She saved our trees

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

Y A 2011 Vol. 6 no. 5/6,

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

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Vol. 6 no. 5/6, 2011

Have you ever basked in the beautiful sunshine in Nairobi’s Uhuru Park? Or walked in Karura Forest and marvelled at the extraordinary trees? Next time you go there, thank Professor Wangari Maathai for what you enjoy.

B

Wangari Maathai

continued on page 12

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

“When we plant trees we plant the seeds of peace and the seeds of hope.”

y leading persistent protests, she successfully stopped an attempt by the former President Moi’s regime in 1989 to build a 60-storey building at Uhuru Park. She also fought powerful individuals in the Moi government who had

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Vol. 6 no. 5/6, 2011

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 Clare Barasa, Charles Bodo, Lee Diani, Peta Meyer, Katherine Moir, Vivian Nereah, Sarah Radoli, Susan Scull-Carvalho, Julia Wanjeri Graphic Designers Samuel Gachie, Grace King’ori, Mbula Makaa-Kinuthia, Katherine Mamai Artists Cyrus Gathigo, Bella Kilonzo, Katherine Moir, Harrison Muriuki, Martin Ngugi, Benjamin Ondiege, Nkrumah Ondiek, Celestine Wamiru Photographs Charles Akena, Franz-Fabian Bellot, Charles Bodo, Philippe Boissel, Ryan Brookes, Bill Clinton, Mohamed Gaarane, Siegfried Modola, Kim & Forrest Starr, Sarah Radoli, Russell Reinhardt, Dinesh Valke, Cem Varbarbut, Julia Wanjeri, African Rainforest Conservancy, Care of Creation, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Excellent, Green Belt Movement, IRIN, Public Library of Science, Tecnoempredes, VVOB, www.flickr.com, 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 2011 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.

AgriFRESH Kenya Ltd • Braeburn School • Nicky Blundell Brown • James Finlay (Kenya) Ltd • Hopcraft family • Kitengela Glass • Diocese of Lodwar • Malewa Ranching Initiative • Nairobi Pentecostal • Ole Moi Yoi family • Tara Consultants • VVOB education for development

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

EXPRESSIONS

Dear Readers,

WHAT‛S YOUR “LITTLE THING”? TELL US IN AN SMS TO 0722-667747 OR 0733-960757 OR EMAIL US AT INFO@YOUNGAFRICANEXPRESS.NET

As the year ends, we celebrate the life and achievements of Wangari Maathai and encourage everyone to keep her work alive by cherishing our environment. This is our planet; let’s all do our bit to make it a better place. As she herself said, “It’s the little things

citizens do. That’s what will make the difference. My little thing is planting trees.” What is your little thing?

Now we have exciting news for you—we’ve extended the deadline for our Wedding Dress Business Competition to 30 April!

So you have 2 holidays and one term in which to think up a wonderful business idea. Happy holidays to everyone and safiri salama!

Write a business plan

S

abreena from Nyeri wrote to say “I have a good idea for using your wedding dresses to start a business but I don’t know how to write a business plan.

It sounds very difficult.”

Thanks for your message, Sabreena.

A business plan does not have to be complicated, but it should show that you have planned how your business can work. Here is a sample.

Now you know how to write a business plan, sen d us your entry. We’ve extended the closing date to 30 April 2012 to give you more time!

Wedding portraits—our

By Julia and Remy Waful

business plan

a, Snappysnapz Photo Stu

1.

2.

dio

Description of business ide a Snazzysnapz is a photo stu dio owned and run by Julia and Remy Wafula. The studio has don e photography for a number of weddings.

Customary marriages are stil l common in semi-rural are as. However “white weddings” are attract ing more interest, thanks to television programmes like The Weddi ng Show. We see an opport unity to grow our business by offering we dding portraits using the don ated wedding dresses.

Target market The target market for our bri dal portraits is young couple s who are getting married by custom ary rites. They cannot afford an expensive modern wedding ceremony like people in town, but thr ough us they can document their wedding day by having a bridal por trait taken in a white wedding dress.

3.

Selling price for the servic e We charge Ksh 300 for stu dio portraits. For a bridal por trait, we estimate we can charge Ks h 300 x 6 because of the ext ra time involved, the hire of the dre ss, any accessories needed , e.g., flowers, and the drycleaning fee to clean the dress after use. Mo st people are willing to pay extra for thin gs to make their special day memorable.

4. Marketing We will promote our bridal portrait service through pos ters, which we will place in front of our studio and at nearby shoppi ng areas. We can produce the posters qui te cheaply because we pho tograph and print them in our own studio . The wedding photo enlarg ements that we make go in a special pap er frame which has our Sna ppysnapz name and phone number on the side. So when people sho w their wedding photos to their frie nds, our name will also be seen.

Attention Educators: Follow the colour band at the top of each page for curriculum links Expressions: English language and literacy Our World: Civil society, social sciences and human rights Business and careers Staying Healthy: Health, hygiene and nutrition Going Green: Agroforestry, home gardens and environmental conservation Practical Science: Maths, science and technology Critical thinking, puzzles and brainteasers

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

Vol. 6 no. 5/6, 2011

Weddings are

Enter now!

big business

W

And you can have some of it!

eddings are a big business opportunity and even a small start-up business can profit from them. We have 20 beautiful new wedding dresses to give away—tell us how you would make money with them, and you could be a winner!

