Send your Mid Semester to the Lecturer by 25 March, 2011 due this evening
Email: (wwamunyu@daystar.ac.ke)
Please inform the other in case you meet them
Thank you in advance
Mary (class rep)
Friday, March 25, 2011
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Girls, listen up; the boys are talking by Fadhili Kanini
Boys will always be. End of discussion. Our ladies will have to understand that before becoming a man, we were once boys. The same way they expect us to “understand” that girls have emotions, note, not ladies, but girls. When they go out to meet their friends for a hairdo, manicure and pedicure, or just for ice cream, they say “I am going out with the girls today I won’t be back until nine”. You see, there is a lot of weight to this mere term.
The thing is, when children are growing up and they go out playing with other children, they come back home and tell their guardians that they were “out playing with other girls” or boys for that matter. There is always a sense of attachment to these friends children have. They are their “best friends”. They are their confidants and they get to do things that their parents will never get to know about.
I therefore admire our sisters’ protection of each other, their care and most of all, how they “look out” for one another. These are some of those aspects of childhood that they carry on into their adulthood. Not to say that they are childish, but that, just like little children, women are very emotionally attached to their friends. And this is a good thing.
So, a man is meant to understand all that in a simple text message telling him that his better half will be late for a dinner he has been planning for for the last two weeks, because she had to “check on her friend who is having an issue”? Very convenient.
He not only has to step into this pub and drown his temporal anger in a bottle of God- knows-what, he now has to battle out the attention of other “girls” on the prowl for frustrated men like himself.
The situation is made no better by a second text message telling the man that the lady will not make it as she found the friend in a “harder situation” than she earlier thought. That’s where the “boy” in the man resurfaces. He calls his boys who coincidentally happen to be in the same neighbourhood. It’s Saturday evening so either the English Premier League or the Spanish La Liga is on. Perfect. The boys have such a fantastic time together, the anger and frustration in the host fizzles out with the drinks.
They part ways at around 3 am and everyone goes home. The man in question goes home to his wife who is unsurprisingly furious. The man came home late and so for the next 45 minutes, she goes on and on about how men are annoyingly insensitive. At this point, the man is half asleep. To him, all this is a well needed lullaby to sooth his drunken state.
Come morning, the man apologizes, but only after the lady has been made aware that she was the initial cause of all that. It takes that long for them to understand a man- a night, at least.
The thing with a man is that he will behave like one, when he is treated like one. He will always be a nagging little boy whenever mistreated. The same, sadly, cannot be said about the girls. They just are, girls.
The thing is, when children are growing up and they go out playing with other children, they come back home and tell their guardians that they were “out playing with other girls” or boys for that matter. There is always a sense of attachment to these friends children have. They are their “best friends”. They are their confidants and they get to do things that their parents will never get to know about.
I therefore admire our sisters’ protection of each other, their care and most of all, how they “look out” for one another. These are some of those aspects of childhood that they carry on into their adulthood. Not to say that they are childish, but that, just like little children, women are very emotionally attached to their friends. And this is a good thing.
So, a man is meant to understand all that in a simple text message telling him that his better half will be late for a dinner he has been planning for for the last two weeks, because she had to “check on her friend who is having an issue”? Very convenient.
He not only has to step into this pub and drown his temporal anger in a bottle of God- knows-what, he now has to battle out the attention of other “girls” on the prowl for frustrated men like himself.
The situation is made no better by a second text message telling the man that the lady will not make it as she found the friend in a “harder situation” than she earlier thought. That’s where the “boy” in the man resurfaces. He calls his boys who coincidentally happen to be in the same neighbourhood. It’s Saturday evening so either the English Premier League or the Spanish La Liga is on. Perfect. The boys have such a fantastic time together, the anger and frustration in the host fizzles out with the drinks.
They part ways at around 3 am and everyone goes home. The man in question goes home to his wife who is unsurprisingly furious. The man came home late and so for the next 45 minutes, she goes on and on about how men are annoyingly insensitive. At this point, the man is half asleep. To him, all this is a well needed lullaby to sooth his drunken state.
Come morning, the man apologizes, but only after the lady has been made aware that she was the initial cause of all that. It takes that long for them to understand a man- a night, at least.
The thing with a man is that he will behave like one, when he is treated like one. He will always be a nagging little boy whenever mistreated. The same, sadly, cannot be said about the girls. They just are, girls.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
MY MENTOR- corrected piece
Anne Mutungi walks into the wooden front door of our family friend’s home all made up and ready to mingle with her friends. She is 5’4 tall, dressed in a tie and dye batik dress and hair neatly plaited backwards. She bears a smile on her face. All her friends are happy to see her and they exchange pleasantries. Soon after, the ladies more to a corner after serving food and they are locked in a conversation while enjoying their food. From their faces it is evident that they have a lot of catching up to do. There is a lot on the menu: chapati, rice, beef stew, chicken, vegetable salad as well as fruit salad and soda. The guests are not only enjoying the food but also the beautiful music from a CD by Oliver Mtukudzi. After thirty minutes, the host calls on us to introduce ourselves and get to know one another. As people mingle, I get to talk to Anne and she tells me more about herself. That beautiful get together was five years ago. Back then, I never knew that she would one day become someone I look up to. She seemed just like an ordinary lady but after meeting her on several other occasions, she has become a lady of great impact in my life. Anne grew up in Kitui District where she attended Nzeve Primary School and later Mutonguni Girls School. Her parents struggled to keep her in school but somehow through the generosity of family and friends, she managed to finish school. She then moved to Nairobi to do a secretarial course. It wasn’t long before love interrupted her studies and she married James Mutungi, a banker working in Nairobi with whom they have three lovely children Mark, Rose and Trina. She abandoned her studies to take care of her family but went back to school after two years to complete her secretarial course. After finishing her secretarial course she got frustrated as she did not get a job. All along she thought that it would be smooth sailing after school but it was not so. Her situation was worsened by the fact that all her friends seemed to be getting jobs and good paying ones for that matter. Her husband encouraged her not to despair and with his help she started a small business of selling ‘mandazi.’ She managed to save the little money she got from the business and with the help of money she had gotten from her ‘chama,’ she grew herself. She has risen to become an influential lady in society with a bakery within the central business district and a road construction company dealing with the construction of rural roads. On weekends she spares time from her busy schedule to mentor young girls who are either in college or have finished school and are ready for employment. Through her mentorship programme she gives financial tips and encouragement to the young ladies some of whom have risen to become well known personalities in Kenya. What strikes me most about her is the fact that she rose from ‘mama mandazi’ to become a successful entrepreneur. From her I have learnt that nothing is impossible.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
08-0778 - A hard goodbye
A HARD GOODBYE
Good friends are hard to find, harder to leave and impossible to forget. We meet different people in our every day life but only few remain and become friends. Their actions, lifestyle and character are what make some stay in one’s life and gain the title of ‘friend’. My best friend Pauline and I were at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, waiting for her ten o’clock flight. She looked at me and consoled me that all will be well and that the three years will be over soon.
