cleared the streets of street families, we were arrested and taken to juvenile remand. Upon release, we went back to the streets. There we met a missionary from ngJesus Is l indi al s by rem t they the road for ha Lord Church looking children to w on ty ow fe kn sa r t’s prove ou our roads but le kings im given an education and shelter.

In Dan’s case, after both his parents o few on road mar be to s. d e gn an ar si s e Road sign of the rules. Ther Here are common . ers Zephania and I accepted arthe died, no family member would take see them road us signs. n we do warning t rder e that the motoris mean whe a red bo d so earan signsawith invitation. TrAfter year, I away in him and his brother and sister. amples. zards ah ex ha iangular me le ib so e ss rn of po r them. Here ar wa ey fo ared because IThwididn’t feel comfortable “We had no option but to go live on ll be prep d the kings an ar m d an being confined.

Zephania stayed and the That is where Zephania gns sistreets. ad ro n. ur re know yo for child ty rules went to school.” t of safe and I met and became friends.

s, ea

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

YA YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

Vol. 5 no. 5

ds.

their roa

to do at

ns. The

intersectio

coloured

ted s prohibi

Bicycle t be must no sign Bicycles yond this le ridden be road.

No vehic another a public on . overtake this point vehicle at

taking No over may

Breath o f life Traffic

lights

7

(us

crossing Railway barriers without ahead

white or 1. Solid les e. Vehic yellow lin y in their . must sta overtaking lane, no

s ahead

Roadwork

No ve yond this enter be point.

rrows Road na

2

y No entr may hicles

1

i Road

4

line. en white 2. Brok take may over .

Vehicles so fe to do if it is sa

ahead

P

thith 11 34Mu What did ’s e Sweet Whe r i e do? t? the dir

secthe inter ve across fic can mo sing. ming traf cros e th to at ing ust wait ht is go

. Onco reen light

of road Section ed by ahead us children.

ahead p ascent ead Stee iver should dr bump ah gear.

Severe speed bump). The a lower change to ually a

e are: u may se . Some yo n. s of signs rker sig her type zard ma ot ha ny A ma d. e ahea ed There ar for park road ends d. The reserved se is clo ad ro n. the 1. Road rvation sig is part of sign. Th les. A road rese n. sig ing rk ion Pa at 2. vehic t. A loc

lines, le white 3. Doub , one solid. en one brok ss lane if may cro Vehicles on en line is ad the brok ro e of the sid eir th lid line is if the so t no t bu side. on their

What a room!

ng. a crossi 4. Zebr st give way mu Traffic ians to pedestr this point. at ng crossi

21

Keeping 16 y n u rs e r y o u r healthy s

2

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 Diana Lee-Smith, Pauline Maina, Peta Meyer, Katherine Moir, Sarah Radoli, Susan Scull-Carvalho, Julia Wanjeri Graphic Designers Samuel Gachie, Grace King’ori, Katherine Mamai Artists Bella Kilonzo, Gabriel Maithya Katherine Moir, Harrison Muriuki, Martin Ngugi, Benjamin Ondiege, Nkrumah Ondiek, Tony Siema Photographs George Adipo, Bearzatto, Martin Lundgren, Fredrick Onyango, Zephania Owino, Sarah Radoli, Ed Roberts, Njiru Wang’ombe, Nembure Youth Photo Group, Twinkle Stars Theatre Group, World Agroforestry Centre, 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 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. 5

EXPRESSIONS

Dear Readers,

Today I’m thinking about heroes—what makes a person a hero? What does being a hero really mean?

I’m not talking about celebrities or politicians; I’m thinking about people who stand out because they are willing to do what must MY be done—usually to make the HERO IS … JOSEPH KIBUNJA* lives of others or life on our WHO’S YOURS? planet better! These special people make a difference in the community, society, nation and world surrounding them.

What is it within such people that enables them to be extra brave or so fair and honest? What makes them care so much? It also seems that most of them are humble and not selfserving. Instead they’re determined and dedicated to solving a problem that they have noticed.

Who is your hero? Whom do you admire? Maybe this is a person you know, or someone you’ve read about or seen from afar.

Why are they your hero? What drives them to behave or take action in the way you so admire?

Perhaps you’ve noticed that we highlight one or more “special” role models in every issue of your Young African Express. In this issue our cover story is about two very special teenagers, seemingly ordinary young men doing extraordinary things.

As you read this story, think about what being a hero means and send us your thoughts and comments. And tell us about your own hero too. If you can, send a drawing or photo of your hero with your letter, and we’ll print these in our future issues.

Send us your thoughts. SMS 0722667747 or 0733-960757, write to PO Box 1202 - 00606 Nairobi, email info@YoungAfricanExpress. net, or visit our Facebook page.

Let your voice be heard, and we’ll print your responses in our next issue!

*Joseph runs with blind runner, Henry Wanyoike, and guides him

We say…

Young African Express asked these students how they heard about Kenya’s new constitution and how they think it will help young people.

Silvia Njeri, 10 Class 4 School: Roysambu Primary School

I heard about the new constitution from our president through the television. He was speaking at Uhuru Park. The new constitution says that this is a new Kenya, with new things.

Henceforth Kenyans should not fight one another.

This new constitution will help me as a young person to pursue my hobbies and realise my talents.

Antony Mbogo Mwangi, 13 Class 7 School: Kathande Primary School The new constitution creates employment opportunities as well as defending children’s rights by protecting them from abuse.

I first heard about it through the radio and also in church and political baraza. To make sure that the new constitution serves

the young people better, civic education should be promoted and the young people should feel motivated to contribute towards realisation of this.

Joseline Wangai, 13 Class 7 School: Kianjokoma Primary School The new constitution guarantees every child free basic education and also protects the girl child from exploitation and abuse.

I first heard about the constitution through the radio and through party campaigns.

Young people should work hard and develop teamwork to support the new constitution.

Civic education is also required.

Faith Wambui, 13 Class 7 School: St Matthews Primary School The new constitution will improve my education, and the

livelihood of many Kenyans and create acceptance among the communities through recognition.

I first heard about the constitution through television and through the newspaper.

Young persons should aim higher, be determined and develop teamwork so as to reap the benefits of this new constitution.

Newton Macharia, 12 Class 7 School: Bethany Primary School The new constitution favours us young people because our rights are protected.

I have not yet had time to read the constitution. I heard my parents discuss the constitution and at times I discussed it with my friends during free time.

Some would not agree with me that the new constitution will help young people, but as young people we should support the constitution to make sure it works. I got my information from church, school, friends, parents and the media.

Vol. 5 no. 5

EXPRESSIONS

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

3

continued from page 1

When street kids grow up ...

A

fter school, Dan trained in hotel management at Ujima College in Nakuru town. “I got employed after graduation but didn’t feel that the work was my calling. I wanted to help others make a better life because someone had helped me.

“I went to work at Mwangaza as a volunteer. The children liked me because I could identify with their experiences. After 3 years I left to start my own furniture-making business.”

Dan and Zephania met again and decided that they would work together to get more children off the streets and into school.

“We become their guardians and follow

their progress in school as well as at home. Currently, we have 2 boys in form 3. Their performance is above average and we are proud. There are 3 girls, for whom we found alternative housing so that they do not mix with Zeph smiles as he thinks of the changes in the boys. We help provide for their his life. basic needs. They too are performing well in school. We guide and counsel Future plans these young people in our care and “We would like to open a tutor them every evening. centre for about 20 children, where we have vocational “We have a rotating duty roster at training facilities for carpentry, our house. Everybody knows what basketry and other skills. he is supposed to do. Different Presently, we distribute copies people clean the house, of the Young African Express others do the laundry and within Nakuru and Naivasha for others cook. If any of a commission. these young people under “We are also thinking of other our care becomes unruly, income-generating activities we let them go.” such as a workshop or a cybercafe. We already have a Dan says helping other young bank account. We want to help people gives him joy, because many more youth like us.” everyone deserves a second chance.

“I wanted to help others ... because someone had helped me” Daniel

Dear editor Young African Express is useful for life skills and is timely, given the government of Kenya’s recent push for life skills education. Other publications emphasise HIV education but the Young African Express covers the full range of life skills, including sexual and reproductive health, career planning, nutrition, and so much more.

so that they could practise their English. Afterwards, I led discussions through questions, role-playing, and testimonials. The students were very engaged and I learned a lot about the prevalence of some of these issues in my community, all using just one copy of the magazine. I can only imagine what could happen if each student had their own copy... Schools where volunteers are posted often have few resources. The Young African Express gives a face, life and colour to sessions at school.

their lives. Women’s groups used the Young African Express to learn the importance of saving and how to invest their savings in a viable incomegenerating activity. The stories of actual small business people in Meet the Boss can be applied even in rural settings. Though you target in-school and out-of-school youth, the lessons learned have no boundaries.