How would you make money if you owned 10 wedding dresses? Rent them out? Make and sell patterns from the designs?

Hold a modelling camp?

We are looking for your best business ideas! The best concept will win 10 NEW wedding dresses and our 2 runners-up 5 dresses each.

What to do

1. Write and send us your business plan (see our example on page 2). The best 3 will win!

• Describe your business idea • Target market—who will your customers be?

• Price—how will you calculate the selling price for your service?

• Marketing plan—how will you promote your business?

2. Your entry must include: • Full name and age • School and class • Phone number • Postal address • Email address (if any) • Write and sign the following statement: “I agree to be interviewed and photographed for Young African Express if I am the winner or a runner-up.”

Note: if you are under 18 your parent or guardian must sign your entry.

3. Post your entry to Young African Express PO Box 1202–00606 Nairobi, Kenya or email it to info@YoungAfricanExpress.net Closing date 30 April 2012 Winners will be notified by phone and announced in the Young African Express.

Who can enter?

Anyone may enter, whether in school or not. You can enter as an individual, or as a group. At least one member of the group should be 18 or under. Boys, a wedding dress business can work just as well for you as for girls!

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Vol. 6 no. 5/6, 2011

staying healthy

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

GM foods—yes or no?

GMOs (genetically modified organisms) are crops that use modern methods of genetic biotechnology to introduce genetic material derived from one species into a different species. Altering the coding of genetic material (DNA) introduces such traits as herbicide tolerance or insect resistance.

F

armers have always tried to produce food crops that are resistant to diseases and drought. They do this by cross-pollinating plants and cross-breeding livestock with desirable characteristics.

Unlike traditional plant breeding methods that take time and are at times not very accurate, genetic engineering can create plants with helpful traits fast and with great accuracy.

Advantages of GM foods

Pest resistance: Growing GM foods can reduce the use of chemical pesticides and wastage when bringing crops to the market.

Disease resistance: Many viruses, fungi and bacteria cause plant disease. Plant biologists create plants with genetically engineered resistance to these diseases.

Disadvantages of GM foods

Drought tolerance: As the world population grows and more land is used for food production, farmers will need to grow crops in areas less suited for plant cultivation. Creating plants that can withstand things like drought or high salt content in the soil will help people grow crops in such places.

• Genetically modified crops may crosspollinate or invade land and overrun all other crops and weeds.

Nutrition: Malnutrition is common in many developing countries, where marginalised communities rely on a single crop such as rice or maize as their staple food. GM

• A genetically modified crop could possibly develop into a super weed that is resistant to herbicides.

• If antibiotic-resistant GM foods are consumed, humans may also become antibiotic resistant, causing failure of antibiotic-based treatments.

• Beneficial foods that carry toxic genes after engineering may cause human illnesses. foods could ensure more people eat a balanced diet.

Kitchen hygiene Yuri and Slava are helping out in the kitchen.

Yuri: Yuck! These dishwashing cloths are so slimy.

Slava: Eugh! The cutting boards are stained and mouldy. They’re disgusting!

A

clean kitchen is a must in every home because the kitchen is where we prepare food.

Keeping kitchen utensils and tools hygienic is a vital part of kitchen cleanliness. Here are 2 cleaning tips!

bleach solution. To make it, pour 1 teaspoon of bleach into 1 litre of water. Pour the solution onto the surface of the board and allow it to sit undisturbed for several minutes. Rinse the board clean with water. Allow it to air dry or use a clean cloth to dry it.

Don’t use the same kitchen board for both fruits and vegetables. When you cut onions and then use the same board for pineapple, even after you wash the board, the pineapple will smell of onion.

An alternative is a vinegar solution.

Combine 1 part vinegar with 5 parts water.

Use this solution in the same manner as the bleach solution.

Plastic and wooden cutting boards can be sanitised using a diluted chlorine

Use coarse salt to remove stains from the cutting board.

Cutting board

We often use a cutting board in the kitchen, to cut vegetables, meat and fruits among other things.

Dishcloths and dish-drying towels Both dishcloths and drying towels must be cleaned regularly. A dishcloth is better than a sponge—it is easier to keep sanitised.

Cleaning dishcloths and drying towels • Put warm water in a basin.

• Add detergent or dishwashing soap.

• Let the cloth soak for some time.

• Wash the cloth thoroughly.

• Boil for 10 minutes.

• Dry in the sun.

Alternatively you can use bleach or vinegar solution for soaking drying towels.

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

Vol. 6 no. 5/6, 2011

DISEASES

Yellow fever Y

What is yellow fever?

ellow fever is a tropical disease caused by a parasite that lives inside the Aedes aegypti mosquito. A bite from an infected mosquito transfers the disease from human to human.

A

lan has just landed at Johannesburg from Nairobi.

He presents his documents to the immigration officials for clearance but there is a problem. He doesn’t have a yellow fever vaccination certificate and the officials demand that he be vaccinated at the airport. This is one of the requirements for a person entering South Africa from a country where yellow fever is endemic—that is, where it is regularly found in a particular area.

It is called “yellow” fever because it affects the liver and causes jaundice, which turns the skin yellow.

Alan protests, “Oh no! I fear injections.