I looked at her and smiled, it had all happened too fast, clearing high school, receiving our grades and her getting a scholarship to study law in Oxford University. Yes I was more than happy for her but couldn’t the scholarship have come after a year? I thought. I couldn’t imagine her not being there for me, a dial away. I guess she had spoilt me with the constant attention. My mind then slowly drifted off to how our friendship started. My family was going through financial problems due to a dramatic change in the economy of the country and we had to make some financial adjustments.
The people I thought were my friends slowly started avoiding me, they stopped coming over for lunch and sleepovers and even avoided greeting me after church services. All this my mother had earlier mentioned when I first took my friends home. The words were still fresh in my mind ‘the friends you are with are just acquaintances if we had nothing they would not even want to know you’. It sounded like a normal mother’s lecture I did not think it would happen to me. Back then Pauline was a girl I just greeted in school and talked to her when we had group work I never thought more of our friendship than one based entirely on academics.
One day we were assigned group work after which she suggested we have lunch together and since I no longer had ‘friends’ to eat with I agreed.
From that day on we did everything together from going to school together to attending social events and even tagging each other on dates. I had found myself a friend, she came into my life when I was low and the world around me seemed to be crumbling, from problems at home to my friends abandoning me, yet she put a smile on my face. Its then that I came to understand who a real friend is and I appreciated her in my life. One could understand why it was hard for me to say goodbye. I was quickly brought back to reality by an announcement on the speakers ‘London through Dubai boarding at gate 18’. Pauline stood up, as her parents headed to where we were seated.
I then stood up to help her with her bag, as we walked towards the gate my heart sank I wanted to grab her and cry like a baby then I thought, its not so bad she is coming back and this was the best thing for her to do so I kept calm and continued walking. We got to the gate, she turned hugged all of us and then looked at me and said ‘love you dear will let you know when I arrive, be safe’. She pecked me on the cheek then turned and entered the door, we watched as her luggage was checked in and then she went up the escalator and disappeared. It truly was a hard goodbye.
Type of writing – Narrative, opinion
Audience – Women aged 16 – 25 years
By, Rose Wangari N’gang’a – 08-0778
Placement- Eve Magazine
Good friends are hard to find, harder to leave and impossible to forget. We meet different people in our every day life but only few remain and become friends. Their actions, lifestyle and character are what make some stay in one’s life and gain the title of ‘friend’. My best friend Pauline and I were at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, waiting for her ten o’clock flight. She looked at me and consoled me that all will be well and that the three years will be over soon.
I looked at her and smiled, it had all happened too fast, clearing high school, receiving our grades and her getting a scholarship to study law in Oxford University. Yes I was more than happy for her but couldn’t the scholarship have come after a year? I thought. I couldn’t imagine her not being there for me, a dial away. I guess she had spoilt me with the constant attention. My mind then slowly drifted off to how our friendship started. My family was going through financial problems due to a dramatic change in the economy of the country and we had to make some financial adjustments.
The people I thought were my friends slowly started avoiding me, they stopped coming over for lunch and sleepovers and even avoided greeting me after church services. All this my mother had earlier mentioned when I first took my friends home. The words were still fresh in my mind ‘the friends you are with are just acquaintances if we had nothing they would not even want to know you’. It sounded like a normal mother’s lecture I did not think it would happen to me. Back then Pauline was a girl I just greeted in school and talked to her when we had group work I never thought more of our friendship than one based entirely on academics.
One day we were assigned group work after which she suggested we have lunch together and since I no longer had ‘friends’ to eat with I agreed.
From that day on we did everything together from going to school together to attending social events and even tagging each other on dates. I had found myself a friend, she came into my life when I was low and the world around me seemed to be crumbling, from problems at home to my friends abandoning me, yet she put a smile on my face. Its then that I came to understand who a real friend is and I appreciated her in my life. One could understand why it was hard for me to say goodbye. I was quickly brought back to reality by an announcement on the speakers ‘London through Dubai boarding at gate 18’. Pauline stood up, as her parents headed to where we were seated.
I then stood up to help her with her bag, as we walked towards the gate my heart sank I wanted to grab her and cry like a baby then I thought, its not so bad she is coming back and this was the best thing for her to do so I kept calm and continued walking. We got to the gate, she turned hugged all of us and then looked at me and said ‘love you dear will let you know when I arrive, be safe’. She pecked me on the cheek then turned and entered the door, we watched as her luggage was checked in and then she went up the escalator and disappeared. It truly was a hard goodbye.
Type of writing – Narrative, opinion
Audience – Women aged 16 – 25 years
By, Rose Wangari N’gang’a – 08-0778
Placement- Eve Magazine
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Justice for all is unachievable. 09-0805
Justice for all is unachievable.
By Judy Mwendwa 09-0805
With Afro-cinema all over our screens in all genres you can never lack something to keep yourself busy with on Saturday afternoon especially if the month is half way; the time when you are financially challenged and you cannot accompany your friends to the movies or any other social place you hang out when the pocket is fit to show off.
Last Saturday I found myself glued to my screen not because my pocket was flat but because I was just passing by the sitting room when I heard a loud ‘objection your honour.’ There I was debating whether to watch the movie or not. The movie was about Robert who was made to look guilty by his friend who accused him of stealing the Company’s money. For a decade and a half, Robert suffered in prison for a crime he did not commit and there I sat wondering how many people suffer such injustices. Yes, it was just a movie but quite a number of movies are a clear reflection of what happens in the society. It clicked to me that one might be really innocent but proving it might be a daunting task.
Did you ever pause and wonder how many people have suffered the same predicament as Robert’s or even worse? Or how many people really deserve justice and have gone to their graves waiting for justice?
In life there are those who do not get justice for the crimes committed against them and there are those who do not get justice for the crimes they are accused of committing. This will always be the case.
In the world of today where crime is committed daily, many of the crimes go unreported perhaps because they know that they might never get justice. Think of a small child who is sexually molested and infected with HIV, I consider it the most despicable crime against humanity. It was not long ago when Citizen Television aired a story of a physically challenged nine year old who was sexually molested and compelled to carry a child in her not so developed womb, without knowledge on how to take care of the baby. The rapist just disappeared, leaving his responsibility to a child who does not even have the arms to carry the baby. It is even more agonizing that those who commit such crimes go scot free just like Robert’s friend who turned to out to be the robber after proper inspection of the case fifteen years later.
Both the poor and the rich deserve justice. Come to think of it, for the rich it is easier for them to access justice because of their financial stability, thus employing a first-class lawyer for them is no big deal, but for the poor man, he can hardly provide a well balanced meal for the family so where will he get the cash to have his case looked at. To me these means that a common man is entitled to a fair judgement on paper but in reality they cannot afford to pay the cost to get one.