I used one issue for life skills sessions over 5 weeks. I had students read sections aloud to the class

Outside of school, the Young African Express also has value. The content helps people learn skills for use in

Tameisha Henry

I’d like to tell you how Peace Corps volunteers are using Young African Express in the classroom.

Your work definitely deserves all the support it gets, and more!

Small Enterprise Development Volunteer Malindi, Kenya, US Peace Corps

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

4

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

staying healthy

Too much protein Y

our parents want to take you out for a birthday treat. The first thing that comes to mind, at least you will eat chips, sausages, nyama choma and ugali. Wow! And you won’t have to eat those green vegetables. You love meat, and nyama choma is tasty.

Meat is a protein and your body needs protein to operate and survive.

Protein is vital: it contributes to healing, building body tissues, creating hormones and enzymes, and even helping to strengthen your immune system.

But did you know that a diet high in protein can be harmful? When protein is digested, acids are released and

Mmm-hmm!

Can’t wait to sink my teeth into this meat!

neutralise the calcium in your body.

Since calcium is a necessary ingredient for many bodily functions, the body compensates by leaching calcium from the bones, which can lead to weakened bones.

Since excess protein cannot be stored in the body, it has to be broken down

Where’s the dirt?

Vol. 5 no. 5

and either used or sent to the kidneys and liver to be excreted. For healthy people, this is usually not a problem; however, too much protein in those with a weak liver or kidneys can stress these organs when they need to dispose of the excess waste.

A meal of nyama choma contains a lot of animal fat, which is partly responsible for a build-up of cholesterol in your body cells and contributes to heart disease. Excess protein may also lead to kidney stones.

The side effects of excess protein include unpleasant body odour and bad breath. You also risk vitamin deficiencies because you are cutting out fruits and vegetables, and neglecting your carbohydrate intake can cause constipation.

So be aware­­—protein is good, but too much of a good thing is never good.

W

e come into contact with germs daily. When dirty hands touch a surface, they leave viruses, bacteria and fungi behind. The next person who touches the surface picks up some of those germs—and leave more behind. Though our immune system easily deals with most germs, some can make us very sick.

Where do hands pick up dirt?

Think of all the things you touch every day: food, kitchen utensils, toilets, door handles, vehicle seats, phones, stationery, desks … the list is endless.

What’s the “germiest” place?

Kitchen Kitchen sinks are dirtier than most bathrooms.

Cloths, sponges and counters can be dirty too. Boil the cloths and replace sponges regularly. Disinfect counters, sinks and washbasins regularly.

To disinfect surfaces, clean regularly with one of these • Soap and water • 2 tablespoons borax mixed with 1 litre hot water • 1 tablespoon of bleach in 1 litre water Bathroom Taps carry more germs than toilet seats.

Disinfect toilets, taps and basins daily, especially in school bathrooms.

School bag, handbag Bags spend much time on the floor, where they pick up germs. Hang yours on a hook if there is one. Wash bags every few weeks.

Desks The average desktop carries 400 times the bacteria found on the average toilet seat.

Disinfect desktops frequently.

Door handles, railings Handles and railings in public places collect germs from many people each day. Wash your hands regularly with soap.

Shoes pick up all kinds of germs as we walk around.

Almost all can be transferred to floors and carpets. Washing shoes (with soap) will get rid of 90% of the germs.

Better yet, leave them at the door.

Shared electronic equipment Shared computer keyboards and mice are loaded with germs. It makes sense to clean them and other electronic equipment (even your mobile phone) regularly. And wash those hands!

How to clean a computer keyboard: • Switch off and unplug • Turn keyboard upside down to let debris fall out • Clean between keys with earbud dampened (not made wet) with water or rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) • Wipe rest of keyboard with lintfree cloth dampened with water or rubbing alcohol

Vol. 5 no. 5

DISEASES

Tuberculosis L isa had been missing from class for the past month after developing a persistent cough.

Her classmates were worried about her.

How could a simple cough keep her at home so long? Their class teacher invited Mr Njogu, a health officer, to come and talk to them about Lisa’s ailment.

Mr Njogu: I know most of you are wondering why it is taking so long for Lisa to recover. The fact is, Lisa was diagnosed with TB one month ago.

gets weak, the bacteria multiply and cause symptoms. The TB is now active and the carrier can now spread the disease.

Omar: I noticed that Lisa was tired.

Is that a sign of TB?

Commonly known as TB, tuberculosis is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis and mostly affects the lungs though it can affect other parts of the body such as the joints, bladder, spine and brain.

Mr Njogu: Yes, it is. Lisa got weak and short of breath. Other symptoms are a persistent dry cough that lasts more than 3 weeks and will later be streaked with blood, sudden loss of weight and night sweats.

Ochieng: Oh no! TB is infectious. We probably all have it now!

Treatment for TB

Mr Njogu: It is infectious but luckily Lisa’s parents were alert and took her to the doctor shortly after she developed active TB. Inactive TB isn’t infectious so you are unlikely to have it.

Sylvia: What is active and inactive TB? And how does TB spread?

Mr Njogu: When a person who has active TB coughs or sneezes, the bacterium is released into the air and uninfected persons breathe it in. Others get the infection only if exposed to bacteria-laden air for a long time. The bacteria find their way to the lungs and begin to multiply. Sometimes they reach the other parts of the body through the bloodstream. If the immune system is strong, it will fight the bacteria for weeks. During this time the patient neither falls sick nor spreads the infection. This is known as inactive TB. However, if the immune system

Sylvia: Poor Lisa! How will she get better?

Mr Njogu: When she tested positive for TB, the doctor prescribed antibiotics to be taken for 6 to 9 months. Lisa also needs to eat healthily, get enough sleep and exercise regularly. It is very important that she follows the doctor’s instructions. TB can be completely cured only if the full course of treatment is taken. Even if the patient starts feeling better after some few weeks they should not stop taking the medicine.

Ochieng: Are there people that are more likely to get TB? Mr Njogu: Those with a weak immune system are more likely to contract TB. They include children under the age of 5 years, people with HIV,

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

Drug-resistant tuberculosis The TB bacteria become resistant to the antibiotics and multi-drug resistance (MDR) develops if • A patient is given the wrong drug combination • A patient misses doses • A patient stops taking the drugs altogether People may miss or stop treatment for different reasons. The clinic may run out of medicine, the drugs may be too expensive, the patient may forget to take their medication or they feel so well that they think they are cured.

MDR-TB is difficult to treat because it is resistant to regular antibiotics.

The stronger drugs that must be taken are very expensive and have far worse side effects, such as nausea, diarrhoea and vomiting. Medication usually takes 2 years, during which time the patient may miss doses or stop treatment. When this happens, extensively drug-resistant TB (XDRTB) arises. XDR-TB is very dangerous because it is resistant to even the strongest antibiotics, but as yet, it is still rare.

Patients with either of these 2 types of TB are usually isolated from their families and the rest of the community until they are completely cured.

300 or more 100−299 50−99 25−49 0−24 No figures

Countries with cases of XDR-TB (June 2008)

New TB cases per 100,000 people (2005)

the malnourished and people living in overcrowded places like prisons.

Substance abusers and those with a chronic illness like cancer are also at increased risk.

Teacher: Thank you, Mr Njogu, you have given us valuable information.

Anita: We’ll help Lisa stick to the treatment, Mr Njogu!

Finishing the course of medication is extremely important, even if a person feels better, because not doing so is what leads to the resistant strains of TB.

5

6

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

Vol. 5 no. 5

hiv and you

lts they receive counselling. If they When a person gets their HIV test resu — t and on how they can live positively have HIV, they are advised on treatmen that is, live a healthy life with HIV.

What treatment is available?

The person will get medications that treat HIV, called antiretrovirals or ARVs.

What do ARVs do?

ARVs keep the levels of HIV in the body low so that the immune system can stay strong for as long as possible.

When does treatment start?

As soon as possible after HIV is diagnosed. First, the person will have a medical examination to assess their state of health. The doctor will look for existing conditions, like pregnancy or TB. The viral load and CD4 count will be measured. A high CD4 count

shows that the immune system is strong. They should also have drug resistance testing to see which ARVs will be most effective for their strain of HIV.