Do I really need one for yellow fever?

I just want to start my university studies.”

How does it spread?

These mosquitoes live in cities, towns and villages. They breed close to human dwellings in places with stagnant water such as discarded tyres, flower pots and oil drums.

Answering his protests, an officer explains the importance of the vaccine.

Alan finally agrees to take the jab.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms start 3 to 6 days after a person has been bitten by an infected mosquito. Most yellow fever infections are mild, but the disease can cause severe, life-threatening illness.

Symptoms of severe infection are high fever, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes), chills, headache, aching muscles, vomiting and backache. At its last stages, the infection can lead to shock, bleeding, and kidney and liver failure.

Mauretania Burkina Faso Senegal Gambia

Mali

Diagnosis

Yellow fever is diagnosed by a blood test.

Where is it found?

Yellow fever is found only in Africa and South America.

Vaccination

The disease is preventable by immunisation. Travellers coming from or going to countries that still have cases of

So clean up around the house--get rid of garbage and standing water to stop mosquitoes breeding. Cover open containers. yellow fever must get vaccinated.

International regulations require proof of yellow fever vaccination for travel to or from these endemic countries. In Kenya, the vaccine is given only at designated yellow fever vaccination centres, which include Nairobi Hospital and AMREF. People who get vaccinated are given an International Certificate of Vaccination.

Niger

Chad

Guinea Guinea Nigeria Ivory Bissau Coast Sierra Leone Cameroon Benin Liberia Togo Ghana Equatorial Guinea Gabon Congo

Endemic yellow fever No yellow fever

Countries in Africa where yellow fever is endemic.

Central African Republc Sudan South Sudan Uganda

Democratic Republic of Congo

Ethiopia Somalia Kenya Rwanda

Tanzania Angola

Burundi

To prevent getting yellow fever

Travellers should take precautions against mosquito bites when in areas where yellow fever exists. Mosquitoes that spread yellow fever usually bite at dawn and at dusk.

When outside after dark

• Wear long-sleeved clothing and long trousers.

• Use insect repellent on exposed skin.

When inside

• Stay in well-screened areas as much as possible.

• Use a treated bednet when sleeping.

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Vol. 6 no. 5/6, 2011

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

bodyworks

Our muscles

Bend one arm and clench your fist, holding the deltoids upper arm with your shoulder other hand. Can you feel the muscles biceps tightening?

trapezoids ”traps” upper shoulder

pectorals “pecs” chest

triceps mid back of arm

rhomboids upper back

mid front arm

The human body has more than abdominals “abs”, ”6-pack” 600 muscles. They abdomen do everything from pumping blood throughout your body to quadriceps helping you carry “quads” your schoolbag mid lower thigh full of books. You control some of your muscles, like reaching to scratch an itch on your back, while others, like your heart, do their jobs without you thinking about them.

obliques waist or side

adductors inner thigh

biceps (femoris) hamstring mid back of thigh

abductors outer thigh

soleus lower calf

M

Skeletal

Skeletal muscles work together with your bones to give your body the power it needs to lift and push things.

Muscles in your neck and the top part of your back are not big, but they are capable of amazing things. Try

gastrocnemius upper calf

Our major muscles

uscles are all made of a type of elastic tissue (like the material in a rubber band).

Each muscle is made up of thousands of small fibres. Each fibre is about 40 mm long and consists of many tiny strands called fibrils. Each fibre is controlled by a nerve, which makes it contract. How strongly a muscle works depends on how many fibres contract.

muscles—also known as voluntary muscles. You can control what they do. Your leg won’t bend to kick a ball unless you want it to. These muscles combine with your bones to make up the musculo-skeletal system.

Skeletal muscles are held to one end of a bone with the help of tendons.

Tendons are cords made of tough tissue. They link bone and muscle. The tendons are attached so well that when you contract one of your muscles, the tendon and the bone move along with it.

gluteus maximus “glutes” buttocks

Muscle name Common name or nickname Location

What are muscles made of?

Your body has 3 types of muscle:

erector spine

laterals ”lats” side of back

cardiac muscle skeletal muscle

smooth muscle

rotating your head, back and forth, up and down to feel the power of the muscles in your neck.

Smooth

muscles—also known as involuntary muscles, are usually in layers. Your brain tells these muscles what to do without you even thinking about it. You can’t use your smooth muscles to throw a ball or to jump.

Smooth muscles are at work all over your body. In your stomach and digestive system, they contract (tighten up) and relax to allow food to make its journey through the body.

When you’re sick and throw up, your stomach muscles come in handy. The muscles push the food back out of the stomach so it comes up through the oesophagus and out of the mouth.

Smooth muscles are also found in your eyes, blood vessels, skin and bladder.

When the last are relaxed, they allow your bladder to fill. Then they contract to push the urine out. So why can you hold urine in until you get to the toilet? That is the work of a voluntary muscle, the external sphincter.

The heart

muscle is called cardiac muscle (myocardium). The thick muscle of the heart contracts to pump blood out and then relaxes to let blood back in after it has circulated through the body.

Just like the smooth muscles, cardiac muscle works all by itself. A special group of cells within the heart, known as the pacemaker, controls heartbeat.

Yo u use over 40 muscles w hen yo u frown bu t only 15 when yo u smile.

Be lazy—keep smiling.