The judge has the final word in our courts but he is human he doesn’t know everything and at times the judge can be absolutely wrong in his judgement. The truth is not always knowable; therefore the court might end up not knowing who the real offender is and on the other hand sentencing the accused who might be completely innocent, the accused ends up carrying someone’s cross just like Robert.
Accessibility to justice is considered a fundamental human right but there will always be someone who does not get the justice s/he deserves.
By Judy Mwendwa 09-0805
With Afro-cinema all over our screens in all genres you can never lack something to keep yourself busy with on Saturday afternoon especially if the month is half way; the time when you are financially challenged and you cannot accompany your friends to the movies or any other social place you hang out when the pocket is fit to show off.
Last Saturday I found myself glued to my screen not because my pocket was flat but because I was just passing by the sitting room when I heard a loud ‘objection your honour.’ There I was debating whether to watch the movie or not. The movie was about Robert who was made to look guilty by his friend who accused him of stealing the Company’s money. For a decade and a half, Robert suffered in prison for a crime he did not commit and there I sat wondering how many people suffer such injustices. Yes, it was just a movie but quite a number of movies are a clear reflection of what happens in the society. It clicked to me that one might be really innocent but proving it might be a daunting task.
Did you ever pause and wonder how many people have suffered the same predicament as Robert’s or even worse? Or how many people really deserve justice and have gone to their graves waiting for justice?
In life there are those who do not get justice for the crimes committed against them and there are those who do not get justice for the crimes they are accused of committing. This will always be the case.
In the world of today where crime is committed daily, many of the crimes go unreported perhaps because they know that they might never get justice. Think of a small child who is sexually molested and infected with HIV, I consider it the most despicable crime against humanity. It was not long ago when Citizen Television aired a story of a physically challenged nine year old who was sexually molested and compelled to carry a child in her not so developed womb, without knowledge on how to take care of the baby. The rapist just disappeared, leaving his responsibility to a child who does not even have the arms to carry the baby. It is even more agonizing that those who commit such crimes go scot free just like Robert’s friend who turned to out to be the robber after proper inspection of the case fifteen years later.
Both the poor and the rich deserve justice. Come to think of it, for the rich it is easier for them to access justice because of their financial stability, thus employing a first-class lawyer for them is no big deal, but for the poor man, he can hardly provide a well balanced meal for the family so where will he get the cash to have his case looked at. To me these means that a common man is entitled to a fair judgement on paper but in reality they cannot afford to pay the cost to get one.
The judge has the final word in our courts but he is human he doesn’t know everything and at times the judge can be absolutely wrong in his judgement. The truth is not always knowable; therefore the court might end up not knowing who the real offender is and on the other hand sentencing the accused who might be completely innocent, the accused ends up carrying someone’s cross just like Robert.
Accessibility to justice is considered a fundamental human right but there will always be someone who does not get the justice s/he deserves.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
HIGHWAY TO THE GRAVE-TINNAH KIIO-09-0941
Have you ever found yourself saying, “I wish I could hold the tail of time, I wish I were given another chance, I wish I had never met him or her,” or, “I wish we never had a fight.”? If your answer is not affirmative I will not believe you. There are many things we regret having or having not done. The best thing is to seize the opportunity that we have made mistakes and rise to the occasion. I would rather regret what I have done, than what I haven’t. At times we spend too much time beating ourselves up for our past failures and gazing at lost opportunities that we are unable to get back. We therefore fail to note other opportunities that present themselves to us. The truth is, regrets leave you somewhere, but it is up to you to choose whether they will drag you behind or push you forward. Regrets are part of life and if you accept life, then, you must accept regrets. You should not let your past mistakes keep you from taking risks, being happy and losing enthusiasm in life. Here are some tips to help you handle regrets:-
1. FORGIVE YOURSELF
Imagine of a 50 year old who can not forgive himself for having cheated on his wife in his 30s or a Ph.D holder who still beats herself up for failing in her K.C.P.E. Every good thing starts with self-love and forgiveness. You should forgive yourself and anybody else who might have been involved in the situation that makes you regret. Forgiving yourself is a critical stage in healing in your life
2. LEARN FROM YOUR MISTAKES
There is a lesson to be learnt in every mistake. Instead of putting blames on yourself, ask yourself what good you can obtain from the mistake. It can be a blessing in disguise. If the thought of what you did comes into your mind, say, “I forgive myself.” This will help kill the anger inside you. If you hold yourself responsible for your own regrets, then avoid making the same choices in future.
3. REDIRECT YOUR FOCUS
The past is gone and will never come back. You need to understand that when one chance fails, another opens for you. Do not waste time dwelling on missed prospects. Holding on your past can be disastrous to your future. Joel Osteen once said you are likely to see something better ahead but you can not do so if you are constantly looking behind.
4. MAKE NEW GOALS
Once you redirect your attention, spend time re-building your life and collect your broken pieces. Make new achievable goals and have strategies that will help you realize them. This will help keep your zeal in life alive. Stay committed and focused in carrying out your action plan to avoid any more failures.
5. TALK IT OUT
Regrets are like a strong metallic hangman’s noose, like a highway to the grave. They can kill you. Talking to someone you trust helps much. Don’t keep issues to yourself. This helps you release pent-up feelings instead of bottling-up. When bad feelings are kept, they can burst out in embarrassing ways. Sharing your problems also helps others not to repeat the mistakes you did.
1. FORGIVE YOURSELF
Imagine of a 50 year old who can not forgive himself for having cheated on his wife in his 30s or a Ph.D holder who still beats herself up for failing in her K.C.P.E. Every good thing starts with self-love and forgiveness. You should forgive yourself and anybody else who might have been involved in the situation that makes you regret. Forgiving yourself is a critical stage in healing in your life
2. LEARN FROM YOUR MISTAKES
There is a lesson to be learnt in every mistake. Instead of putting blames on yourself, ask yourself what good you can obtain from the mistake. It can be a blessing in disguise. If the thought of what you did comes into your mind, say, “I forgive myself.” This will help kill the anger inside you. If you hold yourself responsible for your own regrets, then avoid making the same choices in future.
3. REDIRECT YOUR FOCUS
The past is gone and will never come back. You need to understand that when one chance fails, another opens for you. Do not waste time dwelling on missed prospects. Holding on your past can be disastrous to your future. Joel Osteen once said you are likely to see something better ahead but you can not do so if you are constantly looking behind.
4. MAKE NEW GOALS
Once you redirect your attention, spend time re-building your life and collect your broken pieces. Make new achievable goals and have strategies that will help you realize them. This will help keep your zeal in life alive. Stay committed and focused in carrying out your action plan to avoid any more failures.