Does everyone get the same treatment?

No, treatment for different people varies according to • Viral load • CD4 count • Other conditions they may have • The type of pills to be taken • The number of pills to be taken, how often they should be taken and whether they should be taken with or without food. People may

take other drugs to fight other infections that may occur.

Does the treatment stop after a while?

People living with HIV must take ARVs for the rest of their lives. However, the amount and type of drugs may change over time. Regular viral load tests and CD4 counts keep track of how well the medication is working.

The drugs are changed if they stop working or if they start to cause bad side effects.

People must stick with their treatment. A main reason why a drug stops working is that the patient misses doses.

Glossary • ARV—antiretroviral drugs, designed to prevent the development of AIDS

• CD4 count—the number of CD4 cells in the blood

• CD4 cells—white blood cells that fight infection

• Viral load—the amount of virus in the blood

• ART—antiretroviral therapy, the combination of ARVs that a doctor prescribes

• Dose—a certain quantity of medication

can you believe it?!

if my girlfriend did that to me ...

this singer nadja has hiv and didn’t tell her boyfriend, and now he is infected.

Story by Peta Meyer Art by Bella Kilonzo

angel has a point. both of them should have been more responsible and used a condom to protect against pregnancy and stis* as well as hiv.

... i would kill her!

the fear of stigma kept nadja quiet, but she ended up endangering someone else.

*sexually transmitted infections

get real. if she told people she was hiv positive, the stigma would have killed her career.

yes, with good nutrition and proper medication, people with hiv can lead long and healthy lives. anyway, why is it always the woman’s fault? it takes 2 hands to clap. why wasn’t the guy using a condom?

it says here nadja got infected more than 10 years ago, before she even became a singer …

hmm … if people don’t have to die because they’re hiv positive, then why the big stigma?

you see? — stigma kills, not hiv!

TALK ABOUT IT! what does angel mean? if people ignored the stigma and started talking openly about sex and hiv, would more or fewer people get infected?

Vol. 5 no. 5

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

bodyworks

Take a deep breath—in, then out. What is happening? Let’s find out!

T

he breathing system of mammals is made up of the nose, trachea and lungs. The trachea, also known as the windpipe, is the airway through which respiratory air passes. The lungs are spongy in texture. They are positioned behind the heart and are protected by the rib cage. Humans have 2 lungs, the left lung divided into 2 lobes and the right into 3. Together, the lungs contain approximately 2,400 km of airways.

The amount of air that can be contained in the lungs depends on the age of a person, their height, weight and sex. It normally ranges between 4 and 6 litres. Tall people tend to have a larger total lung capacity than short people. Males tend to have 20–25% higher capacity than females. Nonsmokers have a higher capacity than smokers.

The passage of air

Air enters your body through the nose or mouth. It then moves to the trachea through the glottis (the opening at the back of the mouth) and into the trachea. About 20 C-shaped rings of cartilage keep the trachea open. At the top of the trachea is the larynx, or voice box.

The trachea splits into 2 tubes called bronchi (bronchus) at the base. When the bronchi enter the lungs they split repeatedly into smaller tubes called bronchioles. Eventually each bronchiole ends up at an air sac or alveolus. It is in the alveoli that the

gases arewould exchanged, is, be oxygen What your that world like

you incouldn’t touch, is if taken and CO2see, is given out.taste,

hear or smell? You wouldn’t have the same Inhaled air Exhaled experiences asair

others who can do all these Nitrogen 78.6% 74.9% things, and life would be15.3% a Oxygen 20.9% little challenging.

How do our Carbon dioxide 0.03% 3.6% 5 senses help us relate to the Water vapour 0.5% 3.2% world around us?

Composition of the air we breathe

air low in O²,

air high in O²,

high in CO²

low in CO²

alveolar space CO²

O²

Breathing is an automatic action controlled by the respiratory centre of the hindbrain. This area controls the movement of the diaphragm, a muscular sheet that seals the chest cavity or thorax. When the diaphragm contracts, it pulls the lungs downwards and air is sucked into the trachea, bronchi and bronchioles. When the diaphragm relaxes, air is forced out of the lungs and the cycle repeats itself.

This 2-part process of breathing in and out is called inhalation and exhalation.

During inhalation, the alveoli fill with air. Blood cells in the capillaries absorb oxygen from the alveoli, at the same time giving up carbon dioxide, a waste product.

Oxygen-rich blood then travels to the heart so it can be pumped to all parts of the body.

When you breathe out or exhale, the carbon dioxide is expelled from the body. cell

blood low in O²

blood high in O²,

high in CO²

low in CO²

Blood carries carbon dioxide to the alveoli. We breathe it out from our lungs and as we breathe in, we draw in oxygen. The oxygen enters the bloodstream from the alveolar spaces.

How the alveoli work

The alveoli are completely covered in tiny blood vessels, the capillaries. The walls of the capillaries are extremely thin and the distance between air and blood is only 0.3 nanometres.

This means that oxygen has no distance to travel to get into the blood. The alveoli increase the surface area hugely. Humans have 3 million alveoli in both lungs, giving a total surface area of about 80 square metres (for comparison, skin surface is only 2 square metres).

O2

blood

CO2

red blood cell

Blood leaving the lungs transports oxygen to the body’s cells and carries carbon dioxide from the cells back to the lungs to be expelled.

ed is also affect Lung capacity who le op Pe e. ud by altit live at high are born an d higher lung a ve ha e ud altit le who spen d op pe an capacity th at’s one Th l. sea leve their lives at well at so do s er nn ru reason Kenyan meets! international

7

8

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

LIVING RIGHT

Vol. 5 no. 5

Consideration for others As she crosses the road to you, she accidentally steps on the banana peel and falls with a great thud. You turn back to look and see Leah on the ground wailing. Wouldn’t you feel guilty, knowing that it was your fault that Leah fell down? If only you had been responsible enough to put the peel in the bin, Leah wouldn’t be hurt.

How would Leah feel if she knew you were the one who had thrown the peel there?

ou are eating a banana while walking down a street. Instead of putting the banana peel in a bin, you carelessly drop it on the ground and continue walking. Your friend Leah sees you from the other side of the road.

Y

Consideration for others shows that you love and respect them. To be treated with respect, you must also respect others. Littering is lack of respect, showing that you don’t care about your neighbour.

People who sexually abuse children try to make them keep it a secret.

Everyone loves a secret—so how do you know if the secret you are being asked to keep is a good or a bad one?

Treat others as you would like to be treated and make the world a better place in which to live.

A good secret is fun to keep, for example when you and your siblings plan a surprise birthday treat for your mum. But a bad secret feels heavy inside and makes you worried or scared that someone will find out.

HI, GIRLS!

People who sexually abuse children start with little secrets … maybe a funny game of tickling or hugging, followed by the older person giving you a few sweets and saying “Shh! Don’t tell anyone, it is our little secret.”

By Peter Meyer and Martin Ngugi K.

YOUR FRIENDS DON’T LOOK TOO HAPPY. IS SOMETHING WRONG?

POLE SANA, BUT ARE YOU SURE THEY’RE REALLY FRIENDS? REAL FRIENDS DON’T TRY TO GET OTHERS TO DO BAD STUFF.

MY FRIENDS AREN’T TALKING TO ME.THEY ARE FOOLING WITH DRUGS AND WANT ME TO JOIN THEM, BUT I SAID NO…

EXACTLY. YOU’LL START FAILING CLASSES. YOU MIGHT EVEN GET EXPELLED. YEAH, I GUESS IT’S NOT WORTH THE RISK, EVEN TO BE WITH MY FRIENDS.

PERHAPS I SHOULD JOIN THEM JUST ONCE TO BE SOCIABLE …?

DON’T LET PEER PRESSURE GET YOU INTO TROUBLE.THERE’S NO SUCH THING AS “JUST ONCE” WITH DRUGS. SOON YOU’LL BE WANTING MORE AND MORE!

YOU MEAN I MIGHT BECOME AN ADDICT?

DEFINITELY NOT! HERE’S MY DRAMA CLUB MEETING. WHY DON’T YOU JOIN ME AND MAKE SOME NEW FRIENDS WHO WON’T GET YOU INTO TROUBLE?

So you keep the secret—after all it’s just a game, and you don’t want to share the sweets either. Later (and it could be a long time later) the secrets get bigger but you still don’t tell anyone, because by this time you know something is wrong and you feel guilty and ashamed.

If you have been sexually abused, remember it is never your fault.