About 40% of yo ur weight is muscle. Muscl es give yo ur bo dy its bulk an d shap e.

The biggest muscle in yo ur bo dy is the gluteus maximus, or buttock.

It helps yo u to stan d up an d gives yo u so mething soft to sit on.

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

The sprinter vs. the long-distance runner As you watch athletes at a running event, you notice 2 distinct body types, the sprinters and the marathoners. The body of a sprinter is built for speed and power; the marathoner is built for endurance.

S

trength, power and endurance are partly due to the distribution of our 2 types of muscle fibres.

Muscles are a mixture of 2 basic types of fibre—fast twitch and slow twitch.

Fast-twitch fibres

• develop greater force • contract faster • contract anaerobically (without needing oxygen) The body of a sprinter contains fasttwitch muscle fibres. These muscles

produce fast contractions but tire quickly.

A sprinter needs to change the inertia (inability or unwillingness to move) in the legs faster than a marathon runner.

To do this, the sprinter needs more strength and more power. Strength and power help the sprinter start faster off the block and accelerate better.

Warming up

Before you run, it is important that you do some warm-up exercises.

Begin by jogging on the spot for a minute or 2. You can also do some jumping, to get your blood flowing.

Remember to stretch, paying attention to your calves, hamstrings, quadriceps and ankles.

Training

For cross-country training, you should be able to run for at least 30 minutes without stopping. As you train, it is good to combine walking and running.

Marathoners have slow-twitch muscle fibres. These muscles use more oxygen, contract slowly and are highly resistant to fatigue.

Slow-twitch muscle fibres are not as fast or strong, but they don’t tire quickly. Muscles with a lot of slowtwitch fibres tend to be thin and don’t bulk up easily. This explains why marathon runners have small muscles (for endurance), while sprinters have large muscles (for power).

To run longer distances, you don’t need as much muscle—it takes more energy to move a body with a lot of muscle.

Long-distance running is a great test of endurance. The less weight your body has, the more energy you will have.

Slow-twitch fibres • develop force slowly

• maintain contractions longer • have greater aerobic capacity (with oxygen)

Training for sprint and cross-country running If you are interested in running, for health, recreation or to support a cause, it is important to first develop a healthy routine that will protect your body and give you a wonderful experience.

Vol. 6 no. 5/6, 2011

bodyworks

A few weeks before the day of the race, ease off on the training, allowing your body to recover.

When training to run a sprint, start with slower aerobic1 and anaerobic2 workouts at the beginning of the year. Progress to the faster anaerobic workouts as the racing season approaches.

Nutrition

Carbohydrates provide the fuel runners need, so make sure they form the basis of each of your meals and snacks for 1 or 2 days before the competition.

Hydration

Whether training or racing, it is important to drink fluids so that you don’t experience fatigue or have a very high heart rate.

Aerobic workouts work the heart and lungs and improve fitness.

1

2 Anaerobic workouts develop speed, strength and power.

Recovery

Long-distance runners should not run every day. Your body needs to rest between runs so it can recover, getting stronger between runs.

Sprinting is an exercise that will use up the oxygen in your muscles.

You should have adequate rest time between sprints to maximise your speed. Sprinting too quickly before resting and letting oxygen get back to your muscles can cause nausea or lightheadedness.

Cooling down

Cooling down is important after exercise. It ensures that you do not wake up sore the next day.

Your cool down should start within 10 minutes. Jog very slowly or walk around for between 10 to 20 minutes.

Then stretch the muscles in your legs.

Hold each stretch for at least 15 seconds.

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Vol. 6 no. 5/6, 2011

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

hiv & you

Risky cultural practices Dear Counsellor

My community is proud of its culture and traditions, which include female circumcision.* I don’t want to be circumcised, but am I rejecting my culture?

Tessa, 13

Dear Tessa

Female circumcision or female genital mutilation (FGM) is now illegal in Kenya because it is harmful. It can cause excessive bleeding, scarring, infections (including HIV), painful urination and menstrual problems. Many women later face pain during sex and have difficult and dangerous childbirth.

But many traditions are not harmful. They help bind families and communities together *Circumcision—the cutting away of part of the genitals. In many parts of Africa this procedure marks a child’s transition to adulthood.

and give us part of our identity. Traditions do change over time, and it makes sense to drop those that have become risky while treasuring those that remain helpful.

Dear Counsellor

My aunt recently lost her husband but doesn’t know what made him sick. He was working far away when he died. Now his family want her to marry his brother. Why do they want that?

Samuel. 11

Dear Samuel

Wife inheritance may be a custom in your late uncle’s community. This tradition protected a man’s widow and children after his death. It helped keep families together.

However, a widow who may have been infected with HIV by her first husband can pass it on to the next husband and through him, any other wives he has.

Dear Counsellor

Boys in my class tease me because I have not been circumcised. Some have even threatened to circumcise me themselves “to make me a man”. Is it really essential?

Marcus, 15

Dear Marcus

Male circumcision is a tradition in some cultures and not in others. We should accept and respect different cultures.

You do not have to be circumcised just because others have been. However, male circumcision can actually reduce the chances of a man being infected with HIV. If you decide to be circumcised, go to a medical expert who has sterilised equipment to avoid infection.

