Mojatu Berkshire Magazine Issue B009

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ContentsEditor’s Welcome

Editorial

Cover

Group Editor: Frank Kamau – [email protected] Editor: [email protected] Designers: Robert Borbely | Sehrish DinContributors: Valentine Nkoyo | Kris Gunnars | Irene Amadi | Ken Kamoche | Dr Charlotte RayIT / Social Media: Michael Grant | Jenny BarrowPhotos: Sehrish Din | Maggie NdunguAccounts: Xiaomin Qi - [email protected]: Penny Cooper - [email protected] & Marketing / Community Engagement: Abdoulie Jah - [email protected] Price - [email protected] Ubah - [email protected] & Comments: [email protected]

Berkshire Team: Cecily Mwaniki - [email protected] & News - [email protected] the magazineOnline @ www.mojatu.com/magazinesSubscription @ £24 per year including postage [email protected]: Mojatu Foundation167 Alfreton Road, Nottingham, NG7 3JRUtulivu Womens GroupT: 0118 906 3643 | 07859072534Facebook: www.facebook.com/mojatuTwitter: www.twitter.com/mojatumagazinePrinters: Mojatu Publications

Welcome to the 9th edition of the Mojatu Berkshire. Over the time, we have witnessed and heard of the great things that continually take place in our community. There is much more that go unseen and unheard. I encourage you to share with us and we will publicise the good work. This will encourage, empower and inspire more positive work in our community.

Meet two powerful Reading women who are making a difference to themselves, their families and their communities despite the inevitable life’s challenges. Have you seen or heard of the Central Reading Mural? Andrea Izanjah Harris, a young talented teacher and poet explains the 25 characters ‘on the wall’. These are black men and women who have contributed hugely to the history of the world and may be not celebrated enough. Whitley Multi-cultural women continue to meet and share as they encourage, learn, celebrate and have fan each month at Risc café, along London Street. This boosts their wellbeing

Mental health recovery is a journey and social inclusion is an integral part of that. Over 80 people from different communities gathered at Reading Hilton Hotel on 9th October to join millions in the world who observed the World Mental Health Day as we celebrated potential with dignity. This showed how much different communities are doing to contribute to work of the mainstream community services. It was a great success with the Jamaican Society lifting our spirits in music.

The war against FGM continues! The afternoon tea with the survivors in the country help share dreams and aspirations despite what has happened in their life is a big catalyst to ‘Ending FGM’ in a generation.

Keep you treasured emails, calls and feedback coming!

Editor: Cecily Mwaniki Email: [email protected] www.cmnetwork.co.uk, www.utulivu.co.uk

Mental Health Terms Image Courtesey: 123rf

Mojatu Foundation DisclaimerThe views expressed in this magazine are not necessar-ily those of the publishers. Every effort has been made to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate but the publisher cannot take responsibility for errors, omissions, nor can we accept responsibility for the advertisements or editorial contributions.

News & SportsObserving World Mental Health Day ................ 4-5BME third sector and mental health in UK ....... 6-7To BME or Not to BME .................................................. 8Rétice-Digital School launched in France ............. 9International FGM Conference ........................ 10-11

CommunityWhat does Obama’s visit mean to Kenya ..... 12-13Given The Right Support & Environment .... 14-15Reading & Whitley Multi-Cultural Women’s ......15

Arts & CultureMaasai Cricket Warriors at Broadway ........... 16-17The Central Reading Mural ............................... 18-19Health & FoodHow Many Eggs Can You Safely Eat? ............. 20-21

Education & CareerClimate Change: Is this the reality? ................ 26-27Berkshire joins Global Climate March .................24 Narratives of Survivorship ........................................26Classified

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The MP for Reading West Mr Alok Sharma showed his support by acknowledging that none of us is immune to mental health. He praised Danielle Issit who launched her ‘My Life In Poetry’ book on the day for taking the courage to write a book despite her mental health condition to empower herself and others.

Gwen Bonner, the Clinical Director (Reading)/Director for Research (Berkshire Health Foundation Trust), passionately talked of her support of the services that work for the good of the

service users in regaining control of their lives.

Dr Phoebe Abe, A GP and runs an FGM clinic emotionally gave statistics on the survivors and mental health. She called for services to engage the FGM survivors in an empowering way so that they move on with their lives.

Dr Prudence Mwanza spoke on immigration & mental Health based on her own experience of caring for her daughter and husband. She gave an analysis of recommendations to the services and offered to work closely with

them if and when needed.

Other speakers on the day included Stef Abra, the Equality & Diversity manager with BHFT (NHS), Rachel Spencer, CEO of Reading Voluntary Action, Malika Bediako, Director of South England Community Ministries of the Adventist Church, Rebecca Stoyanovitch, an successful entrepreneur; Polly Falconer, Service Manager for Servilles, Victor Koroma, Manager for Acre and Colin Bibby, for SeAP—Independent Mental Heath Advocacy service.

In mental health, recovery does not always refer to the process of complete recovery from a mental health problem in the way that we may recover from a physical health problem. For many people, the concept of recovery is about staying in control of their life despite experiencing a mental health problem. Professionals in the mental health sector often refer to the ‘recovery model’ to describe this way of thinking. Putting recovery into action means focusing care on supporting recovery and building the resilience of people with mental health problems, not just on treating or managing their symptoms. This has to be done with dignity by looking at the person beyond mental health. The guiding principle in this concept of recovery is hope – the belief that it is possible for someone to regain a meaningful life despite serious mental illness. Recovery is often therefore referred to as a process, outlook, vision, and conceptual framework or guiding principle. It is therefore a process that:

• provides a holistic view of mental illness that focuses on the person, not just their symptoms

• believes recovery from severe mental illness is possible

• is a journey rather than a destination

• does not necessarily mean getting back to where you were before

• happens in 'fits and starts' and, like life, has many ups and downs

• calls for optimism and commitment from all concerned

• is profoundly influenced by people’s expectations and attitudes

Observing World Mental Health Day With Energy and Optimism - By Cecily Mwaniki

Mental health recovery is a journey and social inclusion is an integral part of that. Over 80 people from different communities gathered at Reading Hilton Hotel on 9th October to join millions in the world who observed the World Mental Health Day as we celebrated potential with dignity. This showed how much different communities are doing to contribute to the work of the mainstream community services. It was a great success with the Jamaican Society lifting our spirits in music.

mojatu.com �mojatu.com Berkshire connected News & Sports

• requires a well organised system of support from family, friends or professionals

• requires services to embrace new and innovative ways of working.