5. TALK IT OUT
Regrets are like a strong metallic hangman’s noose, like a highway to the grave. They can kill you. Talking to someone you trust helps much. Don’t keep issues to yourself. This helps you release pent-up feelings instead of bottling-up. When bad feelings are kept, they can burst out in embarrassing ways. Sharing your problems also helps others not to repeat the mistakes you did.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
SWAG-LESS 08-1003 Linda Anemba
Maybe Obama would really love to rock and roll in bright colored skinny jeans, mascara and a biker jacket but being a president he understands that his job isn’t entertainment but matters of national concern. How you dress says a lot about you. As humans we will judge you according to the way you dress. Am talking about Mike Sonko, Honerable Gideon Mbuvi, the 35 year old NARC Kenya Member of Parliament for Makadara Constituency, notoriously known for his dressing style-jeans and a t-shirt not forgetting the bling bling. We all obviously want to be cool. Let me tell you what’s cool, dressing your age, dressing your profession.
A whole M.P kicked out of parliament because he has refused to let go of his days of puberty. Fine old M.Ps dress like old M.Ps: the usual black, brown, dark green and blue suits and on casual days colored printed shirts with the same material trousers and leather shoes. However, I think even these old men have more swag than ‘Sonko’. How do you sit in parliament with shades on? Are we trying to be rebellious? What are we, 16 year olds? On top of that, studs. I have no problem with men wearing studs; I have a problem with men in power wearing studs because they are our leaders. Men in authority are expected to present themselves in a certain way. Maybe that is old fashioned but I have never seen a president wearing studs, let alone an African president and lets be honest all M.Ps want to be the president one day.
Celebrities and that includes politicians need image consultants because we see them making simple blunders in public that leave us wondering what it is about them really that we admire. If you are an actress, musician, public figure whatever, dress and carry yourself with class. I mean, other than fame and fortune isn’t this what separates you from the rest?
If you are a politician and the public says they want a “youthful politician”, what they want is a politician that shares their point of view and understands their problems and has new ways to solve age old problems. What they want is a person who has seen a problem with the way the old gizzards handle their business and know that their way is better. What we aren’t asking for is a ‘Mheshimiwa’ dressed like an African-American stereotype hooligan carrying himself just the way the old fellaz do only with more vigor.
Maybe I am wrong but the youth are simply young people with more energy, different ideologies and new theories. The youth are radical forces of change, positive or negative. They aren’t their clothes or their slang. They aren’t characterized by how many stones they can throw or by how long they can engage the police in running battles.
Call me a hater but I just like my musicians to be musicians, to dress, act as such and my politicians to be politicians. Besides, everyone knows only the poor go around shouting they are rich and only the old have to keep reminding themselves that they are young.
TIME TO SHIFT GOALPOSTS 07-0192
I look forward to weekends. Apart from the two day break from the usual hustle and bustle of school and other work, I get to relax with friends, watch a movie, go on a picnic or an outing. A weekend is not complete though without some football. The local football scene is awash with bickering which makes local football a total displeasure. I enjoy watching the English premier league which presents the highest standards of the game. It is sad though, that the only efforts I have ever made to play football were when I was in my lower primary school and I played as a striker. It was not the easiest of affairs since the ground we used as a football pitch was dotted with stones and playing was a hard task. I lost a nail in my efforts and my parents and I decided that football was not going to be an activity I would engage in the future. I therefore hung my boots very early in life and shifted to watching others play the game. I grew oblivious of other sports as a result and to date, apart from football, I watch very few other sports with interest.
I know very little about hockey, I must admit hence. Apart from the fact that the game is played by human beings and that they try and knock a ball around a pitch with some sticks and score goals, there is very little else that I know about the game. Well, this changed a few days ago after I watched sports news on a local news channel. The headline was that the Daystar University’s hockey teams-ladies and men, had taken home a combined tally of goals amounting to thirty. It never occurred to me first, how big a drubbing that was until I checked on the internet on how scores are counted in hockey. I initially thought, ‘typical cricket loss’ but then I figured out that goals can only be calculated in tallies of one. Hockey is just like football with the difference being in the means that they use to score and the kind of ball that is used among few other differences. I could not in all honesty understand why our hockey team could not have scored even a single goal at least to save face. I mean, doesn’t hockey have penalties?
Out of curiosity I talked to a close friend in the team and got to understand-to some extent, what had led to the thrashing. The team has no coach, no pitch and motivation is always at rock-bottom. Nothing new to hear really. It’s been the same story over and over again when Daystar teams lose. However, the team’s definition of resilience and determination is something out of this world I must say. To go on and play without training and expect to win especially against teams that have done the direct opposite is to say the least, a herculean task. The blame cannot be placed entirely on the team, I must concede. The university sadly has done very little to ensure that these ladies and gentlemen that play this game are able to win any of the matches they play. These players need a coach and a pitch. If they are expected not to make the wrong headline news, there is need for them to be taken seriously. Perhaps it is about time we shifted goalposts to avoid conceding such many goals without any response. (587)
I know very little about hockey, I must admit hence. Apart from the fact that the game is played by human beings and that they try and knock a ball around a pitch with some sticks and score goals, there is very little else that I know about the game. Well, this changed a few days ago after I watched sports news on a local news channel. The headline was that the Daystar University’s hockey teams-ladies and men, had taken home a combined tally of goals amounting to thirty. It never occurred to me first, how big a drubbing that was until I checked on the internet on how scores are counted in hockey. I initially thought, ‘typical cricket loss’ but then I figured out that goals can only be calculated in tallies of one. Hockey is just like football with the difference being in the means that they use to score and the kind of ball that is used among few other differences. I could not in all honesty understand why our hockey team could not have scored even a single goal at least to save face. I mean, doesn’t hockey have penalties?
Out of curiosity I talked to a close friend in the team and got to understand-to some extent, what had led to the thrashing. The team has no coach, no pitch and motivation is always at rock-bottom. Nothing new to hear really. It’s been the same story over and over again when Daystar teams lose. However, the team’s definition of resilience and determination is something out of this world I must say. To go on and play without training and expect to win especially against teams that have done the direct opposite is to say the least, a herculean task. The blame cannot be placed entirely on the team, I must concede. The university sadly has done very little to ensure that these ladies and gentlemen that play this game are able to win any of the matches they play. These players need a coach and a pitch. If they are expected not to make the wrong headline news, there is need for them to be taken seriously. Perhaps it is about time we shifted goalposts to avoid conceding such many goals without any response. (587)
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
HOPE DOES NOT DISSAPPOINT by Alex Mutuku 09-1153
HOPE DOES NOT DISAPPOINT
“How much time do you have for me, sir?” I ask to remind him that he had told me to come for the interview at 9.30pm and ‘now’ was the time. He scratches his well combed dark hair, signaling to me that he had forgotten, and I forgive him immediately so that we may settle down for serious business. At one corner of the room, there is a Yamaha guitar and I am tempted to request for it so that I may pluck a tune or two, but I lock in my passion – may be, next time.
As we begin to talk, I get consumed in his rich story till I almost forget we are in an academic exercise. He has seen so much, just at his mid twenties. He’s been through so much twists of life. I realize he’s come so far and he lets me know that giving up is nowhere in his vocabulary. He is a giant of faith.
One Sebastian Mwanza, is a fourth year taking a major in public relations and a minor in peace and conflict resolution. He hails from the dry and weary land of Kiundwani,Kibwezi district.