Your aunt has the right to decide for herself whether to marry her brother-in-law. Also, since she does not know what your uncle died of, she should go for an HIV test so that she can get treatment if she is HIV-positive.

People can get HIV through blood when unsterilised instruments are used in medical procedures or traditional practices like circumcision and scarification (cuts made in the skin to create a scar pattern). Knives, scalpels and razors must always be sterilised and the person doing the cutting must wear surgical gloves.

your new boyfriend? yes, his name is stan. i’ve decided i will sleep with him this weekend.

Story by Peta Meyer Art by Bella Kilonzo

ha ha! because all guys say the same thing.

i thought you just met him..?

… oh, he’s so sweet

oh nuru, you’re so old fashioned! stan says having sex is the way to build our relationship. he says ...

having sex too early could ruin your relationship.

stan just wants to get you into bed.

well, i guess i’ll sleep with him in the end so why wait?

huh? umm—well, nothing i guess, i mean ... you see, if you’re not in a committed relationship then sex is a dead-end street. there’s nothing left afterwards to keep you together.

... it’s how you show your love?

later ...

yes! how did you know that?

so you think sex too early could ruin the relationship? now you know why she says “true love waits”!

what happens after you sleep with him? what comes next?

TALK ABOUT IT!

what happens after you have sex with someone? how will it change your relationship? do girls and guys give different answers?

Vol. 6 no. 5/6, 2011

LIVING RIGHT

By Cajetan Boy and Victor Ndula

In many cultures, elders are respected as the teachers and directors of the young. Among the Efik of southern Nigeria, it is said: “The words of one’s elders are greater than amulets.” It means that they give more protection than the amulet does.

Let us respect our elders and the knowledge they possess.

Emotion al ab

t en

m

e

In traditional societies, the community values people for our worth as human beings and not only for what we possess or what we can

Conversation is a cherished value in African human relations. We can discuss our problems and look for suggestions and solutions together.

violence, d ef il

These traditional values include a sense of community life, good human relations, sacredness of life, hospitality, importance of religion, sense of time, respect for authority and the elders, and sense of language and proverbs.

Bullying,

from generation to generation.

do for others. People help one another without demanding. Each person is mindful of contributing something for the general welfare.

F

.

T

raditional values are the beliefs and moral codes that are passed down

ntoovio!lence e, child abus e, rap

.M .G

Traditions

Say

e, us

al xu Se

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

Part 3 of our guide to the Sexual Offences Act

What’s sexual harassment?

Y

ou probably already know that the Sexual Offences Act spells out harsh punishments for people who commit crimes such as rape, defilement and child prostitution.

But there are also offences where the wrongdoing is more difficult to define and prove―for example, sexual harassment.

Sexual harassment is when a person in authority uses their position to try to make another person have sexual intercourse with them against their will.

For example: You’re applying for a part-time job during the holidays and the recruiter promises to give it to you if you’re “nice” to him.

Or at school: You accidentally break a window and the prefect catches you, but he says he won’t report it if you meet him behind the science lab after lights out.

Under the Sexual Offences Act, the punishment for sexual harassment is jail for not less than 3 years or a fine of not less than Ksh 100,000 or both.

However, the person laying the charge must prove that the harassment • affected whether they got employment or help from the person harassing them, • was to decide the conditions of their employment, • or affected their performance at work or school.

If you’re being sexually harassed, get advice by phoning the hotlines below.

• Childline Kenya 116 ne 0800 221 1121 • Liverpool VCT One-2-One Hotli 111 333 0800 da Ugan ren Child for • Action or 0800 111 222 243 • ANPPCAN-Tanzania (51) 152

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Vol. 6 no. 5/6, 2011

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

our world

Rites of passage

Apart from the traditional rites of passage, religious communities also have their ceremonies. According to Jewish law, when Jewish children reached 13 years of age, they become a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. A Bar Mitzvah can now participate in all areas of community life like leading prayers.

© Philippe Boissel

Most Christian denominations have the ceremony of confirmation, which is the prayers, anointing and laying on of hands for the purpose of bestowing the gift of the Holy Spirit on someone becoming an adult.

Many Maasai shave their heads to mark various rites of passage. After a Maasai boy becomes a moran (warrior), he grows his hair and styles it carefully. When he becomes an elder, he will shave his head again and be allowed to marry.

not take it for granted that people automatically grow and develop into responsible adults. That’s why initiation rites are a natural and necessary part of a community.

A rite of passage is a ceremony that celebrates the natural transitions that we humans all experience: birth, puberty, maturity, elderhood and death.

Celebrating these different stages of human development helps us stay in touch with our natural cycles, both as individuals and as a culture. We should list

en

k

o lo

Road safety and special needs

by Cyrus Gathigo and Katherine Moir

When this little Zulu girl reaches puberty she will go through a period of seclusion followed by a ceremony to declare her an adult.

Nothing coming; now I walk straight across, no wasting time!

Traditionally, in many societies in Africa, FGM (female genital mutilation) has been considered a rite of passage.

But because of the medical risks the girls and women face in later life, the practice is being discouraged and replaced by ceremonies to mark the progression of a girl from childhood into adulthood.

This could be dangerous!

This parking’s reserved for wheelchair access, Dad! Let’s find another space.

Gu

A

lmost every culture has some rite of passage for boys to be recognised as men. In many cultures, the moment a girl starts menstruating, she is considered to be an adult.