The recovery model aims to help people with mental health problems to look beyond mere survival and existence. It encourages them to move forward, set new goals and do things and develop relationships that give their lives meaning----this entails recognising potential. Recovery emphasises that, while people may not have full control over their symptoms, they can have full control over their lives. Recovery is not about 'getting rid' of problems. It is about seeing beyond a person’s mental health problems, recognising and fostering their abilities, interests and dreams. Mental illness and social attitudes to mental illness often impose limits on people experiencing ill health. Health professionals, friends and families can be overly protective or pessimistic about what someone with a mental health problem will be able to achieve. Recovery is about looking beyond those limits to help people achieve their own goals and aspirations. Recovery can be a voyage of self-discovery and personal growth. Experiences of mental illness can provide opportunities for change, reflection and discovery of new values, skills and interests.

Years of research has found that important factors on the road to recovery include:

• good relationships

• financial security

• satisfying work

• personal growth

• the right living environment

• developing one’s own cultural or spiritual perspectives

• developing resilience to possible adversity or stress in the future.

• being believed in

• being listened to and understood

• getting explanations for problems or experiences

• having the opportunity to temporarily resign responsibility during periods of crisis.

In addition, it is important that anyone who is supporting someone during the recovery process encourages them to develop their skills and supports them to achieve their goals.

"Too many services fail to empower their users to 'get their life back on track' and get back into the community." The fact is, there is a strong link between the recovery process and social inclusion. A key role for services therefore should be to support people to regain their place the communities in which they live and take part in mainstream activities and opportunities along with everyone else. There is a growing body of evidence that demonstrates that taking part in social, educational, training, volunteering and employment opportunities can support the process of individual recovery.

It is this work that Utulivu continue to support through the various events and activities they carry out in the community in a very empowering, inclusive, welcoming, nurturing, inspiring and caring way. Their model has always been that of INSPIRATION & EMPOWEMENT to maximise potential.

You can contact Utulivu through www.utulivu.co.uk, Mobile: 07828307997.


Social exclusion reports and other surveys and investigations on mental health acknowledged that Black people have higher levels of dissatisfaction with statutory (mental health) services and are twice as likely to disagree with their diagnosis. These differences in rates and experiences of mental health problems reflect different cultural and socio-economic contexts and accessibility to culturally appropriate treatments.

For example, among the Black Caribbean communities, culturally appropriate and acceptable behaviour has also been wrongly construed as symptoms of abnormality or aggression. The recourse to advocacy, tribunals and appropriate care packages has been slow to positively impact this group. Academics and professionals in this field purport that psychiatric power and race working together in combination, in collusion, is a deadly mixture . This was tragically highlighted by the death of David Bennett an African Caribbean inpatient in at mental health unit in Norwich, England. Bennett was racially abused on the night of his death by a fellow patient after a dispute over access to the phone on the ward.

He was subsequently forcibly restrained by five nurses for almost half an hour. They only released him after they realised he had stopped breathing. No attempt was made to resuscitate him. A subsequent Public Inquiry into his treatment and care and circumstances surrounding his death concluded that Mental Health Services within the UK are institutionally racist. Bennett’s treatment and experience of the system, over a twenty year period, as a revolving door patient typify the African Caribbean experience of metal health services.

People from BME communities are more likely to be diagnosed with a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, than their White counterparts and prescribed higher doses of medication. some communities, most notably Black Caribbean and Black African, are more likely to experience admission

under the Mental Health Act 1983 and are over-represented in psychiatric and secure mental health hospitals.

BME communities make up about 25% of the UK prison population compared to 11% of the general population, with Black Britons making up 10% of the UK national prison population, which is three times greater than their proportion in the general population.

BME communities experience a poor outcome from treatment and are more likely to disengage from mainstream mental health services, leading to social exclusion and a deterioration in their mental health.

Factors such as poverty, racism, lack of culturally sensitive service provision and reluctance of some BME groups to engage with mainstream health services. Mental health problems are also over-diagnosed in people whose first language is not English.

To counter such incidences and put communities at the heart of supporting mental health patients. They are especially important in supporting patients and service providers and in leading the way in changing attitudes and views towards mental health. However, there increasing cost cutting by the government and changing attitudes towards BME communities have made this work extremely difficult.

As detailed in report to be explored expansively in the next Mojatu Issue B010, the paper The BME Third Sector: Marginalised And Exploited published in 2015 found that the third sector are hugely exploited and marginalised by the government and other institutions thereby reducing their capacity in making effective and long lasting changes in the communities. This paper states that

“The black and minority ethnic (BME) third sector can play a key role in meeting needs through partnerships with statutory and mainstream third sector organisations. In the United Kingdom the BME sector

Crisis of BME (Black and Minority Ethnic) mental health has been a national issue for many years. The term BME comprises

all groups other than ‘White British’. The discrimination in mental health services continued to be a major issue with many black people being excessively diagnosed as ‘schizophrenic’. They are also highly overrepresented among people who are ‘sectioned’ otherwise termed as involuntary committed to hospital. They are also apprehended in excessive numbers by the police as

‘mentally ill’, despite having similar rates of mental ill health as other ethnic groups.

BME THIRD SECTOR AND MENTAl HEAlTH IN UK - By Cecily Mwaniki


is disproportionately affected by government reforms, which involve funding programmes and a contract culture that favour large mainstream charities close to government. BME voluntary and community organisations can feel marginalised and exploited by large organisations that do not appreciate their expertise or understand how they work.”

Mike Adamson the Managing Director, British Red Cross states that “the voluntary sector is key to health and social care integration, not an optional extra. There is hence a need to make the third sector needs a stronger role”. It is important that health and wellbeing Boards are mandated to engage with the voluntary sector as an equal and active partner in planning and delivering social care and mental health services.

This is especially so for BME third sector groups which are often more culturally sensitive and hugely integrated into their communities but often have very few if any resources. Worse still, many are exploited and marginalised by the mainstream organisations, local and central governments and other institutions that are responsible for providing mental health and support services.

For years, the third sector has added significant value to the work of health and social care professionals, in many areas essentially helping to integrate them. According to the King’s Fund, three million people across England already volunteer in health and social care. The third sector is also paramount among the BME communities as it provides opportunity for community members to relate and seek support from people who have a shared and common understanding.

The saddest thing is that despite the governments

and local authorities attempts to enhance integration and cohesion, they fail to recognise the true value of BME third sector organisations. They underfund them. Carry limited or no researches on their role and impact. Lack any mapped tools or analysis and monitoring process to understand their impact. Yet, vivid link between people living lonely, isolated lives and deterioration of their physical and mental health is widely acknowledged.