He is not patient to wait for me to ask him the various twists of life that he has been through. “After my high school, there were sometimes, and those times were many when I would lie down at night with a sorrowful heart looking forward with trembling to the dark future and in constant terror at the thought of God as stern and unrelenting judge rather than a caring heavenly father,” he says. It is at this point that he trotted from been a shopkeeper, an insurance policy sales person and later a student.
It will be absolute crime if I fail to applaud Sebastian’s hope which made him attract his destiny. In moments of desperation when affording three meals in a day, bus fare to and fro Korogocho and house rent for his shanty house proved to be a myth he still hoped for the better. To him, he had an assurance that his path would shine brighter and brighter till the full light.
May 2003 ushered a new beginning for Sebastian but little did he know what was in waiting for him. He was enrolled in his dream school{Daystar university} after pulling some funds from his hard earned savings and a piece of land that his father had sold for this cause. “Seeing myself this far, is credit to my father {God} who has walked with me in the valleys low and mountains top,” he says so undoubtedly. He reminds me of a time he had missed two academic years and what struck his mind was to travel down to the coast in an attempt to get married to an Italian lady whom he was hopeful to meet in the sandy beaches and probably his twists would be a gone story.
June 18, 2011, Sebastian would be given the power to read and write after eight years in the long and winding path of college life. He has been able to complete his course work after he received full scholarship from a Canadian family of goodwill in January 2008 enabling him this far.
He tells me that his vision is compounded in the less fortunate in the society. Those neglected, forsaken and dying to discover their potential. What he went through he wants to ensure no single child he knows or happens to connect to, will meander through the same.
“What would you want written in your epitaph, Sebastian?” I ask as I almost rise to end the interview. “Sebastian wanted to live his life to the fullest so that when he got to heaven, God will not have questions for him.” He says humorously. I scribble down that word by word, on my legal pad and missing words to thank him, as we shake hands firmly I say gently, “Thank you so much, man of God. You have done me so much good. God bless you big time.”
“How much time do you have for me, sir?” I ask to remind him that he had told me to come for the interview at 9.30pm and ‘now’ was the time. He scratches his well combed dark hair, signaling to me that he had forgotten, and I forgive him immediately so that we may settle down for serious business. At one corner of the room, there is a Yamaha guitar and I am tempted to request for it so that I may pluck a tune or two, but I lock in my passion – may be, next time.
As we begin to talk, I get consumed in his rich story till I almost forget we are in an academic exercise. He has seen so much, just at his mid twenties. He’s been through so much twists of life. I realize he’s come so far and he lets me know that giving up is nowhere in his vocabulary. He is a giant of faith.
One Sebastian Mwanza, is a fourth year taking a major in public relations and a minor in peace and conflict resolution. He hails from the dry and weary land of Kiundwani,Kibwezi district.
He is not patient to wait for me to ask him the various twists of life that he has been through. “After my high school, there were sometimes, and those times were many when I would lie down at night with a sorrowful heart looking forward with trembling to the dark future and in constant terror at the thought of God as stern and unrelenting judge rather than a caring heavenly father,” he says. It is at this point that he trotted from been a shopkeeper, an insurance policy sales person and later a student.
It will be absolute crime if I fail to applaud Sebastian’s hope which made him attract his destiny. In moments of desperation when affording three meals in a day, bus fare to and fro Korogocho and house rent for his shanty house proved to be a myth he still hoped for the better. To him, he had an assurance that his path would shine brighter and brighter till the full light.
May 2003 ushered a new beginning for Sebastian but little did he know what was in waiting for him. He was enrolled in his dream school{Daystar university} after pulling some funds from his hard earned savings and a piece of land that his father had sold for this cause. “Seeing myself this far, is credit to my father {God} who has walked with me in the valleys low and mountains top,” he says so undoubtedly. He reminds me of a time he had missed two academic years and what struck his mind was to travel down to the coast in an attempt to get married to an Italian lady whom he was hopeful to meet in the sandy beaches and probably his twists would be a gone story.
June 18, 2011, Sebastian would be given the power to read and write after eight years in the long and winding path of college life. He has been able to complete his course work after he received full scholarship from a Canadian family of goodwill in January 2008 enabling him this far.
He tells me that his vision is compounded in the less fortunate in the society. Those neglected, forsaken and dying to discover their potential. What he went through he wants to ensure no single child he knows or happens to connect to, will meander through the same.
“What would you want written in your epitaph, Sebastian?” I ask as I almost rise to end the interview. “Sebastian wanted to live his life to the fullest so that when he got to heaven, God will not have questions for him.” He says humorously. I scribble down that word by word, on my legal pad and missing words to thank him, as we shake hands firmly I say gently, “Thank you so much, man of God. You have done me so much good. God bless you big time.”
08-0746 - Nurture your spirit
When a mother gives birth to a baby, one of their many joys is seeing their baby grow. It is amazing how one looks at themselves in the mirror a year after their last birthday and doesn’t see much difference when so much could have changed. Year after year, day after day, we grow and most of the time when we do notice changes in our lives it’s the outward changes we note. Very few times do we evaluate other scopes that make us whole, like our spiritual lives.
I see my friend strain to get her groove back on as she gained 15 kilograms after the birth of her first baby. I hear her wine every day, in front of the mirror, about the size 12 jeans that now does not fit her size 24 waist. When free to express herself, her first comment when she meets you will be how fit or unhealthy you look since the last time you were together. Rarely and almost never do I see her give as much attention to anything else that is a part of her but not physical. She is ready to admit of her weight gain and ever so ready to beat herself up when she eats a plate of french fries. This contrasts her determination to consider steps to heal her spirit as she does not sacrifice even a minute to take a glimpse at its state.
We seek physical perfection everyday through aiming to lose a kilo as soon as a friend blurts out a comment insinuating that we have grown fat. We take significant amount of time and resources dressing ourselves, buying the latest designs of clothing. When we do not afford the expensive clothes we take a small portion out of our income to save and be able to afford it so that we can have that fashionable flashy outfit.
How often do we watch our spiritual weight? Do we take as much time to dress our souls or make our spirits shine like our outward appearance does in the flashy outfits? How often do we comment on the visible spiritual changes in our friends’ lives? Is it as often as we comment on their physical changes and outward appearance?
Our spirits are our engines. They motor our lives to our destinations. Depending on how well we nurture our engines our destinations will be blissful and our lives complete. Focus put only on the outward aspect of life while neglecting the spiritual aspect guarantees loneliness even when in the largest of crowds.
Let us not invest in growing in the world where the riches will be eaten up by moths and stolen by thieves but seek to have true riches. Feed your spirit, monitor its growth and let it shine and bless others. Take 10 minutes out of your 30 minutes dressing time every day and pray to your God. Read the good book. Just as you would watch what you eat and what you wear, similarly be keen on what you listen to and what you watch. As you pay for those shoes and that monthly gym registration buy an inspiring book. Address those issues that you try to hide behind the glamorous outfit. As you look forward to lose that extra kilo or fading shirt, work on that bad habit you know you have.