Different African cultures have different rites of passage. Among the Zulu of South Africa and the Lesse tribe in Zaire, girls are secluded during the beginning of puberty.

The Ndembus of Zambia also seclude girls for 3 months and they can communicate with the outside world only by using a harp-like instrument.

In Gabon, Eshira girls are painted white and wear red adornments for the Mabandji rite. The red means life force and the white means strength and good reproductive health.

! lp

k wal quickly

What do most of us do when we need to cross a road? We look to make sure there are no cars coming, we listen for sounds of any vehicles we cannot see and, when it is safe to cross, we walk across quickly.

Those of us with disabilities may not be able to do all of these things and need extra help to navigate roads safely. If you need help, ask someone to walk with you.

If you think someone else needs help, politely offer it.

Do not let the driver of a vehicle you are in park in a space reserved for wheelchair access. The extra wide space is needed for getting a wheelchair into and out of a car.

People in wheelchairs should steer clear of the highway. If they cannot avoid it, they must keep as far to the left as possible.

Drivers on the highway should watch out for unexpected traffic too.

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

Vol. 6 no. 5/6, 2011

Human rights

11

G

uys!” Lenny burst into 8W. “University students are on a rampage—stoning cars and smashing windows, protesting the arrest of one of their student leaders.”

“These uni guys cross the line!” Lisa blurted out from the back of the class.

“Oh yeah? Ever heard of freedom to assemble and demonstrate, Ms Lisa?”

Lenny reacted.

“And what has that got to do with stoning cars, Mr Lenny?” Lisa retorted.

“Sometimes, you’ve got to be rowdy to be heard. If the students keep quiet, the authorities will do nothing about their grievances.”

“They shouldn’t keep quiet but they shouldn’t touch my car either.”

“I’m sure your imaginary car is unscathed,” Lenny answered, sending the class into convulsions of laughter.

“Very funny, Lenny,” Lisa replied, chuckling a bit herself, “but the law clearly states that everyone has the freedom to demonstrate PEACEFULLY. The minute the demonstration turns violent, the students should be arrested for breaking the law.”

DO THE

RIGHT

When you are on a school trip you are all ambassadors for your school. Be well-mannered and obedient.

“True, Lisa,” Lawrence joined the discussion. “The innocent passerby has rights too, such as the right to security, which includes the right not to be subjected to any form of violence! You know what? Condoning what the students are doing can cause anarchy.”

lawlessness and disorder, which starts with seemingly small acts like allowing uni students to break the law in the name of pushing for their rights. And before you know it, violence becomes the route we all take to convey our complaints. And trust me, we all have something to complain about.”

“Anna-who?” Lenny asked.

“Hmm,” said Lenny thoughtfully, “I’ve never looked at it that way.”

“Anarchy is generally a state of

THING

Your school and your teachers get the blame if you behave badly and you will spoil the trip for others too.

School trips

Stay with the group. If you worry or stress your teachers they may avoid taking you on trips in the future.

Behave well and people will respect your school, while you will get much more out of the trip!

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Vol. 6 no. 5/6, 2011

Landmarks in Wangari Maathai’s life

More about Wangari Maathai

1940 1966

grabbed parts of the Karura Forest on the outer fringes of the city.

1971

Pursued doctoral studies in Germany and at the University of Nairobi, becoming the first woman in East Africa to earn a PhD.

Wangari Maathai fought tooth and nail to conserve the environment. She was the first person to see the link between deforestation and poverty. She inspired the Billion Tree Campaign to plant 1 billion trees per year worldwide.

The Green Belt Movement women’s group raise and plant trees in rural areas.

Wangari Maathai stood up for the people at what she called “the bottom of the pyramid”—the poor, especially poor rural women.

She energetically supported tree planting for fuel, food, shelter and income to support children’s education.

The organisation teaches rural women in Kenya how to plant and nurture trees to prevent deforestation and soil erosion. So far 30,000 women have been trained in forestry, food processing and bee-keeping.

For any special occasion, she planted a tree. When she won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 she planted one.

She planted her last tree on her 71st birthday in April this year.

In 1977 she held a meeting in honour of legendary women and men who had made contributions to their communities. This resulted in the planting of 7 trees. With that act, the Green Belt Movement was born.

By the time of her death on 25 September, the organisation she founded, the Green Belt Movement, had planted 45 million trees in Kenya alone. She motivated people all over the world. Over the past 20 years, women around the world have planted more than 3 billion trees as a direct result of her work.

Wangari Maathai was born.

Earned a Master of Science degree from the University of Pittsburgh, USA.

continued from page 1

Prof. Maathai plants a tree with young environmentalists.

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

cover story

Wangari was also a woman who stood her ground for what she believed in. In 1992 she led mothers of political prisoners to call for their release. They camped in Uhuru Park and began a hunger strike.

Riot police with tear gas moved in. One hit Maathai, knocking her unconscious. The mothers, however, kept up the protest for a year until 52 political prisoners were released. Today the area is known as Freedom Corner.

She also supported victims of violent ethnic clashes in western Kenya, in 1993.

Challenge

Wangari Maathai not only inspired everyone in protecting the environment and advocating for peace and justice, she has also left a lasting legacy.

What can you do to honour Prof.