Action

BME third sector players need to recognise the need for working together and linking with others in the country. This will help them to develop a better picture of mental health and other services provided to their groups and also share good practices and knowledge with the mainstream service providers. There is also need for better understanding and increased awareness of what definitions of mental health needs are in this country. Some BME communities are less able to identify poor mental health or perhaps western concepts of ill health, which can contribute to a lack of awareness of sources of help.

BME third sector groups ought to develop monitoring and reporting tools to showcase their work and success in helping the local and central government support people in the UK. There needs to be consensus from all the players in developing and implementing evaluative research and policy initiatives which show what works for BME communities client groups. This can best be achieved by engaging the BME third sector organisations as equal players in funding, information provision and capacity building among their staff and operational areas.


Reading Dr Chris Udenze’s article (see Mojatu Issue M017 page 10-11) on BME mental health reminded me of an old but still current tension around user led provision, for example in this case BME organisations providing services to BME communities.

It seems to me that this comes round in 10 year cycles. Around the turn of the millennium regionalisation was key to how national government managed its local agenda. The voluntary sector too had regional networks and thanks to Paul Boateng (then minister within the now Department for Communities and Local Government) there was also BME regional networks.

Being the first Chief Executive for Voice East Midlands (the BME network for the East Midlands), I was constantly being called on to defend why the network needed to exist,especially by mainstream organisations who felt they were doing a good job working with everyone, including BME communities.

10 years later, government and funders decided that there was no need for a BME network as the mainstream one could do this work. The impact has been:

1. Lack of a strong regional voice for BME communities

2. Poor advocacy as BME is one of many service user groups

3. No resources dedicated to support BME communities

I was always struck by the fact that if this was indeed true, then surely we would not have networks for people with disabilities, for refugee and asylum seekers, for LGBT or for women? In fact the mainstream networks seemed by a process of elimination to serve the interests of heterosexual, able bodied, white middle aged men…sounds familiar?

BME organisations are vital in providing services to their communities as they have direct experience of the inequality and discrimination their users face and can understand and relate to the issues faced by BME communities. As BME communities continue to face inequalities and are increasingly impacted by government reforms, the need for BME groups to support their communities is more important than ever if we are to challenge and deal with these issues effectively.

Now if anyone asks me why we need BME groups? I always ask them whether we need Women’s/LGBT/disability Groups? The answer normally is “of course we do!” Point made!

Shamsher Chohan

Director

Communities Inc.

To BME oR noT To BME? - By Shamsher Chohan

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Mr Victor Agbegnenou Inventor and the General Manager of KA Technologies Group

The school in the town of Auger Saint-Vincent in Oise, officially switched to digital on tablet by adopting for its teaching the RETICE (Energy and Equitable ICT Network for Education) solution

developed by the French company KA Technologies Group.

The inauguration took place on 2nd September 2015 in the presence of the sub-prefect of Senlis, Mr Francis Cloris and the Rector of the Academy of Amiens, Mrs Valérie Cabuil who represented the French Government and the Education Nationale. Many distinguished guests from around the world were present including ambassadors and Ministers from Senegal, Niger, Gabon, Guinea, and other high level delegates representing different countries.

Cllr Elizabeth Kangethe, Mayor of Barking and Dagenham, London was present in the inauguration

The Mayor of the Commune of Auger Saint Vincent, Mr Fabrice Dalongeville, who authorised the deployment of the RETICE solution in his commune, invited guests at the beginning of the ceremony.

Clarisse Agbegnenou, the World Champion of JUDO, the Ambassador of the RETICE programme and Godmother of the RETICE at school of Auger Saint-Vincent was also present. Delegates, including students and teachers experienced how digital lesson are given through RETICE. They took turns in doing exercises and testing the RETICE solution, recognising its reliability and practical use in teaching.

“Why can’t the children of Dakar and France also follow a lesson being taught to their mates located in Quebec at the same? Why would a lesson given in Senegal not be followed at the same time by students located in France and Quebec?” asked the Mayor of Auger Saint Vincent, Mr Fabrice Dalongeville.

He wishes to create, a digital network serving francophone schools by partnering with the RETICE programme. Mrs. Valérie Cabruil, Rector of the Academy of Amiens, announced that the RETICE solution and the town deserve the label, EDUCALAB, a national education system of the Ministry of Education of France.

Due to the specificity of the technology used, the RETICE solution provides, in effect, an addition to digital Education in that, it gives the teacher full authority to manage his/her class, while favouring a significant reduction in costs and reducing the digital divide in schools regardless of their geographical location (region or country), their size and their resources. RETICE is part of the Equitable Technological Solutions for Equitable Education.

The digital school of Auger Saint-Vincent, in Oise, France is not the only school site using the RETICE solution for teaching. KA Technologies has also digitalized a secondary school of 1,500 students in Kano, Northern Nigeria, where Mr. Kofar Nassarawa, the College Governer inaugurated RECITE in April this year.

KA Technologies Group is proud to be equipping schools in France and in Africa. Their technology is tested and capable of running autonomous local digital network supported by solar energy thereby permitting schools and users to produce power locally necessary for the running the gadgets. This is in line with the views of Mr. Victor Agbegnenou’s views that “the RETICE solution must be able to equip 5 star schools of the rich countries, such as those in France as well as the rural schools in remote corners of the world”.

RéTICE-DIGITAl SCHOOl lAUNCHED

IN FRANCE - By Victor Agbegnenou

Solar powered back-pack for integrated students RECITE

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Mojatu Foundation, in partnership with nottingham Trent University and the nottinghamshire office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and other organisations enabled the first regional International Conference to end Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) happen at nottingham Conference Centre bringing over 200 delegates together.

The nottinghamshire Community FGM Steering Group(nFSG) set up by Mojatu Foundation played a great role in the success of the conference through planning and implementation of the conference. The conference was chaired by Veronica Pickering (Patron of the nFSG) and Sarah Lee (Team Manager- Achievement and Equality Team at the nottinghamshire County Council.

The conference brought together minds from around the world fighting to end FGM. By sharing strategies and knowledge, the conference marked a pivotal moment in the campaign. Groups working to end the practice could collaborate and share, raising the probability of achieving the ultimate aim: to end FGM within this generation.

The conference brought together FGM survivors, health experts, academics, education professionals, justice specialists, media, religious leaders, community members and other individuals and organisations wanting to see the end to FGM.

Key speakers included: Dr Comfort Momoh, UK

FGM national coordinator; Prof Edward Peck, Vice Chancellor Nottingham Trent University; Paddy Tipping, Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner; Dr Phoebe Abe, GP and FGM specialist; Dr Tobe Levin, an associate of the Hutchins Centre for African and African American Research at Harvard University. Other international speakers included Dr Boly Barry, former minister of education for Burkina Faso; Dr Adebisi Adebayo of the Inter-African Committee; Prof. Ki-Seok Kim of Educators without Borders in South Korea, and government officials from African countries including Somaliland. Local authorities, NHS and media houses including the Guardian presented and engaged in presentations , discussions and outcomes development.