That’s the way the abuser wants you to feel, so that you will keep the abuse secret. Never, never keep a secret that makes you feel bad inside—always tell someone. a 116 • Childline Keny ne One-2-One Hotli T VC ol • Liverpo 1 0800 22 11 12 ildren Ugan da • Action for Ch 0800 111 222 0800 111 333 or ania (51) 152243 • ANPPCAN-Tanz

Vol. 5 no. 5

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

Human rights

You must have heard of the new system of county government in Kenya by now. Have you figured out in which county you live?

What is a decentralised (devolved) government?

Diani Beach in Kwale County, centre of the county’s tourism industry.

What is a county?

A county is a regional or local government below the national or state government that helps devolve (decentralise) the national government.

The new constitution divides the country into 47 counties.

Where did all these counties come from?

Originally referred to as colonial counties, they were 41 when Jomo Kenyatta was president. Later, former president Moi created 6 more counties.

The skyscrapers of Nairobi City County.

DO THE

RIGHT

Imagine this: when the bell rings for lunch break, everyone hastily grabs their bags and rushes for the door.

A decentralised government is a system of governance where some resources and administrative functions and authority, which include decision making, are distributed from the central government to regional and local governments.

What is the difference between a devolved government and a centralised government?

In a centralised government, all the resources across the nation are collected and distributed through one channel. Also, there is only one centre of authority responsible for overseeing the development of the whole nation.

Kisumu city on the shores of Lake Victoria, capital of Kisumu County.

Camels in Marsabit County, one of the driest counties.

In a decentralised government—like the one set in the new constitution— part of the political and economic decision making is transferred to the people through their counties. People of a particular county will have the authority to make most of the day-today decisions, such as when and where to erect a school, dig a borehole, put street lighting, or build sports and cultural facilities.

Even in a devolved government, the central government retains the role of overseeing the national agenda. Thus the devolved government units, the counties, must adopt policies that are in line with national policies.

Teapickers at work in Kericho County.

THING

You go back to fetch something you had forgotten and find a wallet lying on the floor. There is no one around. What do you do?

Honesty

It is oh so tempting to keep the wallet and its contents.

But your honesty prompts you to find the owner instead.

The relieved owner gratefully shakes you by the hand as the whole class claps. You are the hero of the day … all because of your honesty!

9

10

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

our world

Vol. 5 no. 5

n a d s g t i o r p a , f fe s s k l i S Nowadays, if you need something, you go to the shop down the road or to the supermarket. But in earlier days, the process wasn’t nearly as simple. If someone near you didn’t grow it, herd it or make it, you had to travel over great distances to get it—or just forget about it. This long-distance trade was slow and often dangerous, but it was lucrative for traders willing to make the journey.

W

hen people first settled in larger towns in Mesopotamia and Egypt, self-sufficiency— the idea that you had to produce everything that you wanted or needed—started to fade. A farmer could now trade grain for meat, or milk for a pot, at the local market.

With no proper roads in ancient times, the most efficient way to transport goods was by water. During the period between 250 BC and AD 250, a sea trade route existed between Alexandria in northern Africa and China. The most commonly used inland trade networks included the Nile, the Tigris and the Euphrates rivers in present-day Iraq, and the Yellow River in China. Early towns were founded along rivers. The towns grew into cities, using their water highways to import and export goods. Empires grew and stretched their influence across continents.

Meanwhile, camel caravans travelled land trade routes, linking India and the Mediterranean.

Trade also brought cross-cultural contact to a whole new level. Foreign traders shared stories and customs from back home, and returned with more than trade goods. That’s how Chinese noodles became Italian spaghetti.

Early trade in East Africa Trade between Africa and Asia has gone on for centuries. When the Portuguese came to East Africa in the 1490s, they found the royalty of Pemba dressed in fine silks and living in stone houses decorated with Chinese porcelain.

Craftsmen on Pate wove baskets using techniques of southern China. South of Mombasa lies Wasini Island— the name in Swahili means “people of the China tribe”.

Look for fragments of porcelain like this bowl if you live near a beach. You could be looking at evidence of the ancient trade with China!

Chinese and Kenyan archaeologists have recently been digging up sites on the Kenyan coast around Mambrui village and Khatib Mosque at Malindi, where Chinese porcelain and artefacts had earlier been found. The findings in Malindi will help to shed light on the conditions under which a Chinese ship capsized in Lamu in the 15th century. The Chinese sailors in the Zheng He fleet were coming to visit the Kingdom of Malindi, which had a maritime link with China.

The Indian Ocean trade ASIA ARABIA

CHINA

INDIA

A F RI C A Lamu Malindi Mombasa Zanzibar

winter monsoon

BORNEO INDONESIA

summer monsoon

INDIAN OCEAN MADAGASCAR

trade routes monsoon winds

Lamu town, the best preserved of the old Swahili trading settlements along the East African coast, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

AU S T R A L I A

The Indian Ocean is the world’s warmest ocean and far calmer than the Atlantic or Pacific, so it opened to trade earlier than the other oceans. All the world’s earliest civilizations—in Mesopotamia, Egypt, India and China—developed around its rim.

The Indian Ocean has a system of regular monsoon winds that sailors had

Admiral Zheng He caused a stir at the Chinese court when he brought back a giraffe as a gift from the Sultan of Malindi.

discovered as early as 2500 BC. Strong north-east winds blow from October until April, bringing ships from Asia in the direction of the Middle East and Africa. Sailors could trade for a few months, then return eastwards when the south and west winds blow from May until October.

Malagasy, the language of Madagascar, shares roots with the languages of Borneo, which is a large island north of Indonesia. This is proof of the very ancient trade routes across the Indian Ocean.

Vol. 5 no. 5

Reading is fun

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

11

across the gulf of waste matter and distance that separated them. She had recognised him. Then she began to pick her way towards him through the dirty mess.

“Wait!” he shouted, “I am coming up.”

He struggled up the side of the crater to the top, dragging the bag of things he had collected. “What are you doing here?” he asked. “How did you get here?”

BY LEE DIANI Our serialised story continues

M

Episode 3: Living at the waste dump

ingu hesitated. The girl he had met earlier that day as he went round collecting waste was staring at him across the stinking mound of rubbish. He had seen her looking at him and had called out her name, “Sweetie!” and greeted her like a friend. Now she was looking blank and not moving.

did this happen to me?” He was trying to be strong to help his uncle, who was a decent man and had cared for him ever since his parents had been killed that terrible day. But it was really hard. Why should Sweetie feel like greeting someone who picked up waste in a place like this? But why was she here?

He felt ashamed of himself and the horrible place he was working in. “It’s not fair,” he thought to himself. “Why

Then she waved at him and he could see even from far she had a big smile on her face. “Hi Mingu,” she called

She pointed towards the school bus next to the UN vehicle, and he saw the group of her classmates disappearing as they went to look at the compost-making project with the UN officer. They had not noticed she was not there with them. “We are studying waste management and what you told me this morning was really helpful.” She smiled again.

Mingu saw his uncle standing at the door of his hut and watching him greet the visitor. His uncle called over to them. “Kuja, ukunywe chai,” he invited Sweetie. Mingu felt ashamed again and wondered why Sweetie would want to come in for a cup of tea, but Sweetie simply said, “Asante sana,” and began walking towards the hut. To tell the truth, she was curious.

The hut was like nothing she had seen before. It was a bit like the ones she knew from her grandmother’s home, but instead of mud and wattle the walls were made of old bits of plastic and cardboard boxes while the roof had a few flatted tins and more sheets of plastic. Smoke was curling through the gaps just like in the houses she knew with thatched roofs.

She thought about getting a hot drink and it did not seem like such a bad idea.

Mingu watched as she stepped through the low door and into the gloom, lit only by cracks in the walls between the sheets of cardboard and plastic. His uncle poured them cups of tea from the pot hanging over a fire made from scraps of wood. “The milk is from those goats,” said Mingu. “Don’t worry, it is boiled and that gets rid of all the bacteria. We worry more about the chemical contaminants. This continued on page 12

12

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

Reading is fun

Vol. 5 no. 5

continued from page 11 waste. If only the City Council would listen to the experts and get people to separate waste, it would be better.”

He felt almost like crying. It was so unusual to have someone listening to his convictions. “Do you know how much money is spent on buying fertilisers in Kenya when over 2,000 tonnes each of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are wasted every year on this dump?”

Just then they were all distracted by the sound of people yelling, “Sweetie!