Nurtured spirits make us whole. They act as tool boxes when your life needs fixing. Just like our mothers are overwhelmed with joy from their child’s growth, God, our maker is overjoyed when we focus and commit to growth of what really matters, our spirits.
I see my friend strain to get her groove back on as she gained 15 kilograms after the birth of her first baby. I hear her wine every day, in front of the mirror, about the size 12 jeans that now does not fit her size 24 waist. When free to express herself, her first comment when she meets you will be how fit or unhealthy you look since the last time you were together. Rarely and almost never do I see her give as much attention to anything else that is a part of her but not physical. She is ready to admit of her weight gain and ever so ready to beat herself up when she eats a plate of french fries. This contrasts her determination to consider steps to heal her spirit as she does not sacrifice even a minute to take a glimpse at its state.
We seek physical perfection everyday through aiming to lose a kilo as soon as a friend blurts out a comment insinuating that we have grown fat. We take significant amount of time and resources dressing ourselves, buying the latest designs of clothing. When we do not afford the expensive clothes we take a small portion out of our income to save and be able to afford it so that we can have that fashionable flashy outfit.
How often do we watch our spiritual weight? Do we take as much time to dress our souls or make our spirits shine like our outward appearance does in the flashy outfits? How often do we comment on the visible spiritual changes in our friends’ lives? Is it as often as we comment on their physical changes and outward appearance?
Our spirits are our engines. They motor our lives to our destinations. Depending on how well we nurture our engines our destinations will be blissful and our lives complete. Focus put only on the outward aspect of life while neglecting the spiritual aspect guarantees loneliness even when in the largest of crowds.
Let us not invest in growing in the world where the riches will be eaten up by moths and stolen by thieves but seek to have true riches. Feed your spirit, monitor its growth and let it shine and bless others. Take 10 minutes out of your 30 minutes dressing time every day and pray to your God. Read the good book. Just as you would watch what you eat and what you wear, similarly be keen on what you listen to and what you watch. As you pay for those shoes and that monthly gym registration buy an inspiring book. Address those issues that you try to hide behind the glamorous outfit. As you look forward to lose that extra kilo or fading shirt, work on that bad habit you know you have.
Nurtured spirits make us whole. They act as tool boxes when your life needs fixing. Just like our mothers are overwhelmed with joy from their child’s growth, God, our maker is overjoyed when we focus and commit to growth of what really matters, our spirits.
MY MENTOR by Mary Nduku(09-1244)
When I first met Anne, I never knew she would one day become someone I look up to. She was just an ordinary lady, 5'4 tall, dressed in a tie and dye batik dress and hair neatly plaited. It was after a get together at a family friend's home that I got to know her and our friendship begun.
Anne comes from a humble background. She grew up in Kitui district where her parents struggled to keep her in school but somehow through the generosity of family and friends, she managed to finish school. She then moved to Nairobi to do a secretarial course. It wasn't long before love interrupted her studies and she got married to James with whom they have three children. She abandoned her studies for sometime to take care of her family but went back to school after two years to complete her secretarial course.
What strikes me most about her is that today; she is not a secretary as was expected of her after taking a secretarial course. She has risen to become an influential lady in society with a curriculum vitae similar to a small booklet. Her achievements include sitting on the boards of several national organizations. She also runs two businesses, one a road contruction company dealing mainly in the construction of rural roads and a bakery within the central business district.
On weekends she spares time from her busy schedule to mentor young girls who are either in college or have finished school and are ready for employment. Through her mentorship programme, she has managed to positively influence the lives of many young ladies some of whom are well known personalities in Kenya.
Anne is strong, energetic and focused knowing too well that no task is impossible. When I meet her once in a while, she dares me to think some bold new thoughts, trust life a little more and unlearn some things I have been taught in order to soar.
Anne comes from a humble background. She grew up in Kitui district where her parents struggled to keep her in school but somehow through the generosity of family and friends, she managed to finish school. She then moved to Nairobi to do a secretarial course. It wasn't long before love interrupted her studies and she got married to James with whom they have three children. She abandoned her studies for sometime to take care of her family but went back to school after two years to complete her secretarial course.
What strikes me most about her is that today; she is not a secretary as was expected of her after taking a secretarial course. She has risen to become an influential lady in society with a curriculum vitae similar to a small booklet. Her achievements include sitting on the boards of several national organizations. She also runs two businesses, one a road contruction company dealing mainly in the construction of rural roads and a bakery within the central business district.
On weekends she spares time from her busy schedule to mentor young girls who are either in college or have finished school and are ready for employment. Through her mentorship programme, she has managed to positively influence the lives of many young ladies some of whom are well known personalities in Kenya.
Anne is strong, energetic and focused knowing too well that no task is impossible. When I meet her once in a while, she dares me to think some bold new thoughts, trust life a little more and unlearn some things I have been taught in order to soar.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Prostate, the ordeal of an old man (2) by 09-0365
The Wanyeki’s were all saddened by the fact that no doctor knew what was wrong with the Patriarch of the family. A man well known in the village of Kamakwa, Nyeri, for his activeness in church and friendly mannerism was lying on the hospital bed in dire pain. One look at him and your eyes would be filled with tears said the old man’s first born, Margaret Wambui. The family moved Mr. Wanyeki from hospital to hospital trying to find out what was wrong with their father. The bills became strenuous. Finally, the once healthy and strong man was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
There are no known causes for this kind of cancer. It affects the reproductive health. Age however, is a predisposing factor. Other factors are family history and certain prostate changes.
Mr. Wanyeki has become one among the many who make up the statistics in Kenya. Reported cases have risen by 75% from 80 cases in 2004 to 140 2008. This is an alarming rate that needs to be addressed.
Men are encouraged to go for the test known as prostate specific antigen, PSA. If Mr. Wanyeki had taken this test then probably there would be less time spent on finding out the problem. The test is meant to prevent the cancer from forming in the first place. This being a silent killer, it might be too late when one is seeing the symptoms. The test determines whether there is benign prostate or prostate cancer.
Symptoms associated with prostate cancer are such as urine problems, that is pain or a burning sensation while passing urine, being unable to start or stop urine flow, weak urine flow and the need to urinate frequently especially at night. Other symptoms are difficulty in having an erection, blood in the urine or semen and frequent pain in the lower back, hips and upper thighs. These symptoms are also associated with other medical conditions. This was a major reason as to why the doctors could not diagnose Mr. Wanyeki immediately. If such symptoms should occur the patient is advised to talk to the doctor who will guide them on the way forward.
The treatments available for the patients are many. Consultation with the doctor should be done in order to determine the best kind of treatment and the side effects to be expected. For Mr. Wanyeki a combination a treatment was what the doctor sought best. He underwent radiation therapy and surgery. This was very difficult mostly because of the old man’s age but that was the best way to counter the tumor. Other treatments are active surveillance, hormone therapy and chemotherapy.