Local speakers included, Kinsi Clarke of NFSG and a Project Manager at the Nottingham Refugee Forum, Hana Gibremedhen of NFSG, Carol McCormick, FGM specialist in Nottingham, Lynne McNiven, Chair of the City and County FGM Strategy Board, Clive Chambers, Head of Service, Safeguarding and Quality Assurance City Council.

Through presentations and workshops, groups and campaigners shared and discussed ways to communicate how much harm the practice causes to women and how women can be empowered, innovating strategies for ending FGM, the role of law, education, research and training, the role of religion, how best to target practitioners, how to deliver the

International FGM Conference- By Valentine Nkoyo & Irene Amadi

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message to practicing communities and how those messages can be amplified.

Most importantly, speakers shared the work they are doing in their respective organisations and countries to eradicate FGM and this helped to not only focus on the adverse impacts of FGM but also celebrate d the fantastic work being done by organisations and different countries to eradicate it. One respondent said “ As a person who doesn’t come from a practicing community, the thing I liked about the conference was the fact that it did not really focus much on the negatives like some conferences do but there were many positive messages of hope coming through from speakers which made me feel I could be a part of supporting the eradication of FGM”

“It is important to have survivors and their community members spearheading the campaign, and to empower people who have not directly experienced FGM to speak up and support the campaign” another respondent said. However, this must be done whilst keeping survivors at the heart of the campaign.

Survivors shared their stories, highlighting the ongoing harm which results from the practice. By telling their stories, they shone a light on the social pressure young women face to undergo the procedure, and the conflicting feelings they carry with them about the experience. It reinforced the reality that ending this practice will take more than simply telling people not to do it.

The accounts of FGM survivors and why they are campaigning left the audience in tears and led to many delegates making a commitment to get involved in the campaign to keep girls safe and end FGM in a generation. One respondent said “what else can you say after listening to both Hana and Valentine. They have made a commitment to see the end to it and we should support them and stand by them to reach out to as many people as possible. There could be many women who are still scared to come forward and I believe the passion in these two women will give them hope and encouragement to join the campaign”.

In her moving speech, Valentine said “There is hope and many women and men are working hard to support global campaigns. I started with my own family and we have all made a commitment to stop

FGM in our family. If all survivors and family members of the survivors make a commitment to stop FGM now, we can surely end it in a generation”. Hana said, “It is my hope that our men and young people in the community will join us in the campaign to eradicate FGM. We need you on board”.

Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Paddy Tipping, said “FGM remains an underreported crime because survivors are too frightened to come forward to police. Without knowing the full scale of this abhorrent violence we must concentrate our attention on training education professionals and other people who work around children to recognise the signs and risk factors so they can intervene early. My office is committed to keep all children safe from any harm including FGM and we are supportive of this work”.

Nottingham Trent University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Edward Peck, said “The University shares Mojatu’s vision for social justice and is proud to see the founder, Valentine Nkoyo, an alumna of our university, making a positive change and leading the way in shaping policy on FGM. I am delighted that Nottingham Trent University is sponsoring this conference. This sponsorship serves to represent our commitment to developing our role as a leading organisation in the civic life of the City, the County and beyond. In particular, it demonstrates how increasingly we intend to reach out to the rich diversity of communities within Nottingham and the wider region.”

Part of the conclusion drawn from the conference included: Ending FGM will require coordinated efforts by different agencies while closely working with, engaging and supporting survivors and communities; their need for training for professionals working closely with girls and women; organisations and countries need to learn best practice from each other; there is need for specialised and culturally sensitive service provision for survivors and also robust data collecting to know the extent of the problem. Grassroot organisations need support to implement programmes aimed at changing attitudes and perceptions and ideas and solutions from practicing communities and campaigners, along with media and government involvement will be needed in combination to tackle the issue.

A full published report and recommendation of this conference will be released on 30th november 2015. For your copy, please visit

www.mojatufoundation.org/reports or email [email protected] or call 01158457009

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In Summary

Kenya is not only a hub that attracts foreign investments from the West, from southern Africa, and now increasingly from the East, criminal gangs, drug traffickers, and all manner of terrorists have also found Kenya to be a soft spot and an entry route to Western targets.

I suggest that it is also not inconceivable that Mr Obama harbours a wish to return in triumph to his fatherland. Not just as an ordinary citizen in search of his roots and dreams, but as the US president, with all the clout that brings with it.

When I suggested in January this year that the time was opportune for US President Barack Obama to visit Kenya, many wrote to me, saying “we don’t need him, we are just fine.”

Now that the visit has come to pass, it is worth reflecting on what it actually means for Kenya. Why do some remain so negative? Some told me the US “had let Kenya down” and had sacrificed the Kenyan president to the International Criminal Court to face charges for crimes against humanity.

For that reason, they were prepared to sacrifice whatever benefits a closer relationship with the US

would bring. It is tragic that so many are prepared to view international relations through the prism of ethnic rivalries, which have been so destructive to our body politic.

This leads us to the current agenda behind President Obama’s visit. Kenya occupies a unique place in geo-politics as well as international business. It is not lost on the US administration that Kenya is in many ways, a battle ground, a contested arena.

Kenya is not only a hub that attracts foreign investments from the West, from southern Africa, and now increasingly from the East, criminal gangs, drug traffickers, and all manner of terrorists have also found Kenya to be a soft spot and an entry route to Western targets.

For that reason, the West ignores Kenya at its peril. With the escalation in terrorism, in particular the fragile situation in Somalia, the US realises more than ever before the viability of Kenya as a partner.

The reality is that even though President Obama might not have much faith in Kenya’s ability and willingness to fight vices such as corruption and even though the country is not exactly a top priority destination for US investments, the US administration itself recognises

What dOeS OBama’S visit mean to Kenya? By Ken Kamoche

that it is in its interest to keep relations with strategic partners cordial.

In this context, the visit must be seen as designed to affirm America’s commitment to fight radicalisation and international terrorism.

I suggest that it is also not inconceivable that Mr Obama harbours a wish to return in triumph to his fatherland. Not just as an ordinary citizen in search of his roots and dreams, but as the US president, with all the clout that brings with it.

He is human. Like every other smart leader, he wants to lay the groundwork for his legacy. Some of the biggest challenges in US internal affairs are now behind him. Public health care, r a p p r o c h e m e n t with Cuba, and a nuclear deal with Iran. Instability in the Middle East and the Gulf remains a sticking point, but the world does not depend on one man.