Sweetie, where are you?” Sweetie jumped up and dropped her tin cup.

Mr Mwamba’s voice could be heard and Veronica was screaming. She ran outside without even saying thank you for the tea. They shouted even louder as they saw her running towards them. “Come here, Sweetie, you bad girl! Your parents are going to hear about this!” thundered Mr Mwamba, place is full of toxic and dangerous materials that can harm us. If only the whole city could separate the organic from the inorganic materials things would be better. At the compost project they are showing us how to grow safe vegetables. The trouble is people don’t think much of the work we do separating waste.

There is a lot of stigma attached to handling it.”

Mingu stopped. He felt he was talking too much. But Sweetie was enjoying her tea. The goat’s milk tasted really thick and strong but there were not many tea leaves in the tea. “You sound just like my teacher,” she joked. Just then she was startled by someone stirring on the makeshift bed behind her. It was a small boy who got up and joined them. He clung to Mingu, who gave him some tea to drink. “We have to take care of him as he has no one,” he said to Sweetie. “Otherwise I don’t know what will become of him here.”

Sweetie put her hand on the little fellow’s head and he looked up at her with big eyes in a thin face. Then she turned back to Mingu as a question jumped into her mind, “What about water? I don’t see how you could get it here.”

“That’s one of our biggest problems,” said Mingu. “A tanker truck comes sometimes but we have a really hard time keeping ourselves and our things clean. We know about hygiene from the UN project and we know if we boil our food and water it is safe for us to eat and drink, but it is hard to manage. And people are always getting sick from handling the toxic

although actually he looked relieved to see her.

Sweetie felt very small and dejected as they grabbed hold of her and led her off towards the school bus. Had she really done something very bad?

See episode 4 in our next issue

Vol. 5 no. 5

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

agroforestry

W

eeds, pests and diseases love small seedlings.

But if you take good care of your tree seedlings they will be strong enough to outdo weeds and survive attack from pests and diseases. Better yet, prevent these nuisances to start with.

Keeping your nursery healthy Do not overwater your seedlings as damp encourages fungal diseases.

Check whether your seedlings need water by digging your fingers into the soil. Rub your fingers together. If the soil feels dry and crumbly, water the seedlings. If the soil feels wet, do not water them.

If seedling stems are damaged, look for cutworms in the soil beneath and remove them.

Weeds Prevent weeds from entering the nursery in the first place—they can arrive in • Soil—soil from a weedy location contains weed seeds • Manure—cattle manure that is not well rotted contains weed seeds • Shading materials—remove weeds and seeds from grasses and other materials before using them • Wind—build windbreaks to prevent weed seeds from blowing into the nursery • Water—check water for seeds unless it comes from a well Remove any weeds that appear in the nursery as soon as you see them.

Weed the whole nursery, not just pots and seedbeds, regularly. It is easier to remove small weeds than big ones.

Weed young seedlings every 2 weeks.

Burn or bury weeds—do not add them to your compost heap!

Moisten soil around the base of a seedling and pull weeds out gently to avoid breaking them.

13

Use a pointed stick or piece of wire to help dig out the roots of weeds.

If weeds are growing in the soil under pots, place the pots on a strong plastic sheet.

Small pests Avoid conditions that attract small pests like insects: • Keep the area around the pots or beds free of other vegetation that could shelter pests.

• Grow insect-repelling plants— chillies, pyrethrum, marigolds, garlic—around beds.

• Don’t remove creatures like wasps, ladybirds, spiders, frogs and lizards that prey on pests..

Pick off small pests when you see them on seedlings. Spray aphids, scale insects and mealy bugs with soapy water.

Bigger pests Stone walls, rubbish heaps and food scraps attract rats and mice. Enlist the help of a cat—the best rodent killer!

If necessary, cover seedbeds and pots with a wire mesh frame. Keep larger animals out with a thorny live fence.

Diseases The 3 steps to controlling disease: 1. Keep your nursery free of pathogens—fungi, bacteria and viruses. Use clean seeds from reliable sources. Remove and burn diseased seedlings.

2. Avoid conditions that encourage disease, like the warm, moist conditions that attract fungi.

Avoid damaging young seedlings as diseases can enter at the wound.

3. If all else fails, use chemical pesticides.

Herbicides control weeds, pesticides control pests and fungicides control fungal diseases. But all are expensive, dangerous to use, difficult to apply and can damage seedlings.

Use only if nothing else works.

14

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

Vol. 5 no. 5

ecosystems

the Why, What and How of

W

ithout irrigation, we would be totally dependent on rainfall to water our crops.

In most of East Africa, with our long dry periods, we would struggle to grow anything without irrigation. But irrigation is not a magic wand that solves all farming problems. While countries like Israel have turned desert areas into farms with the clever use of irrigation, it wastes water and stresses the environment if not carried out properly.

Big wheat farms with above-ground sprinkler irrigation systems lose water through evaporation by watering in daytime. In Australia, an arid country that depends heavily on mass irrigation schemes to grow wheat and raise livestock, rivers are now drying up and soils have become toxic because their mineral balance has changed.

Large-scale spray irrigation in an arid region of the USA has diverted water from rivers, removing the habitat for river plants and animal life, and is causing waterlogging and soil and water salinity.

the hot sun. And all that standing water breeds mosquitoes that spread malaria, and the tiny water snails that carry bilharzia.

This furrow filled with illegally diverted water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Even pumping river water into furrows wastes water, because most of it doesn’t reach the plants—it soaks into the ground or evaporates under

Over-irrigation leaches minerals from the soil, leading to poor soil health, higher spending on artificial fertilisers, and poisoning of our rivers and lakes from all that chemical runoff.

So what is the poor farmer to do? Are there sustainable irrigation methods that do not waste water, spread disease or ruin the environment?

I THOUGHT THERE WERE RESTRICTIONS ON TAKING WATER BECAUSE OF THE LOW WATER LEVELS.

GOOD EVENING, NZEKA, YOU’RE WORKING LATE! YOU’VE BEEN PUMPING WATER FOR HOURS.

By Katherine Moir and Benjamin Ondiege

UH, WELL ...

ER, YES … I HAVE A LOT TO DO.

… THE RIVER RUNS RIGHT NEXT TO MY LAND. I CAN USE IT WHEN I LIKE! WE ALL HAVE A RIGHT TO WATER, BUT WE MUST USE IT WISELY.

TALK TO THE BIG LANDOWNERS! I DON’T USE AS MUCH WATER AS THEY DO.

YOU MAY BE A BIG FARMER ONE DAY TOO—HOW MUCH WATER WILL YOU TAKE THEN?

I WISH! BUT OUR CROPS NEED WATER. WHAT’S THE ALTERNATIVE?

LOTS OF WATER EVAPORATES FROM YOUR FURROWS. WHY NOT TRY DRIP IRRIGATION? TOO EXPENSIVE!

LOOK, I’LL HELP YOU SET UP A SIMPLE BUCKET SYSTEM.

SOME TIME LATER ...

CONNIE, THIS DRIP IRRIGATION REALLY WORKS! I PUMP WATER TO MY TANK AND FILL YOUR PLANTS THE BUCKETS ARE LOOKING FROM THERE. HEALTHY!

BETTER THAN EVER! MAYBE I WILL BE A BIG FARMER ONE DAY!

Vol. 5 no. 5

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

ecosystems

clever Irrigation Sustainable irrigation The goal of irrigation should be to water the field uniformly, so that each plant has the right amount of water it needs—not too much, not too little.

This causes the least disturbance to the soil, and does not waste water or pollute rivers and lakes.

Small areas can be watered by hand, with buckets and watering cans. For larger fields, farmers are starting to turn to drip irrigation.

Drip irrigation, also known as trickle irrigation or micro-irrigation, is the most water-wise form of irrigation.

This method saves water and fertiliser by allowing water to drip slowly to the base of the plant, either onto the soil surface or directly onto the root zone.

Drip irrigation has been used since ancient times when buried clay pots were filled with water, which would gradually seep into the soil—a method still in use today.

A farmer looks at the soil salinity (pale patches in the middle of the picture) and waterlogging (in foreground) caused by irrigation. Almost all water contains dissolved salts. When plants absorb water, the salts remain in the soil. It is harder for plants to absorb water from salty soil, so as soil salinity increases, they need more and more water.

Basic parts of a drip irrigation system valve—turns water on or off

You can make a really simple drip system for a small vegetable patch. Fill plastic bottles with water and screw on the caps—but don’t tighten them completely. Lay the bottles on their sides with the caps near the stems of plants and they will slowly drip water to “their” plants.