Wangari Maathai? Planting and looking after a tree in your school or home would be a fitting tribute.

1984

Awarded the Right Livelihood Award, established in Sweden to honour people working on practical solutions to the world’s problems, for prompting mass action for reforestation.

2003

Appointed Assistant Minister for Environment.

2004

The first African to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts in conserving the environment.

2005

Named as one of the world’s 100 most influential people by Time magazine and as one of the world’s 100 most powerful women by Forbes magazine.

2007

Received the Nelson Mandela Award for Health and Human Rights for her contribution to women’s empowerment.

2009 2011

Appointed UN Messenger of Peace.

September 25, dies of ovarian cancer in hospital.

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

Vol. 6 no. 5/6, 2011

Healthy Learning

Wangari Maathai would be proud !

W

hen you plant a tree, it is a treasure for the future, yet wouldn’t it be good to get credit for your efforts right now? That’s just what the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), the Flemish Association

for Development Cooperation (VVOB Kenya) and the Ministry of Education did on 16 September when they held a tree-planting award ceremony.

Peter Mwangi of Kariguini Primary in Laikipia Central District steps up.

ru meti ro m N tu N aiku ni f n ceive s a e w r e r th e r S a r ok N o ol.

N in y r r a e h sch o Prim ehalf of b n o d r a n a wa

D unca n Well don e, d te am an ei b m e Mut Prim ar y in a ni ge from N District. t L aikipia Eas Veronic a Wa mb ui a nd h N a romo er te a m ru Prim f a r y in K receive ajiado N rom their a w or th Dis a rd . tric

t

tulate s it y con g ra I sin ya n nis G a rr e in D ” ry t! a a s g re sin ya Prim I m o “T hat wa fr nik District.

Trac y Me

Teachers, parents and pupils from 10 schools in 8 arid and semi-arid districts gathered at the Karura Forest Environmental Education Trust Centre. The schools received certificates of recognition and tree seeds from Dr Dennis Garrity, a former director general of ICRAF, Mr Joseph Indire from the Ministry of Education, Mrs Ruto from the Ministry of Agriculture and other government representatives.

The tree-planting projects are a part of the Healthy Learning programme started in 2008. Schools in the programme set up projects such as beekeeping, livestock, vegetable gardens and fruit tree orchards to supplement school meals.

These projects enable schoolchildren to become better learners and acquire the skills and knowledge that will help them grow up healthy in a sustainable environment.

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Vol. 6 no. 5/6, 2011

ecosystems

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

Forests - lungs of the earth

I

n a previo us issue of Young African Express, you learne d abo ut wetlan ds. Just as human beings use lungs to breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide, the earth too nee ds forests to breathe. Trees help the earth breathe by taking in carbon dioxide and turning it into clean oxygen.

Trees and forests act like the earth’s air con ditioning system and keep the planet cool.

N

What happens if rain forests are destroyed?

Creat ion

Forests are our natural water storage system because they let water soak deep into the groundwater table-the underground water store.

They store more moisture under their canopy. Forests can store 100 times more water than wetlands.

Š Care of

atural forests contain many different tree and animal species, some of which are yet to be identified and named. These different animals and plants together make the ecosystem diverse. Tropical forests are especially rich in plants and animals.

Trees help stop global warming by absorbing pollutants in the air.

Global warming happens when we burn too much oil and when we cut down too many forests.

Global warming makes the weather change in serious ways, causing heavy rainfall and floods, drought and even wildfires.

Erosion fr

om defore

station

If a forest is cleared, the soil is fully exposed to heavy rainfall, which can easily wash away the topsoil and degrade the soil quality. Once the topsoil is washed away, the deeper soil layers are exposed to the air.

The air hardens the deeper soil and degrades it even further. Such degraded soil cannot be used for any productive activity such as farming.

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

Vol. 6 no. 5/6, 2011

ecosystems

As the rain falls and washes away the forest soil, it can push sediments into rivers, water reservoirs and irrigation systems and leave them silted. This can contaminate drinkable water as well as cause problems with hydroelectric installations. In

A good example is the flooding experienced by residents of Budalangi in western Kenya. Budalangi lies within the lower reaches of the Nzoia River basin. Frequent major floods have Water fall in th continued to destroy parts of the e Amazon, Br azil floodplain through soil erosion, which leaves Budalangi more vulnerable to dioxide, one of the main greenhouse floods. gases, allowing more of the sun’s Rainforest vegetation stores a lot of heat to escape. moisture that evaporates and comes back as rainfall. If this natural storage What can we do? of moisture is destroyed, less rainfall • Plant more trees, especially is recycled and drought occurs. indigenous species. If you cut

t Conserv ainfor es R © African

ern of the East s than 3 0% ain ss m le re — n ia o n ti and Tanza Deforesta ya en K f o rest Arc rainfo standing.

By Clare Barasa and Benjamin Ondiege

© Piotr Mendu

cki

the same way that higher river silt levels can expose areas neighbouring the rivers, causing them to flood, clearing forests may also cause the rainfall that would have been absorbed by the vegetation to into river systems, causing serious flooding in areas near the river.

ancy

Many forest plants are used as herbal medicine. A good example is the camphor tree, which is used to make anti-malaria medication. If we continue destroying our forests, we may never know the many other medicinal plants that have yet to be discovered.