Mr Obama has the luxury of what remains of his second term to formulate a lasting legacy. It is reasonable to assume that he recognises that his Africa credentials have so far been found wanting and that it is time to rectify this state of affairs. And why not do it with utmost symbolism?

More importantly, however, is the fundamental question: what does an Obama visit mean to Kenya, beyond the pomp and show? Much depends on how Kenyan entrepreneurs create partnerships with the investors who accompanied Mr Obama and whether Kenya finally learns to market itself on the global scene.

Prof Kamoche is the director of the Africa Research Group at the University of Nottingham. [email protected]. Story first appeared in Kenya’s Daily nation newspaper

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What dOeS OBama’S visit mean to Kenya? By Ken Kamoche

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IN THE NExT ISSUE M020 out on 15th December 2015:

Interviews with Mrs Rose Thompson, Director BME Cancer

Communities on Understanding and Tackling cancer.Interviews with Peres Owino, Director `Bound: Africans vs.

African-Americans’ Plus

Year 2015 in review with 8 pages of photos and much more...

mojatu

Community�� mojatu.com

‘Women empowerment has always been an issue from the beginning of time and even now all around the world. As a single mother, I have had the role of both the father and mother of my kids so as to make them live a happy life so as not to make them feel the absence of a father figure, as most people would think that generally women are helpless when it comes to existing challenges of life or day by day living.

The woman leads a family and in turn the nation if /when she is self-confident and independent. Being independent makes me strong, wiser and a decision maker. In adult education, self-development has made a positive impact on me. I have NVQ 3 in health & social care as well as NVQ3 in caring for children and child-minding. Working as volunteer within the community gives me courage and confidence to live and work with dignity and freedom to be able to speak out and give my opinion among my colleagues’’.

Meeting and knowing Maria makes me validate the fact that women have power within them that can transform families and communities for the better given the right environment and support.

Mary; The Woman Of Substance!

‘My is Mary Juan Pierino.I came originally from Juba in Republic of South Sudan, I moved to the UK in 1988. I have one Son, Tombe, my everything in life. I have had various jobs, including being a carer with Reading Borough Council. I had to stop work because of my illness. I suffer from Lupus, an autoimmune disease. It has affected my spine, muscles and other areas in my body. Because of my illness I am now confined to a wheelchair. I am blessed every day of my life and all I have to say is a big thank you to almighty God. Life is too short, enjoy every minute of it’.

These powerful words of Mary encouraged me just as they have encouraged others and are going to encourage and challenge many more to live a life free of worry and maximise the joy of what they have. Mary actively works in the community on a voluntary basis though on the wheelchair. She has a passion for young people and women and particularly the South

Sudanese community where she is often seen and heard encouraging them to get involved in the wider community for the common good. Her experience growing up in South Sudan where war was the order of the day has always motivated her to empower the young people through dance in understanding their culture and integrating in the wider community without being confused by the who thing of identity. This is manifested by the way she has brought up her only lovely son Tombe who I believe will share the same sentiments.

She has always worked closely with women because she is aware through experience of how much women can do to influence positive change and development. She is currently involved in working with the FGM (Female Genital Mutilation) survivors in Reading. This goes to show that although Mary says she is confined to the wheelchair she is not limited by it. She has moved from being a carer to being cared for but her inability has not stopped her ability. Her strength and will was seen in the beginning of the year when she took the initiative to visit her family in Sudan with her son with the particular interest in her son meeting and knowing her family.

THE STRENGTH WITHIN WOMEN: GIVEN THE RIGHT SUPPORT & ENVIRONMENT

Women of great inspiration and potential will always be around to keep us going. We need however to look out for them and establish links with such. Maria, an esteemed young woman is one of such rare women. I have had a privilege of interacting with Maria at different levels and I regret I had not met her earlier. In her own words Maria shared the following with me.

Communitymojatu.com Berkshire connected ��

Reading & Whitley Multi-Cultural Women’s Group.Do you sometimes sit and want to make new friends, learn new skills, share your anxieties, get support for yourself & children? Reading & Whitley Multi-Cultural Women’s Group is one place you can achieve all this and much more. Having been privileged to share in what they do, I can only tell you how much you miss by not visiting them in any of their last Sunday of the month meeting. They offer creative opportunities and share ideas through: Drinks & Lunch Chats, Message sessions, Games & Puzzles, Creative Writing, Craftwork, Music, Hair plaiting, Cooking, Exercise, Line Dance, Barn Dance, Birthday celebrations, Listening to others etc.

They provide a safe, friendly and supportive environment for women of all ages, circumstances, colour etc. The group meets at RISC, 35-39, London Street, RG1 4PS

For more details please contact Uda Chalk on: 077324831597.

Four months later Mary got the shocking mews of the sudden passing on her husband and immediately left for Sudan with her son. Those were enough bad news but she took the courage. Mary has never thrived in pity parties and so she came back and continued to maximise the life God has granted her. Her son and herself have been very supportive of each other.

Below is the South Sudanese community that Mary empowers and encourages.

Arts & Culture�� mojatu.com

Maasai CriCket Warriors froM

kenya hit the big sCreen

at broadWay CineMa,

nottinghaMWarriors, documentary on Maasai Cricket Warriors, who are using the sport to educate Kenyans and other communities about social and health issues such as Female Genital Mutilation and HIV Aids, will be screening at Nottingham’s Broadway Cinema on 23rd November.

Warriors is a documentary following a group of young Maasai who, in a remote region of Kenya, have remarkably formed a cricket team. They relate the sport to their traditional hunting techniques – the ball is the spear, the bat is the shield – and their flowing red robes in full flight are an awesome sight. The film follows the team as they pursue their dream of reaching England, the home of cricket, and test themselves in the amateur Last Man Stands World Championship.

But there is a darker heart to the story. The Maasai are male dominated, women have few rights – even to their own bodies – and girls as young as six have suffered Female Genital Mutilation and early marriages. Traditional practices such as these have also contributed to the spread of HIV/AIDS, and now many believe the future of the Maasai is under serious threat.

The Warriors cricket team are using their new-found unity on the field as an inspiration to those off it, attempting to educate and give young people a sense of belonging, support and hope.

However, they face resistance from the elders of their community – well-respected and wise men who hold all Maasai traditional practices dear and carry great influence. They fear losing any of their traditions will herald the end of the Maasai. Can the power of sport - and specifically cricket - bring change and equality to the region? You’ll have to watch the film

to find out! But Warriors is an inspirational story, one that has something for everyone, and it’s not to be missed! ‘Warriors’ film is directed by Barney Douglas and executive producer is England bowler James Anderson.