Automatic drip irrigation systems use a network of valves, pipes and tubes that can be expensive to install. Small farms can use a simpler setup that costs less. But farmers are happier because the system pays for itself through better harvests and lower costs during the growth period.

Because water does not touch the edible surfaces of a plant—stems, leaves, flowers and fruit—recycled waste water can safely be used, saving money and natural resources.

Fertiliser or compost tea can also be added to the water in just the right concentration with no wastage.

With plants being watered automatically, less labour is needed on the farm. All the same, a drip irrigation system needs regular maintenance to keep the water flowing at the right rate. UV rays in sunlight can also affect the tubes, so they need to be replace regularly.

pressure regulator—keeps water pressure at a constant level

backflow preventer— prevents dirt or bacteria from being sucked back into the water tank from the drip system

filter—prevents dirt and small organisms that could block the drip emitters from getting into the drip lines

main line— pipe going from the water source to the control valves. A single main line can lead to several control valves on a large drip system.

emitter—releases water onto the soil and controls how fast the water drips. Attached to drip lines.

drip line—tubing that carries water along rows of plants. Flatter and thinner than normal hosepipe. emitter opening—very small and easily clogged by rust, small grains of sand and even small water snails

15

16

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

Vol. 5 no. 5

home gardens Children, today we are going to transplant the bean and amaranth seedlings. Can you tell Mkulima Halima what we did to prepare for transplanting?

Yes? We hardened the seedlings off.

We got the seedlings used to having more sun and less water when they are moved.

The Furaha Primary gardeners’ seeds have sprouted and grown into healthy seedlings. Now they will transplant some ...

The children follow Mkulima Halima’s spacing guide to dig holes for the seedlings:

We slowly reduced their shade and water.

Excellent. We’ll transplant them in the late afternoon when it is cooler. Then the plants will have a night to settle down before they face the day’s heat.

apart in cm deep and 30 cm Amaranth: Holes 10 rows of en we bet nt pla rt— rows 150 cm apa 75 30 cm apart in rows cowpeas. Beans: Holes may nt pla e sam the ieties of cm apart. Different var instructions. ck che ays alw g— cin need different spa

Good work, children. The sun’s not so hot now. Will you show us what to do next, Mkulima Halima?

Very good! Tell me more about hardening off.

1. Dig carefully around plants, being careful not to damage the roots.

3. Gently place seedlings in the holes. Fill the holes with soil and press down gently. Water seedlings at the bases.

2

3 Pour water into the amaranth holes and let it seep in. We’ll plant the seedlings in the mud and fill in the holes with soil.

1

Now thin out the pumpkin seedlings so they’re 1 m apart.

Water them at the base—keep the leaves dry to avoid mildew.

Later …

Done!

2. Lift the plants gently. Don’t disturb the roots.

Mulch is loose dry plant material used to cover the soil.

It keeps the soil cool, moist and protected from wind.

Cover the soil between seedlings with mulch.

Leave a gap of about 8 cm around stems to keep insects away from them.

Anyway, we need some of the dudus.

Let’s get goingand be careful with those roots!

Spot on! It also adds nutrients to the soil as it rots. The cowpeas protect the soil in the same way.

They use straw for mulch …

Shouldn’t we spray pesticide to kill dudus?

We’ll water less now unless it is really hot.* But we still have other tasks to carry out.

We need pollinators like bees and butterflies. … And creatures that eat other pests, too.

No! My aunt says that stuff can poison you if you spray it on vegetables.

*Test whether you need to water by digging a small hole about 10 cm deep, away from the plants, and feeling the soil at the bottom.

If it is dry and crumbly, water your plants.

As the days pass, the children are kept busy caring for their plants. They also:

Our plants are thriving. I can’t wait to harvest them!

Rig up bird scarers to keep birds away.

Stake the climbing bean plants to support them.

Pick off any pests that appear on plants.

We need to care for the plants as they grow, watering, weeding—though the mulch will block most weeds—and look out for pests and diseases.

Set up a drip irrigation system to save water.

In our next issue the Furaha Farmers harvest their vegetables.

Vol. 5 no. 5

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

practical science

How we use Magnets

17

= s H Ma - n

-

+ tio in ac

A magnet is an object that pulls certain other objects towards it. Playing with magnets is fun but did you know that magnets are part of our day-to-day life?

How do magnets work?

Magnets are made of iron or an iron-based metal such as steel.

They only attract metals that are made of iron or that contain steel, nickel or cobalt. The invisible force that makes them pull objects towards themselves is called magnetism. A magnet has 2 ends, called poles: the north pole or north-seeking pole and the south pole or south-seeking pole. The north pole of one magnet attracts the south pole of another magnet, while the north pole of one magnet repels the other magnet’s north pole.

Magnets in the home AfriBank • Magnets are used in CashCard computer discs to store information and in television sets to show images on the screen.

• ATM and credit cards contain magnets.

• Household accessories and items like loudspeakers, home theatres, headphones and telephone receivers include magnets in their mechanisms.

• The doors of a refrigerator are lined with magnets to keep the doors tightly closed.

02020 002020 202020

A.CARD

Valid until

06/10

Other uses

Magnets have medical uses, too. Doctors have found that electromagnets—which only have

S N N S N S

a magnetic field when an electric current passes through them—can speed up healing in broken bones. In hospitals, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a strong magnetic field to look at the inside of the body. It can scan tissues in the body in more detail than X-rays.

Maglev trains can run without wheels as they don’t touch the rails. Magnets in the train and in the rails repel each other. The train floats and is moved forward on magnetic power. Magnets are used to sort magnetic and nonmagnetic materials in scrapyards, in the mining industry and by food manufacturers (they prevent iron particles from mixing with the food).

A magnetic compass helps us find direction. Compasses always point towards the magnetic north pole.

The saying, “like poles repel and unlike poles attract” comes from magnet behaviour.

magnet

An MRI scanner uses a strong magnetic field to look inside the body

N

Dad and Mum come home with big smiles and a flatscreen LCD TV. “Wow,” you say, “we must be rich!”

“Not really,” says Mum. “We bought it on hire purchase. The deposit was only Ksh 4,000!”

Hire purchase or HP seems an easy way to buy a car, a fridge or a TV—you pay a deposit and then make small monthly payments until the agreed price has been paid up. Mum and Dad have to pay a further Ksh 2,010 a month for 20 months before they “own” the TV. So how much does the TV really cost?

Ksh 2,010 a month x 20 months = Ksh 40,200 + deposit already paid + Ksh 4,000 Total price Ksh 44,200

In the newspaper you see an advertisement for the same TV—same brand, same screen size—from another shop, and it is only Ksh 29,030!

Oh dear, your family could have saved money by paying cash instead of HP.

north attracts south

s

?

P H r o h Cas

S N

compass needle

north repels north How a compass works

The word “magnet” comes from the Greek magnítis líthos, which means “magnesian stone”. Magnesia is an area in Greece where deposits of magnetite were discovered in ancient times.

Ksh 44,200 – 29,030 15,170

If, instead of paying the shop, you were to save Ksh 2,100 a month, you’d have 2,100 x 12 = Ksh 25,200

+ Ksh 4,000 *

Ksh 29,200

*(after a year add the deposit price)

Hey, that’s enough in 1 year to buy a TV! By planning ahead and waiting, Mum and Dad would own their TV sooner and save money as well.

18

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

Vol. 5 no. 5

practical science

How a hybrid car works

e

act fil ology f

Techn

You are walking to school when a car drives past you, emitting black smoke and polluting the fuel tank air. Don’t you wish there generator were vehicles that would petrol work without polluting?

HoIw o ... d ..... .

op en a ? t n u o c c a s saving

engine

M

any campaigns are now urging people to battery save our world from global pack warming by taking care of the environment. One of electric motor the causes of air pollution is the burning of fossil The main parts of the Toyota Prius hybrid system. fuels, like the petrol and The battery provides energy to the diesel used in vehicle engines. Thanks electric motor, which recharges by to advancements in technology, these recapturing energy that normally cars are slowly being replaced with would be lost when decelerating or environmentally friendly ones known as braking. When it is needed, power hybrid cars. from the petrol engine can also be A hybrid car is a cross between an used to recharge the battery. The car electric car and a petrol car with switches between petrol and battery minimal but clean emissions. It uses power as it is needed. When demand these 2 types of technology for on the engine is minimal, the car stops producing energy. Its major parts: using petrol altogether and switches to battery power. Its only drawback— Petrol engine—Similar to the engine it’s more expensive than the usual in petrol cars but smaller and petrol car. specially built to reduce emissions and increase effectiveness.