As he recuperates at home, Mr. Wanyeki is grateful for his children’s support. They have been there for him no matter how difficult the times became. At his home in Nyeri, he has started a platform to educate men. He encourages them to get tested and also hold talks about the struggles that come with the disease. Mr. Wanyeki is happy with the turnout of men who meet for his meetings. “I will rest a peaceful man.” said Mr.Wanyeki.
There are no known causes for this kind of cancer. It affects the reproductive health. Age however, is a predisposing factor. Other factors are family history and certain prostate changes.
Mr. Wanyeki has become one among the many who make up the statistics in Kenya. Reported cases have risen by 75% from 80 cases in 2004 to 140 2008. This is an alarming rate that needs to be addressed.
Men are encouraged to go for the test known as prostate specific antigen, PSA. If Mr. Wanyeki had taken this test then probably there would be less time spent on finding out the problem. The test is meant to prevent the cancer from forming in the first place. This being a silent killer, it might be too late when one is seeing the symptoms. The test determines whether there is benign prostate or prostate cancer.
Symptoms associated with prostate cancer are such as urine problems, that is pain or a burning sensation while passing urine, being unable to start or stop urine flow, weak urine flow and the need to urinate frequently especially at night. Other symptoms are difficulty in having an erection, blood in the urine or semen and frequent pain in the lower back, hips and upper thighs. These symptoms are also associated with other medical conditions. This was a major reason as to why the doctors could not diagnose Mr. Wanyeki immediately. If such symptoms should occur the patient is advised to talk to the doctor who will guide them on the way forward.
The treatments available for the patients are many. Consultation with the doctor should be done in order to determine the best kind of treatment and the side effects to be expected. For Mr. Wanyeki a combination a treatment was what the doctor sought best. He underwent radiation therapy and surgery. This was very difficult mostly because of the old man’s age but that was the best way to counter the tumor. Other treatments are active surveillance, hormone therapy and chemotherapy.
As he recuperates at home, Mr. Wanyeki is grateful for his children’s support. They have been there for him no matter how difficult the times became. At his home in Nyeri, he has started a platform to educate men. He encourages them to get tested and also hold talks about the struggles that come with the disease. Mr. Wanyeki is happy with the turnout of men who meet for his meetings. “I will rest a peaceful man.” said Mr.Wanyeki.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
The Calling Feature 09-1209 Gachuho Mary
09-1209
The Calling
She was only eight years old when she saw a vision of children in Africa calling out for her. That was in 1960, 30 years later Susanne left her job were she worked as nurse, her family members and come to Kenya to fulfill her dream. Her husband Leif and their five children accompanied her and have been her source of comfort and encouragement up-to-date. This was the beginning of what may have been said to be an impossible dream. Susanne’s children have all settled down and the last-born is doing her masters in Denmark. Her husband is part of the ministry, and helps her mostly in doing office work and finance.
New Life Africa International is a Christian organization that started in 1996 where Susanne and Leif Madsen began with feeding the street kids just once a week under a tree with some porridge. Soon their ministry blossomed into opening up a boy’s home in 1998, they started to have boys living in the home. The goal for these boys in the “New Life Boys House” is to regain confidence in them and in the people around them, especially the adults. They are the people that have disappointed the boys the most. The boys have to learn to take care of themselves with all that may include.
They are helped with an education, and when they reach the age of 18, they move to a half way house. “We have altogether six boys in college and one in University; some have just cleared form four and altogether there are 48 boys under full sponsorship Her dream to help did not end with the boy child.
.
New Life Girls House was started in July 2003. A lot of girls in Kenya experience abuse in many ways. Sexually on their body minds and some abandoned by their family. Many of them have been thrown from one relationship to another at a very young age and God has put a burden in Susanne’s heart to not only help them but offer a crying shoulder for them. The girls are more than 60 including the ones in college and university.
They have a school for the poor children who cannot afford to buy uniforms and shoes. This was started a long time ago with only street children attending now its a big ministry with over 500 children benefiting from it.
They also have adult classes to teach the adults who never got an opportunity to go to school. What makes Susanne extra ordinary is not the much she has done but the gradual growth and balance she has achieved. Today she is also running two women crisis centers where women who have been abused by their husbands or young girls with unwanted pregnancy can get counseling. It also act as a mediation centre where they skill the woman as they negotiate for her well being to her family or husband.
On way to Africa, she was destined to settle in Tanzania but again God in form of a vision directed her to Kenya and specifically Nakuru. That was not easy on her with a family of five and no stable flow of finance. In Tanzania the government was paying her but still she followed the vision. She has managed to adapt to the new culture and beliefs and still preach Jesus in a way the Local people understand Him. She says her life is in this small town in Africa a place she has known to be her home and has no regrets I named this passion The Calling.
The Calling
She was only eight years old when she saw a vision of children in Africa calling out for her. That was in 1960, 30 years later Susanne left her job were she worked as nurse, her family members and come to Kenya to fulfill her dream. Her husband Leif and their five children accompanied her and have been her source of comfort and encouragement up-to-date. This was the beginning of what may have been said to be an impossible dream. Susanne’s children have all settled down and the last-born is doing her masters in Denmark. Her husband is part of the ministry, and helps her mostly in doing office work and finance.
New Life Africa International is a Christian organization that started in 1996 where Susanne and Leif Madsen began with feeding the street kids just once a week under a tree with some porridge. Soon their ministry blossomed into opening up a boy’s home in 1998, they started to have boys living in the home. The goal for these boys in the “New Life Boys House” is to regain confidence in them and in the people around them, especially the adults. They are the people that have disappointed the boys the most. The boys have to learn to take care of themselves with all that may include.
They are helped with an education, and when they reach the age of 18, they move to a half way house. “We have altogether six boys in college and one in University; some have just cleared form four and altogether there are 48 boys under full sponsorship Her dream to help did not end with the boy child.
.
New Life Girls House was started in July 2003. A lot of girls in Kenya experience abuse in many ways. Sexually on their body minds and some abandoned by their family. Many of them have been thrown from one relationship to another at a very young age and God has put a burden in Susanne’s heart to not only help them but offer a crying shoulder for them. The girls are more than 60 including the ones in college and university.
They have a school for the poor children who cannot afford to buy uniforms and shoes. This was started a long time ago with only street children attending now its a big ministry with over 500 children benefiting from it.
They also have adult classes to teach the adults who never got an opportunity to go to school. What makes Susanne extra ordinary is not the much she has done but the gradual growth and balance she has achieved. Today she is also running two women crisis centers where women who have been abused by their husbands or young girls with unwanted pregnancy can get counseling. It also act as a mediation centre where they skill the woman as they negotiate for her well being to her family or husband.