In a community deep with tradition, where female genital mutilation (FGM) is still a rite of passage, these young Maasai express their frustrations at inequality by smacking cricket balls on the plains of Kenya and dreaming of life beyond their own village. Thus begins a journey all the way to England; the home of cricket. It is a journey which gives the Warriors the courage to face their elders in the hope of ending FGM.”

For Tickets and viewing in the UK visit www.warriorsfilm.co.uk

23/11 Nottingham Broadway Cinema, with Q&A

24/11 London Regent Street Cinema, UK

25/11 Bristol Watershed Cinema, UK

25/11 Greenwich Picturehouse, London, UK

29/11 Glasgow Film Theatre, UK



7/12 Phoenix Picturehouse, Oxford, UK

11/12 Arthouse Cinema, Crouch End, London plus Director Q&A

mojatu.com Berkshire connected Arts & Culture ��

�� Arts & Culture mojatu.com

At the beginning is Nefertiti, African Queen, Surrounded by Hieroglyphics - First code to be seen,Next, it’s Akanaten, great Egyptian Pharaoh,wanted to change tradition - only One God to know,In white, next, it’s Queen Amina, from Zazau; Nigeria,A great strategist and a fearsome warrior!She precedes the Adrinka symbols ofUnity, Economics, DefianceEchoes of a past, a desire for self-reliance.These are followed by Harriet Tubman, dressed in dusky-gray,hundreds-upon-hundreds she freed, by the “Underground Railway”! In blue, is Equiano, author of “An interesting narrative.....”Then “Black Napoleon” - (Louverture) - in Haiti’s war so inventive.

THE CENTRAl READING MURAl -By Izanjah Harris Andrea Izanjah Harris In the central of Reading is wall overlooking the popular Reading Oracle shopping centre that has powerful happy looking men and women of the past who have greatly contributed to the history of the world. When you first see the wall, it may not mean much to you but with much interest and detail you begin to see men and women you may have learnt in history. A talented young beautiful lady, Andrea Izanjan Harris, a teacher, lover of art and a poet took time to study the wall and came up with the following---‘Reading the wall; the 25 characteristics’

mojatu.com Berkshire connected Arts & Culture ��

Next, Sojourner Truth, who escaped with her child from chains,she asked “Ain’t I a Woman?” to them that had slaves,To her left, is Cetshwayo - King of the ‘last’ Zulu nation,slewed many Redcoats - fought against colonization,Then Under the Pan-African flag, in front of Black Star Liners,Is Marcus Mosiah Garvey, who told Africans they weren’t minor! “By any means Necessary” remember Malcolm ‘X’,an intellect, a trailblazer, wanted Equality and Respect.In front of Him, Franz Fanon, writer of ‘Black Skin, White Masks’,then Angela Yvonne Davis - ‘Freedom’- fighting her life’s task.A young Mandela, then Rosa Parks (holding up a sign)“The hand that rocks the cradle......” written in red, on white., .Next to Rosa, it’s CLR James (essayist), whom the wall is dedicated to!He wrote of “Black Jacobins”, about the Diaspora too.Martin Luther King is close by - still looking for his dream (?)Then Claudia Jones, Black Nationalist, she was on a more militant stream! Know by many and still missed is ‘Papa J’, or Jeff Allambyhe holds up A LUTA CONTINUA, rallying cry from Mozambique.means “The struggle Continues”, also says “Do what you must”,Time to love one another? Put aside Mistrust.In Red, Gold, and Green is David a.k.a ‘Archie’,he is holding an image and it’s of Haile Selassie.Appropriately next, its Bob Marley; - a musical revolutionary!First Reggae to touch Hearts Universally - open eyes to diversity!Then well remembered in her Midwife Uniform,is a ‘past’ Pillar of the community, Shirley Graham-Paul,(she delivered near a thousand babies in Readings Hospitals). Mary Seacole on the cover of the book which she has unfold,another Nurse! She risked her life for those in Crimea’s ‘hold’.Next to Shirley, is Issachar, representing unheard communities,In her hand a list - those who have died in police custody, Near the end, Black woman and child,Malcolm’s words in between of how ‘We’, the future, can style.A Teacher, a student, graduate with degree,a red question mark, then Africa green.Hieroglyphics to finish - ending as it began:Just newer concepts - reflecting modern man/woman. All-in-All its EPIC!has withstood the test of time,just like the faces depicted -leaves a lasting impression on the mind.

Health & Food20 mojatu.com

Eggs are among the most nutritious foods on the planet! A whole egg contains all the nutrients needed to turn a single cell into an entire baby chicken. However, eggs have gotten a bad reputation because the yolks are high in cholesterol. In fact, a single medium sized egg contains 186 mgv of cholesterol, which is 62% of the recommended daily intake. People believed that if you ate cholesterol, that it would raise cholesterol in the blood and contribute to heart disease. But it turns out that it isn’t that simple. The more you eat of cholesterol, the less your body produces instead. Let me explain how that works…

How Your Body Regulates Cholesterol Levels

Cholesterol is often seen as a negative word. When we hear it, we automatically start thinking of medication, heart attacks and early death. But the truth is that cholesterol is a very important part of the body. It is a structural molecule that is an essential part of every single cell

membrane. It is also used to make steroid hormones like testosterone, estrogen and cortisol.

Without cholesterol, we wouldn’t even exist. Given how incredibly important cholesterol is, the body has evolved elaborate ways to ensure that we always have enough of it available. Because getting cholesterol from the diet isn’t always an option, the liver actually produces cholesterol.

But when we eat a lot of cholesterol rich foods, the liver starts producing less cholesterol. So the total amount of cholesterol in the body changes only very little when it is coming from the diet instead of from the liver.

Bottom Line: The liver produces large amounts of cholesterol. When we eat a lot of eggs (high in cholesterol), the liver produces less instead.

What Happens When People Eat Several Whole Eggs Per Day?

For many decades, people have been advised to limit their consumption of eggs, or at least of egg yolks (the white is mostly protein and

is low in cholesterol). Common recommendations include a maximum of 2-6 yolks per week. However, there really isn’t much scientific support for these limitations and luckily, a number of excellent studies can put our minds at ease.

Studies show that when people eat at least one egg a day, HDL (the “good”) cholesterol goes up. Eating Omega-3 enriched eggs can lower blood triglycerides, another important risk factor. Blood levels of carotenoid antioxidants like Lutein and Zeaxanthine increase significantly. It appears that the response to whole egg consumption depends on the individual. In 70% of people, eating eggs has no effect on Total or LDL cholesterol. However, for about 30% of people (termed “hyper responders”), these numbers do go up slightly.