Fuel tank—The source of energy for the petrol engine.

Electric motor—Acts as a motor as well as a generator. For example, when it needs to, it can draw energy from the batteries to accelerate the car. However, when the car slows down, it acts as a generator to return energy to the batteries.

Generator—Acts only to produce electrical power.

The Honda Civic is the second most popular hybrid car after the Toyota Prius.

Batteries—The energy storage device for the electric motor. Unlike the petrol in the fuel tank, which can only power the petrol engine, the electric motor in a hybrid car can put energy into the batteries as well as draw energy from them.

Ferdinand Porsche built the world’s first hybrid car, the “Mixte”, way back in 1902—and we thought hybrids were the latest in modern technology!

Where do you put your savings?

Under the mattress? In a piggy bank?

Are you often tempted to dip into your savings hence using them up?

Why not open a savings account?

A savings account is a bank account that allows you to deposit or withdraw money at any time and earn interest on the money you have saved.

To open a savings account you will generally need: • Your birth certificate or any other birth notification document–the original and a copy.

• Coloured passport photographs— yours and those of your parent or guardian. The number of photographs required is between 1 and 3, varying from bank to bank.

• A valid piece of identity of a parent or guardian: a national ID or passport or driver’s licence—the original and a copy.

Note: The minimum balance and the minimum operating balance vary by bank between Ksh 500 to 1,500. If you are below 18 years you will need your parents/ guardian to open and operate the account on your behalf. Talk to them about this and let us know how it goes!

Vol. 5 no. 5

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

business & careers

19

Keeping records Mark’s Uncle Stan had lent Mark and June equipment when they started MaJu Communications—and now he had come to see how the business was going. Our young entrepreneurs were confident that they had kept good records. But what would Uncle Stan think?

2

Cash book summary This record reconciles or compares sales and purchases and expenses. It indicates how business was on a given day, week or month.

Date

14/9/10

M

ark and June have a simple record-keeping system. You can set up a similar system if (no, let’s make that when!) you start a business. Uncle Stan asked for these records: •

1

Cash sales book and cash purchases book Record your cash

flow (money going into and out of your business). Keep paperwork: • Banking records (if you have a bank account) • Copies of your invoices to clients • Invoices from suppliers • Receipts and delivery notes • Till slips Write everything in your cash books, keeping separate records for sales, and for purchases and other expenses.

Records help a : business owner tos—

es • Assess their busin ing do is it w ho see ey • Make a profit—th much w ho need to know to g din they are spen make charge enough to a profit easily • Get loans more penses • Keep track of ex rns • Prepare tax retu

Opening cash balance (A) Cash receipts (B) Cash banked (C) Cash payments (D) Closing cash balance (E)

Amount ksh

14,620 3,750 10,000 2,230

Can you work out this closing cash balance for MaJu? It should match the amount of cash they have.

Hint: To reach the closing cash balance: • Add A and B • Take away C and D

• Write the answer next to E *

3

Sales ledger

To record the sales you have made, the money you have received and the money you owe at month-end.

• Update these records at least once a week • Every week or every month, add up the total amount of sales—this is your turnover • Keep numbered copies of all invoices and keep till receipts Your sales ledger can show you who your biggest customers are, which customers owe you money and so on.

It also helps you with value-added tax (VAT), payable by all businesses with a turnover of more than 2 million shillings a year (in Kenya).

Mark and June do not yet need to pay VAT.

4

Purchase ledger

The record of all purchases you make. With it you can see how much your business spends and how much you owe. It also gives you an idea of who your most regular suppliers are and how much you spend with each of them.

5

Petty cash book A log of all expenses paid out of petty cash (a small amount of cash kept for small expenses). It is easy to lose track of where the money is going if small expenses are not recorded.

Mark and June do not have a wages book but if they ever employ somebody they will open one to record salaries, taxes and contributions to funds like unemployment insurance and health insurance.

Uncle Stan ’s verdict

Uncle Stan approved of June and Mark’s careful record keeping. He suggested that they set up a computer system to keep track of the many low-cost items they sell, and that they improve their filing system. “You can improve it as you go, as long as you continue to keep good records!”

He liked their calendar for recording jobs and orders. “Keep another one for keeping track of other deadlines like due dates for servicing equipment and for loans. That way, you won’t forget day-to-day chores when you are busy filling orders.”

IN OUR NEXT ISSUE: Mark and June assess their business and make some new decisions. Will they follow more of Uncle Stan’s advice and get a new printer? *The closing cash balance is Ksh 6,140.

I hope we haven’t forgotten anything!

I hope our figures add up!

20

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

business & careers

Vol. 5 no. 5

You could be a

Columnist

it or ask people about it, because Are you good at writing compositions everyone has a different thing to say. or stories that your schoolmates As a start, I decided that I would visit enjoy reading? Such writing could 5 different restaurants within Nairobi be your future career. James Murua city. My column in the Nairobi Star is is a columnist for the Nairobi Star. called Venue Review, in which I talk James also writes articles for about nice restaurants within Nairobi, Management Magazine for company the ambience and services offered, managers, and he has an online and I throw in a little blog page, Nairobi Living, When doing humour. where he writes stories research, it is about interesting activities better to visit the I have also written for in sports, entertainment, place than just the Churchill Live show. business and fashion. read about it or ask people about it, The joke scripts are because everyone based on current social Before writing this column, has a different issues such as politics, I did research on what goes James at a recent thing to say. function. education, the family and on in Nairobi every day. My the school environment. A internet search did not give friend hosted a programme on Metro me the information I wanted. There CAREER FACT FILE FM radio about relationships in our was information about other cities Degree or diploma society. I helped him research it and around the world but nothing about in jo urnalism Th ese subjects are suggested topics to talk about on his restaurants in Nairobi. Instead of using useful as part of yo ur co ur show. the internet or reading magazines, se: which didn’t have what I was looking • Linguistics To be a good writer, you need to do a for, I decided to go out into the • Psychology lot of research and a lot of reading. streets and look for these restaurants.

• Co mmunications This improves your vocabulary and enables you to write creative stories When doing research, it is better to that will interest your readers. visit the place than just read about

“

e t u l a s e W

”

Michael Kisoi Munyao

“Hamjambo wananchi wote pamoja na wageni wetu. Mimi ni Kisoi Munyao.

Ninazungumza nanyi kutoka kileleni cha Mlima Kenya. Kenya, Kenyatta, bendera imepepea. Kenya popote mwangaza umeenea.” (Hello to all citizens and our visitors. I am Kisoi Munyao, speaking to you from the peak of Mount Kenya.

Kenya, Kenyatta, the flag is flying. All over Kenya, the light is shining.)

T

This patriotic act by Kisoi, an agile hese were the words of Kisoi young man then, whose prowess in Munyao after planting the mountain climbing had earned him the Kenyan flag on Batian Point at honour of hoisting the flag at the the top of Mt Kenya at the dawn highest point of the new nation, made of independence, 12 December 1963. him a national hero and the symbol of A flag with red for the blood that Kenya’s independence. was shed fighting for freedom; green for the land that would forever be bountiful; black for the people; On 27 August 2010, Kisoi’s son, white for the peace in Kenya; and a Teddy Munyao, planted a new flag shield and 2 spears to signify that on Mount Kenya to mark the all Kenyans will always be ready promulgation of Kenya’s new constitution to defend the independence they and in honour of his father. His group also left a copy of the constitution fought so hard to achieve. encased in glass.

Vol. 5 no. 5

M

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

careers & fun

THE T EE

21

What a room!

What opportunities are there for people with a flair for design?

Mkok Olanga set up her own business when she found what she really likes doing.

I

had a passion for design when I was still in primary school. I liked doing unique things. My friends called me “designer”.

I learned the basics of sewing from my stepmother, who was a tailor. This motivated me to study home science in high school.

After completing high school, I worked for a lady who sold maternity dresses. This was not as interesting as I had thought. I wanted to do fashion design but realised that many people were in the field. I carried out market research to see if there was something different I could do that would bring out my creativity.

While visiting friends’ houses, I noticed how dull their homes seemed.

I started designing curtains for them, then moved to cushions. My first

Design a

clients were friends. They helped market my skills by word of mouth.

Now I am an interior designer.

My job comes with many challenges.