On way to Africa, she was destined to settle in Tanzania but again God in form of a vision directed her to Kenya and specifically Nakuru. That was not easy on her with a family of five and no stable flow of finance. In Tanzania the government was paying her but still she followed the vision. She has managed to adapt to the new culture and beliefs and still preach Jesus in a way the Local people understand Him. She says her life is in this small town in Africa a place she has known to be her home and has no regrets I named this passion The Calling.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Holding on to our roots. By Prudence Zoe Glorious
An old Swahili saying goes, “Mjasiri haachi yake asili halisi,na akiacha asili hana akili.” This translates to a Confident man does not abandon his roots and if he does so, he is stupid.
I start by proudly proclaiming that I am Tanzanian, a proud and essential part of the Swahili Culture.
Culture is what gives us an identity and makes up an integral part of who we are.
For us Waswahili, it’s that spicy pilau dish that only auntie can whip up perfectly, the vibrant Khangas we tie around our waist, our choice of words when reacting to a certain situation, our distinct greeting, “shikamoo”, the values we uphold: Respect, Unity and peace, our ingrained Altruism, the Kohl and the beauty rituals we fondly embrace, our hospitality and slow ways and the popular Philosophy by our founding father, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere- Ujamaa.
Every culture, like my culture has its own distinct and beautiful ways that are supposed to be celebrated for their diversity. My roots are an inextricable and essential parts of my being. I am proud to blaze the trails that where set by the beautiful and soulful people before me. I am glad that so much of who I am is tied to that identity. I owe much of what I have become to it.
What I have decided, however, is that if those same roots create a setback, if those same roots will lead me down a long redundant road, if any of them are set to demean and discriminate. If after careful consideration, I found any to be inefficient, ineffective and unproductive. I will take the high road and detour to a better place. I will be free to incorporate aspects of other cultures that I deem fit. I will be free to act as that Bold Tanzanian woman I was taught to be.
I am bound, but yet unchained to my Swahili roots. I
I look up to women like Dr Asha Rose Migiro, a Tanzanian Politician and also the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations and Dr Anna Tibaijuka. They inspire me because not only are they powerful, but they are also a part of that beautiful collage called Tanzania.
I know I can never be somebody else. I am me, I am strong, I am beautiful, a fighter, a lover, a sister, a daughter and maybe someday I might become one lucky man’s wife. So I learn and grow, I change and improve. And as long as I live, I will strive to be that beautifully authentic Tanzanian lady that has Emulated all the right people from every walk of life. A Tanzanian that objectively looks at her own culture and reassess it to fit her present day requirements. A Tanzania that supports all beauty that is her country but yet adopts other ethnic’s beauty. A Tanzanian that values her culture but is very open minded to good change. A Tanzanian that holds her head up high but still does not spite a Non-Tanzanian. A Tanzanian Ready to take over the world only to go back to where it all started – The beautiful, Tanzania
”
By Ann Debrah Wanjiku 09-0365
Prostrate, the ordeal of an old man
The Wanyeki’s were all saddened by the fact that no doctor knew what was wrong with the Patriarch of the family. A man well known in the village of Kamakwa, Nyeri, for his activeness in church and his friendly mannerism was lying on the hospital bed in dire pain. One look at him and your eyes would be filled with tears said the old man’s first born Margaret Wambui. The family moved Mr. Wanyeki from hospital to hospital trying to find out what was wrong with their father. The bills accumulated were becoming strenuous for the family to foot. Finally, the once healthy and strong man was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
There are no known causes for prostate cancer, a cancer that affects the reproductive health, yet, but the various predisposing factors are such as age, which is men over the age of 60 are at a higher risk of getting the disease, family history and certain prostate changes.
Statistics show that prostate cancer is on the rise in Kenya. Reported cases have risen by 75% from 80 cases in 2004 to 140 in 2008. The figures show that there is an alarming problem that needs to be addressed.
Men are encouraged to go for the test known as prostate specific antigen, PSA. This test can help prevent the cancer from forming in the first place. This being a silent killer it might be too late when one is seeing the symptoms. This test will help determine whether there is benign prostate condition or prostate cancer.
Symptoms associated with prostate cancer are such as urine problems, that is pain or a burning sensation while passing urine, being unable to start or stop urine flow, weak urine flow and the need to urinate frequently especially at night. Other symptoms are difficulty in having an erection, blood in the urine or semen and frequent pain in the lower back, hips and upper thighs. These symptoms are also associated with other medical conditions, if you have such any talk to your doctor who will guide you on the way forward.
There are many treatment options for patients diagnosed with prostate cancer. The patient should consult with the doctor to know what treatment would work best and the expected side effects. The options include active surveillance, surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy and chemotherapy.
Mr. Wanyeki is recuperating well at home after getting a second opinion about his condition. He is however grateful to his children for there support and ever present support through out his scary ordeal. He has started a local men’s platform to educate them about prostate cancer and encouraging the men in the village to get tested. He is happy with the turnout of people at his house where the meetings are held. “I will rest a peaceful man…” said Mr. Wanyeki. (480) words)
The Wanyeki’s were all saddened by the fact that no doctor knew what was wrong with the Patriarch of the family. A man well known in the village of Kamakwa, Nyeri, for his activeness in church and his friendly mannerism was lying on the hospital bed in dire pain. One look at him and your eyes would be filled with tears said the old man’s first born Margaret Wambui. The family moved Mr. Wanyeki from hospital to hospital trying to find out what was wrong with their father. The bills accumulated were becoming strenuous for the family to foot. Finally, the once healthy and strong man was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
There are no known causes for prostate cancer, a cancer that affects the reproductive health, yet, but the various predisposing factors are such as age, which is men over the age of 60 are at a higher risk of getting the disease, family history and certain prostate changes.
Statistics show that prostate cancer is on the rise in Kenya. Reported cases have risen by 75% from 80 cases in 2004 to 140 in 2008. The figures show that there is an alarming problem that needs to be addressed.
Men are encouraged to go for the test known as prostate specific antigen, PSA. This test can help prevent the cancer from forming in the first place. This being a silent killer it might be too late when one is seeing the symptoms. This test will help determine whether there is benign prostate condition or prostate cancer.
Symptoms associated with prostate cancer are such as urine problems, that is pain or a burning sensation while passing urine, being unable to start or stop urine flow, weak urine flow and the need to urinate frequently especially at night. Other symptoms are difficulty in having an erection, blood in the urine or semen and frequent pain in the lower back, hips and upper thighs. These symptoms are also associated with other medical conditions, if you have such any talk to your doctor who will guide you on the way forward.
There are many treatment options for patients diagnosed with prostate cancer. The patient should consult with the doctor to know what treatment would work best and the expected side effects. The options include active surveillance, surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy and chemotherapy.
Mr. Wanyeki is recuperating well at home after getting a second opinion about his condition. He is however grateful to his children for there support and ever present support through out his scary ordeal. He has started a local men’s platform to educate them about prostate cancer and encouraging the men in the village to get tested. He is happy with the turnout of people at his house where the meetings are held. “I will rest a peaceful man…” said Mr. Wanyeki. (480) words)
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