That being said, I don’t think this is a problem. The studies show that eggs change the LDL particles from small, dense LDL to Large LDL. People who have predominantly large LDL particles have a lower risk of heart disease. So even if eggs cause mild increases in Total and LDL cholesterol levels, this is not a cause for concern. The science is clear that up to 3 whole eggs per day are perfectly safe for healthy people who are trying to stay healthy.

Bottom Line: Eggs consistently raise HDL (the “good”) cholesterol. For 70% of people, there is no increase in Total or LDL cholesterol. There may be a mild increase in a benign subtype of LDL in some people.

Eggs and Heart Disease

Many studies have looked at egg consumption and the risk of heart disease.

All of these studies are so-called observational studies, and in studies like these, large groups of people are followed for many years. Then the researchers use statistical methods to figure out whether certain habits (like diet, smoking or exercise) are linked to either a decreased or increased risk of some disease.

Eggs and Cholesterol – How Many Eggs Can You Safely Eat? - By Kris Gunnars

Health & Foodmojatu.com Berkshire connected 2�

These studies, some of which include hundreds of thousands of people, consistently show that people who eat whole eggs are no more likely to develop heart disease. Some of the studies even show a reduced risk of stroke.

However… one thing that is worth noting, is that these studies show that diabetics who eat eggs are at an increased risk of heart disease. Whether the eggs are causing the increased risk in diabetics is not known. These types of studies can only show a correlation and it is possible that the diabetics who eat eggs are, on average, less health conscious than those who don’t.

This may also depend on the rest of the diet. On a low-carb diet (by far the best diet for diabetics), eggs lead to improvements in heart disease risk factors.

Bottom Line: Many observational studies show that people who eat eggs don’t have an increased risk of heart disease, but some of the studies do show an increased risk in diabetics.

Eggs Have Plenty of Other Health Benefits Too

Let’s not forget that eggs are about more than just cholesterol, they are also loaded with nutrients and have various other impressive benefits including being high in :

• Lutein and Zeaxanthine, antioxidants that reduce your risk of eye diseases like Macular Degeneration & Cataracts.

• Choline, a brain nutrient that over 90% of people are lacking in.

• Quality animal protein, which has many benefits – including increased muscle mass and better bone health.

Studies show that eggs increase satiety and help you lose fat. Eggs also

taste amazing and are incredibly easy to prepare. So even IF eggs were to have mild adverse effects on blood cholesterol (which they don’t), the benefits of consuming them would still far outweigh the negatives.

Bottom Line: Eggs are among the most nutritious foods on the planet. They contain important brain nutrients and powerful antioxidants that can protect the eyes.

How Much is Too Much?

Unfortunately, we don’t have studies where people are fed more than 3 eggs per day. It is possible (although unlikely) that eating even more than that could have a detrimental effect on health. Eating more than 3 is uncharted territory, so to speak.

However… I did find an interesting case study, with an 88 year old man who consumed 25 eggs per day. He had normal cholesterol levels and was in very good health. Of course, a study of one doesn’t prove anything, but it’s interesting nonetheless.

It’s also important to keep in mind that not all eggs are the same. Most eggs at the supermarket are from chickens that are raised in factories and fed grain-based feeds. The healthiest eggs are Omega-3 enriched eggs, or eggs from hens that are raised on pasture. These eggs are much higher in Omega-3s and important fat-soluble vitamins. Overall, eating eggs is perfectly safe, even if you’re eating up to 3 whole eggs per day. I personally eat 3-6 whole eggs per day, about 30-40 per week, and my health has never been better.

Given the incredible range of nutrients and powerful health benefits, quality eggs may just be the healthiest food on the planet.

Source: Mojatu health articles are from Kris Gunner of Authority Nutrition, an evidence based approach.

Education & Career22 mojatu.com

Rapid climate change is a major topic in contemporary science, in particular, the role of human actions. This period, in which humans have been actively altering the Earth and its systems, is known as ‘THE ANTHROPOCENE’. Current scientific debate whether human activity warrants formal definition as a new phase in Earth history. I ask, has the planet been altered to such an extent as to leave an irreversible mark on the environment?

According to Paul Crutzen Anthropocene means the time since 18th Century, when the increase in burning of fossil fuels released large quantities of carbon dioxide, previously stored within the Earth’s forests, into the atmosphere. This carbon dioxide together with methane and nitrous oxide, accounts for the recent spike in temperatures over the last few centuries.

However, others such as William Ruddiman suggest this time began when humans started farming the land. He argues that Anthropocene began over 8000 years ago, when land clearance for agricultural purposes started the release of CO2 previously trapped within vegetation through activities like slash-and-burn agriculture and livestock grazing. The worry is that these activities will, or have already, led to surpassing of upper planetary ‘thresholds’ which will hinder continued functioning of the earth without negative consequence.

Slash and burn agriculture: beginning the human-induced release of stored carbon over 8000 years ago

So, what is actually happening?

Climate changes naturally in time. The last 2.6 million years, the Quaternary period, was characterised by repeated cool phases, ice ages, with each period followed by warmer conditions. We live in one of these warm intermissions. Increase in temperature is thus not the problem, as this occurs naturally with changes in the Earth’s orbit. The issue is the rate and extent of this increases in temperature.

The most recent assessment report by Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) states that between 1970 and 2010, the shallow oceans have warmed about 0.11oC annually coupled with loss of ice on the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets, plus ocean acidification. This raises concerns of changing climate as it affects plants, animals, people and places, all of which suffer from accelerated change.

Consequences: Fauna and Flora

Under current warming, extinction of many of the World’s species is imminent. Rates of species loss exhibit numbers high enough to indicate that, today, we may be in the middle of another mass extinction event, with loss of biodiversity occurring at levels much greater than that which would occur under conditions not influenced by human activity. There have been a total of 5 mass extinctions recorded in known Earth history. Mass extinction is defined as an event where a total of ¾ of species are lost. Today, we could be in a human-enhanced 6th event.

Climate Change: Is this the reality?

By Emma Cooper

mojatu.com Berkshire connected Education & Career 23

One of the more well-known animals likely to disappear as a result of global warming: its choice is adaption or extinction

When climate changes, animals and plants adjust to changes in habitat altered by temperatures. As this occurs, species respond by shifting from where they live. If these climatic changes occur too quickly, these organisms struggle to adjust at a speed fast enough to survive. These species are pushed into a smaller habitat areas, termed as ‘climatic envelope’. Species in warm areas shift poleward as temperatures near the equator increase. However, where do plants and animals living at the North and South Poles go? The simple answer is, NOWHERE!