15

Gases in our atmosphere (greenhouse gases) keep the earth at a comfortable temperature by trapping some of the earth’s heat. When the gas levels rise, the earth can get too warm. Forests can help control this greenhouse effect because they absorb carbon

down a tree, plant another one.

• Report illegal logging. This is a major threat to forests.

• Reduce the use of firewood and charcoal. Use energy-saving jikos or other sources of energy.

I REMEMBER WHEN VILLAGERS STARTED CUTTING DOWN TREES TO SELL AS FIREWOOD. I WARNED THEM THAT WE WOULD HAVE A PROBLEM.

OUR CROPS ARE WITHERING BECAUSE WE LACK RAIN. OUR ANIMALS ARE GETTING THIN BECAUSE THEY LACK GRASS. WE NEVER USED TO SUFFER DROUGHT! WHAT’S CHANGED THE WEATHER SO MUCH?

SO THANKS TO THEM THERE’S NO FOREST COVER AND NOW WE HAVE TO BUY FIREWOOD!

WHAT’S THE SOLUTION?

REPORT ANYONE WHO CUTS TREES WITHOUT A PERMIT. MEANWHILE WORK TOGETHER AS A VILLAGE TO REFOREST THE AREA.

YES! WE CAN ALL PLANT TREES AND HELP THEM TO GROW. THAT’S A LONG-TERM SOLUTION, BUT WHAT ABOUT NOW?

FIND SIMPLE WAYS TO IRRIGATE CROPS. COLLECT AND USE RAINWATER FROM YOUR ROOFS AND YOUR LAND. THAT’S A GREAT IDEA!

PLANT MORE DROUGHTRESISTANT CROPS LIKE THIS SORGHUM. IT’S DOING FINE!

LET’S GET EVERYONE IN THE VILLAGE TO PLANT TREES AND HARVEST RAINWATER. I VOTE WE ASK OUR AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION OFFICER TO HELP US START A SUSTAINABLE IRRIGATION SCHEME!

SO WHY ARE WE STANDING HERE? LET’S GET BUSY!

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Vol. 6 no. 5/6, 2011

agroforestry

YOUNG AFRICAN EXPRESS

Choosing fodder trees W

hat trees make good fodder? Good fodder trees are fast growing and high in protein and minerals that improve the growth of animals. Here are 4 good trees for livestock feed that have many other uses on your farm.

Calliandra calothyrsus

Feeding Animals like the taste. Feed to animals within an hour of harvesting while it is easy to digest.

© Dinesh Valke

Gliricidia sepium

Common names: gliricidia, Mexican lilac, mother of cocoa, quick stick (English) Facts • Grows up to 3 m a year once established.

• Leaves, shoots, pods and seeds used as fodder.

• Grows well in warm areas with at least 600 mm annual rainfall.

Harvesting • Prune first, 9 months after planting.

• Cut 3–4 times a year.

• Cut down to height of 30–150 cm.

Feeding Leaves are toxic to non-ruminants (like donkeys). Leaves have a strong odour when crushed, which animals do not like. Wait at least 24 hours after cutting to feed, when the leaves have wilted and the odour has weakened.

Feeding tips

• Feed your animals a mix of fodder plants or a fodder mixed with hay, crop wastes (like maize stalks) or grasses. Take care with plants that are not easy to digest or that, though good fodder, may contain toxic chemicals, like leucaena and pigeon pea.

• Watch your animals. If they are not eating much, you may need to change the amount or type of tree fodder in their diet.

© Dinesh Valke

Harvesting • First harvest: 1 year after planting.

• Cut 3–5 times a year. Will produce more leaves during dry season if cut 6 months before.

• Cut down to height of 80–100 cm. Cut down to height of 30 cm every 3–4 years.

Sesbania sesban

Common names: sesbania, river bean, Egyptian rattle pod (English) Facts • Grows to 1-7 m tall. Short- lived.

• May become a weed if not controlled.

• Suited to areas with seasonal flooding as it can withstand waterlogging.

Needs a minimum annual rainfall of 500 mm.

Harvesting • Prune first, 1 year after planting.

• Cut 3–5 times a year.

• Cut down to height of 50–100 cm.

• Do not coppice to less than 50 cm from ground.

Feeding Sesbania pods and leaves are easy to digest.

Cajanus cajan

© Ryan_Brookes

Common names: calliandra (English), mkaliandra (Swahili) Facts • Grows 4–6 m high.

• High protein fodder (leaves and twigs) known to improve milk production in cattle.

• Best suited to highland and humid zones with an annual rainfall of at least 700 mm. Does not like waterlogged soil.

Common names: pigeon pea (English), mbaazi (Swahili) • Grows up to 5 m. Fast growing.

• Leaves and pods used for fodder.

• Drought resistant and can grow in hot, dry areas but does best with 600–1,000 mm annual rainfall. Does not like salty or waterlogged soil.

Harvesting • First harvest: 6–10 months after planting when pods are ready.

• Cut 2–3 times a year.

• Cut down to height of 50 cm in first year and 1 m in 2nd year.

Feeding Destroy harmful substances in the peas by soaking overnight, then draining them, adding fresh water and boiling them for 5 minutes. Drain again and dry in the sun. Grind before feeding to make them easier to digest.