Sometimes convincing a client against a colour scheme they choose is not easy. Recently a client wanted to use printed carpeting and curtains to match her upholstery and the flowers she had in her living room. We sat down and I showed her samples of colours, flowers and types of curtains that would work best for her. She later appreciated my advice and is happy with her interior design.

I love my job because I have a constant flow of clients. My working hours are flexible and I am able to exercise my creativity. My outgoing personality has helped me get and maintain clients. High seasons are when people are on holiday and

Mkole Olanga, interior designer.

entertaining visitors. Then the whole family is at home and everyone has a say in the redecorating.

Either men or women can take up interior design as a business and career. Your creativity is unlimited.

Remember to do continual research 0to keep up with the trends.

I did an online course in interior design but I would like to go to school to study interior design professionally, from building to the final décor.

b u l c r u o y r o f o g lo

Do you belong to a school club? Draw new members to it with an interesting logo. A logo should be eye-catching and say something about the club. You can make the logo amusing or play it straight but whatever you do, keep it simple.

Too many details weaken the design.

You need a pencil, paper, a black pen and paints or coloured pencils.

• Put in the club’s name.

• Think of things related Use strong, clear to your club’s activities. lettering. Avoid using A reading club, for more than one type of example, involves books; font (lettering). an environmental club involves the earth, the colour green, plants and animals; a chess club, chess pieces and • Do a few designs checker board. Draw objects you think of. and let the club decide which one • Choose objects that have the to use. strongest shape. Your final logo must be clear even when seen from afar. You may decide to use one or more objects.

• Decide what shape your logo should be—square, round, rectangular, oval, long, shield-shaped—and draw it out.

• Place your chosen object(s) in the shape, leaving space for the club’s name.

• Draw a final, neat copy of the logo, using black pen and the colours you have chosen.

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

Vol. 5 no. 5

puzzles and fun Fun for

You

A tangram is a Chinese puzzle with 7 shapes (tans) that form a square. The pieces can be put together in different ways to make different shapes. Cut out the coloured shapes in the square and arrange them to fit the outline on the right.

Seeing double Look carefully at this portrait.

What do you see?

Seeing double There are 11 of the alphabet in this “maze”.

Twoletters faces. A boy when the picture is right way uphidden and a man with a beard when it is turned upside down.

Can you spot them? Some are capital letters.

We should all learn to appreciate each other.

APPRECIATE How many 3 letter words or more can you make from “appreciate”

?

Hint: turn upside down and sideways to spot them.

?

Hidden letters The letters are y, h, o, c, d, m, n, u, w, b and q - some shapes can be more than one letter.

Rearrange the tiles to reveal a message. .

s or club

de



 

 

canExpress.net YoungAfri @ o f n i Email:

Karate kid

ools to sch livered



gs! l savin Specia criptions bs YAE su

Scrambled sentence Learn to live and love life for it pays to do so.



10.



5.

ate, recite, reap, tape, ape, 9. ripe, tea, pipe, are, ace, ear, pear, tear, care, pare, pace, race, tar.



4.

7.

Here are some words 8. from “appreciate”



2.

3.

6.

Rolling squares

1.

(1) It will have to roll 4 times.

(2) It will have to roll 9 times

22

Vol. 5 no. 5

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

puzzles and fun

www.bellakilonzo.com

www.bellakilonzo.com

CRAZY BELZO

Hot, Hot, Hot!!!

Karate Kid!

It’s hot and these animals are thirsty!

Help them find their way to the waterhole.

This karate kid is good at chopping planks! Match the broken halves that join together.

A tangram is a Chinese puzzle with 7 shapes (tans) that form a square. The pieces can be put together in different ways to make different shapes. Cut out the coloured shapes in the square and arrange them to fit the outline on the right.

Garden Joke

B

A

How many 3 letter words or more can you make from “appreciate”

APPRECIATE

We should all learn to appreciate each other.

If a square rolls from A to B as shown above, (1) how many times will it need to roll to look like the square below, and (2) how many times to look like A again? Count from square A.





 Fly and Frog Flea,  Sitting on a log When Falcon flies down to feed.

“Quick”, cry Fly and Flea, “Flee Frog, fly!”

?

?

Tangram

Scrambled sentence Learn to live and love life for it pays to do so.

(1) It will have to roll 4 times.

(2) It will have to roll 9 times

Here are some words from “appreciate” ate, recite, reap, tape, ape, ripe, tea, pipe, are, ace, ear, pear, tear, care, pare, pace, race, tar.





Seeing double Two faces. A boy when the picture is right way up and a man with a beard when it is turned upside down.

Hidden letters The letters are y, h, o, c, d, m, n, u, w, b and q - some shapes can be more than one letter.

Rolling squares





 Tongue twister!?!

stest vegetable?

Q: What’s the fa A: A runner bean

23

24

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

Vol. 5 no. 5

Civil society

Are you always fighting or arguing with your siblings? These fights between brothers and sisters are called sibling rivalry.

4 steps to tame sibling rivalry:

S

ibling rivalry is often caused by jealousy, resulting in competition between siblings for the love and attention of parents or guardians.

Though sibling rivalry is natural, it can hurt the relationship between sisters and brothers by causing bitterness and unhealthy competition if it becomes too emotional, gets physical or happens regularly.

3 Learn to share with your siblings— set ground rules first.

1 Understand that you and your siblings have different capabilities.

Hence, the adults in your family may give different kinds of attention to different siblings.

For example, your parent may take more time helping your brother with his homework because he doesn’t perform as well as you in school.

4 Understand that life is not a head-to-head competition, and nobody’s keeping score. If it seems that your parents or siblings are keeping score, don’t let it continue– let them know how you feel when they compare you to your brother or sister.

2 Accept that you don’t have to be great in the same things your siblings are. Concentrate on what you DO have and who you ARE instead of what your siblings are or have.

There is a difference between rivalry and bullying. If a sibling is hurting you physically or emotionally, tell a parent, teacher or guardian. If you are hurting a sibling—stop it!

I WANT TO PROTECT YOU—I CAN’T LET YOU WATCH THAT!

TV IS FULL OF PROGRAMMES AND COMMERCIALS THAT PORTRAY RISKY BEHAVIOUR LIKE VIOLENCE AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE.

Story by Pauline Maina Art by Bella Kilonzo

YOU ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO WATCH TV; YOU ARE TOO YOUNG!

SWITCH OFF THAT TELEVISION!

BUT I’M WATCHING A FILM ABOUT WILD ANIMALS AND I’VE FINISHED MY HOMEWORK, AUNTY.

THIS FILM IS ABOUT HUMAN AND WILDLIFE CONFLICT.

CHILDREN HAVE A RIGHT TO INFORMATION THAT IS IMPORTANT TO THEIR WELLBEING AND THAT TEACHES THEM ABOUT THE WORLD.

BUT YOU HAVE TO WATCH TV IN MODERATION BECAUSE YOU HAVE OTHER THINGS TO DO.

OKAY, AUNTY

VERY TRUE. YOU CAN STILL PROTECT HER—WHENEVER YOU ARE IN DOUBT ABOUT A PROGRAMME, WATCH IT TOGETHER WITH HER.

YOU CAN ALSO HELP HER UNDERSTAND IT BETTER.

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

IN THIS

™

ISSUE

™

�� � ��� ��

���� ���� �

�� � ��� ��

����

Lea �������� rni ng ™ f o r �������� MARC Lif Lea e ������H–AP rni ��� RIL 2009 ng for MARC H–AP Lif e � Lea �������� RIL 2009 rni ng for MARC H–AP Lif e RIL 2009

��������

���� Turn ���� ���� ing Tu rn ga ing gagarbage rd Tu into rn rbK ga s in ag ing en rd eer ib in sga to rbK gardLenen in a ag in L s in K ibeer ibera ato L ��������

���������

���������

ISSUE

����������

IN THIS IN THIS

for life

ISSUE

������� � ��

To find out more, call us on +254 (0)20 374-6277, 374-4737, 260-4433 Email: info@YoungAfricanExpress.net

Learn

�

ISBN 978-9966-33-082-6

BUT THIS PROGRAMME IS MEANT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE.

�

I CAN LEARN NEW THINGS FROM THESE PROGRAMMES.

PENNY HAS A POINT. WHAT YOU ARE SAYING IS TRUE BUT NOT ALL PROGRAMMES DEPICT VIOLENCE.

�

AN EXAMPLE IS THE DOCUMENTARY SHE IS WATCHING.

IT’S ONLY A DOCUMENTARY, AUNTY.

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 mark scho n Express