In 2002 the Larsen B Ice Shelf in Antarctica, collapsed. An area of around 12.5km2 detached from the main ice shelf, which scientists believe to be the result of dramatic retreat of the shelf in recent years. West Antarctica is showing similar instability. Current polar research is focusing on understanding the changes occurring, and

how these relate to global warming. If Antarctica alone melts, it will result in about 60m of global sea level rise, enough to cause drastic change to all life on Earth.

The Larsen B Ice Shelf collapse in 2002

As much as the IPCC has advocated the need for action, global powers have been slow to respond. Many promote the need for clean energy, sustainable development and appropriate policy making. By 2050 the Earth’s population will be over 10 billion. These people need food, water and housing. We need to rethink our response to climate change, it requires cooperation between disciplines, and universal collaboration. Scientists, policy makers and everyone else should to act on, and deal with, the consequences.

Emma Cooper is environmental student at Royal Holloway University in London and can be reached on [email protected] Twitter: @Emlcpeer

2� Education & Career mojatu.com

At 12noon on November 28th people of South Oxfordshire and Berkshire will gather in front of Christ Church in Christchurch Road Reading for the Reading. This is the largest climate mobilisation in history. We will join hundreds of thousands worldwide in the Global Climate March People’s March. We will be part of the Global Climate March marking the start of a major summit of world leaders in Paris to discuss a unified global response to the crisis of climate change.

Thousands of events will be held in more than 150 countries to deliver a resounding public call to world leaders to take urgent and ambitious action when they meet in Paris.

The Global Climate March is snowballing into a massive mobilisation of millions around the world who want leaders to do more to stop runaway climate change. People are taking part to show the huge level of public solidarity that climate talks in Paris deliver a deal that will avert climate catastrophe and move the world to a new green economy with 100% clean energy.

WHAT: Reading People’s March for Climate, Justice +Jobs

WHEN: Saturday November 28th at 12 noon

WHERE: Christ Church Christchurch Road Reading

WHO: Reading People’s March

Go to our website for more information about what we are doing. http://readingpeoplesmarch.org

Click here to see a full map of Global Climate March events and sign up to attend one near you: avaaz.org/en/event/globalclimatemarch/

We want a 100% clean future• scientists say we have only years to stop

carbon pollution• clean energy is a real solution

It’s time for governments to listen to the people• polls show 90% of the world’s people are

concerned about climate change

SO, ‘Do You Care About Our beautiful and wonderful planet? Then join in the Global Climate March with Reading People’s March for Climate, Justice + Jobs see http://readingpeoplesmarch.org for all the information ‘.

Route Map

BERKSHIRE JOINS GlOBAl ClIMATE MARCH - By Eleanor Pitts

mojatu.com Nottingham connected Arts & Culture 2�

Education & Career mojatu.com2�

Narratives of Survivorship: Women’s Experiences of FGM told through Creative Expression By Dr Natasha Recchia, Dr Julie McGarry, Dr Richard Windle, University of Nottingham, School of Health Sciences.

Using creative approaches, the overall aim of this project is to co-produce a teaching and learning resource which explores the life experiences of women within the context of FGM.

The project has adopted a collaborative approach to the study design and we have been working with our colleagues from the Mojatu Foundation to ensure that all stages of the project from initial development ideas through to production of the final resource, evaluation and dissemination are participant led throughout.

The development of the e-learning resources will take place during a one day workshop with women as survivors of FGM in order to explore positive life histories and personal narratives of survivorship. The narratives explored during the workshop will be used to develop an e-learning teaching and learning resource.

The content and format for the e-learning resource will be finalised at a further workshop and will be largely determined by the women participants as part of the project team. It is anticipated that the final version of the learning resource which will be made available as an open access resource.

At a local level the resource will directly inform the delivery of continuing practice development education and training. Due to the paucity of existing resources in this field it is anticipated that the resources will also be of value to a range of agencies and organisations nationally and potentially internationally.

Are you FGM survivors? Are you interested in taking part in a creative

approaches for developing e-teaching and e-learning materials?

Community Media Championsto help end FGM this generationJOIN!

Funded By Rosa Fund

T: 0115 845 7009 M: 07859063643 | 07794372214

E: [email protected]/mediachampions

Mojatu Foundation is recruiting and training individuals, mainly those most affected by FGM, to develop skills and confidence

to become Community Media Champions. The trainees are empowered to tell their individual and community stories, while helping to capture, store and share contents, images and other

information online, on mobiles and in print.

This will increase, among others, FGM awareness while providing opportunities for support of FGM survivors. It will also allow participants to shape the direction of their communities by

impacting on the media coverage on all types of information including what is being done in tackling FGM and other social

needs within their communities.

Training - You will receive local and online training and resources to help you collect, edit, store and disseminate information on FGM

and other community focused information. Media training | FGM training and awareness | Other training and skills

By joining the Community Media Champions program you will become involved in a wide variety of community engagement,

media and awareness activities.

You will receive- Business cards | Video camera | Dictaphone | Mobile phone with calling credit | Travelling allowance

Partners

Call or Text 07794372214 | Email [email protected]

mojatu

Nottingham connected Education & Career 2�mojatu.com

mojatu

Volunteers will help in:- Fundraising- Collecting and sorting items- Promoting the trip and activities- Photos, videos and articles on the trip- Training and learning from The Gambian’s

Donations needed for The Gambia

Come with us to The Gambia £500!

All inclusive

Mojatu Foundation & utulivu WoMen’s Group In partnership with The Gambia Women’s Bureau Are organising a fieldtrip to The Gambia in

February 2016 to share knowledge and experiences among FGM Survivors and support Gambian Women in launching Mojatu Magazine.

We are looking for volunteers to join the 7 Days trip for just £500 which covers air ticket, accommodation and food in The Gambia and a 1day trip to Senegal. To support the women and

girls in The Gambia, we will also be taking a container of items.

Nottingham: Mojatu [email protected] / [email protected] / 07794372214

Reading: Utulivu Women’s Group:[email protected] / 07859063643 THANKS FOR YOUR COOPERATION

& GENEROUS SUPPORT!

Girls & Women: Bicycles, Jewellery, bags, cosmetics, sanitary Pads

eduCaTion

maTerials:

Books, Pens,

pencils etc.

CloThes: Clean clothes,

beddings, towels, shoes, socks &

toys

seWinG machine, glasses &

lenses

sPorTs

equipment &

items: Bicycles,

balls, nets

iTWorking Printers

Computers, & laptops

mediCal & hospital: Beds, equipment, examination laps, diabetic testi & blood pressure kits

Documents

Mojatu Berkshire Magazine Issue B009